Newark Airport Terminals
Newark Airport Terminals Overview
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is divided into three main passenger terminals: A, B, and C. Each terminal has a distinct operational role, airline focus, and passenger experience. While Terminal A is the newest and most modern, Terminal B handles most international arrivals, and Terminal C operates as a major hub for United Airlines.
Originally developed in the 1970s (Terminals A and B), the airport has undergone significant upgrades, especially in recent years. Today, EWR combines legacy infrastructure with modern facilities, improved dining concepts, and upgraded passenger services.
Source: AirportMaps.com
Terminal A
Overview and Design
Terminal A is the newest terminal at Newark Airport, fully rebuilt and reopened in 2023. It is designed to handle domestic flights and short-haul routes with a modern, efficient layout focused on speed and comfort.
Levels and Layout
- Level 1: Baggage claim and ground transportation
- Level 2: Check-in area and security screening
- Level 3: Departure gates and dining areas
The terminal features wide corridors, natural lighting, and intuitive signage, making navigation very easy compared to older terminals.
Terminal A is currently the fastest terminal at EWR for security processing due to its modern screening systems.
Restaurants and Dining
Terminal A offers more than a dozen dining options, ranging from grab-and-go concepts to full-service restaurants.
- Bang Cookies (Central Plaza): Famous for New York-style cookies, ideal for quick snacks
- Bluestone Lane (near Gates 5/6): Coffee and healthy brunch options
- BurgerFi: Gourmet burgers with vegetarian options
- Carlito’s BBQ Taqueria: Mexican-style dishes near Gate 15
Most restaurants open early (around 5:00–6:00 AM) and close between 9:00–10:00 PM depending on flight schedules
If you want higher-quality food, Terminal A currently offers some of the newest and best-rated dining concepts at EWR.
Shops and Services
- Travel essentials and convenience stores
- Electronics and accessories
- Souvenirs and NYC-themed gifts
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi and charging stations
- ATMs and digital services
- Family restrooms and accessible facilities
Terminal B
Overview and Role
Terminal B is the main international terminal at Newark Airport. Opened in 1973, it remains the primary hub for foreign airlines and long-haul flights.
Levels and Layout
- Level 1: Arrivals, immigration, baggage claim
- Level 2: Check-in and security
- Level 3: Departure gates divided into B1, B2, B3 concourses
This terminal is operated by the Port Authority and has a more traditional airport layout compared to Terminal A.
Immigration lines can be long — expect 20–60 minutes during peak hours.
Restaurants and Bars
Terminal B offers a wide range of international and American dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Belgian Beer Café (B2): European-style bar with beer and full meals :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- The Unusual Times (Gates B51–B57): Bar serving breakfast, burgers, and drinks (open from 5:00 AM to last flight) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Sora Sushi Bar: Sushi, ramen, and Asian dishes (approx. 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Smashburger: Quick-service burgers in the food court
- Tony & Benny’s Pizza: Italian food, open until around 9:00–11:00 PM :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Vino Volo: Wine bar with light meals and snacks
Starbucks in Terminal B is open 24 hours, making it one of the best early-morning options.
Duty Free and Shopping
- Duty Free shops after security (perfumes, alcohol, cosmetics)
- Luxury brands and travel retail
- Convenience and last-minute travel items
Facilities
- Currency exchange and ATMs
- Airline lounges (British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta, etc.)
- Wi-Fi and charging points
Terminal C
Overview and Airline Hub
Terminal C is the main hub for United Airlines and handles both domestic and international flights. It has been heavily modernized with a strong focus on technology and passenger experience.
Levels and Layout
- Level 1: Baggage claim
- Level 2: Check-in and security
- Level 3: Gates divided into C1, C2, C3
This terminal is known for its digital experience, including tablet-based ordering systems at many restaurants.
You can order food directly from your seat at many gates using built-in tablets.
Restaurants and Dining Experience
Terminal C features nearly 60 dining concepts, many developed with well-known chefs and local ingredients :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Caps Beer Garden: Large selection of craft beers
- Vesper Tavern: Upscale dining and cocktails
- Wanderlust Burger Bar: Gourmet burgers
- Garden State Diner: Classic American diner food
- Proof Whiskey Bar: Premium spirits and bar food
Some restaurants feature seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients, enhancing the quality compared to typical airport food.
Terminal C is considered the best terminal at EWR for food variety and quality.
Shops and Services
- High-end retail and travel stores
- Tech and accessories shops
- Duty-free (limited compared to Terminal B)
Facilities
- United Club lounges and Polaris Lounge
- Business areas and workspaces
- Wi-Fi and extensive charging infrastructure
Transfer between terminals
The AirTrain, a free automated mover, let passengers transfer between terminals.
Transferring times: Terminal C (7 minutes), Terminal B (2 minutes) and Terminal A (2 minutes). Opening hours: 24/7.
Alternatively, a shuttle service connects Terminal A with Terminal C. You can board it close to gate A28 at Terminal A and close to gate C71 at Terminal C.
Check more information in the AirTrain section.
Airport Services and Passenger Information
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Luggage storage (limited availability)
- Charging stations in all terminals
Families and Reduced Mobility (PRM)
- Family restrooms and nursing rooms
- Wheelchair assistance on request
- Priority lanes available in some areas
Security and Baggage
- TSA security screening required
- Liquids limited to 100ml
- Checked baggage counters available in all terminals
Lost and Found
Each terminal manages its own lost and found services. TSA items must be claimed separately.
Check-in and Boarding
- Recommended arrival: 2 hours (domestic), 3 hours (international)
- Online check-in available for most airlines
- Boarding starts 30–45 minutes before departure