A guide to TSA wait times at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Quick insights
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has three terminals, each equipped with security checkpoints.
- Estimated security wait times for each terminal are listed on the airport’s website.
- EWR offers TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR services, which may reduce TSA wait times for enrolled travelers.
EWR is one of the three major airports located in the New York City metropolitan area. Located less than 5 miles south of downtown Newark, the airport is in New Jersey but less than 10 miles away from downtown Manhattan. The airport has several daily international flights and serves as a gateway to many cities in Europe and South America.
In this article, we discuss how to determine wait times at EWR, what can cause longer wait times and how you may be able to speed up the security process.
TSA wait times at EWR
EWR has three terminals (A, B and C), with security checkpoints located within each:
- Terminal A: There is one security checkpoint just beyond the ticketing counters.
- Terminal B: There are two security checkpoints on the departures level.
- Terminal C: There is one security checkpoint on the mezzanine level.
A monorail system—the AirTrain Network—shuttles passengers between the terminals and parking garages free of charge. Passengers who need to travel between terminals may need to exit security and go through screening again when they arrive at the new terminal.
EWR is a bustling airport with generally more than 1,000 flights daily. Peak travel times during the week are typically between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings tend to be busy as well. Travelers can expect longer wait times for security screening during these periods and during holiday seasons.
How early to arrive at EWR
For passengers traveling within the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their departure time. For international flights, the recommended arrival time is 3 hours prior to departure.
How can I check EWR TSA wait times?
Here are some ways you can check TSA wait times at EWR:
- EWR website: The airport websiteOpens overlay provides real-time updates on TSA wait times at each terminal’s security checkpoint. Note that these times are approximate. The site also includes estimated travel times from security to the gates in each terminal.
- MyTSA app: The MyTSA appOpens overlay provides general wait time estimates for U.S. airports, including EWR.
- Third-party sites: Some third-party websites may use historical data and real-time traveler updates to provide up-to-date information about wait times at various airports.
Keep in mind that these tools provide estimates only. Wait times can change throughout the day. Arriving at the airport early may help you avoid potential issues that can arise from fluctuating security wait times.
Ways to expedite wait times at EWR
EWR offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services, which may help reduce wait times for enrolled travelers. These programs may allow for a more streamlined security process by enabling enrolled travelers to bypass the longer lines associated with standard security checks.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access expedited security screening lanes. There are TSA PreCheck lanes in all three terminals at EWR.
You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and be approved before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. Approved travelers should have a TSA PreCheck logo displayed on their boarding pass. TSA PreCheck must be renewed every 5 years.
CLEAR Plus
CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.
CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.
What to do at EWR
The airport has several services and amenities spread throughout the airport and its three terminals. See the airport website for a complete listOpens overlay of the shops, dining options and amenities throughout EWR.
Some common amenities include:
- Animal relief stations
- Nursing suites
- Worship spaces
- Airport lounges
- Beauty and spa services
There also is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
In summary
EWR has three terminals each with their own security checkpoints. The airport’s website provides estimated wait times for security screening—both standard and TSA PreCheck lanes.
The airport’s peak travel times are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the week. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings also tend to be busier travel times. Travelers who have a TSA PreCheck or CLEAR membership may experience reduced wait times.
