In the city that never sleeps, New York, travellers have an abundance of connectivity options. As a global hub for air travel, the Big Apple provides nonstop flights to major cities across the globe, as well as numerous smaller destinations.
LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Newark Liberty (EWR) are the three main New York airports.
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Image by Jon Flobrant via Unsplash
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is the primary New York airport, one of the largest globally, with over 60 million passengers, and the best airline and destination selection. It's North America's top international traffic hub, making it the go-to choice, especially from Europe.
Helpful Info: JFK is a great option for long-haul international travel because of its large airport and variety of airlines.
- Code: JFK
- Number of terminals: 6
Location: JFK Airport, sometimes referred to as JFK, is located about 15 miles southeast of Manhattan in Queens, not Brooklyn. It is conveniently the nearest airport to Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Long Island.
Ideal for: JFK is without a doubt the best option for visitors going to places like Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, and other neighbouring Brooklyn districts.
Not recommended for: If you are planning a trip to visit friends in Upper Manhattan, be prepared to spend a considerable amount of your holiday travelling by train.
Distance to Times Square: JFK is approximately 15 miles away from the iconic Times Square.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- This is New York's main airport, and flights are international.
- It's easy to find a specific airline (if you have your habits).
- Flights are cheaper from/to JFKand it is the best airport to fly into New York from London.
- Marcus Samuelsson, executive chef at JFK's Uptown Brasserie, will help you relax after customs.
Cons:
- It is 15 miles away from Times Square, which makes it the furthest airport depending on where your hotel is located.
- Passage through the immigration zone is often congested, sometimes delaying your arrival in the city (quite a lot).
- If saving money on expensive cab rides into Manhattan is a priority for you, then JFK might not be the most suitable option.
Additional Insights:
Rush Hour Commute: Be prepared for the possibility that the journey from downtown New York City to JFK could take an alarming 2 hours at peak times.
Security: Security lines at JFK are generally well-managed and the added benefit of CLEAR for speedy processing is convenient. Some credit cards offer a free six-month CLEAR trial.
Flight Options at JFK: JFK is a major international hub that connects travellers to anywhere in the world, particularly Europe. When looking for direct flights to Europe, choose JFK.
Airport Amenities: JFK offers a variety of amenities, from baggage storage to hotel reservations, paging and traveller assistance, mobile phone rental, Wi-Fi, medical facilities, tourist information, restrooms, and a diverse range of shops and restaurants
Transfer Options: Train And Metro (Via Airtrain JFK), Buses, Taxis and private transfers
- Taxi to Manhattan: €64.80 (45 minutes, plus tolls, potential wait times).
- Subway to Manhattan: €10.20 (60 minutes, multiple transfers possible).
- Bus to Manhattan: €8.80 (90 minutes, express bus reliability varies).
Private Transfers to Manhattan
Using AirportTransfer.com, make your journey to or from Manhattan easier with our limousine service from JFK Airport. Enjoy an easy limo transfer, avoiding the hassle of public transport.

Image by Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport, with two modern terminals, is a domestic travel hub nearest to Manhattan, located conveniently in Queens near Elmhurst and Astoria. Ideal for domestic travellers seeking quick access to Manhattan.
- Code: LGA
- Number of terminals: 4
Helpful Tip: Although LaGuardia is easily accessible from Manhattan and ideal for domestic travel, it has severe slot limitations.
Location: Located in northern Queens on Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay, LaGuardia Airport is just around eight miles from midtown Manhattan. It's the nearest airport to Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Times Square.
Ideal for: It is the best airport to fly into New York if staying in Manhattan is on your itinerary.
Not recommended for: LaGuardia Airport, on multiple occasions, has been observed to be one of the least punctual airports in the United States. This assessment is primarily due to significant flight delays and cancellations frequently experienced at the airport.
