lllaros

Is there absolutely anything that I can do from the Newark airport with a four hour layover in the middle of the afternoon? We arrive at 12:50pm on a Friday and leave for San Juan at 5:05pm. I know it's going to be miserable - but our luggage will be checked all the way through... and I wondered if there was any way we had time to leave the airport for a quick visit somewhere???

janie

The only thing I can think of (and it's not an exciting suggestion) is to go to the huge outlet mall near the airport, Jersey Gardens. I think they have free shuttle transportation from the airport. With only 4 hours, you really can't go any further and get back in time for security and checking in

MIG

Friday afternoon is going to be a busy time at the airport and security lines will be pretty long - make sure to leave enough time to get back through.

The Liberty Science Center and Statue of Liberty are pretty close by, but I think you would be pushing your luck to try getting there and back. Another hour or two and you'd be fine.

Sunnyboy

Keep in mind that with taxiing and depending on where you are sitting in the plane it can take 20 to 30 minutes for you to deplane. Add to that the fact that boarding for your San Juan flight will begin about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure and your 4 hour layover is more like 3 hours. As the OP pointed out Newark Airport is often very crowded, especially on Fridays, and getting through security can be a nightmare (it took me almost 40 minutes a few weeks ago). Also, if you decide to leave the airport you'll have to worry about getting a cab or other transportation to/from the place you choose to visit and you will probably encounter the start of rush hour traffic on your return to the airport so that will cut further into your available liesure time. While the Liberty Science Center is close by an interesting place to visit you are probably better off passing the time in the airport with a good book and a cool drink.

suze

I don't know the Newark airport but generally speaking would not leave with "only" a 4-hour layover. I consider 3-hours my minumum to prevent anxiety in any case.

Maybe your flight will arrive late say 1:30, then have to wait to deplane, OK now it's 2:00... and likely boarding (as mentioned above) will begin by 4:15 or so. Voila, now your layover is just over 2 hours. Have some lunch and a drink, kick back with a magazine, and keep a positive thought ("I know it's going to be miserable" is not the way to go into any travel related activity ~haha).

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Several times I've taken hotel shuttles to nearby full-service hotels for a meal and some reading in the lobby.

Those repeated airport announcements stress me to no end. I'd be homicidal if I had to listen to them all day, every day.

LKC

I agree with what has been said. Newark is the airport I use most and also commute around; in the limited time you have, you don't want to deal with NYC Friday-afternoon rush hour traffic. To minimize your misery, you could take that time to read a good novel or magazine,your guidebook (do some planning, if needed), or something about Puerto Rico. Have a great trip.

Tandoori_Girl

I would embrace my miseries and go to IKEA because 1) it is not THAT far from the Newark airport, and 2) there are no IKEA stores in FL, and 3) I'm foolish and prone to fits of wild abandon. You might be more sensible than me. Than I. whatever.