Flying to New York City is an exciting but sometimes confusing journey. The New York metropolitan area has three major airports in addition to several smaller airports, and offers various airlines, public transportation, and connections between all of them. Depending on where you must land in New York City, how much you must spend, and how much flexibility or amenities you are on the lookout for, you’ll be able to choose from town’s two international airports, LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), each in Queens, or Newark International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey. Here’s tips on how to make your selection.
International airports in and around NYC
New York’s three largest airports include LaGuardia International Airport (LGA), or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Newark International Airport (EWR). There are several smaller airports in the encircling Mento area, including suburban Westchester County Airport (HPN) – home of Bark Air! – and Teterboro Airport (TEB) in suburban New Jersey. New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) within the Hudson Valley is an alternative choice for international flights.
When to fly to LGA
Located in East Elmhurst Queens, LaGuardia is just minutes from the residential neighborhoods of Flushing, Astoria, and Jackson Heights. If you reside in Queens, LaGuardia will be an excellent option. LGA is notoriously not connected to town by subway, but offers several public buses in addition to rideshare options to get to Manhattan and the outer boroughs. If you reside in Harlem or the Upper West Side, the Q60 also offers direct bus service. LGA is a hub for Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
When to fly to JFK
John F. Kennedy Airport is definitely accessible to and from Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. The airport is connected to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and the MTA subway, so you’ll be able to really get anywhere from this airport. JFK can also be larger than LGA and offers several more airlines and flights, providing you with more flexibility when flying through JFK, which is taken into account New York’s busiest airport. Travelers may commute to and from JFK in Manhattan via the Blade helicopter.
JFK can also be home to the retro-style TWA Hotel, which is great for layovers, late arrivals, or early departures. JFK is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue, which has its own terminal, T5, that gives an outside dog run and other amenities.
When to fly to EWR
Newark Airport is positioned in New Jersey, so in case you’re landing in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, this airport is definitely the perfect selection. It’s also closest to Midtown and Lower Manhattan in case you’re traveling by NJ Transit or automotive. Commuting from Brooklyn or Queens to EWR could be a hassle and expensive by automotive, but sometimes it’s the perfect option by way of flight times or certain airlines. Travelers may commute to and from EWR to Manhattan by Blade helicopter.
EWR is a very important hub for United Airlines.