JFK, LGA, EWR: Which New York airport should I choose?

It's one thing to dream of experiencing the charm of old New York, but quite another to actually navigate from one of its distant airports.

Transportation hubs tend to be situated at the city's outer edges, forcing exhausted travelers to figure out how to escape the limbo of western Queens or central New Jersey.

A further challenge: The three primary airports serving New York – JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia – often rank low in annual lists of U.S. airports based on on-time performance.

But there’s hope. You can improve your travel experience by selecting the right airport based on your final destination.

If you're mostly staying in the outer boroughs, JFK or LaGuardia could be your best bet. Arriving on a red-eye from Europe? Newark is the way to go. Learn more:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Located in: Southern Queens (though many mistakenly believe it's in Brooklyn).

Choose it if: Your destination is in Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, or other nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods – especially if you're planning to use public transportation.

Forget it if: You're planning to visit a friend in upper Manhattan—you’ll spend half your vacation riding the subway.

Worst thing about the airport: Unfortunately, the long immigration lines are no myth, and they can seriously add hours to your travel time as you wait to clear customs. Welcome to New York!

Best thing about the airport: Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Uptown Brasserie, offering a taste of dignity after a tough customs experience.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Located in: The picturesque Chemical Coast of New Jersey (though at least there’s an IKEA nearby).

Choose it if: You’re staying in Manhattan, taking a “Sopranos” tour, or prefer views of the Jersey highways (and the Statue of Liberty) over post-industrial Queens.

Forget it if: You’re looking for gourmet dining – past security, your options are limited to places like Dunkin’ Donuts and local diners.

Worst thing about the airport: It’s located in New Jersey.

Best thing about the airport: It's conveniently located in New Jersey.

Distance to Times Square: It's about 15 miles to Manhattan. Depending on the time of day and traffic at the Holland Tunnel, your trip could be quicker than JFK – or much slower. If you prefer public transit, there are regular trains from Newark to Penn Station.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Located in: Northern Queens

Choose it if: Your destination is in Long Island City or Astoria in Queens, Williamsburg or other Brooklyn neighborhoods near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Manhattan’s East Side, or the Bronx. Also, consider it if you're okay with constant construction or had no other choice to get into New York.

Forget it if: You need to be on time; LGA frequently ranks as one of the worst airports in the US for delays and cancellations.

Worst thing about the airport: Former Vice President Joe Biden once compared it to a “third-world country.”

Best thing about the airport: Joe Biden probably didn't realize there are coyotes spotted around the airport!