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AirTrain : Transport Through Newark Airport

Navigating Newark Airport (EWR) can be challenging during any transit opportunity. As one of the busiest airports on the east coast, it seems that interior traffic causes mass congestion no matter what time of day or day of the week. Getting from your gate to the restroom, eateries or coffee and retail shops seem to have you navigate the narrow walkways with caution, frustration and sometimes fear of colliding with fellow travelers. It never fails that so many people are in a rush to get to and from their gate or the outdoors. Luckily, for those needing to take the AirTrain, a plentiful of signage will assist in navigating to the right location.

About AirTrain

The AirTrain is a rail link that connects various parts of the airport together. It provides access to all terminals, including the forthcoming new Terminal A or Terminal 1 (whichever name they finally decide on). In addition, stops include access areas for rental cars, on-site parking, hotel shuttles and the Newark International Airport Station, which will whisk travelers to New York City or points south on NJ Transit trains and farther locations on select Amtrak regional lines. 

How to Use

The stations for the AirTrain are located outside of the secured area. Once you deplane, look for signs that point towards baggage claim. Typically, signs near the ceiling will also indicate the direction of the AirTrain station. Once you transition through the secured area of EWR, look for an entrance area appropriately identified as the AirTrain. One should take note that baggage claim may be located on a different, typically lower lever than the entrance to the AirTrain platform. Once you find the entrance, escalators will carry you and your luggage to the platform level. For those needing better access to the platform, all entrance areas are equipped with elevators. The platform level is all interior and includes two tracks. Look above the doors to determine the appropriate direction you need to go in. Trains operate 24-hours per day, 365 days a year. Typically, you should not need to wait more than 10 minutes for the next train. Each platform will have a resident assistant to answer questions and help you determine which direction you may need to go in.

All trains are free to ride if you access the AirTrain from within the airport complex. Entering from the EWR Train Station requires a ticket, which is included on all Amtrak journeys. A NJ Transit ticket will only work if there is the appropriate QR code on the physical ticket itself. A separate ticket can be purchased at the station turnstiles if necessary.

Navigation is easy with signs displaying which side of the AirTrain station you need to be on for accessing your destination. If you find yourself going in the wrong direction, just get off at the next stop and use the other track. The cars are clean but not overly roomy. There is seating for 3 people in each car but approximately 8 people can fit in a car, depending on luggage amount and traveler size.

Final Thought

While EWR can be busy and frustrating to navigate, getting to and from your destination with the AirTrain can be a comfort. Some readers may remember the days pre-AirTrain, when you needed to take dedicated buses around the airport to transition between terminals and other airport facilities. With appropriate signage and markings, using the AirTrain should not be stressful. Take advantage of the free ride. Traveling is already expensive enough.