What to do at/around Newark Airport for 5 1/2 hours??
 

I was just notified that connection flight out of Newark would be delayed by 5 1/2 hours. This is for early December on a Sunday. Anything around Newark Airport that we can do for 5 1/2 hours?? Any interesting museums/shops/districts that can be easily accessed from the airport? Or should we just stay put during the long wait?

Thanks!

I should add that my I'll be at the Newark airport from 12:15 p.m. til 5:45 p.m. on a Sunday in early Dec. The connection is for a domestic flight.

Possible to see the Statue of Liberty?

What shocked me at the airport upon arrival is that they have a long walkway along a wall with huge windows, and people sitting in rocking chairs watching whatever they were watching, maybe sunset or planes.

I kid you not! They do have rocking chairs for passengers!

What they do not have, and I don't know your gender, seat covers in the restrooms. Remember to bring them.

I always spend time in the L'Occitane shop.

While there's a train that runs into NY, you really don't have that much time. I would read a book.

Relax. Read a book. Have lunch, watch TV.

I just checked google map, and it looks like Liberty Park is about 4 miles from the airport. Is there a train that runs there from the airport? From there, you can see the statue of liberty or even take the ferry over to Ellis Island.

Too risky?

Actually, I'll probably have about 4 1/2 hours given that I'll be coming back into the US from abroad and would have to go thru customs before making my connection home.

GIven you will have to go through security again, yes it's too little time (unless you've alread accounted for the time in that 5.5 hours). What will you do with your carry-ons?

MikeT, yeah, you're right. I'd need to check back in, so I'll probably have just 3 hours. Wouldn't I be able to check in my luggage? Or that's too early?

I was hoping there's a convenient train/bus that can take me to somewhere interesting. Round trip transportation time is within 1 hour. And I have 1+ hour to do whatever there.

If not, anything interesting to do at the airport? Else, I'll make sure I have an engaging book to read.

Several years ago, I took an airport shuttle bus, to a New Jersey outlet mall, that was very close to the airport (10-15 min). It had a large movie theater complex. It was a great way to pass the time.

I tried but can't locate this info on the Newark airport site. Does anyone have info - does the shuttle service and the mall still exist?

Jersey Gardens mall. according to their website, they have a shuttle from Newark Airport
http://www.jerseygardens.com/info/information.cfm

I'd buy a good book you've been wanting to read for a while and park myself.

I agree to stay put. I think there is a spa in the airport where you could at least get some pampering in if you'd like.

This same question was asked not to long ago. maybe you can do a search for it.

There is an IKEA near the airport.

Liberty State Park is nearby and has a great science museum. And there is a marvelous view of Statue of Liberty from the park.

Time and the way to get there was the issue in the last post on this topic. Maybe taxi?

Not sure it is worth the stress of leaving the airport.

Hope this helps...
Debi

here's a link to other post

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34861177

also type in Liberty state park in search and other similar thread will come up

Hope this helps...
Debi

Thanks for all your responses! It doesn't look like we'll have enough time to go to Liberty State Park though. At least now I know that exists! :)

We might want to check out that mall that has free shuttle service. Let's see how we feel that day, after a looong flight from the opposite side of the world w/ another long stretch to go after that.

Thanks all for your help!

The Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall is a great place to shop. I live about 40 minutes away and sometimes make pilgrimmages there and I often see the shuttle bus from the airport. I believe it is a reliable service from what I can see. It is VERY close to the airport.

On a Sunday afternoon in early December it will be MOBBED, but the place is huge and like Versailles, can absorb the masses and you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. The best thing is that you won't have to find a parking spot!

One word of warning, as bad as airport food can be, it is better than the food at the mall.

All the best,
Baz

Other side of the world? From where are you coming? Where are you headed? Who's traveling? Any kids?

You might want to check out the Newark Museum:

http://www.newarkmuseum.org/pages/toc2.html

I would be concerned about getting a cab back from wherever you might go. It's not NYC and cabs do not cruise for hailing. Why go shopping and get more stuff to stuff into your suitcase?