Newark is a working city across the Hudson from Manhattan, and for many travellers it functions as a base rather than a destination in itself. Its main advantages are transport links: trains to New York, an airport on the doorstep, and a compact downtown core that can be walked in an afternoon.
For a visitor, the practical choice comes down to three zones: Downtown, the area around Newark Penn Station and the Gateway Center, and the airport corridor along Route 1 & 9. Downtown holds the museums, the performing arts centre and the historic districts; the Penn Station area is the most connected point for trains and the airport; the airport strip is for short overnight stays. This guide covers which of these to base yourself in, and what each is like to stay in.
Best areas to stay in Newark
1. Downtown
Downtown is the most useful base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of many local attractions, with the Prudential Center, Military Park, Broad Street and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center all in the same compact area. You will find the widest spread of accommodation here, from budget rooms near Washington Park to mid-range and boutique options.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights rather than rely on buses. Note that the historic Clinton Avenue district, while central, is described as up-and-coming, so treat it accordingly when choosing a street.
2. Newark Penn Station and Gateway Center
This is the transport-first option. Staying around Penn Station and the Gateway Center puts you within walking distance of many local attractions and connects you by skywalk to the train station, with easy connections to Manhattan and the airport. It is the best choice if your trip is built around day trips into New York or an early flight.
Mid-range accommodation clusters here, and some properties run free shuttles to both Penn Station and the airport. Expect a business-traveller feel rather than a residential one.
3. Harrison, across the river
Harrison sits across the river from Downtown and is served by its own PATH station, which makes it a workable alternative when you want to be near Newark but connected to the PATH network. Some of the hotels here are positioned to serve Newark visitors as much as local ones.
It suits travellers who value a straightforward rail connection over being in the middle of downtown. You trade a short ride for your base, so plan on using the PATH rather than walking to the sights.
4. The airport corridor on Route 1 & 9
The hotels along Route 1 & 9 South and the Frontage Road serve Newark Liberty International Airport and are aimed at overnight stays before or after a flight. Rooms here can be inexpensive when booked online, and some properties are within walking distance of the terminals.
This area suits short stopovers and early departures, not sightseeing. Be aware that some airport hotels require multiple transfers, using a hotel shuttle plus the NJT #62 bus to reach Penn Station, and that service is sporadic, so a journey each way can take one to two hours. Hotels on Route 1 & 9 South and the Frontage Road have NJT #40 bus service between the airport and Downtown or Newark Penn, running hourly.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Rooms in the Downtown area, including near Washington Park and in the historic Clinton Avenue district, where an at-your-own-risk bargain can be found in an up-and-coming area. Airport hotels booked online can also be inexpensive.
- Mid-range: The largest category, concentrated Downtown, around Penn Station and the Gateway Center, and in Harrison next to the PATH station. Expect chain-style rooms, some with free shuttles to Penn Station and the airport.
- Splurge: A boutique option Downtown near the performing arts center, Military Park and Broad Street, with rooms facing either the park or, at the back, views toward Manhattan.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit. It keeps you within walking distance of the main attractions, the performing arts center and the park, and it gives you the widest choice of places to stay at every level. From here you can reach Penn Station easily for trains to Manhattan and the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay near Newark Penn Station or Downtown?
They overlap closely. The Penn Station and Gateway Center area is connected by skywalk to the train station and offers easy connections to Manhattan and the airport, while Downtown puts you within walking distance of the museums, the performing arts center and the parks. Choose Penn Station if transport matters most, Downtown if you would rather walk to the sights.
Is it worth staying at an airport hotel instead?
Only for a short stopover. Airport hotels can be inexpensive when booked online, and some are within walking distance of the terminals, but reaching Penn Station can involve multiple transfers and service is sporadic, with journeys of one to two hours each way possible.
Do I need a car to get around from these areas?
Not necessarily. Downtown and the Penn Station area are walkable for the main sights, and the PATH station in Harrison connects you across the river. The airport corridor is the exception, where you depend on hotel shuttles and the NJT #62 and #40 buses.
What is the Clinton Avenue area like for a budget stay?
It is an up-and-coming historic district where you can find an at-your-own-risk bargain. It is central, but the area is still developing, so weigh that against the saving.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.