Connecting at Newark: United's shuttle, the AirTrain and security

Last checked 24 September 2026

United runs Newark's Terminal C and also flies from Terminal A. How a Newark connection goes depends mainly on one thing: are you connecting United-to-United on domestic flights, or doing something else?

At a glance

• United domestic, between A and C: stay behind security and take United's free shuttle. There's no second TSA check.
• United to Terminal B, afternoons and evenings: the shuttle also runs from A and C to B, 1:00–11:00 p.m.
• Everything else between terminals: expect the free AirTrain and TSA screening again.
• Arriving from abroad: clear customs, collect and recheck your bags, then go through security again.

Who flies from where

• Terminal A: United, American, Delta, JetBlue and Air Canada.
• Terminal B: Alaska, Frontier, Lufthansa, SAS and more than 25 other airlines.
• Terminal C: United only.

Lists change, and codeshare partners may fly from a different terminal from the airline that sold you the ticket. Check your boarding pass or the airline's app.

United's shuttle: the connection that stays airside

If you're connecting between two United domestic flights and one leaves from Terminal A and the other from Terminal C, you don't need to leave security. United runs a free shuttle bus for connecting passengers:

The airport's own list doesn't include a C → A route. United has described the shuttle as running between A and C from 4:00 a.m. to midnight. If you're heading from C to A, confirm with United on the day. Passengers already in Terminal B can't use the shuttle to reach A or C.

Changing terminals the other way: AirTrain and security again

For other connections that change terminals, you'll usually leave security and take the AirTrain, which is free between terminals. In the airport's words, "many customers will need to go through TSA screening again".

Terminal A takes an extra step. The AirTrain doesn't stop at the terminal itself, so from the AirTrain station you take a free shuttle bus or walk about 15 minutes along a covered pathway. The bus runs every 5 to 10 minutes from 4:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

GateCast counts those steps in the time budget: the train, the bus or walk to Terminal A, and the second security queue. That's why a Newark terminal change can grade much lower than a United A-to-C connection with the same time on the ticket.

Arriving from abroad

If your first flight is international, you clear customs at Newark, collect your bags, recheck them and go through security again, even if your next flight is domestic.

Separate tickets

If your two flights are on separate bookings, you'll need to collect your bags, check in again and recheck them. Allow for a full check-in and security, not just a walk between gates.

Tips

• Look at both terminal letters on your itinerary before you book. United A-to-C is a very different connection from United-to-Terminal-B at 8:00 a.m.
• The shuttle between A or C and B only runs from 1:00 p.m. Earlier in the day, plan for the AirTrain and security.
• If you're going C → A, check with United that the shuttle is running for you.

Checked 24 September 2026. Shuttle routes and hours change, so confirm with United and the airport before you travel.