The Newark Airport smoking area is within reach for every traveler passing through the terminal. However, before you use it, there are a few rules you need to be aware of. Newark Liberty International Airport is a completely smoke-free facility indoors. The airport has prohibited the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices inside the terminal, lounge, and gate area at the airport.
Outside each terminal, there are designated outdoor smoking zones for passengers who need them. Knowing where they are, what the rules say, and how much time to set aside makes using the smoking room stress-free.
Does Newark International Airport Have a Smoking Area?
Yes, Newark Airport has smoking areas, but they are all outdoors. The entire airport, including all terminals, lounges, restrooms, and gate areas, is a smoke-free zone. Smoking inside any part of the terminal is a violation of New Jersey state law and airport regulations, and not to forget, it comes with a fine.
The designated smoking area at Newark Airport is located outside each terminal building, at least 25 feet away from entry and exit doors. You can locate these outdoor zones by following the clearly marked signage.
Newark Airport Smoking Area Location by Terminal
Newark Liberty International Airport has three terminals: A, B, and C. Each has outdoor smoking zones located near the terminal entry doors. This table depicts the location of the Newark smoking area for each terminal.
| Terminal | EWR Smoking Area Location | Notes |
| Terminal A | Outside the terminal, near the entry/exit doors | Minimum 25 feet from entrance doors |
| Terminal B | Outside near the entry doors, the Gates 1 to 8 area | Smoking zones near the B37 and B73 gate areas |
| Terminal C | Outside, past the security checkpoint area | Near the C2 gate area; also near D303 |
You can access the smoking zones before entering the terminal. However, once you clear security and enter the departure area, you no longer have access to the smoking room. You would need to exit the terminal entirely, smoke, and then go through security screening again.
Is There a Smoking Lounge Inside Newark Airport?
No, there is no smoking lounge in Newark Airport, not in Terminal A, B, or C. All airport lounges, including airline and premium passenger lounges, operate under a strict no-smoking policy. Even if you access the lounge room through a credit card or airline status, smoking inside is not permitted.
The closest smoking lounge Newark Airport is the outdoor designated zone near the terminal gate areas.
Rules for Using the Smoking Area at Newark EWR Airport
Before heading to the smoking lounge EWR Airport, make sure all the rules and restrictions are clear to you. Violating the smoking policy at the airport can result in a fine of $25, and repeated or serious violations can lead to removal from the airport premises. So, be sure to pay attention to the following rules.
- Smoking is permitted only in the designated outdoor zones; it is not permitted anywhere else on the airport property.
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices are treated the same as tobacco. The use of these products is also banned inside Newark Airport; they are permitted only outdoors in smoking zones.
- Cannabis is illegal on all airport property, regardless of state laws. There are no exceptions.
- Cigarette disposal must be done properly. Use the ashtrays and disposal bins provided in the smoking section at Newark Airport.
- After smoking, you must re-enter through the terminal doors and clear security screening again before reaching your departure gate.
- Smoking in a non-designated area carries a $25 penalty, and you will be asked to leave immediately.
Allotting Time for a Smoke Break at EWR
Since all the Newark Airport smoking sections are outside the terminal, going for a smoke becomes a matter of counting every step to ensure you re-clear security and reach the departure gate at the right gate. It’s going to take time, sometimes more than you expect.
- Security re-screening: allow 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day and queue length.
- Walking to the smoking zone and back: add another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Total buffer recommended: At least 45 to 60 minutes before your boarding if you plan to smoke after clearing security.
The safest option is to smoke before entering the terminal and clearing security. Once you are airside, stepping outside to use the smoking area in Newark Airport zones means going through the entire security process again, and it will take time.
Can You Buy Cigarettes at Newark Airport?
Yes. Travelers can buy cigarettes and tobacco products inside the Newark Airport at duty-free shops and retail stores within the terminals. Terminal B, in particular, has duty-free shopping options for departing international passengers. However, purchasing cigarettes inside the airport does not give you the right to smoke inside.
Tips for Smokers Traveling Through Newark Liberty Airport
While you may not have imagined that you would have to plan for smoking in an airport, the truth is that a little planning can go a long way when it comes to using the smoking room at Newark Airport.
- Smoke before entering the terminal.
The outdoor smoking zones are easiest to access before you check in and clear security. This saves you from having to re-queue for screening.
- Use the EWR interactive map.
The airport’s interactive terminal map shows the exact location of smoking zones near each terminal entrance. Use it to plan your route in advance.
- Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes.
If you plan to smoke after clearing security, give yourself enough time to exit, smoke, re-enter, and clear security before your boarding closes.
- Pack nicotine alternatives.
Gum, patches, and lozenges are available inside the terminal and are a practical option for long flights or tight layovers where stepping outside is not feasible.
- Follow disposal rules.
Always use ashtrays and disposal bins in the designated zones. Littering or improper disposal on airport property is a separate violation.
- Check signage.
Smoking zones are posted throughout the terminal exterior. If you are unsure, ask airport staff, and they will point you in the right direction.
The setup of the Newark Airport smoking area is very simple: all smoking happens outdoors, in clearly marked zones near the entry doors of each terminal. There is no indoor facility. Whether you are departing, arriving, or connecting, the rules apply to everyone. The airport is a no-smoking zone, so every traveler has to step outside the terminal to access the outdoor Newark Airport smoking room.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, Newark Liberty International Airport does have a smoking area located outdoors, near the entry doors of all three terminals.
Yes, the EWR Airport is a completely smoke-free facility. The designated smoking areas are located outdoors, approximately 20 feet away from the terminal entry gate.
No. There is no smoking lounge in Newark Airport. All indoor areas, including airline lounges and gate areas, are completely smoke-free.
No. Newark Airport is a smoke-free facility. No traveler is allowed to smoke inside the airport terminal, security checkpoint, or gate areas.
No, like Newark, JFK Airport does not have a smoking lounge inside any of its terminals. Travelers will have to access the outdoor areas located 20 to 25 feet from terminal entrances.
The Terminal C smoking area is located outside the terminal, near the entry doors before the security checkpoint. There is also a zone accessible near Gate C2 for those already through security.
No, e-cigarettes and vaping devices are treated the same as tobacco products at Newark Airport. They are banned inside all terminal buildings and can only be used in the EWR smoking zones.
Passengers caught violating the Newark Airport smoking rules face a $25 fine. They are also required to immediately extinguish and properly dispose of their cigarettes or devices.
Yes, cigarettes and tobacco products are available at duty-free shops inside the terminal. However, you still cannot smoke them inside the terminal after purchasing.
If you pack your vape in your cabin baggage or carry it with you, and not in your checked bag, the TSA will not confiscate it.
