Roberta Aguirre
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are two of the three major airports serving the New York City area. When deciding which airport to fly to or from, travellers may consider factors such as proximity to the city, transport options, cost, flight options, and facilities.
JFK or Newark Airport:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | JFK: Queens, New York; 13 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan |
| Newark: New Jersey; 14 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan | |
| Distance from Manhattan | JFK: Closer to Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn |
| Newark: Further from Manhattan but better public transport connections | |
| Transport | JFK: No direct subway service to Manhattan; two river crossings; highways and parkways |
| Newark: Connected to Manhattan by bus, taxi, subway, and NJ Transit commuter rail | |
| Crowds | JFK: Busiest international airport in the US; long lines and delays |
| Newark: Less crowded; faster security screenings | |
| Facilities | JFK: More facilities; four runways, five terminals, 130 operating gates; express spa treatment; yoga studio |
| Newark: Smaller and more manageable; United Airlines hub | |
| Cost | JFK: More expensive flight options |
| Newark: Cheaper flight options |
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What You'll Learn
Proximity to New York City
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are both located near New York City. However, their proximity to different parts of the city and the mode of transportation available can be factors to consider when choosing between the two.
JFK Airport is located in Queens, about 13 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It is known for its massive complex, with four runways, five terminals, and 130 operating gates. While it is the busiest international airport in the United States, it has a reputation for long lines and delays. It is also less accessible from Manhattan, with no direct subway service to the city's business and tourist hubs, and the commute can be further impacted by traffic conditions.
On the other hand, Newark Airport is situated in New Jersey, approximately 14 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. Despite being slightly farther from Manhattan than JFK, Newark offers better connectivity with public transportation. It is served by the NJ Transit commuter rail and Amtrak, providing rapid and affordable service to Midtown's Penn Station. This makes it a more convenient choice for travellers heading to downtown New York City.
It is worth noting that both airports have their benefits and drawbacks, and the best option depends on your specific needs and destination within New York City. For example, business travellers may prefer LaGuardia Airport (LGA) due to its proximity to the city's central business districts. Additionally, if you are driving to the airport, you might consider Newark as it is smaller and more manageable than JFK.
In terms of cost, Newark flights are often cheaper than JFK, but the difference may be offset by the higher transportation expenses to and from the airport. For example, tolls must be paid when driving into New York City from the New Jersey side, which can add up quickly.
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Transport options
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, approximately 13 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It is the busiest airport in the New York City area, and the sixth-busiest in the US. It is also the busiest international air passenger gateway in the United States. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines both maintain a hub at JFK, while JetBlue uses the airport as a focus city. Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, and Qatar Airways are among the large international airlines that only operate through JFK in the New York area. JFK is the only airport in the area capable of accommodating the Airbus A380.
JFK is the least accessible of the city's three airports from Manhattan, with no direct subway service to the city's business and tourist hubs. It requires two river crossings and a set of approach highways and parkways. However, it is closer to Downtown Brooklyn, and it is also closer to NYC than Newark, which is in New Jersey.
To get to JFK, you could opt for a helicopter transfer, which will get you there in under 5 minutes, but this will cost from $195 per seat. A taxi or rideshare will cost $70-100, but you will have to pay bridge tolls and deal with traffic. The subway is also an option, but it is confusing and constantly changing fares.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is situated in New Jersey, about 14 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. It is a hub for United Airlines and acts as the primary gateway to Europe for this carrier.
Newark is likely the city's best-connected airport via public transportation, with both NJ Transit commuter rail and Amtrak providing rapid, frequent, and affordable service from the airport to midtown's Penn Station. However, it can be a bit of a drive from Manhattan and involves navigating New Jersey traffic.
To get to Newark, you can take the Newark Airport Express Shuttle Bus, which is $18 one-way or $30 for a round trip. A taxi or rideshare will cost $70-100, and you will have to pay bridge tolls and deal with traffic. You can also take the subway and NJ Transit, which will cost $12.50 + $2.75.
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Facilities and amenities
When it comes to facilities and amenities, JFK has more to offer. It is the largest of the region's airports, with four runways, five terminals, and 130 operating gates. It is also the only airport in the area that can accommodate the Airbus A380. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines both have hubs at JFK, while JetBlue uses the airport as a focus city. For long-haul travel, JFK is usually the best option, with airlines such as Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, and Qatar Airways only operating through JFK in the New York area.
