Flying to NYC? Here’s What You Need to Know About JFK, Newark & LaGuardia
New York City has three major airports, each with its own quirks, charms, and transportation headaches. Whether you’re flying in for a weekend in Manhattan or heading home from Brooklyn, choosing the right airport (or surviving the wrong one) can make a big difference.
Here’s your no-fluff guide to JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia — with pros, cons, and how to actually get to or from the city.
🛫 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
📍 Location: Queens, NY
Distance from Manhattan: ~15 miles (24 km)
✅ Pros:
-
Major international hub with tons of long-haul flights
-
Many airlines = better prices and options
-
AirTrain + Subway = cheap access to NYC
❌ Cons:
-
Crowded and sprawling – can feel like a maze
-
Older terminals, though some have been renovated
-
AirTrain is a separate fee
🚗 How to Get There/Back:
-
AirTrain JFK connects to Subway lines A, E, J, Z and LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)
-
Taxi to Manhattan: ~$70 flat rate + tolls and tip
-
Uber/Lyft: Depends on traffic, often $60–$90
-
LIRR to Penn Station: ~35 minutes
🛫 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
📍 Location: Newark, New Jersey
Distance from Manhattan: ~16 miles (26 km)
✅ Pros:
-
Surprisingly quick train access to Manhattan
-
Often better for flights to Europe
-
Smaller airport = shorter walk times
❌ Cons:
-
You’re in New Jersey. Sorry, Jersey.
-
More expensive rideshare and taxi fares
-
Trains can be confusing if you’re jet-lagged
🚗 How to Get There/Back:
-
AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit to Penn Station NYC: ~30 minutes
-
Taxi to Manhattan: ~$85–$100
-
Uber/Lyft: ~$60–$90, depending on time of day
-
Buses available (cheaper, slower)
🛫 LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
📍 Location: Northern Queens, NY
Distance from Manhattan: ~8 miles (13 km)
✅ Pros:
-
Closest airport to Manhattan
-
Great for domestic flights
-
Recently renovated terminals = much improved experience
❌ Cons:
-
No direct train access (yet!)
-
Heavy traffic delays around the airport
-
Smaller = fewer flight options
🚗 How to Get There/Back:
-
M60 SBS Bus to Harlem and Upper West Side
-
Q70 SBS Bus to Jackson Heights (connects to E, F, R, 7 subway lines)
-
Taxi: ~$45–$60 to Manhattan
-
Uber/Lyft: Often $35–$55
So, Which NYC Airport Should You Choose?
| Airport | Best For | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|
| JFK | International flights, budget seekers | You hate crowds or walking |
| EWR | Fast train to Manhattan, Europe flights | You don’t want to leave NYC proper |
| LGA | Quick trips, domestic routes | You want subway access |
🧳 Final Tip:
When booking your flight, don’t just look at airfare — factor in time, transport cost, and your arrival neighborhood. Sometimes the cheapest flight lands you in the most expensive taxi ride.
Flying to New York doesn’t have to be a headache — as long as you pick the airport that fits your plans (and your patience level).
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