Which NYC Airport Should I Fly Into?
There are 3 major airports in the NYC metro area, so which one should you fly into? It all depends on where you are flying from, where you are staying, how quickly you need to get to the city and what your transporation budget is. I’ve traveled through each of these airports many times in my travels, so I will help guide you on which is your best option.
For all of these airpoirts, taking an Uber or a yellow cab is the best option if you have a high transportation budget. It can also get you where you are going quicker than some of the public transportation options - unless you are travelling during the early morning or evening rush. Be aware that if you are traveling to Manhattan or the Bronx, you are looking at least $70 or more each way depending on when you are traveling and how far you are going.
LaGuardia (LGA)
LaGuardia has recently completed the majority of an $8 billion modernization project. While there is still plenty of work to be done, primarily with the roads surrounding it, you will find this a very spacious and beautiful airport. This airport primarily handles passengers flying from the continental US and some from Canada.
When should I fly into LGA?
Depending on where you are flying from, it may be your only choice. If you are staying in Queens, this is the best airport for you as there is plenty of bus coverage to all parts of the borough You can get to Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx as well, but it will take longer and be more difficult.
Transportation
If you are staying in Queens, there are various bus lines that service all parts of the borough. If you are going to Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, you can take the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to 74th/Roosevelt for the 7, E, F, M & R subway lines or if you are going to Long Island, stop at 61st/Roosevelt for the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road).
John F. Kennedy (JFK)
JFK is one of the biggest airports in the US and one of the primary airports that services travelers both domestic and international. While it is a huge facility, there are plenty of transportation methods to get around NYC from here.
When should I fly into JFK?
Since it is much easier to get around here than at LGA, you can get anywhere you need to go much quicker. If you can get a cheaper flight into JFK than any other area airport, definitely pick this one.
Transportation
One of the major benefits of JFK is the AirTrain. It can bring you quickly between all the terminals as well as several stations outside of the airport. If you are going to Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan, you can take the Howard Beach train to the Howard Beach station for the A train to Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan or the Rockaways. If you are going to Midtown Manhattan, Queens or Long Island then take the Jamaica train to Jamaica station for the E, J & Z trains as well as the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road). But be aware that at the time of writing this, you will need a Metro Card to exit at either Howard Beach & Jamaica stations. The cost is $8.25.
Newark Liberty (EWR)
Newark Liberty airport is the main airport I fly into when traveling to New York City. It technically sits in Elizabeth, New Jersey which is a short train ride from Manhattan. Like JFK, it services both domestic and international flights, with United Airlines being it’s biggest carrier. They have just opened a brand new Terminal A and are in the planning phases of more redevelopment, including improvements to the AirTrain service.
When should I fly into EWR?
If you are staying anywhere in New Jersey, this would be the best airport for you to fly into as you have easy access to the NJ Transit as it can get you anywhere in the state. You can also access Midtown Manhattan using the NJ Transit. If you are traveling a bit further, you also also use Amtrak to easily access Philadelphia, Boston, Stamford and New Haven.
Transportation
Just like at JFK, the AirTrain is the best method of getting around the airport. However, it is free to use and will bring you to all terminals, parking garages and the airport train station. If you are going to Midtown Manhattan, your best bet will take the NJ Transit from the airport train station to NY Penn Station, which will take around 20-25 minutes. At the time of writing this, each way on the train costs $15.75.
I hope this information was able to help you understand which airport to fly into for your next trip to the Big Apple! If you have any questions or would like me to start helping you plan & book your next trip, email me at anytime!
