EWR vs JFK vs LGA: Which NYC Airport Should You Use?
New York City has three major airports, each with distinct advantages. Whether you're flying international, need the cheapest fare, or want the quickest ride to Manhattan, this guide breaks down everything you need to choose the right airport for your trip.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | JFK | LGA | EWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Queens, NY | Queens, NY | Newark, NJ |
| Distance to Midtown | 15 miles | 8 miles | 16 miles |
| Drive Time | 45-75 min | 25-40 min | 35-55 min |
| International? | Major hub | Very limited | Yes (United hub) |
| Terminals | 6 terminals | 3 (A, B, C) | 3 (A, B, C) |
| Major Airlines | Delta, JetBlue, AA | Delta, AA, United | United, Delta, AA |
| Car Service Cost | $75-95 | $55-75 | $85-110 |
| Transit to Manhattan | AirTrain + Subway | Bus + Subway | NJ Transit + PATH |
| Best For | International flights | Quick domestic trips | United flyers, NJ residents |
JFK International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, NY
JFK is New York's premier international gateway and the busiest international air passenger gateway in the Americas. Located in southeastern Queens, it handles over 62 million passengers annually across six active terminals. If you're flying internationally, JFK is almost certainly your airport.
JFK is a hub for Delta Air Lines (Terminals 2 and 4) and a focus city for JetBlue Airways (Terminal 5). American Airlines operates from Terminal 8, and dozens of international carriers fly from Terminal 1 (currently being rebuilt into the massive New Terminal One, opening in phases through 2026) and Terminal 4.
Strengths
- + Most international destinations of any US airport
- + AirTrain connects to subway and LIRR
- + Iconic TWA Hotel for layovers
- + Major terminal upgrades underway
- + Best duty-free shopping in NYC
Drawbacks
- - Farthest airport from Manhattan
- - Belt Parkway and Van Wyck traffic
- - Long walks between terminals
- - Construction disruptions through 2026
- - Can feel overwhelming for first-timers
Getting to Manhattan from JFK
Car Service: $75-95
45-75 min, door-to-door, flat rate
AirTrain + Subway: $11
60-90 min, requires transfer
AirTrain + LIRR: $18-23
45-60 min to Penn Station
Yellow Taxi: $70 flat + tolls
45-75 min, metered from Manhattan
Best for:
International travelers, Delta and JetBlue frequent flyers, Brooklyn residents
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport, Queens, NY
LaGuardia is Manhattan's closest airport and the go-to choice for domestic flights. After a transformative $8 billion renovation completed in 2024, LGA has gone from one of the most criticized airports in America to a genuinely pleasant travel experience. The stunning new Terminal B is a particular highlight.
LGA operates three terminals: Terminal A (rebuilt 2024, serving Spirit, Frontier, and others), Terminal B (the showpiece new terminal, home to Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and more), and Terminal C (Delta and American regional flights). The airport primarily serves domestic destinations due to a federal perimeter rule limiting most nonstop flights to 1,500 miles.
Strengths
- + Closest airport to Manhattan (8 miles)
- + Brand-new, modern terminals
- + Fastest car ride from Midtown
- + Excellent for East Coast shuttles
- + Less overwhelming than JFK
Drawbacks
- - Almost no international flights
- - No rail connection (bus to subway only)
- - Grand Central Parkway congestion
- - Smaller airport, fewer amenities
- - Limited long-haul domestic routes
Getting to Manhattan from LGA
Car Service: $55-75
25-40 min, door-to-door, flat rate
Q70 Bus + Subway: $2.90
45-70 min, requires transfer
M60 Bus + Subway: $2.90
50-80 min to Upper Manhattan
Yellow Taxi: $35-55 metered
25-40 min, varies with traffic
Best for:
Domestic travelers, Manhattan residents, quick business trips, East Coast shuttles
Newark Liberty Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ
Newark Liberty is the sleeper pick among NYC airports. Located across the Hudson River in New Jersey, it's often overlooked by Manhattan-focused travelers, but it offers significant advantages: less crowded terminals, competitive fares, and surprisingly quick access to Lower Manhattan and Midtown via the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels.
EWR is the primary hub for United Airlines, which dominates Terminal C with extensive domestic and international service. Terminal A was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2023 as a modern, spacious facility. Terminal B serves international carriers including Lufthansa, Air India, TAP Portugal, and many others.
Strengths
- + Often cheaper fares than JFK
- + Major United Airlines hub
- + New Terminal A (opened 2023)
- + Less crowded than JFK
- + NJ Transit train to Penn Station
- + Great for NJ, Lower Manhattan access
Drawbacks
- - Tunnel traffic can be unpredictable
- - Tolls add to ground transport costs
- - Farther from Upper Manhattan/Bronx
- - Terminal B showing its age
- - AirTrain connections can be slow
Getting to Manhattan from EWR
Car Service: $85-110
35-55 min, door-to-door, tolls included
NJ Transit + AirTrain: $15.25
45-60 min to Penn Station
Newark Airport Express Bus: $18.70
40-55 min to Port Authority/Grand Central
Taxi: $80-100+ metered
35-55 min, plus tolls ($16+)
Best for:
United frequent flyers, NJ residents, budget-conscious travelers, Lower Manhattan access
Which Airport Should You Choose?
The best airport depends on your specific situation. Here's a quick decision guide based on common scenarios:
Flying international to/from Europe or Asia
Most international airlines and destinations. Largest customs and immigration facilities.
Quick domestic trip (Boston, DC, Chicago)
Closest to Manhattan, fastest ground transport. Hourly shuttle flights on major carriers.
