NYC Airport Transportation Guide
Everything you need to know about getting to and from JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Teterboro airports. Compare all options: black car service, taxi, Uber, subway, and bus with prices and travel times.
NYC Airports Overview
New York City is served by four major airports, each with different characteristics, airlines, and transportation options. Understanding which airport to use and how to get there can save you time, money, and stress.
JFK Airport (JFK)
- • 16-20 miles from Manhattan
- • 8 terminals, all airlines
- • International hub
- • Car service from $185
LaGuardia (LGA)
- • 8-12 miles from Manhattan
- • Closest to Midtown
- • Domestic flights primarily
- • Car service from $145
Newark (EWR)
- • 16-18 miles from Manhattan
- • In New Jersey
- • United hub, international
- • Car service from $195
Teterboro (TEB)
- • 12 miles from Manhattan
- • Private jets only
- • FBO access
- • Car service from $165
Which airport should you use? For international flights, JFK and Newark are your primary options. For domestic travel within the US, LaGuardia is often most convenient due to its proximity to Manhattan. If you're flying private or charter, Teterboro is the premier choice.
JFK Airport Transportation
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's largest international airport, handling over 60 million passengers annually. Located in Queens, it's about 16-20 miles from Manhattan and serves as the primary gateway for international travel.
JFK Transportation Options
Black Car Service (Recommended)
Includes: Meet & greet inside terminal, flight tracking, 60 min wait time (international), luggage assistance, all tolls. Learn more about JFK car service →
Taxi
Flat fare $70 + tolls + tip to/from Manhattan. Meter rate to other boroughs. Available curbside at all terminals.
Uber/Lyft
$60-150+ depending on demand. Surge pricing common during peak hours. Pickup at designated rideshare areas.
Subway + AirTrain
$10.75 total. E/J/Z to Jamaica or A to Howard Beach, then AirTrain. Takes 60-90 minutes. Budget-friendly but inconvenient with luggage.
LIRR + AirTrain
$18-23 total. Penn Station to Jamaica Station (20 min), then AirTrain. Faster than subway, same AirTrain transfer.
JFK Terminal Information
JFK has 8 terminals (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 - note: no Terminal 3 or 6). Each terminal serves different airlines:
- • Terminal 1: Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa
- • Terminal 2: Delta domestic/Caribbean
- • Terminal 4: International hub - Emirates, KLM, Singapore, Virgin Atlantic, Delta international
- • Terminal 5: JetBlue
- • Terminal 7: British Airways, Icelandair, LOT Polish
- • Terminal 8: American Airlines
Pro Tip: Terminal 4 Arrivals
Terminal 4 handles most international arrivals. Allow extra time for customs (30-60 minutes). Our chauffeurs track your flight and wait inside arrivals with a name sign. You get 60 minutes complimentary wait time from the moment your flight lands.
LaGuardia Airport Transportation
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan, making it the preferred choice for domestic travel. The recently renovated terminals offer a modern travel experience, and its proximity (8-12 miles) means shorter travel times.
LaGuardia Transportation Options
Black Car Service (Recommended)
Includes: Meet & greet at arrivals, flight tracking, 30 min wait time, luggage assistance. Learn more about LaGuardia car service →
Taxi
Metered fare $35-55+ to Manhattan depending on traffic. Available curbside. No flat rate like JFK.
Uber/Lyft
$40-100+ depending on demand. Surge pricing frequent at LaGuardia due to limited pickup space.
NYC Bus (M60, Q70)
$2.90 fare. M60 to Manhattan via 125th St. Q70 connects to subway at Jackson Heights. Budget option, 45-75 minutes.
LaGuardia Terminal Information
LaGuardia has been completely renovated with new Terminals B and C:
- • Terminal B: American Airlines, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier
- • Terminal C: Delta Air Lines (primary hub)
Pro Tip: Rush Hour Traffic
LaGuardia access roads are notorious for congestion. Allow extra time during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Our drivers monitor real-time traffic and know alternate routes via the Grand Central Parkway and local streets.
