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New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Each airport has its unique advantages, and the best airport to fly into will depend on your specific needs and travel plans. For example, JFK is the largest airport and primarily handles international flights, making it a popular choice for global travellers. On the other hand, LaGuardia is known for its domestic convenience, offering quicker access to destinations like Central Park and Times Square. Meanwhile, Newark Liberty International Airport, located in New Jersey, offers a blend of domestic and international services, providing flexibility for various travel itineraries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in New York City | 2 |
| Names of the airports in New York City | John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) |
| Number of airports near New York City | 1 |
| Name of the airport near New York City | Newark Liberty International (EWR) |
| Best airport for international travel | JFK |
| Best airport for quick access to Manhattan and domestic travel | LGA |
| Best airport for a mix of international and domestic travel | EWR |
| Best airport for budget travel | EWR |
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What You'll Learn
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's busiest airport
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is best for domestic flights
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) offers a mix of domestic and international flights
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the gateway to Niagara Falls
- JFK has the most extensive range of flight options
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's busiest airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport, also known as JFK Airport, is New York's busiest airport. Located in Queens, on the southwestern shore of Long Island, JFK is New York City's main airport. It is the largest and busiest of the three major airports serving the city, seeing over 62 million passengers per year. It is also the sixth-busiest airport in the United States and the busiest international commercial airport in North America.
JFK Airport covers 5,200 acres and features five passenger terminals and four runways. The airport is supplied with electricity by the Kennedy International Airport Power Plant, a natural gas-fired electric cogeneration facility that provides a total of 110 megawatts of power. Heating and cooling for the airport's terminals are provided by a Central Heating and Refrigeration Plant (CHRP) in conjunction with a Thermal Distribution System (TDS).
Over 70 airlines operate in and out of JFK, including major carriers such as American, Delta, and JetBlue, which use JFK as a hub. The airport offers a wide range of flight, lounge, shopping, and dining options. Passengers can catch direct flights to many cities worldwide, including Buenos Aires and Reykjavik.
JFK is easily accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678. The airport also has its own AirTrain, which provides connections to other forms of public transportation, such as subways and buses.
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is best for domestic flights
New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). When deciding which airport to fly into, travellers should consider factors such as their airline preference, flight availability, connecting flights, and their destination within New York.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in Queens, about 10 miles north of JFK, and is the smallest of New York City's three airports. LGA is most easily accessible from Queens, Manhattan's Upper East Side, the Bronx, and northern Brooklyn. While LaGuardia used to be known for its subpar facilities, an $8 billion transformation has elevated its status, and it is now considered one of the best airports in the United States.
LaGuardia is a popular choice for domestic travellers, with eight carriers offering direct flights to cities across the United States, as well as Canada, Aruba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. In 2023, LaGuardia served 30.6 million domestic passengers. The airport is the only NYC-area stop for the Delta Shuttle, which runs to Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
While LaGuardia does not have a direct subway or train connection, it can be accessed via public transportation. Travellers can take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 to 74th St-Broadway, then transfer to the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus, which stops at terminals B and C. Terminal B, which reopened in 2020, was named the best new airport in the world at UNESCO's Prix Versailles awards. It features popular New York restaurants such as Shake Shack, Bubby's, and Dos Toros Taqueria.
In summary, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a convenient and popular option for domestic travellers due to its accessibility from various neighbourhoods in New York City, its recent transformation and improved facilities, and its direct flight connections to cities across the United States.
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) offers a mix of domestic and international flights
New York City's airspace is one of the busiest in the world, with two airports in the city itself: John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). There is also an airport nearby in New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which offers a mix of domestic and international flights.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a major airport serving the New York City area. It is located in both Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, and is easily accessible from Manhattan by public transportation. The airport serves over 45 airlines, with nearly 1,200 daily arrivals and departures to domestic and international destinations. It is a popular choice for travellers due to its convenient location and the variety of flight options available.
The airport has a large cargo facility, with almost 1 million square feet of space dedicated to cargo operations. It is also home to several cargo buildings, including the FedEx Cargo Complex, which is a $60 million sort facility. In addition to cargo operations, the airport also offers a range of dining and shopping options for travellers.
