Understanding New York's airports

New York City, one of the busiest cities in the world, serves as a global gateway with three major airports—John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR).

Each airport has its own distinct character, set of services, and network of airlines. Whether you're a local flying domestically or a tourist arriving from across the globe, knowing which airport best suits your needs can make your trip smoother. This guide breaks down the features, key airlines, distance from Times Square, and the benefits of each airport.

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Overview

JFK is New York's primary international airport, located in the borough of Queens. It’s the busiest of the three airports and a major hub for both domestic and international flights, making it a key access point for travelers heading to and from the city.

• Distance from Times Square: 16 miles (26 km)

• Drive time: 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic

• Public transport: About an hour via the AirTrain and the subway (E or A trains)

  
  

Key Airlines

• Domestic: JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines

• International: Includes among many others the following airlines: Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon), Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca Brasil, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Condor, Copa Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, EVA Air, Finnair, Iberia, Icelandair, ITA Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, LATAM, Lufthansa, Neos, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and Xiamen Air.

  
  

JFK is a hub for JetBlue and Delta Air Lines, providing extensive domestic routes alongside major international carriers that connect New York to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

History

Opened in 1948 as Idlewild Airport, JFK was renamed after President John F. Kennedy in 1963 following his assassination. Since its inception, JFK has been a vital link between the U.S. and the rest of the world, establishing itself as a premier international travel destination.

Benefits of JFK

• Shopping & dining: The airport offers a wide range of high-end retail shops like Gucci and Hermes, alongside an array of dining options, including upscale restaurants and quick-service outlets.

• International connections: JFK is a key international hub with flights to virtually every corner of the globe, making it ideal for international travelers.

• Accessibility: The AirTrain connects the airport to New York's subway system, making it one of the more accessible airports by public transport. Parking is also available for those driving.

  
  

2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Overview

LaGuardia, also located in Queens, primarily handles domestic and short-haul international flights. After undergoing extensive renovations, LGA has become a much more modern and efficient airport, catering mostly to business travelers and domestic passengers.

• Distance from Times Square: 8 miles (13 km)

• Drive time: 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic

• Public transport: Roughly 45 minutes via the Q70 bus and subway (7, E, or F trains)

Key Airlines

• Domestic: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines

• International (short-haul): Air Canada

LGA serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and handles a significant volume of flights for American Airlines. It is heavily favored by travelers flying within the U.S. or to nearby international destinations like Canada and the Caribbean.

History

LaGuardia Airport was opened in 1939 and named after Fiorello LaGuardia, the mayor of New York who was instrumental in its construction. Despite initially facing criticism for its size and lack of modern amenities, the airport's multi-billion-dollar renovation in recent years has greatly improved the passenger experience.

Benefits

• Newly renovated terminals: LaGuardia has recently undergone a massive overhaul, with modern terminals offering improved dining, shopping, and waiting areas. The renovations have transformed it into a much more traveler-friendly airport.

• Convenient for domestic travel: LGA is close to Manhattan, making it the most convenient airport for quick domestic trips, especially for business travelers. Its smaller size also makes it faster to navigate compared to JFK.

• Accessibility: While the public transport options to LaGuardia are less developed than JFK, the airport has improved its bus services, offering a direct route to the subway. Rideshare services and taxis are also readily available.

  
  

3. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Overview

Located across the Hudson River in New Jersey, Newark Liberty is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. While technically not in New York City, its proximity to Manhattan makes it a popular choice for travelers flying internationally or to the West Coast.

• Distance from Times Square: 16 miles (26 km)

• Drive Time: 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic

• Public Transport: Around 45 minutes to an hour via AirTrain and New Jersey Transit trains to Penn Station

  
  

Key Airlines

• Domestic: United Airlines (Hub), Alaska Airlines

• International: Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss International, Air India, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, SAS.

United Airlines dominates Newark, offering extensive domestic routes as well as international flights. This airport serves as a key gateway for those traveling to Europe, Asia, and South America, alongside transcontinental U.S. routes.

History

Newark Liberty opened in 1928, making it one of the oldest airports in the U.S. It was the first major airport to serve the New York metropolitan area, predating both JFK and LaGuardia. The airport was renamed "Liberty" after 9/11 to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks.

Benefits

• Extensive United Airlines Network: As a major hub for United Airlines, Newark provides excellent connectivity for both domestic and international flights. It's particularly convenient for travelers loyal to United's frequent flyer program.

• Proximity to Manhattan: Though located in New Jersey, Newark is just as close to Manhattan as JFK, offering a viable alternative for travelers headed to Midtown. The AirTrain-New Jersey Transit connection is efficient for getting to and from the city.

• Shopping & Dining: EWR offers a variety of shopping options, including duty-free stores, and dining choices ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Many terminals have recently been upgraded with modern amenities.

  
  

Each of New York’s three major airports offers distinct benefits depending on your travel needs. From JFK’s international reach to LaGuardia’s domestic convenience and Newark’s strong United Airlines network, there’s an airport for every type of traveler. Consider your destination, preferred airline, and proximity to Manhattan when choosing which airport to fly into or out of New York City, and enjoy the unique benefits each one offers—from world-class shopping and dining to ease of access by public transportation.

Safe travels!