NYC Airports: The Complete Guide to JFK, LaGuardia & Newark [2026]

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). Together they handle more than 130 million passengers a year, making the New York metro area the busiest aviation market in North America.

Choosing the wrong airport—or not knowing what to expect when you land—can add an hour or more to your ground journey, turn a smooth arrival into a chaotic one, or cost you significantly more in transportation. This guide covers everything you need to know: where each airport is, which airlines fly there, how far each is from Manhattan, how to get into the city, and how to decide which airport is right for your trip.

Quick Comparison: NYC’s Three Major Airports

Before diving into the details, here is the at-a-glance picture.

For a deeper comparison of just JFK and LaGuardia, see our dedicated LGA vs. JFK breakdown.

JFK International Airport

Overview

John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK) is New York City’s largest and busiest international gateway. Located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, JFK sits approximately 15 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the busiest airports in the world by international passenger volume and serves as a primary hub for Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, with JetBlue operating its largest base here as well.

If you are flying internationally to or from New York City, JFK is almost certainly your airport.

Terminals at JFK

JFK is organized around a central AirTrain loop that connects six passenger terminals. The terminals are not contiguous—you cannot walk between most of them—so knowing your terminal in advance matters.

Note: JFK’s terminal landscape continues to evolve as part of a multi-billion dollar redevelopment program. Two new terminals—the New Terminal One (replacing T1 and T2) and a new Terminal 6 (adjacent to T5)—are currently under construction. Confirm your terminal on your boarding pass before departure.

Airlines at JFK

JFK hosts more than 90 airlines, by far the most of any New York area airport. In addition to the major domestic carriers (Delta, American, JetBlue, United), JFK offers nonstop service to virtually every major international hub on six continents. If you need a specific international carrier or route, JFK almost certainly has it.

Distance and Travel Time from JFK to Manhattan

JFK is 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. The drive ranges from 45 minutes in light traffic to 75 minutes or more during peak hours. The Van Wyck Expressway, the primary route from JFK to the city, is one of the more reliably congested stretches of highway in the metro area during rush hour.

For a full breakdown of every ground transportation option—car service, taxi, AirTrain + subway, LIRR, and rideshare—see our complete JFK airport transportation guide and our dedicated JFK to Manhattan guide.

Transport Options from JFK

• Private car service: $85–120 to Midtown. Fixed rate, no surge pricing, meet-and-greet service inside the terminal.

• Taxi: Flat rate of $70 + tolls + tip to anywhere in Manhattan. No negotiation, no surge.

• AirTrain + Subway: AirTrain ($8.50) connects to the A train (Jamaica–Howard Beach) or LIRR at Jamaica Station. Total fare around $11–14. Travel time 60–80 minutes to Midtown.

• LIRR: AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then LIRR to Penn Station. Faster than subway—approximately 30–40 minutes from Jamaica to Penn. Total cost around $20–25 depending on peak vs. off-peak.

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Variable pricing, typically $50–90 depending on demand and destination. Surge pricing common during peak arrival times.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Overview

LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan, sitting just 8 miles from Midtown in the northern section of Queens. It is the smallest of the three New York area airports and the only one that handles exclusively domestic flights—if you are arriving from outside the United States, LaGuardia is not an option.

What LaGuardia lacks in size and international service, it makes up for in proximity. When conditions are right, you can be at your hotel in Midtown within 30 minutes of landing. The airport also recently completed an $8 billion renovation—one of the largest airport construction projects in U.S. history—and the result is a facility that has gone from widely considered the worst major airport in the country to a genuinely modern, well-functioning terminal complex.

Terminals at LaGuardia

The rebuilt LaGuardia is organized into three terminals, connected landside (before security) but not airside.

Terminal B and C are linked post-security via a connector, meaning Delta and American passengers can move between them without re-clearing security. Terminal A is separate and requires exiting and re-entering the terminal complex.

For Southwest passengers specifically, see our Southwest Airlines terminal at LaGuardia guide for gate locations, pickup points, and tips.

Airlines at LaGuardia

LaGuardia serves approximately 9 domestic airlines. The primary carriers are:

• Delta Air Lines—Major hub, most departures of any airline at LGA

• American Airlines—Significant domestic presence

• United Airlines—Multiple daily routes

• Southwest Airlines—Terminal A, point-to-point domestic network

• JetBlue—Select routes

• Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant—Budget carriers in Terminal A

Note: LaGuardia has no international service. All international travel from New York requires JFK or Newark.

