Overview of the primary airports serving New York City

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Each airport has its own advantages and disadvantages related to location, airlines, available destinations, amenities, services, and ground transportation options. This guide will assist you in determining which airport is the best fit for your travel plans to New York City.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Extensive John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest and most trafficked airport in New York City, often serving as the hub for connecting international flights. Located in Queens, approximately 15 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, it accommodates over 60 million passengers each year across its five terminals—1, 4, 5, 7, and 8—featuring 130 gates and around 70 domestic and international airlines offering flights to about 200 destinations. A significant renovation initiative is in progress, promising enhanced facilities throughout the airport, with a new Terminal 6 expected by 2028 and a revamped Terminal 1 by 2030.

Airlines operating at JFK Airport

Seventy airlines operate flights to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport. Below are some of the prominent airlines at each terminal.

• Terminal 1 features airlines such as Air France, Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, among others.
• In Terminal 4, you'll find Delta Air Lines, El Al, Emirates, Hawaiian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and more. Additionally, JetBlue’s late-night international arrivals (from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) are also processed here.
• Terminal 5 exclusively serves JetBlue flights along with flights for Cape Air.
• Terminal 7 hosts airlines including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska, ANA (All Nippon), Condor, Icelandair, SAS, Sun Country, and others.
• Finally, Terminal 8 is where you'll find flights for American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Level, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and more.

Dining, shopping, and relaxation options at JFK Airport

Each terminal offers a diverse selection of shops, food courts, full-service dining options, and various services. As venues and hours may vary, it's wise to check JFK’s terminal-specific directory before your journey, especially if you're traveling with pets, accompanied by children, or have special needs.

Popular dining options at JFK Airport include Eat & Go Istanbul and Taste NY in Terminal 1; the Palm Bar & Grill, Shake Shack, and Blue Point Brewery in Terminal 4; and Deep Blue Sushi, La Vie (Mediterranean), and AeroNuova (Italian) in Terminal 5. True Burger is a favorite in Terminal 7, while Terminal 8 features New York Deli and Bobby Van’s Grill.

Shopping highlights at JFK Airport feature Coach, Mont Blanc, and Michael Kors in Terminal 1; Kate Spade, LEGO, and Pandora in Terminal 4; and Brighton Collectibles and Ron Jon Surf Shop in Terminal 5. Terminal 7 includes a Kiehl’s (cosmetics & skin care), and in Terminal 8, you'll find shops like Bulgari, Michael Kors, and Tag Heuer/Mont Blanc.

Look for unique services and amenities at JFK such as Minute Suites (short-stay nap/work/relaxation rooms) in Terminal 4, and the post-security outdoor rooftop terrace in JetBlue’s Terminal 5, which also serves as a “Wooftop” pet relief area. There are around 20 lounges available as well.

Navigating travel between JFK and New York City

From Jamaica Station, you can catch the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to either Grand Central Madison Station or Penn Station in Manhattan. For additional information on routes and fares, check out JFK’s ground transportation page or speak with staff at the Port Authority Welcome Center in arrivals.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport (LGA), situated in Queens like JFK, is approximately 8 miles from Manhattan, making it the closest airport to the city. As the third busiest airport in the area, it accommodates over 30 million passengers annually across its three terminals: A (also known as the Marine Terminal, or MAT), B, and C.

Established on the grounds of a former amusement park, the airport was named after Fiorello La Guardia, a three-term mayor of New York City, in 1947. Long criticized for its cramped and outdated facilities, a significant renovation has resulted in a revitalized Terminal B and a brand-new Terminal C, both showcasing art and numerous modern conveniences.

Airlines operating at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York

Eight airlines operate out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), collectively providing direct flights to nearly 90 destinations. While most of these are domestic, there are also routes to locations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Visit Terminal A (the Marine Terminal) for your flights with Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines all operate from Terminal B, while Delta and Delta Shuttle flights are located in Terminal C.

Dining, shopping, and relaxation options at LaGuardia Airport in New York

• Terminal A, known as the Marine Air Terminal (MAT), features a delightful Art Deco design that originally served as a seaplane terminal for Pan Am Airways’ flying boats in the 1940s. Its rotunda displays James Brooks’ WPA-era mural titled “Flight.” After security, you can enjoy snacks and gifts at Cibo Express or indulge in Italian dishes at Salotto.

• Terminal B boasts a variety of dining options including Brooklyn Diner, Dos Toros Taqueria, Hill Country BBQ, Hunt and Fish for steak and seafood, and Shake Shack. Shoppers can explore FAO Schwartz, McNally Jackson Books, The Bowery Bay Shops, and The Dean, which specializes in men’s fashion.

