New York City is served by three major airports, each offering distinct advantages for travelers. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest and main international hub, providing the most extensive global connections with six terminals catering to long-haul and domestic flights. It is located in Queens about 24 kilometers from Manhattan and offers excellent transport links including the AirTrain and subway.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in nearby New Jersey about 27 kilometers from Manhattan, is also a major international gateway with strong transatlantic connections and well-regarded passenger services. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), the closest to Manhattan at roughly 13 kilometers, primarily handles domestic and short-haul flights. It has recently been transformed with modern terminals and is popular among business and domestic travelers for its convenience.
| Airport | Main role | Flight Connections | Transport to City | Proximity | Shopping & Food | Other Passenger Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) | Main international hub | Extensive international and domestic flights, serving over 60 million passengers annually, 6 terminals | AirTrain to subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Manhattan (~45-60 min, $12.50 + subway fare), taxis (flat rate ~$70), shuttle services, car rentals | 24 km (15 miles) from Manhattan | Wide range of shops including duty-free, luxury brands, local vendors; numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges across terminals | Comprehensive passenger services including luggage storage, 24-hour food outlets, medical services, and airport hotels |
| Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | International gateway | Strong transatlantic and international flights, 3 terminals serving domestic and international routes | AirTrain Newark to NJ Transit and Amtrak trains to NYC (approx. 35 min, $15), taxis (fixed fares ~$60), shuttles, car rentals | 27 km (17 miles) from Manhattan | Good selection of duty-free shops, dining options including local and international cuisine, lounges | Modern facilities with ongoing terminal upgrades; efficient transfers to NYC and New Jersey locations |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | Domestic and short-haul flights | Mainly domestic flights and limited short-haul international flights, 4 terminals | Buses and subway connections via Q70 Select Bus to subway (approx. 40 min, $2.90), taxis (approx. $40 to Manhattan), shuttles, car rentals | 13 km (8 miles) from Manhattan | Newly renovated terminals with many dining options, cafes, quick bites; limited shopping compared to JFK and Newark | Highly convenient for domestic travelers with modernized terminals focused on improving passenger experience |
Each New York City airport serves different traveler needs: JFK for global international travel with extensive connections and facilities, Newark as a strong alternative international gateway with excellent rail access and LaGuardia for convenient domestic travel closest to Manhattan. Your choice depends on flight origin, destination and priorities like transport convenience or airport amenities.
If you are looking for detailed info on the different New York City airports, click on the airport profiles below.