Distance and Travel Time from LaGuardia to Manhattan

LaGuardia is 8 miles from Midtown—roughly half the distance of JFK or Newark. In light traffic, that translates to a 20-minute drive. In rush hour, it can extend to 40 minutes or beyond.

One caveat: LaGuardia has no direct rail link to Manhattan. Every ground transportation option involves road travel, which means the proximity advantage shrinks during peak traffic hours. Early morning arrivals and weekend travel benefit the most from LaGuardia’s location.

For full transport options, see our LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan guide.

Transport Options from LaGuardia

• Private car service: $65–85 to Midtown. Fixed pricing, no surge, curbside pickup at designated car service areas.

• Taxi: Metered, typically $30–45 + tip + tolls. No flat rate (unlike JFK).

• Q70 Bus + Subway: Free bus from LGA to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave subway station, then E/F/M/R/7 trains. Around $2.90 total. Travel time 50–70 minutes to Midtown.

• M60 Bus: Connects LGA to the 2/3, 4/5, A/C/B/D subway lines in upper Manhattan. Slower but covers more of the city.

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Typically $30–55 to Midtown. Higher during peak periods.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Overview

Newark Liberty International Airport (IATA: EWR) is technically in Newark, New Jersey—not New York City—but it is very much a New York area airport and one of the three official airports serving the metro region. United Airlines has operated Newark as a major hub for decades, and the airport handles a significant volume of both domestic and international traffic.

The distance from Midtown Manhattan is 16 miles, slightly farther than JFK. But here is the counterintuitive reality: the drive from Newark to Manhattan is often faster than from JFK, because the route via the New Jersey Turnpike and Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel tends to be less congested than the Van Wyck Expressway during many parts of the day. Newark is often the most underrated option for travelers flexible on airport choice.

For a detailed guide to getting from Newark Airport to Manhattan, see our dedicated post.

Terminals at Newark

Newark has three terminals arranged in a horseshoe around a central AirTrain loop.

United Airlines operates the overwhelming majority of its Newark flights from Terminal C. If you are flying United, Terminal C is your terminal. For everything you need to know about gates, the Polaris Lounge, dining, and connections, see our complete United Airlines Terminal Newark guide.

Airlines at Newark

Newark hosts approximately 50 airlines. The dominant presence is United, which makes EWR one of its key transatlantic and domestic hubs. Other significant operators include:

• Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian—Star Alliance partners in Terminal B

• Air Canada—Terminal B

• Copa Airlines—Latin America routes

• Frontier, Spirit—Budget domestic carriers in Terminal A

• Aeromexico, TAP, Eurowings—Terminal B international routes

Distance and Travel Time from Newark to Manhattan

Newark is 16 miles from Midtown. The average drive time is 30–55 minutes, though this varies considerably. The Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown is directly accessible from Newark by bus. The NJ Transit train (connecting to AirTrain at Newark Penn Station) offers a reliable and relatively fast rail option.

Transport Options from Newark

• Private car service: $75–105 to Midtown. Fixed rate, no surge pricing, includes tunnel tolls.

• Taxi: Metered + $20 toll surcharge for New York State destinations. Typically $75–100 total including tip.

• NJ Transit + AirTrain: AirTrain ($8.50) connects to Newark Penn Station, then NJ Transit to New York Penn Station. Total around $16–20. Travel time approximately 40–55 minutes to Midtown.

• Newark Airport Express Bus: Direct bus service to Port Authority, Bryant Park, and Grand Central. Around $18–22. Travel time 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Typically $45–80 to Midtown, variable with surge pricing.

How to Choose the Right NYC Airport

With three airports serving the same city, the decision is rarely obvious. Here is a practical framework for making the right call.

Step 1: Check Your Airline First

Your airline often decides the airport for you:

• Flying United? Go to Newark (EWR).

• Flying Delta domestic? LaGuardia is Delta’s domestic hub. JFK handles some Delta international.

• Flying JetBlue? JFK is JetBlue’s primary base, though JetBlue also operates limited routes at LGA.

• Flying Southwest? LaGuardia, Terminal A.

