New York Airports: Which One Takes Off Better?

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 own unique characteristics, and the best option for travellers depends on several factors.

JFK is the largest and busiest of the three airports, offering many international flights and efficient public transportation options, such as the AirTrain JFK. LaGuardia, on the other hand, is the closest airport to Manhattan and has been praised for its recent \$8 billion renovation, which transformed it into an award-winning travel hub. Newark Airport is convenient for those travelling from the New York Tri-State area and offers affordable transportation options, but it can be expensive and time-consuming to reach from the city.

Factors such as proximity, flight preferences, transportation convenience, and budget should be considered when choosing the best airport for your travel needs.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

If you're staying in most of Brooklyn, Queens, or on the east side of Manhattan, JFK will be your closest airport. It is a preferred choice for many travellers because of the plentiful options when it comes to flights, lounges, shops, and dining options.

More than 70 airlines fly in and out of JFK, most of them international. Major U.S.-based carriers American, Delta, and JetBlue use JFK as a hub, and the airport's entire Terminal 5 is operated by JetBlue.

JFK has a wide range of lounges, including a Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and lounges for Aer Lingus, Air France, Air India, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Emirates, and Lufthansa.

JFK is relatively easy to access by public transportation. The fastest way to get there 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. From Jamaica, take the AirTrain to your terminal. This airport shuttle train costs $8.50 between the airport and Jamaica or Howard Beach stations, but it's free to use between terminals.

Taking the subway is a cheaper option, at $2.90, but it will take longer. 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.

A taxi between JFK and anywhere in Manhattan costs a flat rate of $70 plus taxes, tolls, and tip. There is a $5 surcharge during peak hours.

JFK is currently undergoing a $19 billion renovation, which will add two new terminals and is expected to be completed in 2030.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport accommodates both domestic and limited international destinations. In 2023, it was the third-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area, and the 19th-busiest in the United States by passenger volume. The airport is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, but its commercial operations are governed by unique regulations, including a curfew, a slot system, and a "perimeter rule" restricting most non-stop flights beyond 1,500 miles.

LaGuardia Airport has undergone significant transformations. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the airport was criticised for its outdated facilities, inefficient operations, and poor customer service. However, a multibillion-dollar reconstruction of the airport's passenger infrastructure was announced in 2015, with an expected completion date of 2025. The new Terminal B, which replaced the old Central Terminal Building, features a modern design, improved efficiency, and enhanced dining options, including popular New York restaurants.

LaGuardia Airport is easily accessible from Manhattan's Upper East Side, the Bronx, and northern Brooklyn. While it does not have a direct subway or train connection, travellers can take the subway to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or 74th St-Broadway, and then transfer to the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus, which serves Terminals B and C. A complimentary shuttle is also available to Terminal A. For those travelling to or from uptown Manhattan, the M60-SBS bus connects to the 125th Street 4, 5, 6 subway station.

The airport has been praised for its new renovations, with some commenting that it now feels like a "brand new airport". The Delta terminal, in particular, has been described as "absolutely gorgeous". The Uber/Lyft pickup zone has also been noted for its efficiency. LaGuardia Airport offers a convenient and efficient travel experience, especially for domestic travellers, with improved facilities and a modern aesthetic.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

EWR is a great option for those looking for affordable transportation options when travelling from the New York Tri-State area. The airport is accessible via NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines, which provide transportation between Moynihan (Penn) Station in midtown Manhattan and Newark Airport Station. From there, you can connect to the airport via the AirTrain. The whole trip takes about 50 minutes and costs $17.10 each way. Alternatively, you can take the Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service between midtown Manhattan and all EWR terminals. This option will cost you $38.50 for a round trip or $22.50 for a one-way ticket, and the journey takes about an hour with minimal traffic.

Taxi rides between EWR and NYC can be very expensive and time-consuming, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. A taxi to Manhattan will cost around $60, and more if you're travelling to a further-out borough. Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can be cheaper outside of rush hour, but beware of surge pricing.

More than 30 airlines fly in and out of EWR, including over a dozen international carriers. The airport is a major hub for United Airlines, and other airlines such as American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Spirit, and TAP Air Portugal. You can find direct flights to destinations like San Juan, London, Tokyo, Dubai, and Berlin.

Each terminal at EWR has a food court, with Terminal C boasting the best options. You can find an Italian deli sandwich from Casiano's, gyoza from Wabi Sabi, or ramen from Kaedama. Terminal A, which was renovated in 2023, offers classic NYC bagels from Ess-A-Bagel and chocolate chip cookies from Jersey favourite Bang Cookies.

United, American, British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and SAS all have lounges at EWR, among others.

Transport options to and from the airport

There are three major airports in New York City: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey. The best airport for you will depend on your preferred mode of transport to and from the airport.

If you are travelling by public transport, JFK is the most accessible airport by train and subway. To get to JFK, you can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica from Manhattan or Brooklyn, and then take the AirTrain to your terminal. This journey will cost $12.50 to $15.50 one way. Alternatively, you can take the E, J, or Z train to Jamaica and then the AirTrain, or the A train to Howard Beach and then the AirTrain. This journey will cost $11.50. Travelling to JFK by subway takes over an hour.

LaGuardia Airport is accessible by subway and bus. From Midtown Manhattan, you can take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, or the 7 to 74th St-Broadway, and then take the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus to terminals B and C. A complimentary shuttle will take you to Terminal A if needed. From Uptown Manhattan, you can 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.

To get to Newark Liberty International Airport from Manhattan, you can take the NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines from Moynihan (Penn) Station to Newark Airport Station, and then connect to the airport via AirTrain. This journey will take about 50 minutes and costs $17.10. You can also take the Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service between Midtown Manhattan and all EWR terminals, which costs $38.50 for a round-trip fare or $22.50 for a one-way ticket.

If you are travelling by car or taxi, the cost to and from the airport will depend on your destination in the city, and the time of day you are travelling. For example, travelling by taxi between JFK and Manhattan will cost a flat rate of $70 plus taxes, tolls, and tip, with an additional $5 surcharge during peak hours. A taxi between LaGuardia and Times Square will cost around $30 to $45, plus tolls and tip. During rush hour, the meter is likely to soar. A taxi between EWR and Manhattan starts from around $60, and a taxi from Manhattan to EWR will cost at least $70.

Terminal facilities and amenities

JFK, the city's main airport, is currently undergoing a $19 billion renovation, which will add two new terminals and modernise existing ones. Terminal 1 features Jikji Cafe for quick Asian-inspired bites, while Terminal 4 is home to Blue Point Brewing Company, a sit-down restaurant and bar. Terminal 5 has an outpost of Artichoke Basille's Pizza, as well as the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and lounges for several other airlines.

LGA, the smallest of the three airports, has also undergone an $8 billion transformation, which has seen it named the best airport in the US by the Forbes Travel Guide. Terminal B was named the best new airport terminal in the world by Skytrax and UNESCO, and is home to popular New York eateries like Shake Shack, Bubby's, and Dos Toros Taqueria. Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, is an art deco building featuring a WPA mural in its rotunda. However, it is only serviced by two airlines: Spirit and Frontier.

EWR, which served 49.1 million passengers in 2023, features a food court in each terminal, with Terminal C arguably offering the best dining options, including Italian deli sandwiches from Casiano's, gyoza from Wabi Sabi, and ramen from Kaedama. Terminal A, renovated in 2023, offers classic New York bagels from Ess-A-Bagel and chocolate chip cookies from Bang Cookies. The airport also features lounges for several airlines, including United, American, British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and SAS.

Frequently asked questions