JFK International Airport
The largest of the three and the main international gateway. Located in Queens, roughly 15–18 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
Getting into the city: The AirTrain connects JFK's terminals to two subway stations — Jamaica (where you connect to the E, J, or Z trains) and Howard Beach (A train). The journey from JFK to Midtown by subway runs about 60–75 minutes and costs approximately $9.50 (AirTrain plus one subway fare). A flat-rate taxi to Manhattan is $70 plus tolls and tip (set by the city, not negotiable). Rideshare is similar in price to taxis and subject to surge pricing.
Realistic journey time: Budget 75–90 minutes from landing to a Midtown hotel door, more in peak traffic.
New JFK terminal: A major terminal redevelopment programme is underway at JFK — some terminals are newly built or significantly renovated; others are older. Check which terminal your airline uses; the experience varies substantially.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
The closest airport to Manhattan, serving domestic flights and some international routes. In Queens, roughly 8 miles from Midtown.
Getting into the city: LaGuardia has no direct rail connection — the primary options are bus (the Q70 to Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue, connecting to the 7 train) or rideshare/taxi. Journey time by bus is 45–60 minutes; by rideshare, 30–60 minutes depending on traffic, which on the Queens approach roads can be severe.
Realistic journey time: 45–90 minutes to Midtown depending on traffic. Despite being the closest airport, LaGuardia can take longer to get into the city than JFK in bad traffic because of the road-dependent final leg.
New terminal: LaGuardia has been substantially rebuilt since 2016 — the old facilities, frequently ranked among the worst airports in the US, are largely replaced with a significantly improved new terminal complex.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Technically in New Jersey but well-connected to Manhattan and used by many New York area travelers. About 16 miles from Midtown.
Getting into the city: The AirTrain connects to Newark Penn Station, where NJ Transit trains run directly to New York Penn Station (about 30 minutes, fare around $15–17). Amtrak also serves this route but at higher fares. The total journey is often faster and more predictable than JFK by subway.
Realistic journey time: 45–60 minutes to Penn Station, one of the best airport-to-city connections of the three.
Who it suits: Travelers staying in Midtown or the Upper West Side, where Penn Station is central. Less convenient for Downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Which airport to choose (if you have a choice)
| Airport | Best for | Transit to city |
|---|---|---|
| JFK | International arrivals, price flexibility | AirTrain + subway (~$9.50, 75 min) |
| LaGuardia | Short domestic trips, midday off-peak arrivals | Bus + subway or rideshare (45–90 min) |
| Newark | Travelers with Midtown/UWS hotels, fastest guaranteed connection | AirTrain + NJ Transit (~$15, 50 min) |