Anyone been via Newark International?

[Balmacara]

We are heading off to Orlando in October with United Airlines from Edinburgh via Newark (New York). We only have a couple of hours between flights going out, but following a recent change to our return flight from MCO we will now have around 8 hours to fill at Newark on the way home. We have thought about possibly taking the train into New York to fill the time. It seems to run every 10/15mins and takes about half an hour and seems to get you in around Times Square area. Has anyone ever tried this and if so was it successful? What did you go and see? Any recommendations? Just a bit concerned about adding extra stress to our journey although would love to see a bit of NY having never been before!

 

[2Tiggies]

We did this route in September/October 2011 also from Edinburgh but we didn't have that kind of time to spare on the return.

I can't help you with suggestions but can confirm that we didn't have to do a bag drop on the return flight when we got to EWR. The luggage is checked straight through at MCO, unlike on the outbound when you have to collect it because you clear customs there. That would be an advantage if you can do a bit of sight seeing

 

[plb626]

If you truly have time to spare, it is very easy to get into New York City from Newark international. From the terminal you take the monorail to the train station (very well marked in the airport). The train will take you directly into Penn Station and Madison Square Garden (7th Ave between 31st and 33rd st). Coming out of the train station go to 34th street, the empire state building is right there as well as Macy's largest dept store. If you are willing to walk a couple of blocks north, times square is a classic tourist spot. The Toys R Us has a ferris wheel inside which is always something fun to see.

If you don't think you have that much time, get a taxi and go to Liberty State Park. It is on the NJ side and you can see the Statue of Liberty as well as the NYC skyline. Plus it always nice to stretch your legs before that long trip in the air.

 

[chmurf]

8 hours is a very long time, but it's very short if you want to go into NYC

First of all forget about the Statue of Liberty as it takes over 4hrs in itself.

Also remember that when you come back to the airport, you'll need to go through security again, and you'll need to be at the gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before take off (plane doors close 20 minutes prior to departure, and boarding starts 40 to 60 minutes before take off time.
to be on the safe side you'll need to allow at least 30 to 45 minutes to clear TSA and get to your boarding gate.

All in all you'll need to be back at the airport 90 minutes before your scheduled take off.
And with transportation time from NYC you'll need to start going back to the airport 2 hours (even 2h15mins) before take off time.

You'll have your carry ons with you, as there is no lockers in Newark. And you won't be able to do shopping (if it involves items that are prohibited on the plane) because your luggage are checked through to Edinmburgh and you won't collect them, so you won't be able to stow your purchases before clearing security

just consider what you're in for (and that you'll only have under 4 hours in new york) ... don't get lost in Central Park


Taking opportunity to go to NYC on a long (not that long actually) layover is tempting, but TBH, if you can have your flights changed and get a smaller connection, it will probably be a good thing. (just my $.02)

 

[Balmacara]

We did this route in September/October 2011 also from Edinburgh but we didn't have that kind of time to spare on the return.

I can't help you with suggestions but can confirm that we didn't have to do a bag drop on the return flight when we got to EWR. The luggage is checked straight through at MCO, unlike on the outbound when you have to collect it because you clear customs there. That would be an advantage if you can do a bit of sight seeing

Thanks for the confirmation. I had hoped that would be the case - never sure when using a different airline from normal! Good to know also that we will need to collect luggage on way out. We have 2hr 35m in between flights so should be ample time to clear customs etc

 

[Balmacara]

If you truly have time to spare, it is very easy to get into New York City from Newark international. From the terminal you take the monorail to the train station (very well marked in the airport). The train will take you directly into Penn Station and Madison Square Garden (7th Ave between 31st and 33rd st). Coming out of the train station go to 34th street, the empire state building is right there as well as Macy's largest dept store. If you are willing to walk a couple of blocks north, times square is a classic tourist spot. The Toys R Us has a ferris wheel inside which is always something fun to see.

If you don't think you have that much time, get a taxi and go to Liberty State Park. It is on the NJ side and you can see the Statue of Liberty as well as the NYC skyline. Plus it always nice to stretch your legs before that long trip in the air.

Thanks so much for the info

 

[Balmacara]

8 hours is a very long time, but it's very short if you want to go into NYC

First of all forget about the Statue of Liberty as it takes over 4hrs in itself.

Also remember that when you come back to the airport, you'll need to go through security again, and you'll need to be at the gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before take off (plane doors close 20 minutes prior to departure, and boarding starts 40 to 60 minutes before take off time.
to be on the safe side you'll need to allow at least 30 to 45 minutes to clear TSA and get to your boarding gate.

All in all you'll need to be back at the airport 90 minutes before your scheduled take off.
And with transportation time from NYC you'll need to start going back to the airport 2 hours (even 2h15mins) before take off time.

You'll have your carry ons with you, as there is no lockers in Newark. And you won't be able to do shopping (if it involves items that are prohibited on the plane) because your luggage are checked through to Edinmburgh and you won't collect them, so you won't be able to stow your purchases before clearing security

just consider what you're in for (and that you'll only have under 4 hours in new york) ... don't get lost in Central Park

Taking opportunity to go to NYC on a long (not that long actually) layover is tempting, but TBH, if you can have your flights changed and get a smaller connection, it will probably be a good thing. (just my $.02)

Thanks. We are a pretty well organised and timeous family (always ending up early for events rather than late!) so not too concerned that we will be making sure we have our plans and timings right! I just feel it is too good an opportunity to miss and anything beats 8 hrs at airport - even it does only mean a relatively short time in the city. Our carry ons are never overloaded so that won't be an issue and we won't be shopping at MCO.

Unfortunately it was United who changed the flight out of MCO only a few days ago - which is within their right - so we don't have much option I'm afraid!

 

[Mills1878]

NYC and in particular Manhattan is a great place, if you have a chance to spend anytime there, I would take it.

As a PP said above, train it to Penn Station and you are around 5-10 min walk from Times square. Great for photo opps and a general wander. Close by is MSG and the empire state building, if you have a few hours you would get some really cool photos, be able to go up to the top of ESB and grab some NY pizza and a drink before heading back. Beats sitting in a terminal for me hands down.

 

[Balmacara]

Thanks again to to all recommendations. We are just back and can let you know that we managed to spend 4/5 hours on 7th Avenue - it was simply fantastic and a great way to finish our holiday! Very easy to get from Newark Airport to Penn and would definitely recommend doing this if you have time to pass between flights.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks again to to all recommendations. We are just back and can let you know that we managed to spend 4/5 hours on 7th Avenue - it was simply fantastic and a great way to finish our holiday! Very easy to get from Newark Airport to Penn and would definitely recommend doing this if you have time to pass between flights.

 

[pampat]

Too late now for you, but we've taken trips into NYC from Newark, Chicago and Philadelphia while waiting for connections. We always used to fly in and out of gateways for just this reason. We've never had a problem with not having enough time, but now we are older we travel direct as we don't have a daughter to worry about who doesn't travel well.

Pam

 

[flortlebap]

A day in New York sounds amazing!

Maybe I will plan that into our trip next time