New York City

✈️

Airports

Major airports serving New York City for domestic and international travel.

Sections

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Overview:

  • Location: Queens, about 15 miles southeast of Manhattan.
  • Primary Use: International and domestic flights.
  • Terminals: 6 active terminals (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and Terminal 2 for Delta regional flights).
  • Key Airlines: Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, and many international carriers.

Transportation Options to/from Manhattan:

  1. AirTrain JFK + Subway:

    • Route: Take the AirTrain from your terminal to either Jamaica Station (connect to the E, J, or Z subway lines) or Howard Beach Station (connect to the A subway line).
    • Cost: $8.25 for the AirTrain + $2.90 for a subway ride (total: $11.15).
    • Travel Time: 60–90 minutes.
    • Tips: Purchase a MetroCard at the AirTrain station for seamless transfers.

  2. AirTrain JFK + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR):

    • Route: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the LIRR for a direct ride to Penn Station in Manhattan.
    • Cost: $8.25 for the AirTrain + $5–$10.75 for the LIRR (depending on time of day).
    • Travel Time: 35–50 minutes.
    • Tips: LIRR is faster than the subway and ideal for travelers with luggage.

  3. Taxi:

    • Cost: Flat fare of $70 to Manhattan (plus tolls and tip).
    • Travel Time: 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
    • Tips: Use the official taxi stand and avoid unlicensed drivers.

  4. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):

    • Cost: $70–$120, depending on time of day and demand.
    • Travel Time: 45–90 minutes.
    • Tips: Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area.

  5. Shuttle Services:

    • Cost: $20–$40 per person.
    • Travel Time: 60–120 minutes (shared rides may take longer).
    • Tips: Book in advance for reliable service.

  6. Private Car Services:

    • Cost: $100–$200, depending on the company and vehicle type.
    • Tips: Ideal for groups or travelers seeking comfort.

2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Overview:

  • Location: Queens, about 8 miles from Manhattan.
  • Primary Use: Domestic and short-haul international flights.
  • Terminals: 4 terminals (A, B, C, D).
  • Key Airlines: Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue.

Transportation Options to/from Manhattan:

  1. Public Bus + Subway:

    • Route: Take the Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service) from the airport to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue (connect to the E, F, M, R, or 7 subway lines) or Woodside (connect to the 7 subway line or LIRR).
    • Cost: $2.90 for the bus/subway ride (free transfer with a MetroCard).
    • Travel Time: 45–75 minutes.
    • Tips: The Q70 SBS is luggage-friendly and runs frequently.

  2. Taxi:

    • Cost: $30–$50 to Manhattan (plus tolls and tip).
    • Travel Time: 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
    • Tips: Use the official taxi stand and avoid unlicensed drivers.

  3. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):

    • Cost: $40–$80, depending on demand and time of day.
    • Travel Time: 30–60 minutes.
    • Tips: Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area.

  4. Shuttle Services:

    • Cost: $15–$30 per person.
    • Travel Time: 60–90 minutes (shared rides may take longer).
    • Tips: Book in advance for reliable service.

  5. Private Car Services:

    • Cost: $80–$150, depending on the company and vehicle type.
    • Tips: Ideal for groups or travelers seeking comfort.

3. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Overview:

  • Location: Newark, New Jersey, about 16 miles southwest of Manhattan.
  • Primary Use: International and domestic flights.
  • Terminals: 3 terminals (A, B, C).
  • Key Airlines: United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and many international carriers.

Transportation Options to/from Manhattan:

  1. AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit:

    • Route: Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then transfer to an NJ Transit train to Penn Station in Manhattan.
    • Cost: $15.25 (AirTrain + NJ Transit).
    • Travel Time: 30–45 minutes.
    • Tips: Purchase tickets at the NJ Transit vending machines.

  2. Taxi:

    • Cost: $70–$100 to Manhattan (plus tolls and tip).
    • Travel Time: 40–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
    • Tips: Use the official taxi stand and avoid unlicensed drivers.

  3. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):

    • Cost: $70–$120, depending on demand and time of day.
    • Travel Time: 40–90 minutes.
    • Tips: Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area.

  4. Shuttle Services:

    • Cost: $20–$40 per person.
    • Travel Time: 60–120 minutes (shared rides may take longer).
    • Tips: Book in advance for reliable service.

  5. Private Car Services:

    • Cost: $100–$200, depending on the company and vehicle type.
    • Tips: Ideal for groups or travelers seeking comfort.

General Procedures for Arriving and Departing Passengers

Arriving Passengers:

  1. Immigration and Customs (International Flights):

    • Upon arrival, international passengers must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
    • U.S. citizens and ESTA-eligible travelers can use automated kiosks for faster processing.
    • Have your passport, visa (if applicable), and customs declaration form ready.

  2. Baggage Claim:

    • Follow signs to the baggage claim area after clearing immigration.
    • Use baggage carts if needed (free at JFK and EWR, $6 at LGA).

  3. Transportation:

    • Follow signs to the designated transportation areas (AirTrain, taxis, rideshares, etc.).
    • Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides inside the terminal.

Departing Passengers:

  1. Check-In:

    • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
    • Use self-service kiosks or airline counters for check-in.

  2. Security Screening:

    • Follow TSA guidelines for liquids, electronics, and prohibited items.
    • Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck for expedited screening.

  3. Terminal Navigation:

    • Check your boarding pass for terminal and gate information.
    • Use airport maps or ask staff for assistance if needed.

Local Considerations and Tips

  • Traffic: NYC traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM). Plan extra time for travel to/from the airport.
  • Weather: Winter storms or summer thunderstorms can cause delays. Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
  • Tipping: It’s customary to tip taxi drivers, rideshare drivers, and shuttle drivers (15–20% of the fare).
  • Wi-Fi: All three airports offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds may vary.
  • Luggage Storage: JFK and EWR have luggage storage services; LGA does not.

By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate New York City’s airports and make your journey as smooth as possible!