Which Airport Is the Best for New York City?

Residents and tourists of New York City enjoy easy air travel access to a multitude of destinations, as the city offers nonstop flights to countless major cities and smaller hubs worldwide. If you haven't visited New York City recently, you might be astonished by the new terminals, concourses, and ongoing modernization projects that are significantly upgrading the three primary airports serving the area.

What airports serve the New York City region?

The New York City area is served by three major airports:

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Each of these airports has its own pros and cons for passengers, including how far they are from Manhattan and the ease—or difficulty—of accessing them.

All three airports are undergoing significant renovations, including the recently opened new Terminal A at Newark, a $19 billion revamp of JFK that will radically change the airport in the years ahead, and major upgrades at LaGuardia that have transformed it from a frequent target of air travel jokes to an award-winning facility for its terminal improvements.

Here’s what travelers should be aware of regarding each of the three primary New York airports.

LaGuardia Airport: The closest airport to New York City is now the leading choice

If you’re flying domestically to or from New York, LaGuardia Airport may be your top option. Thanks to a recent transformational overhaul and its location near Manhattan, LaGuardia has climbed the ranks as a favored travel hub among New Yorkers.

Situated in the Queens borough of New York, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is not only the nearest airport to Manhattan, but it has also recently undergone significant renovations, now boasting brand-new terminals and passenger gates that have transformed this former underdog (once referred to as a “third-world country” facility) into an award-winning hub.

Due to its “perimeter rule,” which limits most nonstop flights to and from the airport to a distance of 1,500 miles, LaGuardia cannot compete as a world-class international airport like JFK or Newark. However, for domestic flights—especially with Delta Air Lines, which has heavily invested in its LaGuardia terminal—this airport should definitely be on your radar.

How to reach LaGuardia Airport from Manhattan

How to reach LaGuardia via public transit

Public transportation options are not LaGuardia’s greatest strength. Direct bus service is available on the Q70-SBS from the E, F, M, and R subway lines at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, or from the 7 line at the 74th Street–Broadway station. Travelers can connect to the Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link from the Woodside station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Those using Metro–North can transfer to the M60-SBS bus at Harlem 125th Metro–North Station to access LaGuardia Airport. However, most tourists—except for dedicated budget travelers—tend to choose rideshares, taxis, or paid van services.

How to reach LaGuardia via taxi or rideshare

The most popular choice is a taxi or rideshare service. Expect to pay around $30 to $45 for a taxi ride from Manhattan to the airport (excluding tolls and tips), with travel times ranging from about 40 minutes in light traffic to an hour during peak hours. Fortunately, the rideshare process has improved at LaGuardia; each terminal has a dedicated pickup area. Passengers request their ride and proceed to a designated spot to meet their driver, which works quite well. As of now, Uber or Lyft fares between Manhattan and LaGuardia fall in the range of $45 to $65.

The top food and services at each terminal in LaGuardia

What contributed to LaGuardia's negative reputation? Until its recent upgrades, the airport was known for being dirty, cramped, and small. Fortunately for today's travelers, LaGuardia has significantly improved, and passengers are reaping the rewards. Here are some of the best ways to pass the time before your flight or during a layover at LGA.

Terminal A

The historic Marine Air Terminal, established in the 1930s, often confuses passengers. This stunning art deco terminal serves Frontier and Spirit airlines. However, it's located on the opposite side of the airport from Terminals B and C and is not connected to them. Amenities at Terminal A are limited, featuring restaurants like Cibo Express, Dunkin’, and Salotto, a fast-casual Italian spot offering pizzas, sandwiches, beer, and cocktails. Security checks are quick, making Terminal A a surprisingly tranquil place to wait for flights.

Terminal B

As the airport’s main terminal, Terminal B hosts American, Southwest, JetBlue, United, and several other airlines. It recently underwent a remarkable $4 billion renovation, earning the title of the best new airport terminal worldwide from aviation rankings organization Skytrax earlier this year. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, Terminal B also boasts a coveted five-star Skytrax rating. The terminal has been transformed from its previously cramped and dilapidated state, now featuring a striking water installation at its center, along with premium lounges like American Express, Air Canada, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Capital One and Chase plan to introduce their own airport lounges in the coming years. Additionally, there are numerous quality food options available, including Bar Veloce (a wine bar from the East Village), Eli’s Essentials for bagels, Hill Country for Texas-style barbecue and fried chicken, the famous Junior’s Cheesecake, Mulberry Street for sit-down dining, the ever-popular Shake Shack, and Sweetleaf and Beecher’s for coffee and casual dining.

