Owais Crawford
New York City's airspace is one of the busiest in the world, and the 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 own advantages and disadvantages in terms of location, transportation options, and convenience. So, which is the best airport to get to Midtown?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Closest airport to Midtown Manhattan | LaGuardia Airport (LGA) |
| Cheapest taxi ride to Midtown Manhattan | LaGuardia Airport (LGA) |
| Fixed-rate taxi airport | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) |
| Flat-rate taxi fare to Midtown Manhattan | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) |
| Most flights and time options | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) |
| Easy access to Midtown via public transit | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) |
| Easy access to Midtown via public transit | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) |
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What You'll Learn
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK, is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. Located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, JFK is 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Midtown Manhattan. The airport is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK Airport, offering nonstop or direct flights to destinations across all six inhabited continents.
JFK Airport is accessible via car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways. While the airport does not have a direct subway to Manhattan, there are multiple routes to the city. The AirTrain, for example, can be taken to either Jamaica or Howard Beach stations in Queens, from where passengers can board the subway to their desired location. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) can also be accessed via the AirTrain at Jamaica Station, with fares ranging from $12.25 to $18.50. This journey to Manhattan takes around 50 minutes.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at JFK, but the journey to Midtown can take over an hour. A taxi costs $56.50, including a $52 flat fare and a $4.50 peak-time surcharge. For those seeking a faster option, Blade Helicopter offers a 5-minute transfer to Manhattan for $195 per seat.
JFK Airport opened in 1948 as New York International Airport and was commonly known as Idlewild Airport. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the airport was renamed in his honour.
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the GO Airlink NYC shuttle service offers transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan for $25 per person for groups of 3-4 people. This is a more affordable option than ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, which typically charge between $40-$60 for a trip from LGA to Midtown Manhattan.
If you're travelling light, you can opt for the public bus, such as the M60 or Q70, which goes directly to Manhattan for only $2.75. However, the trip can take up to an hour or more, depending on traffic.
Another option is to take the subway to the bus. You can take the subway from Midtown to Jackson Heights Roosevelt Ave station in Queens and then take the free Q70 bus directly to LGA. Alternatively, you can take the subway to the M60 bus, which will take longer but is a cheaper option.
If you prefer a more luxurious option, Blade offers charters between NYC and LGA by helicopter for $195 per seat. This option will get you to your destination in just 5 minutes.
Taxis are also readily available outside LGA terminals and provide curb-to-curb service at fixed metered rates. However, be aware that you may have to pay additional toll gate fees.
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
If you're travelling to Midtown, New York, you have three airport options: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Newark Liberty International Airport is located in New Jersey, just 13-18 miles from Midtown Manhattan. While taking a taxi from Newark to Midtown can be more expensive than from other airports, there are multiple other travel options, including trains, buses, cars, and shuttles.
If you're travelling with a group, it may be best to avoid taxis due to the hefty tunnel toll from New Jersey into Manhattan. A taxi from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan will cost a minimum of $50, and more if you're travelling to a further-out borough. Ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available, but beware of surge pricing.
Taking the train is a popular option for travellers going from Newark Airport to Midtown. The AirTrain monorail connects the airport to the Newark Airport Rail Station, where you can transfer to an NJ Transit train to Penn Station in Midtown. The AirTrain access fee is $8.50, and the NJ Transit train ticket costs $15.50. The entire journey takes less than 40 minutes.
There are also airport buses and shuttles that provide transportation between Newark Airport and Midtown. The Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service runs between Midtown and all EWR terminals, costing $22.50 for a one-way ticket and $38.50 for a round trip. The journey takes about an hour with minimal traffic.