In recent years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and development. In 2020, the airport was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a decrease in passenger traffic. However, the airport has since recovered, and in 2022, United Airlines announced plans to cut about 50 domestic flights from Newark to reduce delays. The airport continues to be a busy and important hub for travel to and from the New York City area.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) offers a convenient and efficient travel option for those looking to fly into or out of the New York City area. With its mix of domestic and international flights, modern facilities, and easy accessibility, it is a popular choice for travellers from around the world.
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Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the gateway to Niagara Falls
New York City's airspace is one of the busiest in the world, with two airports in the city itself: John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). However, when it comes to visiting Niagara Falls, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the perfect gateway to this iconic destination. Located approximately 26 miles (42 kilometres) from Niagara Falls, Buffalo Airport offers convenient and reliable transportation options, ensuring a stress-free journey to one of the world's most renowned natural wonders.
There are multiple transportation options available from Buffalo Airport to Niagara Falls, catering to different preferences and budgets. For those who prefer to travel at their own pace, renting a car is an excellent option. Several car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, have shops at the airport. The scenic route to Niagara Falls takes you through charming towns, lush forests, and picturesque vineyards, offering a glimpse into the region's rich natural diversity.
For those who prefer public transportation, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates a bus service to Niagara Falls. By taking Bus #24 (Genesee) to the Buffalo Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown and then transferring to Bus #40 (Buffalo-Niagara Falls), you can reach the Niagara Falls Transportation Center for a total cost of around $5. However, this trip can take 2-3 hours, depending on wait times and connections.
In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, the region surrounding Niagara Falls offers a wealth of attractions to discover. Indulge in the region's culinary delights, including local specialties such as Niagara wine, fresh seafood, and farm-fresh produce. Explore charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its historic sites, boutique shops, and award-winning wineries. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the area by visiting museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, such as the Niagara Falls History Museum and the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center. With so much to see and experience, your adventure in Niagara Falls is sure to be unforgettable.
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JFK has the most extensive range of flight options
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. It is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in the Queens borough of New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay. With over 62 million passengers per year, it is New York City's largest and busiest airport and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States.
JFK Airport covers 5,200 acres, making it the largest in the New York metropolitan area. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways. Over 70 airlines operate from JFK Airport, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents. As of May 2025, there were 74 airlines flying from JFK to 245 airports around the world. Passengers can fly to 200 destinations with these airlines.
JFK's extensive range of flight options is reflected in the variety of airlines that use the airport as a hub. Major U.S.-based carriers such as American, Delta, and JetBlue have a significant presence at JFK. Terminal 5, for example, is exclusively operated by JetBlue. Additionally, international carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Finnair, and EgyptAir also operate from JFK.
The airport's location in Queens makes it easily accessible from various parts of New York City. If you're staying in most of Brooklyn, Queens, or on the east side of Manhattan, JFK will be the closest airport. The airport is accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway).
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Frequently asked questions
The best airport to fly into New York depends on your travel needs. If you’re flying internationally, JFK is your go-to, offering extensive amenities and global connectivity. For those looking for quick access to Manhattan and flying domestically, LaGuardia (LGA) is perfect. And if you’re looking for a mix of both, Newark (EWR) strikes a great balance.
JFK, located in Queens, is the largest of the three airports and primarily handles international flights, making it a popular choice for global travellers. LaGuardia, also in Queens, is notably closer to Manhattan and mainly serves domestic flights, making it a convenient choice for those looking to minimise transit time to the city. Newark, situated in New Jersey, offers a blend of domestic and international services, catering to a wide range of travel plans.
LaGuardia has a variety of food options, including Shake Shack, Bubby's, Dos Toros Taqueria, and Talde, a popular New York noodle bar.
If you're taking public transportation, getting to and from the airports can take over an hour and may require transfers. JFK is well-connected to Manhattan via the AirTrain and subway lines A and E. LaGuardia does not have a direct train or subway connection, so you'll need to take a bus or a taxi, rideshare, or paid van service. Newark is located just across the Hudson River in New Jersey and can be reached by train or bus.
JFK is served by more than 70 airlines, most of them international, including Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Finnair, EgyptAir, American, Delta, and JetBlue. United Airlines does not operate out of JFK and instead uses Newark as its main hub. LaGuardia's airlines include Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue.
