New York City is serviced by three airports, all of which are easy distances to Midtown Manhattan, the city’s hottest district for sightseeing. Travelers planning a holiday in NYC can use this New York airport guide to decide which airport best suits the itinerary for the trip. Get tips on both John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in Queens as well as information about Newark International Airport in neighboring New Jersey.

New York Airport Guide | 1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
By far the largest and busiest airport serving New York City, JFK International is a great choice for travelers staying in lower Brooklyn or eastern Queens. Still, it’s only 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, so it’s a good choice no matter where travelers choose to stay in New York.
Transportation at JFK International Airport
- AirTran – passengers can hop on the AirTran to catch a ride to either Howard Beach or Jamaica subway stations. Both stations have trains that take passengers into Midtown Manhattan.
- Taxi – taxis are the other way to get out of JFK Airport and into New York City proper. Taxi rides from the airport are set at a flat rate of $52, regardless of the destination. Toll fees cost extra and must be paid separately.
Hotels near JFK Airport
TWA Hotel
Hilton New York JFK Airport Hotel
Hampton Inn New York – JFK
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New York Airport Guide | 2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Situated on the banks of East River and Flushing Bay, LaGuardia Airport serves regional flights in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. While LaGuardia is the smallest and oldest of all of New York’s airports, it also is the closest to Midtown Manhattan. The ride into the city from the airport takes less than an hour, depending on traffic.
Transportation from LaGuardia Airport
- Bus – public buses are available at the airport, and routes cover a good percentage of the city’s major areas. Buses also drop passengers off at railway and subway stations. Route maps are available at LaGuardia, and passengers can purchase a MetroCard at the airport to ride the bus.
- Taxi – metered taxis are available upon landing at LaGuardia Airport. The ride into Midtown Manhattan costs about $35 and takes about 40 minutes to one hour.
Hotels near LaGuardia Airport
Ibis Styles New York Laguardia Airport
New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott
LaGuardia Plaza Hotel
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New York Airport Guide | 3. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located across Newark Bay in New Jersey, Newark International Airport is a convenient way to visit two states in one during a trip to New York. While the airport is in another state, it is still a smart and convenient choice for flying to New York. Passengers can reach Midtown Manhattan from EWR in about 30 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic and mode of transportation.
Transportation
- AirTrain Newark – this elevated railway connects passengers with AmTrak trains which commute to Midtown Manhattan regularly throughout the day.
- Bus – several buses run between EWR and Midtown Manhattan. Travelers should check the schedule for local transit and express bus options upon landing.
- Taxi – metered taxis are available in front of each terminal at Newark International Airport. A ride into Midtown Manhattan will cost about $70 and takes about 40 minutes.
Hotels near Newark Liberty International Airport
Holiday Inn Newark Airport
Hilton Newark Airport Hotel
Wyndham Garden Hotel- Newark Airport
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