Newark has 14 lounges across 3 terminals, but access is more fragmented than at JFK or DFW. There is no airside connection between terminals, and Priority Pass coverage is thin. The terminal you fly out of determines everything.
The biggest development: a 17,000-square-foot Centurion Lounge is opening in Terminal A in 2026, which will make it one of the largest in the network. Until then, EWR is a United hub first and foremost, and the best lounge experiences are concentrated in Terminal C.
Here is every lounge at Newark, organized by terminal, with the credit cards that get you in and what to expect.
EWR Terminal Layout
Newark operates 3 terminals: A, B, and C. Terminal A opened in 2023 as a full rebuild and houses domestic carriers including Delta, American, JetBlue, and United domestic flights. Terminal B serves international carriers outside the Star Alliance. Terminal C is United's hub for both domestic and international operations.
The AirTrain connects all terminals but runs outside security. Changing terminals means exiting, riding the AirTrain, and re-clearing security. Star Alliance passengers have one shortcut: an airside courtesy shuttle between gates A28, B68, and C71 that avoids the security line.
Terminal A
Terminal A is the newest building at EWR, opened in 2023 with modern facilities and a central plaza connecting all gates. Three airline lounges operate here today, with a fourth on the way.
American Airlines Admirals Club
The Admirals Club sits on the mezzanine level of the Central Plaza, across from Gate A8. Hours vary by day: 4:00 AM to 8:30 PM Sunday through Friday, closing at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Amenities include a full bar, snacks, coffee, Wi-Fi, TVs, and conference rooms.
Access through the Citi AAdvantage Executive, Admirals Club membership ($750/year), oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status, or a $79 day pass.
Delta Sky Club
The Delta Sky Club is also in the Central Plaza, near Gate A8. This location opened with Terminal A in 2023 and features a self-serve buffet, full bar, coffee station, and semi-private workstations. Hours are 5:00 AM to 7:45 PM Sunday through Friday, closing at 5:30 PM on Saturday.
Access requires a same-day Delta boarding pass (Basic Economy excluded) plus one of the following: Delta Sky Club membership, Delta SkyMiles Reserve (15 visits per year, unlimited with $75,000 spend), or Amex Platinum (10 visits per year on Delta flights, unlimited with $75,000 spend).
United Club
The Terminal A United Club is near Gate A27 in the Central Plaza. Hours are 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Standard United Club amenities: buffet, full bar, coffee station, Wi-Fi, and workstations with power outlets.
Access through a United Club Infinite Card, United Club membership ($750/year or 94,000 miles), Star Alliance Gold on international itineraries, United Polaris or Business Class ticket, or a $59 day pass.
Coming in 2026: Centurion Lounge
American Express is building a Centurion Lounge in Terminal A's Central Plaza. At over 17,000 square feet, it will be one of the largest Centurion Lounges in the network and the third in the New York tri-state area alongside JFK and LaGuardia.
The lounge will feature an indoor terrace overlooking the airfield with views of the Manhattan skyline, a piano lounge and cocktail bar celebrating New Jersey's jazz heritage, locally-inspired dining, shower suites, dedicated workspaces, and a family area. Access will require an Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion card.
Be Relax Spa
Be Relax Spa near Gate A7 offers massage treatments and relaxation services. This is the only Priority Pass option in Terminal A. It is a spa experience, not a traditional lounge with food and drinks. Cards with Priority Pass include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Amex Platinum, and Hilton Aspire.
Terminal B
Terminal B handles international carriers outside the Star Alliance, split across three concourses: B1, B2, and B3. Lounge access here is primarily ticket-based or tied to airline elite status rather than US credit cards.
British Airways Lounge
Located in the B2 Concourse near Gates B50 to B58, the BA Lounge operates split hours tied to the flight schedule: 4:30 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:15 PM to 9:30 PM daily. The lounge includes a buffet, a BrewDog craft beer bar, pre-flight à la carte dining for First Class, showers, and a spa. British Airways is investing $8.5 million to renovate this space.
Access for BA First and Business Class passengers, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status holders, and BA Executive Club Silver and Gold members.
Delta Sky Club
A second Delta Sky Club operates in the B1 Concourse with the same access rules and hours as Terminal A: 5:00 AM to 7:45 PM Sunday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday. Same-day Delta boarding pass required.