Newark Airport Transportation
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located in New Jersey but serves the NYC metro area. It's a major United Airlines hub and often has competitive flight prices. Distance to Manhattan is similar to JFK (16-18 miles), accessed via tunnels or bridges.
Newark Transportation Options
Black Car Service (Recommended)
Includes: Meet & greet, flight tracking, 60 min wait time (international), all tolls (Holland/Lincoln Tunnel). Learn more about Newark car service →
NJ Transit Train
$15.25 to Penn Station (30-45 min). AirTrain connects terminals to Newark Liberty station. Most cost-effective for solo travelers.
Newark Airport Express Bus
$18 one-way to Port Authority, Bryant Park, Grand Central. Every 15-30 minutes. Takes 40-60 minutes.
Taxi/Uber/Lyft
$70-120+ to Manhattan. NJ taxis charge flat rates; Uber/Lyft subject to surge. Add $15-17 for tunnel tolls.
Newark Terminal Information
- • Terminal A: United Express, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue
- • Terminal B: American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue
- • Terminal C: United (major hub), international flights
Pro Tip: Tunnel vs. Bridge
From Manhattan, we typically use the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel. From Brooklyn, the Verrazano Bridge to Staten Island to Goethals is often faster. Our drivers choose the optimal route based on real-time traffic.
Teterboro Airport (Private Aviation)
Teterboro Airport (TEB) is the premier private aviation facility serving the New York metropolitan area. Located just 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan in New Jersey, it handles only private jets, charter flights, and business aviation - no commercial airlines.
Black Car Service for Private Aviation
Includes: FBO coordination, planeside pickup, luggage handling. We work with all major FBOs at Teterboro. Learn more about Teterboro car service →
Teterboro FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators)
Teterboro hosts several premium FBOs where your jet will park:
- • Signature Flight Support
- • Atlantic Aviation
- • Meridian
- • Jet Aviation
Private Jet Service
When booking Teterboro transfers, provide your FBO name and tail number. Our chauffeur coordinates directly with the FBO for planeside pickup, handling your luggage and ensuring seamless arrival. No terminal walks, no security lines - straight from plane to car.
Transportation Options Compared
Side-by-side comparison of all NYC airport transportation options
| Option | Cost to JFK | Time | Surge? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Car Service | $185 flat | 35-60 min | Never |
| Yellow Taxi | $70 flat + tolls | 35-60 min | No |
| Uber/Lyft | $60-150+ | 35-60 min | Yes (2-3x) |
| Subway + AirTrain | $10.75 | 60-90 min | No |
| LIRR + AirTrain | $18-23 | 50-70 min | No |
* Prices from Manhattan. Actual costs vary by origin, time, and traffic.
Expert Tips for NYC Airport Travel
1. Know Your Travel Time Windows
Rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) can double travel times. For morning flights, either depart very early (before 6 AM) or allow 2+ hours. Evening departures: leave by 3 PM or after 8 PM.
2. Allow Extra Time for International Flights
JFK and Newark international flights require 3 hours before departure for check-in, security, and customs. Factor this into your ground transportation timing. Our chauffeurs know terminal-specific drop-off points to save you walking time.
3. Use Flight Tracking
Flights get delayed frequently. Black car services with flight tracking automatically adjust pickup times at no extra charge. No waiting at the airport, no extra charges if your flight is late.
4. Consider the Group Size
For groups of 3-4, splitting a black car sedan can be cheaper than individual subway fares when you factor in AirTrain and luggage hassle. SUVs for 5-6 passengers offer even better per-person value.
5. Book Early Morning Pickups in Advance
4-6 AM pickups are in high demand. Book at least 24 hours ahead to guarantee availability. Same pricing as any other time - no surge for early mornings with black car service.
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