• Flying any international carrier? JFK (Terminal 1, 4, 7) or Newark (Terminal B, C) depending on the airline.

Step 2: Domestic vs. International

• Arriving from or departing to an international destination? LaGuardia is off the table. Choose between JFK and Newark based on your airline.

• Domestic travel only? All three airports are options. LaGuardia’s proximity gives it an edge for Midtown and upper Manhattan destinations.

Step 3: Where in Manhattan Are You Going?

Your destination within Manhattan affects the math significantly.

For a complete analysis of which airport is physically closest depending on your destination, see our closest airport to Manhattan guide.

Step 4: Budget vs. Convenience

Budget travelers can reach Manhattan from any airport for under $20 using public transit—though each involves multiple transfers and 50–80 minutes of travel. If your time is worth more than the fare difference, private car service offers fixed pricing, no surge, and door-to-door pickup.

Step 5: Time of Day

Traffic patterns matter more than raw miles in the New York metro area. As a general rule:

• Early morning (before 7 am) or late night (after 9 pm): All airports become more manageable. LaGuardia’s advantage is most pronounced.

• Weekday rush hour (7–9 am, 4–7 pm): Newark via tunnel can outperform JFK. LaGuardia’s short distance still helps, but the Queens–Manhattan corridor backs up.

• Midday: Relatively predictable. LaGuardia and Newark are both solid choices for Midtown-bound travelers.

Getting from Any NYC Airport to Manhattan: All Transport Options

Regardless of which airport you use, you have five main categories of ground transportation.

1. Private Car Service

A pre-booked car service offers what taxis and rideshares cannot: a fixed price with no surge, a professional driver who tracks your flight and adjusts for delays, and a meet-and-greet inside the terminal.

For business travelers and first-time visitors, the math is often straightforward: the difference between a private car and a taxi is small relative to the value of a predictable, stress-free arrival. CoreCar provides flat-rate car service from all three NYC airports, with rates posted upfront and no hidden fees.

Typical flat rates to Midtown Manhattan (one-way):

• From JFK: $85–120

• From LaGuardia: $65–85

• From Newark: $75–105

2. Taxi

Taxis are available at all three airports from designated taxi stands—no app required, no pre-booking needed. JFK is the only airport with a true flat rate ($70 to anywhere in Manhattan, not including tolls and tip). LGA and EWR use metered fares.

Taxis are reliable and regulated. The tradeoff versus car service: no flight tracking, no guaranteed availability at peak times, and no meet-and-greet inside the terminal.

3. Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Rideshare apps work at all three airports from designated pickup zones—typically a short walk or shuttle from arrivals. Pricing is demand-based, which means peak arrival periods (especially Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons) can see significant surge pricing that rivals or exceeds car service rates. No flight tracking, no fixed pricing.

4. Subway and Bus (Public Transit)

The most affordable option at every airport. Budget $3–20 depending on the route and combination.

None of these options are ideal with heavy luggage or if you are unfamiliar with the New York transit system. For a first-time visitor, the transfer complexity at JFK (AirTrain to subway to whatever line you need) adds meaningful stress to an already long day of travel.

5. Train Service (LIRR / NJ Transit)

The fastest public transit option from JFK is the Long Island Rail Road, accessed via the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. Trains run frequently and reach Penn Station in about 30 minutes. Cost is around $15–25 depending on peak vs. off-peak.

From Newark, NJ Transit connects AirTrain (Newark station) to New York Penn Station in approximately 25 minutes for around $15. This is one of the better-value transit options in the entire metro area.

Tips for First-Time NYC Airport Travelers

Book your ground transportation before you land. New York airports—especially JFK and Newark—can be chaotic on arrival. Knowing your ride is already confirmed removes one significant variable.

Check your terminal before leaving for the airport. At JFK especially, terminals are far apart and connected only by AirTrain. Arriving at the wrong terminal costs real time.

Allow more time than you think you need. Traffic in the New York metro area is genuinely unpredictable. A 45-minute Google Maps estimate can become 90 minutes on a bad Friday afternoon. For flights departing before noon, consider leaving at least two hours early for JFK and EWR; 90 minutes for LGA.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are worth it at JFK and Newark. Both airports have long security lines during peak periods. If you travel more than a few times per year, enrollment in PreCheck ($85 for 5 years) pays for itself quickly.

