“Many travellers pass through Newark but few ever stay.” This could be the motto of Newark Liberty International Airport, a busy hub in the New Jersey city that few jetsetters will ever visit for any reason other than to get on a plane.
Newark airport is just slightly farther from Manhattan than JFK, and serves as an alternative gateway for transatlantic travellers. Its location just south of Manhattan can make it more convenient than JFK for downtown and Wall Street, but less so for midtown.
“Newark is a victim of its own success,” says Dan Beschloss of New York travel agency Valerie Wilson Travel. “Going there and getting through security can be god-awful because it’s not properly staffed at peak times. Even travelling premium, waits can be horrendous.”
Lounges and facilities
Newark also has a reputation as being more run down, lacking some of the amenities and emerging high-end shopping options available at its more glamorous sibling. On the other hand, it has fewer terminals than JFK making it quicker to get around, thus helping to reduce the difficulties of the last minute inter-airport shuttle or transfer.
Continental is the main airline operating out of the airport, although you might also find yourself on a Virgin Atlantic , British Airways or a cheaper Silverjet flight. Silverjet’s executive lounge is temporary and apparently can become very congested. Eos, another lower cost premium service, will begin flying out of Newark in 2008.
Flying Continental out of Terminal C, there are shops and restaurants to choose from, but “it’s not anywhere near as nice” as the American Airlines and BA terminals at JFK, says Dan Beschloss of Valerie Wilson Travel. Terminals A and B have “no redeeming features” for shoppers or diners.
Travel tips
Travel to Newark tends to be quickest by NJ Transit and Amtrak trains from Penn Station, taking about 25 minutes, plus another 15 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport station on the Airtrain to your terminal. Taxis cost $40-$55 plus tip, and can take more than hour depending on traffic. Pre-booking a car service can save you time, although this costs more. Buses go from Manhattan and take 45 minutes to an hour and cost $14 one way. There is no subway connection.
Like JFK, your best option for speedy and not expensive travel may be US Helicopter, who can fly you there from Manhattan in 10 minutes, for $105.
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