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Travel time and cost
When it comes to travel time and cost between Midtown Manhattan and New York City's three major airports, there are several factors to consider, including your mode of transportation and the specific Midtown location. Here is a breakdown of the options:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
JFK is one of the two New York City airports, located in Queens, and it is known for its accessibility via public transportation. The AirTrain, which costs $5, connects the airport to the subway system, specifically the A and E lines. From there, you can take the E train to Midtown for $2.50, making the total cost of this journey $7.50. However, the duration of this trip can vary significantly due to New York City traffic, with estimates ranging from 30-40 minutes by cab or car to up to 90 minutes by train.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA):
LaGuardia is the other airport located within New York City, in Queens, and it is physically the closest to Midtown Manhattan. The Q70 bus, costing $2.50, connects the airport to the 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue train station, where you can transfer for free to the E, F, M, R, and 7 lines towards Midtown. The total cost of this journey is $2.50 if you utilize the subway system. However, LaGuardia is harder to navigate due to its size and lack of terminal connectivity, and it is more prone to weather-related cancellations.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR):
Newark Airport is located in the nearby state of New Jersey. While it is further away, it can be more convenient for those staying in West Midtown. The airport shuttle connects to the train system, with a 20-minute train ride to Penn Station, which is within walking distance of West Midtown. The Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service offers a one-way fare of $22.50 and a round-trip fare of $38.50. The journey takes about an hour with minimal traffic. However, taxi rides between EWR and Midtown Manhattan can be significantly more expensive, ranging from $60 to over $70, and are subject to heavy tunnel tolls.
In summary, each airport offers different advantages and considerations regarding travel time and cost. JFK and LaGuardia are connected to the New York City subway system, offering relatively affordable travel options, but are subject to the city's notorious traffic. Newark, while further away, can be more convenient for West Midtown destinations and offers a direct shuttle and train connection, but taxis to Manhattan from Newark can be costly.
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Convenience and accessibility
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is the largest airport in New York City and is connected to the subway via the A, E, and AirTrain lines. It has the most flights and time options, serving both domestic and international destinations. It is also one of the busiest airports in America, with 62.6 million passengers passing through in 2019. The airport is built to handle this volume, with modern terminals and decent infrastructure. It is easily accessible via public transportation, although it can take up to 90 minutes to get to the airport on the train and 30-40 minutes by cab or car. To get to Midtown from JFK, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Center Station and then the E train to Midtown for a total cost of $7.50.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan and is physically the closest to Manhattan out of all three airports. It serves both international and domestic destinations. However, it is a smaller airport with fewer flights and is more likely to have weather cancellations. LaGuardia can be harder to get to and from via public transportation. To get to Midtown from LGA, you can take the Q70 bus to the 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue train station and then transfer to the E, F, M, R, or 7 train lines for a total cost of $2.50.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport is located in New Jersey and is a major hub for United Airlines. It offers transportation to Moynihan (Penn) Station in Midtown Manhattan via the AirTrain and NJ Transit 's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines. The Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service also runs between Midtown Manhattan and all EWR terminals for $22.50 one way or $38.50 for a round trip. The journey takes about an hour with minimal traffic. Taking a taxi between EWR and Midtown Manhattan can be more expensive, typically costing $70 minimum.
Summary
All three airports offer varying degrees of convenience and accessibility to Midtown. JFK has the advantage of being connected to the subway and offering the most flight options, but it is further away from Midtown. LaGuardia is the closest airport to Midtown, but it has fewer flights and is harder to navigate via public transportation. Newark offers convenient train and bus connections to Midtown but is located in a different state, which can impact travel costs and time. The best airport for convenience and accessibility will ultimately depend on your specific location in Midtown and your preferred mode of transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan. However, it is smaller and may not have as many well-timed flights. It is also harder to get to and from via public transportation.
You can take the Q70 public bus from the airport to the subway stop in Jackson Heights, where you can take the E train to Midtown.
The other two major New York City airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is connected to the subway via the A, E lines and AirTrain, and has the most flights and time options. Newark is also accessible by public transit to Midtown Manhattan.
From JFK, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Center station, and then the E train to Midtown. From Newark, you can take the airport shuttle to the train, and then take the train to Penn Station.