International arrivals at JFK take time. Customs and immigration at JFK can add 30–60 minutes to your arrival timeline, particularly on flights from Europe that land in the early afternoon. If someone is picking you up, tell them to track your flight and wait for your text—not to arrive at a fixed time.

LaGuardia has no direct rail link. This surprises many visitors. Every surface option involves road travel. Plan accordingly, especially during rush hour.

Newark AirTrain requires a separate fare. The AirTrain at Newark is not a free connection—it costs $8.50 and requires a separate ticket from your NJ Transit or PATH fare. Budget for it.

All three airports have cell phone lots for pickups. If someone is collecting you by car, they should wait in the designated cell phone lot (free, short-term) rather than circling arrivals. You call when you have your bags—then they pull in.

FAQ: NYC Airports

How many airports does New York City have?

New York City has three major commercial airports: JFK (Queens), LaGuardia (Queens), and Newark Liberty International (Newark, NJ). While there are smaller general aviation airports in the region—like Teterboro in New Jersey—these do not serve commercial airline passengers.

Which NYC airport is closest to Manhattan?

LaGuardia Airport is the closest to Manhattan at 8 miles from Midtown. JFK is 15 miles and Newark is 16 miles. However, distance in miles does not always translate to shortest travel time—traffic conditions, time of day, and route all affect the actual journey. See our closest airport to Manhattan guide for a full analysis.

Which airport is best for international flights to New York?

JFK handles the majority of international traffic to New York City and offers by far the most international routes and airlines. Newark also has significant international service, particularly for Star Alliance carriers. LaGuardia handles no international flights.

Is Newark Airport part of New York City?

Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Newark, New Jersey—not within the five boroughs of New York City. However, it is officially designated as one of the three New York area airports by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and it serves the same metro region. Travel times to Midtown Manhattan are comparable to JFK.

What is the easiest NYC airport to get to from Midtown Manhattan?

LaGuardia is the easiest to reach from Midtown in terms of distance, and it has no complex rail connections to navigate. For travelers comfortable with the rail system, Newark offers the fastest and most reliable rail connection (NJ Transit to Penn Station). JFK, while the largest, often involves the longest and most variable ground journey.

Can I take the subway to any NYC airport?

Subway access varies by airport. JFK is connected via AirTrain to the A and E subway lines (and the LIRR). LaGuardia has no direct subway connection—the closest is a bus link to several subway lines. Newark is connected via AirTrain to NJ Transit (not the NYC subway), which takes you to Penn Station in Manhattan.

Are there buses from NYC airports to Manhattan?

Yes. All three airports have bus service to Manhattan. LaGuardia has the M60 and Q70 bus connections. Newark has the Newark Airport Express bus, which runs directly to Grand Central, Bryant Park, and Port Authority. JFK has express bus options but they are slower than the AirTrain + subway combination for most Midtown destinations.

Which NYC airport has the best food and amenities?

Terminal C at Newark (post-renovation) and Terminal 5 at JFK (JetBlue’s terminal) are consistently rated among the better options. LaGuardia’s new Terminal B is a significant upgrade from the pre-renovation airport and now offers a solid range of dining options. Terminal 4 at JFK has the widest variety due to its size.

How early should I arrive at NYC airports?

For domestic flights: 90 minutes at LaGuardia; 2 hours at JFK and Newark. For international flights: at least 3 hours at JFK or Newark to allow for check-in, security, and any customs-related processing. During peak travel periods (holidays, summer weekends), add another 30 minutes to each estimate.

What is the cheapest way to get from NYC airports to Manhattan?

The Q70 bus + subway from LaGuardia is the cheapest option at $2.90. From JFK, the AirTrain + subway comes in around $11. From Newark, NJ Transit to Penn Station is approximately $16–20. All options involve at least one transfer and 40–75 minutes of travel.

The Bottom Line

New York’s three airports each serve a distinct purpose. LaGuardia is the right answer for domestic travel when ground time matters and you are heading to Midtown or upper Manhattan. JFK is the answer for international travel and the broadest airline selection. Newark earns consideration for United flyers, travelers heading to lower Manhattan or New Jersey, and anyone who has learned that 16 miles via the NJ Turnpike can beat 15 miles on the Van Wyck on a bad afternoon.

Understanding the differences between the three airports before your trip is the single most effective way to control your ground transportation experience in New York City.