• In Terminal B, you’ll find a Be Relax spa, two children's play areas (one themed after the airport and another after NYC), indoor green spaces with benches and plants, unique art installations, and several airline and membership lounges.

• A stunning water feature in Terminal B hosts captivating shows that combine choreographed lighting, video projections, music, and 4,000 gallons of recirculated water.

• In the multi-concourse Delta Air Lines terminal, you can dine at Bubby’s, Chuko Ramen, Essex Burger, Flatiron Tavern & Provisions, and more. Retail options include Beekman 1802 (skincare), Le Labo (fragrances), and Briggs & Riley (luggage). Terminal C also features a sensory room, extensive public art displays, and the largest Delta Sky Club in the network.

Getting from LGA to New York City

Navigating public transportation can seem challenging, but both the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) website and the LGA website provide detailed fare and route information to help you use affordable public transit between LGA and New York City. Additionally, there are staffed information desks available at the arrivals level for assistance.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Situated approximately 16 miles from Manhattan in New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the third major airport serving the New York City area. It accommodates over 49 million passengers annually across three terminals – A, B, and C – linked by the AirTrain. As a significant hub for United Airlines, the airport was rebranded from Newark International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport in 2002.

Airlines operating at EWR

More than 30 airlines operate from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), offering flights to both domestic and international destinations.

• Terminal A is serviced by airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines.
• Terminal B hosts airlines such as Aer Lingus, Air France, Air India, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, El Al, Emirates, Frenchbee, Icelandair, JetBlue (for international arrivals), Lufthansa, Porter, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sun Country, Spirit, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines (for international arrivals), among others.
• Terminal C serves as the primary terminal for United Airlines at EWR.

Dining, shopping, and relaxation options at EWR

The newly renovated Terminal A at EWR features dining highlights such as Office Tavern Grill, Bang Cookies, Playa Bowls, Beecher's, Carlito’s BBB Taqueria, Tonnie’s Minis (cupcakes served in a cup), Smokehouse BBQ, and more.

Besides airline and membership lounges, Terminal A also offers amenities like a Be Relax spa and a sensory room.

In Terminal B at EWR, you'll find shops and dining spread across three post-security concourses, along with a pre-security connector. Pre-security options feature Smashburger and the Budweiser Brewhouse. On concourse B1, enjoy Malone’s Fish Market, Sora Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar, and a few other selections. The B2 satellite has Unusual Times.

B3 boasts StrEAT Market, Piattino (pizza/bistro), and a Vino Volo. Additionally, there are branded vending machines, kiosks, and small shops offering candy, electronics, accessories, and duty-free items, including a Wired shop in B2 and Lick candy in B3.

Terminal B houses at least five airline and membership lounges.

United Airlines’ Terminal C at EWR features three concourses and 58 gates, providing a wide array of shopping and dining options.

• Concourse 1 (C70-C99) presents numerous dining options, including Abruzzo Italian Steakhouse, Daily (farm-to-table), Little Purse (dumplings), and the exciting Global Bazaar food hall, where you can find noodles, burgers, sushi, and pastries and chocolates crafted on-site at Melange Bakery Café and Chocolatier.

• In Concourse 2 (C101 -C115), dine at Garden State Diner, Happy Clam, Little Purse, Proof Whiskey Bar, Vanguard Kitchen, and more.

• Concourse 3 (C120-C138) features Caps Beer Garden, Flora Café, Saison (French cuisine), and Classified, United’s exclusive invitation-only ‘secret’ restaurant nestled behind Saison.

• For gifts, essentials, and accessories, shop at Cibo Markets, Coach, Hudson Booksellers, InMotion Entertainment, Johnston & Murphy, Tumi, and other outlets. United Airlines also has multiple lounges in Terminal C.

Traveling to and from EWR

Which airport is nearest to Manhattan?

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the nearest airport to Manhattan at approximately 8 miles away. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is roughly 15 miles from Manhattan, while Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is situated about 16 miles away.

The ideal New York airport for your arrival

Your choice of airport may vary based on several factors, such as flight options and fares from your location, preferred airlines, your desired arrival time, the area of the city where you’ll be staying, and your transportation plans to get to the city.

For instance, JFK offers the highest number of nonstop flight options, but the taxi ride into the city can be lengthy and costly. In contrast, the Express Bus from Newark Liberty International Airport provides a straightforward route to downtown Manhattan if you time your arrival well.

The creation of this guide

As an experienced travel journalist, I find joy in spending time at airports, viewing them as modern crossroads where the drama, toil, hopes, and excitement of travel unfold. This guide is informed by years of documenting airport operations and amenities, alongside numerous trips through New York City’s airports.

For additional tips and insider insights on topics ranging from searching and booking your flight to packing efficiently and navigating airport security quickly, check out the airport guide page.