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?

🧳 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).