Distance to Times Square: LGA is approximately 9 miles away from Times Square.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Close to midtown Manhattan, LaGuardia provides an 11-mile, 30-minute ride to Times Square, at fixed fares with private cab service at AirportTransfer.com.
- It boasts excellent dining choices, such as fresh acai bowls in the new Delta terminal.
- It is the best airport to fly into New York Times Square.
Cons:
- LaGuardia Airport frequently encounters notable delays, particularly during inclement weather conditions or due to staffing issues.
- Traffic can add to journey times, and the bus at the airport may be overcrowded, leaving less space for your luggage.
Additional Insights:
Access via Public Transportation: If you intend to take public transportation to the airport, stay away from LaGuardia because there aren't many options.
Flight Options at LGA: Though slightly smaller than JFK, LaGuardia Airport is still a major aviation player with connections to many different locations. It serves both domestic and international destinations.
Airport Amenities: A variety of facilities are available to visitors at LGA, including stores, eateries, Wi-Fi, charging stations, pet relief areas, restrooms, and ATMs.
Transfer Options from LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Subway, train, taxi and private transfers:
- Taxi to Manhattan: €37 (30 minutes, plus potential traffic, standard 20% tip, extra €0.90 during rush hour).
- Subway to Manhattan: €2.40 (50 minutes, involves bus before subway).
- Train to Manhattan: €6 (20 minutes, transfer and crowding during rush hours).
Private Transfers to Manhattan
By opting for AirportTransfer.com, make your journey to or from Manhattan easier with our limousine service from LaGuardia airport. Enjoy an easy limo transfer, avoiding the hassle of public transport.

Image by Luca Bravo via Unsplash
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Combining elements of LaGuardia and JFK, Newark Airport serves both local and international travellers, with United Airlines serving as a primary gateway to Europe. Newark is probably your first option if you like United or Star Alliance.
- Code: EWR
- Number of terminals: 3
Helpful Tip: You can fly to and from Newark Airport, which combines domestic and international flights.
Location: Situated 16 miles from Manhattan, Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey is the nearest airport to Staten Island and a major transportation hub for tourists visiting New York City.
Ideal for: If you are visiting Manhattan, interested in a "Sopranos" tour, or appreciate scenic views of the Jersey highway (including the Statue of Liberty) from post-industrial Queens, EWR is an excellent choice.
Not recommended for: If you're searching for luxury eating, keep in mind that after-security options at EWR are mainly restricted to Dunkin' Donuts and eateries.
Distance to Times Square: EWR is approximately 13 miles away from Times Square.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Travel times from Newark Airport to Manhattan may be impacted by traffic conditions at the Holland Tunnel.
- EWR serves as a major hub for United Airlines, thus establishing itself as a favoured choice among United passengers.
Cons:
- It is located in New Jersey
- The Newark Airport Express only stops at terminals A, B and C at the airport.
- It does not serve all foreign airlines but does serve American Airlines, Air France, British Airways and China Airlines, as well as a handful of low-cost carriers.
Additional Insights:
Expense: Depending on your location, being in New Jersey may result in higher cab charges to and from the airport.
Flight Options at EWR: More than 30 airlines service Newark Liberty International Airport, connecting it to both international and local destinations.
Airport Amenities: Shops, duty-free and retail stores, pubs, cafés and restaurants, currency exchange, telecommunication, and banking services are available at EWR.
Transfer Options from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): train (via AirTrain Newark), buses, taxis, car service new york and private transfers.
- Taxi to Manhattan: €51 (30 minutes, extra charges for substantial luggage, €5.50 surcharge for credit card).
- Train to Manhattan: €14.60 (45 minutes, potential transfers, weekday rush hour crowds, frequent service).
- Bus to Manhattan: €17.40 (60 minutes, major city stops, travel time subject to traffic conditions).
Private Transfers to Manhattan
Private car service with AirportTransfer.com caters to both airport transfers and exclusive city transportation, offering a premium experience with privacy and personalised attention for business and leisure travellers alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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