Newark Airport's Sleeping Pods: A Comfortable Layover

Newark Airport (EWR) is a busy airport with three large terminals and a range of facilities. While the airport does not have sleeping pods, there are various options for travellers with layovers or flight delays who want to rest. The airport has lounges, free WiFi, mobile charging points, and 24-hour food options. Additionally, there are hotels within a three-minute drive, including one on the airport grounds, and nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles.

Sleeping pods in airport lounges

Sleeping in an airport can be uncomfortable and sometimes even unsafe. While Newark Airport does not have sleeping pods, there are several airport lounges spread across its three terminals that offer a more comfortable resting experience. These include the United Polaris lounge, the American Admirals Club, and the Delta SkyClub. Access to these lounges is typically restricted to those with specific memberships, those flying in an international premium cabin, or those holding eligible credit cards. These lounges offer various amenities, including high-end food, showers, private dining, snacks, full-service bars, TVs, Wi-Fi, and conference rooms.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, there are limited seating options available throughout the airport, but most seats are bolted to the floor and equipped with armrests. Padded flat beds can be found near dining areas, and cots are sometimes provided by United in Terminal C for those spending the night. However, travellers should note that the terminals can be cold, loud, and lacking in comfort, and it is recommended to take precautions to protect personal belongings at all times.

If you are looking for a more comfortable sleeping option, there are several hotels within a short drive of the airport, including one located on the airport grounds. These hotels can provide a much-needed respite from the airport environment, especially if you have a long layover or a delayed flight. Additionally, some hotels provide free airport shuttles, making it convenient for travellers.

Overall, while Newark Airport does not offer dedicated sleeping pods, travellers have various options for resting and sleeping, ranging from airport lounges to nearby hotels, depending on their preferences and budgets.

Sleeping in terminals

In the past, overnight sleepers were relocated to the pre-secure landside areas, which some travellers may not find safe or comfortable. The good news is that, as of September 2023, Terminal C allows overnight sleeping, and United even provides cots for travellers. Padded flat beds can also be found near dining areas.

If you're looking for more comfort, the airport lounges offer a relaxing environment for a fee. The United Polaris lounge, for example, offers high-end food, nap pods, showers, and private dining. These lounges are typically accessible to those with lounge memberships, premium cabin flyers, those with a day pass, active-duty military personnel, or those with elite status on eligible international flights.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are several hotels within a three-minute drive, including one on the airport grounds, and many nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles. Even a short stay at an airport hotel may be worth it to get some rest before your next flight.

Nearby hotels

While Newark Airport does not have sleeping pods, there are several nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. These include:

Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott

Located just a few minutes away from the airport, the Marriott offers plush bedding, marble bathrooms, ergonomic workspaces, and soundproof windows with sweeping airport views. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness centre, a restaurant, and 51 function rooms for meetings or events.

Elizabeth, New Jersey Hotel

This hotel, located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, provides a free 24-hour shuttle service to and from Newark Airport. The guest rooms include microwaves and refrigerators, and the hotel is just minutes away from the Jersey Garden Outlet Mall.

Downtown Newark Hotel

This boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Newark, offers easy commuting options, a shuttle service, and a restaurant. It is also within walking distance of military park, where there are additional restaurants and stores nearby.

Luggage storage

While Newark Airport offers a wide range of services, luggage storage options are limited. Due to security policies, there are no direct luggage storage facilities at the airport itself. However, there are several third-party companies that provide secure and affordable storage locations within close proximity to the airport.

Radical Storage

Radical Storage offers convenient, affordable, and secure luggage storage solutions near Newark Airport. They partner with trusted local businesses to provide safe, vetted locations to store your luggage. Radical Storage has storage points near major transit hubs, such as the Newark Airport Railroad Station, providing quick access back to the airport when you need to retrieve your items. Their pricing is transparent and budget-friendly, with a flat rate starting from $3.90 per bag per day. Each booking includes a security guarantee of up to €3000. You can easily locate and book a storage location near the airport using their app or website.

LuggageHero

LuggageHero is another option for luggage storage near Newark Airport. They offer secure and cheap luggage storage with hourly and daily rates starting at $1.25 per hour and $4.90 per day. They have more than 140 locations in New York, including Penn Station, which has easy connections to Newark Airport. LuggageHero accepts all major credit cards, but their shops do not receive cash payments. Insurance on your luggage is only valid if the payment has been made directly to LuggageHero.

Transport between terminals

The Newark Airport (EWR) is spread over three large terminals (A, B, and C). The free AirTrain Newark connects all terminals, operating every 3 minutes during peak hours (typically 5 am to midnight) and every 15 minutes overnight.

If you are looking to sleep in comfort at Newark Airport, there are several options. While there is no transit hotel, there is a hotel on the airport grounds and many nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. Several hotels are within a three-minute drive, so even a short stay may be worth it for a good rest.

If you don't want to leave the airport, there are padded flat beds near dining areas. You can also plan to sleep on the floor or prop yourself up on opposite seats. In the past, overnight sleepers were relocated to the pre-secure landside areas until early morning, but this is no longer the case in Terminal C, where United puts out cots for people to sleep on.

If you have been stranded at Newark Airport due to a storm, there is a limited supply of cots. Availability may have been affected by Covid, so it is best to contact an airport employee for the latest information.

For those looking for a more comfortable experience, the airport has several lounges. The United Polaris lounge in Terminal C offers high-end food, nap pods, showers, and private dining. It is available exclusively to those flying international premium cabins. The American Admirals Club in Terminal A features snacks, a full-service bar, TVs, Wi-Fi, and conference rooms. It is open daily from 5 am to 6:30 pm and you must present a boarding pass to enter.

Frequently asked questions