Best Airports For A Trip To New York City

New York City is serviced by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark International Airport (EWR). Each airport has its own unique set of features, transportation options, and amenities. In this article, we will introduce you to each of these airports, providing an overview of their location, flight offerings, and transportation options to help you decide which airport is the best choice for your travel needs when visiting New York City.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK is easily accessible by public transportation. The fastest way to get there is by taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica from Manhattan or Brooklyn. From Jamaica, take the AirTrain to your terminal, which costs $8.50. Taking the subway is cheaper but slower; take the E, J, or Z train to Jamaica, then transfer to the AirTrain. Alternatively, take the A train to Howard Beach and catch the AirTrain from there. Travelling from Manhattan to the airport by subway takes over an hour.

A taxi between JFK and Manhattan costs a flat rate of $70 plus taxes, tolls, and tip. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available, but rates fluctuate depending on demand and can often be more expensive than taxis.

JFK has a wide range of dining and shopping options across its terminals. Terminal 1's Jikji Cafe offers quick Asian-inspired bites, while Terminal 4's Blue Point Brewing Company provides a sit-down meal and beers. Terminal 5 has an outpost of Artichoke Basille's Pizza, and Terminal 7 is home to True Burger. For shopping, check out Coach and Michael Kors in Terminal 1, Kate Spade and LEGO in Terminal 4, and Brighton Collectibles and Ron Jon Surf Shop in Terminal 5.

JFK is currently undergoing a $19 billion renovation, which will add two new terminals and is expected to be completed by 2030. The project also includes modernising existing terminals, which may affect the hours and operations of restaurants and shops.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia is the third-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area, accommodating airline services to domestic and limited international destinations. It is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The airport covers 680 acres of land and was established in 1929, beginning operations as a public airport in 1939.

LaGuardia has three active terminals (A, B, and C) with 72 gates. Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, is the airport's original terminal for overseas flights and is currently run by Modern Aviation, providing services to private and charter aircraft owners and pilots. Terminal B serves airlines that are not Spirit and Delta and functions as a hub for American Airlines. Terminal C is for Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection flights.

The airport can be accessed by car via the Grand Central Parkway, which is the airport's primary access highway. LaGuardia is not served directly by rail, but it can be reached via public transportation using the MTA bus lines M60 Select Bus Service (all terminals), Q47 (Terminal A only), Q70 LaGuardia Link (all terminals except Terminal A), and Q72 (all terminals except Terminal A). There is also a complimentary internal shuttle bus that services all terminals.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Airport is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. It handles both domestic and international flights and serves as a hub for several major airlines, including United Airlines, which has its Global Gateway at Terminal C. Other airlines that operate at EWR include American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Spirit, and TAP Air Portugal.

The airport consists of three terminals (A, B, and C) with a total of 125 gates. Terminal A, which opened in 2022, is operated by EWR Terminal One LLC and handles flights from Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and some United flights. Terminal B is operated by the Port Authority and handles most foreign carriers and some United international arrivals. Terminal C is exclusively operated by and for United Airlines and its regional carrier, United Express.

In terms of transportation, EWR is accessible by car via U.S. Route 1/9, which connects to other major highways such as Interstate 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike. The airport also has its own train station, Newark Liberty International Airport Station, served by NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line and North Jersey Coast Line, as well as Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Keystone Service routes. The AirTrain monorail system connects the airport terminals to the train station, providing free transportation between them.

Ground transportation options from the airport to the city include bus services, such as the Olympia Trails express bus to Manhattan, and private limousine or taxi services. NJ Transit also operates local bus services to destinations in New Jersey, including Irvington, Downtown Newark, and Newark Penn Station. Additionally, there is a proposed extension of the PATH train system to the airport, which is currently in the planning stages.

When it comes to dining and lounges, each terminal at EWR has a food court, with Terminal C offering a variety of options like Italian deli sandwiches, gyoza, and ramen. Terminal A, renovated in 2023, features classic New York bagels from Ess-A-Bagel and chocolate chip cookies from Bang Cookies. Lounges are available for several airlines, including United, American, British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and SAS.

