Lois Larson
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are two of New York City's three major airports. Each airport has its own unique advantages and considerations, and the best option for travellers depends on their specific needs. In this paragraph, we will explore the key differences between JFK and LGA to help you decide which airport is better suited for your travel plans.
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What You'll Learn
Transport options
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in Queens, about 8 miles (13 km) from Manhattan, making it the closest of New York's three airports to the city centre. This proximity makes LaGuardia ideal for those looking to minimise travel time to and from the airport. LGA is easily accessible by car, and ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, buses, and trains. However, it's important to note that LGA does not have a direct rail link or a subway station, so getting there on public transport involves taking a bus. To get to LGA via train, you can take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 train to 74th St-Broadway, and then transfer to the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is also located in Queens, but it is further from Manhattan. As one of the busiest international gateways into the United States, JFK offers a wide range of transport options. The airport is accessible via the AirTrain, which connects to New York's subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), providing efficient transfers to various parts of the city. Travelling to Manhattan from JFK by taxi costs a flat rate of $70 plus taxes, tolls, and tip, with a $5 surcharge during peak hours. Ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available, but they can be expensive due to the heavy traffic around the airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located in New Jersey, across the Hudson River from Manhattan. While it is a bit of a drive from the city, EWR is well-connected to Manhattan via public transportation. NJ Transit commuter rail and Amtrak provide rapid, frequent, and affordable service from the airport to Midtown's Penn Station.
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Location
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in Queens, New York, and is the closest of New York's three airports to Manhattan, at a distance of 8 miles (13 km). It is accessible by car via the Grand Central Parkway, which runs along the airport's south side. LGA is also served by public buses, the Q70, and taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars. However, it does not have a direct rail link or a subway station, which can complicate travel to and from the airport.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is also located in Queens, New York, and is further from Manhattan than LGA. It is accessible by the AirTrain, which connects to New York's subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), offering efficient transfers to various parts of the city. JFK is also accessible by taxi, with a flat rate of $70 plus taxes, tolls, and tips for travel between the airport and Manhattan. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport.
LaGuardia primarily handles domestic flights, with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operating large domestic hubs. It is heavily slot-restricted due to its proximity to Manhattan, and flights longer than 1,500 miles are restricted. On the other hand, JFK is one of the busiest international gateways into the United States, with extensive international routes and amenities that make long layovers more bearable.
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Amenities and shops
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are two of New York City's airports. While LaGuardia is the closest of New York's three airports to Manhattan, JFK is further from Manhattan but is one of the busiest international gateways into the United States.
LaGuardia Airport has undergone significant renovations, including revamping Terminal B, which was named the best new airport in the world at UNESCO's Prix Versailles awards. Terminal C has also been redeveloped, consolidating 37 gates into one spacious terminal. These terminals offer expanded dining, shopping, and lounge options. Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, is an art deco building that is known more for its history than its amenities. However, LaGuardia has been criticized for its outdated facilities, and its terminals are not linked, requiring passengers to ride a shuttle bus between them.
JFK Airport, on the other hand, offers more amenities and shops in its terminals, making it a better option for long layovers or delays. With over 90 airlines spread across five terminals, finding your airline at JFK can be challenging.
In terms of ground transportation, LaGuardia provides access to rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, buses, and trains, but it does not have a direct rail link or a subway station. JFK, on the other hand, is accessible via the AirTrain, which connects to New York's subway and the Long Island Rail Road, offering efficient transfers to various parts of the city.
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Cost
When it comes to cost, there are several factors to consider when deciding between LaGuardia and JFK airports. Firstly, the cost of transportation to and from the airports can vary. LaGuardia is the closest of New York's three airports to Manhattan, making it a convenient option for those travelling to midtown or Upper Manhattan. As it is easily accessible by car, it may be a more cost-effective option for those travelling by taxi, Uber, or Lyft, as the distance travelled will be shorter. However, it is important to note that LaGuardia does not have a direct rail link, so if you are travelling by train, you will need to take a bus to the nearest train station, which may incur additional costs.
On the other hand, JFK is accessible by the AirTrain, which connects to New York's subway and the Long Island Rail Road, offering efficient transfers to various parts of the city. While the AirTrain provides a direct link to the airport, there is a cost involved in using it. Additionally, travelling to Manhattan from JFK by taxi or rideshare is likely to be more expensive than from LaGuardia due to the increased distance.
Another cost factor to consider is the availability of flights. LaGuardia primarily handles domestic flights, while JFK is one of the busiest international gateways into the United States. If you are travelling internationally, you may have more limited flight options with LaGuardia, and you may need to consider the additional costs of connecting flights.
Furthermore, the choice between LaGuardia and JFK may depend on your specific needs and preferences. LaGuardia is ideal for those looking to minimise travel time to and from the airport due to its proximity to the city centre. This can result in cost savings, especially if you are travelling on a tight schedule. Conversely, JFK offers more amenities and shops in its terminals, which can be beneficial during long layovers, potentially reducing the need to purchase additional food or entertainment during your wait.
Lastly, the cost of food and services within the airports can also vary. While LaGuardia has undergone significant renovations to improve its facilities, including expanded dining and shopping options, JFK may offer more choices due to its larger size and international focus. As such, it is worth considering your specific needs and budget when deciding between the two airports.
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Travel time
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in Queens, about 8 miles (13 km) from Manhattan, making it the closest of New York's three airports to the city centre. This proximity makes LaGuardia ideal for those looking to minimise travel time to and from the airport, especially if you're heading to midtown or Upper Manhattan. However, it's important to note that LaGuardia primarily handles domestic flights and lacks direct rail connections, which can complicate travel for those relying on public transportation. To get to LaGuardia via public transit, you'll need to take a train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or 74th St-Broadway and then hop on the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus.
On the other hand, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is also in Queens but is further from Manhattan. As one of the busiest international gateways into the United States, JFK offers more amenities and shops in its terminals, making it a better option for those with long layovers. Additionally, JFK is accessible by the AirTrain, which connects to New York's subway and the Long Island Rail Road, providing efficient transfers to various parts of the city. However, travelling to Manhattan from JFK by subway can take over an hour, and taking a taxi or rideshare can be expensive and time-consuming, especially during rush hour.
In terms of travel time, LaGuardia is the preferred choice for those seeking quick access to Manhattan, especially if travelling domestically. Its proximity to the city centre and accessibility by car make it a convenient option. However, for those travelling internationally or requiring more direct flight options, JFK might be a better choice despite the longer commute time to Manhattan.
It's worth noting that both airports offer ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, ride-shares, and buses, and, in the case of JFK, a direct rail link. The decision between LaGuardia and JFK ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences for travel time, mode of transportation, and flight availability.
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Frequently asked questions
JFK is the busiest airport in the New York City area, serving more than 62 million passengers per year. It is also the sixth busiest in the US.
LaGuardia is the closest of New York's three airports to Manhattan, making it easily accessible by car. However, it does not have a direct rail link, so getting there on public transport includes a leg of bus travel. JFK is accessible by the AirTrain, which connects to New York's subway and the Long Island Rail Road.
LaGuardia has been criticised for its outdated facilities, but after an 8 billion transformation, it is now considered one of the best airports in the US. Terminal B was named the best new airport in the world at UNESCO's Prix Versailles awards. JFK offers more amenities and shops in its terminals, providing a better experience during layovers or delays.
This depends on your specific needs. LaGuardia is ideal for those looking for quick access to Manhattan and are travelling domestically. JFK is better for those travelling internationally or who require more direct flights from larger airline carriers.
