JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark for New York City Travelers

24/01/2026

For most New York City travelers, LaGuardia is the closest and fastest, JFK is the best for international and public transport, and Newark is often cheaper but farther. The best airport depends on where you’re staying, your budget, and whether you’re flying domestic or international.

There is no single “best” airport for everyone. Each one works better for a different type of traveler.

Quick Overview: The Three NYC Airports

New York City is served by three major airports:

JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) – Queens
LaGuardia (LGA) – Queens
Newark Liberty (EWR) – New Jersey

They all serve NYC, but the experience is very different at each one.

Understanding JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark for New York City travelers helps you avoid long transfers, high costs, and wasted time.

JFK Airport: Best for International Travelers

JFK is the largest and busiest airport in New York.

Why JFK works well

Best airport for international flights
Many airlines and routes
Direct AirTrain connections to subway and trains
Easy access to Midtown and Lower Manhattan

JFK is popular with first-time visitors because public transport is clear and reliable.

Downsides of JFK

Farther from Manhattan
Longer travel time
Busy terminals

For international trips, JFK usually wins the JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark comparison.

LaGuardia Airport: Closest to Manhattan

LaGuardia is the closest airport to Manhattan.

Why travelers love LaGuardia

Shortest distance to Manhattan
Fastest car or taxi rides (when traffic is light)
Modern terminals after renovation
Great for domestic flights

LaGuardia does not handle most international flights, but for US domestic travel, it’s very convenient.

Downsides of LaGuardia

No direct train or subway
Requires bus connections
Can be crowded during peak hours

For many domestic trips, LaGuardia is the best choice in the JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark debate.

Newark Airport: Often Cheaper Flights

Newark is across the river in New Jersey, but it still serves New York City.

Why Newark can be a good option

Often cheaper airfares
Strong hub for United Airlines
Direct train access to Manhattan
Less chaotic than JFK at times

Many budget travelers choose Newark because flights cost less.

Downsides of Newark

Farther from Manhattan
Extra state border crossing
Confusing for first-time NYC visitors

In the JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark comparison, Newark works best if price matters more than location.

Travel Time to Manhattan (Realistic View)

Travel time matters more than distance.

LaGuardia: 30–60 minutes (traffic dependent)
JFK: 60–90 minutes by public transport
Newark: 45–75 minutes by train or car

Traffic can change everything, especially during rush hours.

Public Transport Comparison

JFK

AirTrain + subway or train
Clear signage
Works 24/7

LaGuardia

Bus + subway
Cheapest option overall
No direct train

Newark

AirTrain + NJ Transit train
Slightly higher cost
Direct to Penn Station

For public transport ease, JFK and Newark beat LaGuardia.

Cost to Reach Manhattan

Approximate one-way costs:

LaGuardia: ~$2.75 by bus + subway
JFK: ~$11–$12 by AirTrain + subway
Newark: ~$15–$17 by train

Taxis and Uber are expensive from all three.

Which Airport Is Best for First-Time Visitors?

For first-time travelers, JFK is usually the easiest.

Clear transport options
Many flight choices
Fewer surprises

LaGuardia can feel confusing without a train. Newark can feel “not really NYC” to newcomers.

Which Airport Is Best for Budget Travelers?

Budget travelers often choose:

LaGuardia for cheap transport
Newark for cheaper flights

JFK sits in the middle.

Which Airport Is Best for Late-Night Arrivals?

Late-night arrivals matter.

JFK: public transport runs all night
Newark: trains run late but less frequently
LaGuardia: buses run, but options feel limited

For late arrivals, JFK is usually the safest bet.

Neighborhood Matters More Than You Think

Your hotel location changes everything.

Staying in Midtown or Downtown → JFK or Newark works well
Staying Uptown or Harlem → LaGuardia or JFK
Staying near Penn Station → Newark is convenient

Always match the airport to where you’ll stay.

Final Verdict: JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark

There is no universal winner.

Choose JFK for international flights and easy public transport
Choose LaGuardia for domestic trips and shortest distance
Choose Newark if flights are cheaper and train access works

For New York City travelers, the best airport is the one that saves time, money, and stress for your specific trip.