Lufthansa Senator Lounge
The Lufthansa Senator Lounge in the B3 Concourse near Gate B60 reopened in August 2024 after a nine-month renovation inspired by Lufthansa's Allegris cabin product. Hours are 2:15 PM to 9:30 PM daily. The lounge serves a buffet, self-serve bar, and has a dedicated first class section.
Access for Lufthansa and Star Alliance First or Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members. Premium Economy passengers can purchase access for $35.
SAS Lounge
The SAS Lounge is in the B3 Concourse near Gate B60. Hours are 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Amenities include a buffet, coffee and tea station, self-serve bar, and seating areas.
Access for SAS Business and SAS Plus Class, SkyTeam First and Business Class, EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
Lounge&Co
Lounge&Co in the B2 Concourse near Gates B51 to B57 is a Plaza Premium-operated space that serves as the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Hours align with the La Compagnie flight schedule. Amenities include a buffet, full bar, showers, and luggage storage.
Access is restricted to La Compagnie Business Class passengers. This lounge is not on the Priority Pass network and does not sell day passes to the general public.
Art & Lounge
Art & Lounge sits between the B2 and B3 concourses but is located before security. Hours are 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM. The space features designer seating, a TV zone, conference rooms, and workstations. Priority Pass members can access it, but the pre-security location limits its usefulness if you have already cleared security.
Terminal C: United's Hub
Terminal C is where Newark shines for lounge access. United operates three clubs and the Polaris Lounge here, making it one of the strongest United hub terminals in the country.
United Polaris Lounge
The Polaris Lounge between Gates C102 and C120 is the crown jewel of EWR's lounge scene. At 27,000 square feet, it is the second largest Polaris Lounge in the United network. The lounge features full-service à la carte dining, a cocktail bar, shower suites with spa products, quiet rest pods, and dedicated work areas. Hours are 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Access is strictly ticket-based: United Polaris business class or international first/business class on a Star Alliance partner airline. No credit card provides direct access. If you are connecting through Newark on a long-haul United flight, this is one of the best lounges in the US domestic airport system.
United Club (Gate C74)
The United Club near Gate C74 was recently redesigned and is one of the most modern United Clubs in the network. Open 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Standard United Club amenities with updated finishes and comfortable seating.
United Club (Gate C93)
A second United Club near Gate C93 operates the same hours and offers the same access and amenities. Open 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Minute Suites
Minute Suites near Gate C125 offers private rest suites with a daybed, workstation, and TV. Open 24/7. Priority Pass provides 1 hour free. No food service, but useful for rest on a long layover.
Priority Pass at Newark
Priority Pass coverage at EWR is the weakest of any major Northeast hub. There are no traditional lounges with full food and bar service on the Priority Pass network at Newark.
| Experience | Terminal | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Be Relax Spa | A (Gate A7) | Spa treatment |
| Art & Lounge | B (pre-security) | Seating, Wi-Fi, workstations |
| Minute Suites | C (Gate C125) | 1-hour private rest suite |
If you rely on Priority Pass as your primary lounge access, EWR will disappoint compared to JFK or DFW. The Centurion Lounge opening in Terminal A will help Amex Platinum cardholders, but it will not be on the Priority Pass network.
Cards that include Priority Pass: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Hilton Aspire.
Credit Card Lounge Access Summary
| Card | Lounges at EWR |
|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | Delta Sky Club (A, B on Delta flights), Centurion (A, opening 2026), Priority Pass (3 locations) |
| Capital One Venture X | Priority Pass (3 locations) |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Priority Pass (3 locations) |
| United Club Infinite Card | United Club (A, C74, C93) |
| Citi AAdvantage Executive | Admirals Club (A) |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve | Delta Sky Club (A, B), Centurion (A when open, on Delta flights) |
| Hilton Aspire | Priority Pass (3 locations) |
For a full breakdown of how these premium cards compare on earning rates, benefits, and annual fee math, see our Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve comparison and Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture X comparison.
Bottom Line
Newark is a United hub first, and the lounge experience reflects that. Terminal C has the best options by far, with the Polaris Lounge standing out as one of the top business class lounges in the US and three United Clubs covering the concourse. Terminal A gets a major upgrade when the Centurion Lounge opens in 2026. Until then, the Amex Platinum is the strongest single card for EWR if you fly Delta (Sky Club access in both Terminal A and B), and the United Club Infinite Card is the clear pick for United flyers. The Card Advisor can show which premium card delivers the most total value based on your actual spending and travel patterns, and the Benefit Tracker helps you use every statement credit before it resets.