Newark Liberty International Airport is a convenient option for those staying in New Jersey or on the west side of Manhattan. However, it can be a longer journey for those travelling from Brooklyn or Queens, and taxi fares can be expensive. The airport is generally less crowded than JFK and LGA and offers more modern facilities.

Getting to the airport by public transport

New York City is serviced by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark International Airport (EWR). All three airports are accessible by public transport, although the mode of transport varies for each.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK is the largest and busiest of the three airports, seeing over 60 million passengers per year. It is also the most accessible via public transportation. The fastest way to get to JFK is by taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica from Moynihan (Penn) and Grand Central stations in Manhattan or Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. A one-way trip costs $5 off-peak and $7 during peak hours. From Jamaica, take the AirTrain to your terminal, which costs $8.50 between the airport and Jamaica or Howard Beach stations. The AirTrain is free to use between terminals. Taking the subway is a cheaper option, at $2.90, but it is not as fast. Take the E, J, or Z train to Jamaica, then transfer to the AirTrain. Alternatively, you can take the A train to Howard Beach and catch the AirTrain from there.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia is the smallest of the three airports and is located in Queens, about 10 miles north of JFK. There is no subway or train stop at LaGuardia Airport, so getting there on public transport includes a bus journey. Take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 to 74th St-Broadway, then hop on the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link, which stops at terminals B and C. There is also a complimentary shuttle to Terminal A. If you're travelling to or from uptown Manhattan, take the M60-SBS bus, which stops at the 125th Street 4, 5, 6 subway station. A one-way trip by any subway and bus combo costs $2.90.

Newark International Airport (EWR)

Newark Airport is located in Newark, New Jersey, and is a bit further from the city than the other two airports. To get to Newark Airport from Manhattan, take NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast lines from Moynihan (Penn) Station in midtown Manhattan to Newark Airport Station, then connect to the airport via the AirTrain. The whole trip takes about 50 minutes and costs $17.10 for a trip in either direction. Alternatively, the Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service runs between midtown Manhattan and all EWR terminals. It costs $38.50 for a round-trip fare or $22.50 for a one-way ticket. The journey takes about an hour with minimal traffic.

General Tips

• Buy tickets or add value to your MetroCard before you travel to avoid long lines at the airport and other potentially crowded areas.
• Consider the luggage you're taking with you, as you're likely to encounter crowded vehicles and stairs on your way.
• GO Airlink NYC offers an airport shuttle service with shared rides starting at $35.

Getting to the airport by taxi or rideshare

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). All three airports can be reached by taxi or rideshare.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Taking a taxi between JFK and anywhere in Manhattan, in either direction, costs a flat rate of $70 plus taxes, tolls, and tip. There is also a $5 surcharge during peak hours. Driving time between JFK and Manhattan typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you opt for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you can meet your driver in the pickup line outside of arrivals. Rideshare services will also be subject to surge pricing during peak hours.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Taking a taxi to Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport (or vice versa) costs about $30 to $45 to Times Square, plus tolls and tip. If you're traveling at rush hour, the meter will probably soar well above that price bracket. A taxi ride between LaGuardia and Manhattan typically takes 20 to 35 minutes with no traffic.

LaGuardia has designated pickup areas for rideshare services at each terminal. Uber, for example, launched a shuttle service in October 2024 for $18. The shared van fits 14 passengers and runs every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. to four stops in Manhattan: World Trade Center, Penn Station, Port Authority, and Grand Central.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

A taxi ride between EWR and NYC can take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on traffic. A taxi to Manhattan from EWR starts from around $60, and more if you're going to a further-out borough. Getting to EWR from Manhattan by taxi typically costs $70 minimum.

Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are also available at EWR, but beware of surge pricing, especially during rush hour. Rideshare drivers will pick up passengers from the passenger pickup area.

Frequently asked questions