JFK vs Newark vs LaGuardia – Which Airport To Use
NYC has three major airports and choosing the wrong one can cost you hours. Here is the honest breakdown.
JFK (John F. Kennedy International)
Best for: International flights, budget airlines (JetBlue terminal is great)
Distance from Manhattan: 15 miles (45-90 min depending on traffic)
How to get there:
- Subway + AirTrain: A/E train to Howard Beach or Jamaica, then AirTrain ($8.25). Total: ~60-75 min, $11.15
- LIRR + AirTrain: Penn Station to Jamaica (20 min), then AirTrain. Total: ~40 min, $16-20
- Taxi/Uber: Flat rate $70 from Manhattan (plus tolls and tip). Uber: $50-90
Verdict: Best terminals, most international options, but farthest from Manhattan.
LaGuardia (LGA)
Best for: Domestic flights, closest to Midtown Manhattan
Distance from Manhattan: 8 miles (20-45 min)
How to get there:
- Subway + Bus: N/W to Astoria Blvd, then Q70 bus (free transfer). Total: ~45 min, $2.90
- M60 Bus: Direct from Harlem/Upper West Side. $2.90
- Taxi/Uber: $30-50 from Midtown. Fastest option.
Verdict: Closest to Manhattan, recently renovated (beautiful new terminals), but no direct rail connection.
Newark (EWR)
Best for: United Airlines hub, sometimes cheaper flights, NJ residents
Distance from Manhattan: 16 miles (30-60 min)
How to get there:
- NJ Transit + AirTrain: Penn Station to Newark Airport station (25 min), then AirTrain ($5.50). Total: ~45 min, $18-20
- Newark Airport Express Bus: From Port Authority/Penn Station/Grand Central. $18.70, every 20 min
- Taxi/Uber: $60-90 from Manhattan (plus tolls)
Verdict: Often overlooked but has great flight deals. The NJ Transit connection is reliable.
Quick Decision Guide
- International flight? → JFK
- Domestic + want to minimize travel time? → LaGuardia
- United Airlines or cheapest fare? → Newark
- Red-eye arrival, need to get to Manhattan fast? → LaGuardia or Newark
- Flying JetBlue? → JFK Terminal 5 (best terminal in NYC)
Watch our airport guides on NewYorkNoNavro YouTube.