However, it is worth noting that JFK has a reputation for long lines and delays, and it can be a massive complex that is very intimidating for some travellers. Additionally, it is not easily accessible from Manhattan, with no direct subway service to the city's business and tourist hubs.
On the other hand, Newark Airport has been improving its infrastructure and is catching up with JFK. It serves as a hub for United Airlines and is their primary gateway to Europe. Newark is also the closest airport to Manhattan, making it a more convenient choice for travellers heading to downtown New York City. The airport is well-connected to public transportation, offering an easy commute for travellers. Newark also has the benefit of fewer crowds and faster security screenings than JFK.
Both airports offer a range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. JFK may have more facilities, but Newark has been working to improve its infrastructure and provides a more convenient location for those travelling to downtown New York City.
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Flight options
When it comes to flight options, there are several factors to consider when deciding between JFK and Newark. Both airports serve the New York City area, but the former is located in Queens, about 13 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, while the latter is in New Jersey, approximately 14 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan.
One crucial factor is the choice of airline and destination. JFK is the busiest international airport in the United States, serving over 29 million passengers in 2019 alone. It is the preferred option for long-haul travel on major international airlines such as Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, and Qatar Airways. These airlines only operate through JFK in the New York area, although their codeshare partners may fly to the other airports. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines also have hubs at JFK, making it a good choice for long-distance travel on these carriers. Additionally, JFK has more facilities, including an express spa and a yoga studio, and is considered better for flight delays.
On the other hand, Newark serves as a hub for United Airlines and is their primary gateway to Europe. It is also a significant hub for long-haul international service and has a large domestic route network. Newark typically offers slightly cheaper flight options than JFK, but the trade-off is that travellers may have to deal with tolls and less convenient flight times when travelling to certain destinations in New York City, such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx.
Another consideration is the ease of connecting flights. While some travellers have reported frustrations with the complicated process of changing terminals at Newark, others have found that JFK's reputation for long lines and delays is not always accurate, with friendly and helpful staff assisting them in getting to their flights on time.
Ultimately, the decision between JFK and Newark depends on individual preferences and convenience. Both airports offer a range of flight options, but the choice may be influenced by factors such as airline preference, destination, cost, and potential delays or complications with connecting flights.
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Ease of connections
The ease of connections at an airport is a crucial factor in determining which airport to choose. Both JFK and Newark have their pros and cons in this regard.
JFK is the busiest international airport in the United States, serving over 29 million passengers in 2019 alone. It is a massive complex with four runways, five terminals, and 130 operating gates. This makes it an excellent option for long-haul travel on many large international airlines. However, its size can also be intimidating, especially for those connecting flights. It is also located in Queens, about 13 miles from Midtown Manhattan, and accessing it from Manhattan can be challenging due to the lack of direct subway service. Additionally, getting to JFK from Manhattan may require crossing two rivers and navigating a set of parkways and highways, which can be a miserable experience.
On the other hand, Newark Airport is situated in New Jersey, about 14 miles from Midtown Manhattan. While it is slightly farther than JFK, Newark has better connectivity with public transportation, offering an easy commute for travellers. The NJ Transit commuter rail and Amtrak provide rapid, frequent, and affordable service from the airport to Midtown Manhattan's Penn Station. However, getting to Manhattan from Newark by car can be a bit of a drive and involves navigating New Jersey traffic. Additionally, changing terminals at Newark can be a complicated process, which has given the airport low ratings from connecting passengers.
Both airports provide services for over 90 airlines, ranging from budget options to luxury travel providers. However, some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and JetBlue, have hubs at JFK, making it a better option for long-distance travel on those carriers. United Airlines, on the other hand, has a massive hub at Newark, making it their primary gateway to Europe.
In conclusion, both JFK and Newark have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to ease of connections. JFK may be a better option for those travelling on specific airlines or those looking for long-haul flights, while Newark's connectivity with public transportation makes it a convenient choice for those travelling to and from Manhattan.
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Frequently asked questions
Both airports are located near New York City, with JFK being 13 miles away and Newark being 14 miles away. JFK is the busiest airport in the New York City area, and the sixth-busiest in the US. It is also the only airport in the area that can accommodate the Airbus A380. However, Newark is likely the city's best-connected airport via public transportation.
Newark is a hub for United Airlines, so it may be a better option for passengers flying with this airline.
JFK is the only airport in the New York City area that some large international airlines, such as Qatar Airways, operate through. Therefore, for long-haul travel, JFK may be the better option.
Newark has fewer crowds and faster security screenings than JFK.