Terminal C

Delta’s newly revamped LaGuardia hub has recently undergone a $4 billion renovation, featuring a spacious arrivals area and a 34,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club—the largest in the Delta network—capable of accommodating 600 guests. When Terminal C fully opens in 2024, it will boast 37 gates spread across four concourses, as Terminal D has been integrated into this new layout. The terminal is adorned with an impressive array of artwork, including large murals, sculptures, and digital installations. Additionally, the dining options have been elevated with several renowned New York City eateries, such as Artichoke, famous for its signature artichoke spinach pizza; Bubby’s offering comfort food; Eggy Weggy for breakfast sandwiches; Chuko, serving ramen crafted by Morimoto alumni; Essex Burger, known from the Lower East Side; H&H Bagels; and Bisoux, from the creators of Frenchette in the city.

John F. Kennedy International Airport: New York’s primary international gateway

John F. Kennedy International Airport, known by its IATA code JFK, offers the most convenient access for travelers flying from the New York City area to destinations worldwide, thanks to its extensive array of nonstop flights operated by major international airlines like British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta, and American. The notable exception is United Airlines, which has chosen Newark as its primary hub, having briefly returned to JFK in 2021 only to exit again in 2022.

JFK is currently undergoing a significant $19 billion renovation of its extensive facilities. As part of this ambitious initiative, the existing six terminals will be reduced to four, centered around two new complexes located at either end of the airport, collectively branded as “one unified Kennedy Airport.” While this transformation will lead to construction detours and possible road delays in the upcoming months and years, it also signals the arrival of a revamped JFK.

Beyond modernization efforts, JFK stands as a premier international hub comparable to other leading global airports such as London’s Heathrow, Frankfurt, or Dubai International Airport. It is among the busiest airports in the United States, and simply navigating through its terminals offers a vibrant display of international airlines and a diverse mix of travelers from all corners of the globe—perfect for people-watching.

Getting to JFK from Manhattan

How to reach JFK using public transportation

In early 2023, a new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) terminal annex, called Grand Central Madison, opened at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, making it possible to travel from this centrally located Manhattan station to JFK by train. Previously, the only LIRR service to JFK from Manhattan was from Pennsylvania Station, which is farther west, though still an option. The new LIRR train runs daily between the Grand Central Madison terminal and Jamaica in Queens, where passengers can transfer to JFK’s AirTrain. Ticket prices for the train from Grand Central to Jamaica range from $7.75 to $10.75, depending on peak or off-peak hours.
The AirTrain fare is $8 for those starting or finishing their journey at Jamaica.

Alternatively, travelers can take the A subway line to the Howard Beach–JFK Airport stop and then switch to the AirTrain. However, this route takes about 45 minutes longer and involves at least a dozen stops between JFK and Manhattan. For those using public transport, we recommend the LIRR for a quicker journey.

Please note that, due to ongoing construction until late 2023 or early 2024, the AirTrain’s Terminal 1 station is temporarily closed. Instead, a shuttle bus is operating between Terminal 4 and Terminal 8, where passengers can access the AirTrain, which will add some time to your trip.

How to reach JFK using taxi or rideshare services

Driving to JFK highlights one of its main drawbacks; it’s located 15–20 miles outside of Manhattan, which can be a hassle due to the frequent traffic. Unless you’re traveling after 10 p.m. or before 7 a.m., you can expect delays. In light traffic, the drive takes about 45 minutes, but during the day, it’s safer to plan for a 75- to 90-minute trip to or from Manhattan. The flat rate taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan with a traditional yellow cab is $70 (or $75 during peak surcharge times), excluding tolls and tips. Conversely, rides from Manhattan to JFK will be based on the meter for a 90-minute journey, plus tolls and tips, which can increase the total fare significantly.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be cheaper during off-peak hours, but they may also incur peak pricing surcharges, potentially raising the fare to over $100.

Travelers flying JetBlue from Terminal 5 should be aware that, due to ongoing construction at nearby Terminal 6, the taxi stand has been relocated to the ground level of the Yellow parking garage, while rideshare pickups are now on the roof of the Orange garage, just one AirTrain stop away at Terminal 7.

