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Current Average TSA Wait Time at EWR
12 mins avg. wait time
This avg. wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (12 mins) on average to go through secuirity checkpoints at EWR.
This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (12 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at EWR.
EWR TSA Wait Times
EWR, Newark, NJ
AM Times
12 am - 1 am
25.3 mins
1 am - 2 am
20.8 mins
2 am - 3 am
22.8 mins
3 am - 4 am
18.1 mins
4 am - 5 am
22.2 mins
5 am - 6 am
23 mins
6 am - 7 am
16.5 mins
7 am - 8 am
12.3 mins
8 am - 9 am
11.4 mins
9 am - 10 am
11.8 mins
10 am - 11 am
11.4 mins
11 pm - 12 am
12.4 mins
PM Times
11 am - 12 pm
13.4 mins
12 pm - 1 pm
37.9 mins
1 pm - 2 pm
18.9 mins
2 pm - 3 pm
18.7 mins
3 pm - 4 pm
13.2 mins
4 pm - 5 pm
42 mins
5 pm - 6 pm
43.5 mins
6 pm - 7 pm
10.9 mins
7 pm - 8 pm
11.6 mins
8 pm - 9 pm
14.2 mins
9 pm - 10 pm
13 mins
10 pm - 11 pm
12 mins
Reserve parking at EWR
Disclaimer
This TSA checkpoint display is based on TSA data with an hour rolling window. While we make every effort to ensure it is timely and correct, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Actual flight TSA wait times may vary. Please give yourself a time buffer to get through security.
Depending on the terminal, the Newark Airport TSA wait times currently range between 1 to 30 minutes for standard screening. However, the TSA wait times can vary anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the day, time of your travel, and how busy your terminal is. You can find the live EWR TSA wait times on this page; use it to check how early to arrive at EWR, when the security lines will be the shortest, and how to get through the security lines faster.
How early should you arrive at Newark Airport?
The Port Authority recommends that you arrive at Newark at least two hours before your departure for domestic flights. For international flights, you must arrive at least three hours before the scheduled flight time. It covers the time you require for parking, checking in, clearing security, and walking to your gate.
If you are flying out during holidays or peak seasons, expect the EWR TSA wait times to surge. So, we recommend you add another 30 minutes to the recommended time so that you don’t have to rush through all the processes. You must follow this, especially if you are flying out from Terminal C during peak travel times.
Peak hours to avoid at Newark Airport security
On weekdays, the security lines at EWR tend to be longest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The airport also experiences high passenger traffic during Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Terminal C, exclusive to United Airlines, experiences an additional traffic surge during mornings and evenings. For shorter EWR TSA wait times, it is best that you fly out in the late morning or early afternoon.
The onsite parking lots typically fill up quickly. It can turn into a hassle if you are planning to drive up to any of the lots and find parking at the last minute. We always recommend that you pre-book an offsite Newark Airport parking spot so that you have guaranteed parking at the cheapest rate available.
Have Newark Airport TSA wait times changed in 2026?
Yes, EWR Airport TSA wait times surged from the typical 15-30 minutes when the agency operated short-staffed due to a federal funding lapse earlier in 2026. However, the wait times settled back to the typical range once the staff was back. Still, we always recommend that you check the live TSA wait times before you head to the airport, as peak travel seasons or other factors can impact the wait times.
Tips to get through EWR security faster
- Reserve your parking in advance at an offsite lot. Most lots near Newark Airport offer a free shuttle service, so you don’t waste time searching for a parking spot at the airport.
- Enrolling in programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can cut down your EWR TSA wait time significantly. This can be really useful if you are a frequent flier.
- Do online check-in and keep your boarding pass ready on your phone before reaching the security checkpoint.
- It is better to know your terminal in advance, as each terminal in EWR has separate security checkpoints.
- Add extra time if you are taking AirTrain. Due to the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program, the service between the Airport Train Station and the P4 station currently remains suspended between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays.
- Pack light so that you have fewer items to unpack at the X-ray belt. Spend less time in the security line.
FAQs on EWR TSA wait times
Does Newark Airport have TSA PreCheck?
Yes, TSA PreCheck is available in all the terminals. In Terminals A and B, the checkpoints are at the departure level, whereas in Terminal C, you can find the checkpoint on the upper mezzanine level.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it at Newark Airport?
Yes, it can be worth it at EWR Airport. The TSA PreCheck lanes reduce your EWR TSA wait time to 1-10 minutes from the typical 15-30 minutes or longer. If you are a frequent flier, it is best to enroll in programs like TSA PreCheck. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck will cost between $76.75 and $85 for a five-year membership.
Which EWR terminal has the shortest security wait?
Typically, Terminal A has the shortest security line as the terminal handles fewer flights than the other terminals. But we recommend that you always check the live EWR TSA wait times before heading to the airport.
What happens if I miss my flight because of a security line?
Reach out to your airline’s desk if you miss the flight. Most airlines will reschedule your travel on the next available flight, particularly if you missed your original flight due to a long security line.