Travel Tips

Getting to New York City By Plane

There are several airports serving the New York City area. Most of these airports are located less than an hour away from Midtown Manhattan. The three major airports serving New York City include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

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There are several airports serving the New York City area. Most of these airports are located less than an hour away from Midtown Manhattan. The three major airports serving New York City include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). All three airports are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Most domestic airline carriers serve two or all three airports.  Most domestic airline carriers serve two or all three airports. Every major domestic carrier searves at least one of these New York City airports.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Most International flights to New York City arrive and depart from JFK. This International Airport is located in Queens and it is approximately one hour away from Midtown Manhattan. Generally, travel time between JFK and Midtown Manhattan is between 20 to 35 minutes. Always allow extra time, especially during rush hour and peak holiday times. Further information about JFK International Airport can be obtained at www.panynj.gov or at 718-244-4444 and 800-247-7433.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia services many domestic flights in North America. The airport is located in Queens and it is approximately half an hour away from Midtown Manhattan. Even though Laguardia is the closest airport to Manhattan, it has a bad reputation for delays and terminal chaos, in both ticket-desk lines and bagguage claim. Generally, travel time between LaGuardia and Midtown Manhattan is between 30 to 50 minutes. Always allow extra time, especially during rush hour and peak holiday times. Further information about LaGuardia can be obtained at www.panynj.gov or at 718-533-3400 and 800-247-7433.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is located in Newark, New Jersey and it is approximately an hour away from Midtown Manhattan. Generally, travel time between Newark and Midtown Manhattan is between 30 to 45 minutes. Always allow extra time, especially during rush hour and peak holiday times. Further information about Newark Liberty International Airport can be obtained at www.panynj.gov or at 973-961-6000 and 800-397-4636.

Complete List of Airports Serving New York City

There are several airports located near Midtown Manhattan. The complete list of airports include:

  • Kennedy International (JFK)
  • Newark International (EWR)
  • Stewart International (SWR)
  • LaGuardia (LGA)
  • Teterboro (TEB)
  • MacArthur (ISP)
  • Westchester County (HPN)

Transportation From The Airports to New York City

Various transportation options are available from the airports to Manhattan. Visitors can chose between taxi, bus, limousine and shuttle services, private car and the MTA New York City Transit system. Each airport’s terminal offers taxi service along with various limousine and shuttle services. The major car rental companies also offer shuttle services from airport terminals to their parking lots. Additionally, the light-rail AirTrain system, which links terminals between both JFK and Newark airports, is available. AirTrain also provides access to airport parking, car rental companies and mass transportation to New York City's five boroughs. AirTrain is free to use within Airport terminals.

Travel Time From the New York City Airports

Travel time between the airports and midtown Manhattan by car or taxi is approximately 45 minutes to an hour for JFK, 30 to 45 minutes for LaGuardia, and 30 to 45 minutes for Newark Liberty International. Please note that it will take longer during rush hour and peak holiday travel times. It will also take longer if you are taking a bus.

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Friendly Advice

If your destination is Manhattan, it is more convenient to fly into Newark than into JFK and fare to Newark are often cheaper than those to the other airports. Taxi fare into Manhattan from Newark is about the same as the fare from JFK.

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