How to reach JFK by car

For those driving their own vehicles, there are ample spots in the long-term parking lots, which charge a maximum of $20 per day, compared to up to $42 for short-term parking closer to the terminals. You can check the availability of parking lots before you head out or prebook parking online for convenience. All parking lots, including long-term, are linked to the terminals by the complimentary JFK AirTrain. If you're driving, aim to leave at times that help you avoid peak rush hour traffic, which generally occurs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

How to get to JFK using a paid van service

There are several van services connecting JFK to Manhattan, offering a cost-effective, though not time-efficient, travel option. Two of the primary authorized van services at JFK are Airlink NYC and ETS Airport Shuttle. One-way fares start at $40 to the Grand Central train station in midtown Manhattan, making it a great deal, especially for travelers with lots of luggage who don't mind sharing a ride and making multiple hotel stops along the way.

How to reach JFK by helicopter

For the quickest journey, consider taking Uber or Blade helicopter service, which provides about a 10-minute flight from a helicopter pad in Manhattan to a private terminal at JFK. Prices start at around $200 for a seat that's sure to impress on Instagram. When you take surge pricing for rideshare into account, it becomes quite a competitive option.

Dining and services at JFK terminals

Depending on your terminal, you may find yourself with a wide variety of options or just a few limited choices for activities before your flight or during a layover. JFK features a sometimes confusing collection of six terminals, numbered 1 through 8—terminals 3 and 6, once operated by Pan Am and National Airlines, were taken down a decade ago. Here’s an overview of what each terminal has to offer, each with its unique characteristics and designs.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is home to major airlines like Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Consequently, duty-free shopping here is exceptional, featuring brands such as Bulgari and Cartier. If you're eligible, the airline lounges offer a luxurious retreat for business and first-class travelers. For those with Priority Pass, there’s also the Primeclass lounge. Dining options lean toward fast food, but reliable choices include The Local for burgers and pizza, Martini Bar for preflight drinks, Eat & Go Istanbul for Turkish cuisine, and JikJi Café offering Korean and Japanese dishes.

Terminal 2

Delta Airlines exclusively operates in Terminal 2, which is set to transition all its operations to the larger Terminal 4 soon. Consequently, the amenities here are limited, featuring a handful of fast-food outlets, a Starbucks, and some convenience stores. However, travelers can enjoy the Delta Sky Club while waiting.

Terminal 3

This terminal has been demolished and is no longer in operation, as is Terminal 6.

Terminal 4

The expansive and bright Terminal 4 features numerous upscale shops and dining options, lounges, and even a noteworthy private art collection. It serves a range of international airlines, including Air India, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic, alongside Delta, which operates both domestic and international flights here with a new Delta Sky Club. Within Terminal 4, travelers can enjoy cult-favorite Shake Shack, the Palm Bar & Grille for hearty steakhouse dishes, and wine bar Le Grand Comptoir.

Terminal 5

With its contemporary design, Terminal 5 is the hub for JetBlue. Shoppers can find a Ron Jon Surf Shop for swimwear and resort clothing, sports memorabilia at WFAN 66, and two bookstores—Heritage Books and WhereTraveler. The food court in the spacious central plaza offers a variety of quick bites, while sit-down options include 5ive Steak for steaks, burgers, and sandwiches; Deep Blue Sushi for Japanese cuisine; and AeroNuova for Italian pasta and meatball sandwiches.

Terminal 7

As the first terminal at JFK to be predominantly operated by a foreign airline, British Airways, Terminal 7 also hosts carriers such as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Condor, Iberia, Icelandair, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Scandinavian Airlines. It features luxurious lounges, including BA's exclusive first-class Concorde Room with a champagne bar, as well as a business-class lounge. Alaska Airlines offers a chic retreat with menu options reflecting its Pacific Northwest heritage. Dining choices here are more basic, with a Dunkin’, Le Grand Comptoir wine bar, and True Burger for quick pre-flight meals.

Terminal 8

Primarily occupied by American Airlines and its Oneworld allies like Finnair, Terminal 8 offers exclusive access to the Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club for eligible passengers. For dining, Bobby Van’s stands out as a New York-style steakhouse, known for its wood-paneled decor and a diverse menu of sandwiches and salads, making it the best sit-down option in the terminal.