Flying United Airlines
United's primary East Coast hub with the most routes and best lounges.
Staying in Brooklyn or Queens
Located in Queens, closest to most Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods.
Staying in New Jersey or Lower Manhattan
Quickest access from NJ, and often faster from FiDi/Tribeca than going to Queens.
On a tight budget
Compare fares at both. Newark often has cheaper tickets, especially on United routes.
Traveling with heavy luggage or kids
Shortest car ride means less time in transit. New terminals are easy to navigate.
Red-eye or very early morning flight
Minimum travel time to the airport. No traffic at off-peak hours makes it 20-25 minutes.
Connecting to the Hamptons or Long Island
Located on Long Island, shortest drive to Hamptons destinations.
Flying Delta Air Lines
Delta has major operations at both. JFK for international, LGA for domestic.
Car Service Pricing Comparison
Black Car NYC offers flat-rate pricing to all three airports with no surge pricing, tolls included, and free flight tracking. Here's how prices compare from popular pickup locations:
| Pickup Location | To JFK | To LGA | To EWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown Manhattan | $85 | $60 | $90 |
| Lower Manhattan | $90 | $65 | $85 |
| Upper East/West Side | $85 | $55 | $95 |
| Brooklyn (Downtown) | $75 | $70 | $100 |
| Brooklyn (Park Slope) | $75 | $70 | $95 |
| Hoboken/Jersey City | $100 | $85 | $70 |
| Stamford, CT | $175 | $140 | $195 |
| White Plains, NY | $155 | $110 | $170 |
* Sedan pricing shown. SUV rates approximately 30-40% higher. All tolls and meet-and-greet service included. Prices subject to change.
Book Your Airport Car Service
No matter which NYC airport you choose, Black Car NYC provides reliable flat-rate transportation with professional chauffeurs, flight tracking, and meet-and-greet service included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NYC airport is closest to Manhattan?
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan at just 8 miles away. Travel time is typically 25-40 minutes by car. JFK is 15 miles (45-75 minutes) and Newark is 16 miles (35-55 minutes) from Midtown Manhattan.
Is JFK or Newark better for international flights?
Both JFK and Newark are excellent for international flights. JFK is the larger international hub with more airlines and destinations, making it the better choice for most international trips. However, Newark is a major United Airlines hub and often has competitive international fares, especially to Europe and South America.
Which NYC airport is cheapest to fly into?
Newark (EWR) often has the cheapest fares among NYC airports, particularly on United Airlines routes. LaGuardia sometimes offers competitive domestic fares due to its domestic focus. JFK tends to have the most flight options, which can lead to competitive pricing on popular routes. Always compare all three airports when booking.
Why does LaGuardia only have domestic flights?
LaGuardia primarily handles domestic flights due to a historical perimeter rule that restricts most nonstop flights to destinations within 1,500 miles. There are limited exceptions for flights to Denver, some Canadian cities, and a few Caribbean destinations. For international travel, use JFK or Newark instead.
How do I get from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
The best options from Newark to Manhattan are: professional car service ($85-110, 35-55 minutes, door-to-door), NJ Transit train + PATH ($15.25, 50-70 minutes), Newark AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station ($15.25, 45-60 minutes), or taxi/rideshare ($70-100+, 35-55 minutes with potential surge pricing).
Does LaGuardia have an AirTrain or subway connection?
LaGuardia does not have an AirTrain or direct subway connection. Current public transit options include the Q70 SBS bus to the 7/E/F/M/R trains in Jackson Heights, or the M60 SBS bus to the N/W trains in Astoria and the 1/2/3 trains at 125th Street.
Which airport should I use if I am staying in Brooklyn?
JFK is generally the best airport for Brooklyn travelers. It is located in southeastern Queens, relatively close to Brooklyn, with travel times of 30-50 minutes depending on your neighborhood. Newark requires crossing Manhattan (45-75 minutes), and LaGuardia is in northern Queens (35-55 minutes from most Brooklyn areas).
Is Newark Airport in New York or New Jersey?
Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Newark, New Jersey, about 16 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. Despite being in New Jersey, it serves the greater New York City metropolitan area and is often the most convenient airport for travelers in Lower Manhattan, Jersey City, Hoboken, and northern New Jersey.
How much does car service cost from Manhattan to each NYC airport?
Car service from Manhattan costs approximately $75-95 to JFK, $55-75 to LaGuardia, and $85-110 to Newark. Black Car NYC offers flat rates with no surge pricing, including tolls and meet-and-greet service. Prices vary slightly based on pickup location within Manhattan.
Which NYC airport has the best terminals and facilities?
LaGuardia has the newest facilities after its $8 billion renovation completed in 2024, featuring a modern Terminal B. JFK has the iconic TWA Hotel and is upgrading Terminal 1 (opening 2026). Newark recently opened a new Terminal A in 2023. All three airports have significantly improved in recent years.
Can I use any NYC airport for domestic flights?
Yes, all three NYC airports handle domestic flights. LaGuardia is primarily domestic and often has the most convenient schedules for East Coast and Midwest destinations. JFK and Newark also offer extensive domestic networks alongside their international routes. Choose based on your airline preference, destination, and location in the city.
What is the JFK AirTrain and how does it work?
The JFK AirTrain is an automated train connecting all JFK terminals to the NYC subway system (at Howard Beach/A train and Jamaica/E/J/Z trains and LIRR). It costs $8.25 per ride plus your subway/LIRR fare. The AirTrain runs 24/7 and takes about 8-12 minutes between terminals. It is the cheapest way to get to Manhattan but requires transfers.