The TWA Hotel at JFK

A standout attraction at JFK is the nostalgic charm of the TWA Hotel, which opened its doors in 2019. This repurposed midcentury terminal is conveniently located near JetBlue's Terminal 5. Highlights include a rooftop pool with views of the runway, a cocktail lounge housed in a restored Lockheed Constellation L-1649A airplane (nicknamed “Connie”), a spacious sunken lounge returned to its original 1962 elegance, and the Paris Café, a dining establishment by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, known for his acclaimed restaurants in Manhattan. Visiting the TWA Hotel feels like a journey back in time, making it a delightful spot for a meal, drink, or even an overnight stay in midcentury-themed rooms if you need rest before or after your flight. We’d choose relaxing at the TWA Hotel over many lounge options at JFK.

Newark Liberty International Airport: United's primary base in the New York City area

If you're traveling with United or its partner airlines, Newark is your departure point, serving as United's main hub in the New York region. However, there are additional advantages to using this airport. It's relatively accessible via public transportation, as explained below, and it provides a good range of international flights without the hectic atmosphere found at the busier JFK. While security lines can become lengthy during peak travel times, Newark managed to handle 43.6 million travelers in 2022, compared to JFK's 55.3 million, making the overall experience at Newark typically smoother.

Newark Liberty International Airport has recently undergone significant renovations, including a completely new Terminal A that opened in early 2023. This much-needed terminal features soaring ceilings and bright concourses, offering a stark contrast to its outdated predecessor, which will soon be demolished. The newly designed gate areas include vibrant artwork, a 60% increase in seating capacity, and charging stations available at every gate, among other improvements. Additionally, Newark plans to enhance its entire AirTrain system for airport navigation.

How to reach Newark Airport from Manhattan

Navigating to Newark via public transportation

Traveling to Newark by train is quite efficient by New York standards. You can catch a New Jersey Transit train from New York’s Penn Station to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, which takes around 25 minutes and costs about $15 per person. However, Metrocard or other MTA passes are not valid on NJ Transit trains. After that, you'll transfer to the free AirTrain that services all terminals. Overall, the journey from Manhattan takes approximately one hour, including the transit to Penn Station.

How to reach Newark via shuttle service

Airlink NYC and ETS Airport Shuttle are two companies providing shuttle services between Manhattan and Newark, with fares starting around $40 per person.

How to get to Newark by taxi or rideshare

In recent years, United Airlines has been promoting the idea that getting from Manhattan to Newark is actually faster than reaching JFK, using real-time taxi data in their marketing. This claim holds some truth. A typical ride to or from Newark ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. However, the cost of taxi rides and rideshare services to Newark can be steep, often exceeding $100, plus any surcharges and return tolls incurred by the taxi, which can quickly add up.

The dining and amenities available at Newark’s terminals

Terminal A

This newly constructed $2.7 billion terminal is designed to accommodate nearly 14 million travelers each year, an increase from the previous terminal's 9 million capacity, with 33 gates spread across 1 million square feet. Airlines here include Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United. The central rotunda boasts a food court and digital towers celebrating notable New Jerseyans. Dining options feature local favorites like New Jersey Mike’s Subs, Playa Bowls for açai and poke bowls, and Jersey & Co. Gelato, as well as well-known chains such as Shake Shack and Starbucks. Shoppers can explore major brands like Boss, MAC, Kiehl’s, and Tumi, while families can enjoy multiple children's play areas. Additionally, there are four airport lounges: an American Admirals Club, a Delta Sky Club, a United Club, and an American Express Centurion Lounge.

Terminal B

As the primary international terminal—excluding United flights—Terminal B hosts lounges for Delta, British Airways, and other international airlines. For dining, you can choose Malone’s Fish Market for healthy fish dishes and salads, or Sora Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar, known for its ramen.

Terminal C

This terminal serves as the hub for United Airlines and boasts some of the finest dining choices at Newark. For instance, Tsukiji Fishroom offers fresh sushi sourced directly from Japan several times a week. The terminal’s Daily restaurant features a wood-burning grill and a menu that changes daily, while Eggy Weggy serves breakfast favorites that transition to Custom Burgers at night. Garden State Diner provides an authentic Jersey diner experience, and Melange Café Bakery Chocolatier delights with cookies and sweets from famed chocolatier Jacques Torres. Numerous other dining options are also available.

This article was first published in January 2020 and has been updated to reflect the latest information. Contributions were made by Barbara Peterson and Chris Dong.