NYC Airport Transportation Guide 2026: JFK vs LGA vs EWR
New York City is served by three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Each has different distances from Manhattan, different transportation options, and different strengths. This guide tells you exactly which airport to choose, how to get there, and what it costs.
NYC Airports at a Glance
JFK vs LGA vs EWR: Full Comparison
| Factor | JFK | LGA | EWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles from Midtown | 16 miles | 8 miles ✓ | 16 miles |
| Car service to Midtown | $135–$165 | $95–$125 ✓ | $130–$160 |
| Car service drive time | 45–70 min | 20–40 min ✓ | 25–45 min |
| Train to Manhattan | AirTrain + subway ($20–30, 60–75 min) | None | NJ Transit ($17.85, 45–55 min) ✓ |
| International flights | Most options ✓ | Domestic only | Good options |
| Airlines | All major carriers | Delta, American, Southwest, United | United hub + international |
| On-time performance | Average | Below average | Best of three ✓ |
| Lounge options | Best (Centurion, Chase, Polaris) ✓ | Limited (Sky Club, Admirals) | Good (United Polaris, Club) |
| State | New York | New York | New Jersey |
Which NYC Airport Should You Use?
There is no single “best” NYC airport. The right choice depends on where you are going, what airline you are flying, and how you plan to get to and from the airport.
Best for: International travel, most airline options, premium lounges
JFK is the right choice if you are flying internationally, want the most airline and route options, or need access to premium lounges like the American Express Centurion Lounge, Chase Sapphire Lounge, or Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. JFK handles more international passengers than any other airport in the United States east of Miami.
Choose JFK if: Flying internationally. Flying Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, or any Star Alliance carrier. Traveling to/from Brooklyn or Queens (closer than LGA or EWR). Want the best lounge access.
Best for: Short domestic trips, travelers staying in Midtown or Upper East/West Side
LaGuardia's sole advantage is proximity — 8 miles from Midtown versus 16 for JFK and EWR. In light traffic, you can be at your hotel in 20 minutes from wheels-down. For a quick Monday-morning domestic business flight, that matters.
Choose LGA if: Flying domestic only. Hotel or office is in Midtown or Upper Manhattan. Traveling during off-peak hours when traffic is light. Flying Delta (new Terminal A is excellent) or Southwest.
⚠ Avoid LGA during rush hour — the Grand Central Parkway backs up badly and the time advantage disappears entirely.
Best for: United flyers, West Side Manhattan, travelers with luggage using the train
Newark is underrated. The NJ Transit train to Penn Station is the cheapest and most reliable rail connection of any NYC airport — $17.85, 25 minutes, depositing you at 34th Street in the heart of Midtown. For United flyers, EWR is United's East Coast hub with the best United lounge in the country (Polaris Lounge) and strong international connections.
Choose EWR if: Flying United. Traveling to/from New Jersey, Connecticut, or anywhere on the West Side of Manhattan. Using the train and heading to Penn Station area. Priority is on-time performance. Flying Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, or Copa from Terminal A.
Car Service Pricing: All Three NYC Airports
Detailed Drivers provides flat-rate black car service from all three New York airports to any destination. All rates include tolls, flight tracking, and 60 minutes complimentary wait time. No surge pricing, ever.
| Destination | From JFK | From LGA | From EWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown Manhattan | $145 sedan | $95 sedan | $130 sedan |
| Lower Manhattan / FiDi | $135 | $110 | $120 |
| Upper East / West Side | $155 | $100 | $145 |
| Brooklyn | $110 | $125 | $140 |
| Newark / NJ | $175 | $165 | $65 local |
| Westchester County | $185 | $145 | $200 |
| Greenwich / Stamford CT | $245 | $195 | $225 |
All sedan rates. SUV rates approximately $45–55 more. Call (888) 420-0177 for exact quote.
Train Options from NYC Airports to Manhattan
AirTrain from any terminal to Jamaica Station ($8.50, free between terminals) → E, J, or Z subway to Midtown, or LIRR to Penn Station. Total cost approximately $20–30. Best route: AirTrain → LIRR at Jamaica → Penn Station (fastest, ~45 min total, but LIRR costs extra). Avoid with heavy luggage — subway stairs and crowded cars are uncomfortable.
LaGuardia has no rail connection. Bus options: M60 SBS to 125th Street (A/B/C/D/2/3 trains), or Q70 to Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave (E/F/M/R/7 trains). Both take 45–70 minutes and are impractical with luggage. For most travelers, a car service or taxi is the only realistic option.
Free AirTrain from any terminal to the NJ Transit/Amtrak station (3–5 min) → NJ Transit Northeast Corridor to New York Penn Station ($17.85, ~25 min). Trains run every 15–30 minutes. Penn Station is at 34th Street in Midtown — ideal for West Side hotels and offices. This is the best-value train option of the three airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which New York airport is closest to Manhattan?
LaGuardia (LGA) is closest at 8 miles from Midtown. JFK and Newark are both approximately 16 miles from Midtown. However, because LGA has no train, travel time by car (20–40 min) is often similar to EWR by train (45–55 min) or JFK by car (45–70 min).
Which NYC airport is best for international flights?
JFK is best for international flights — it serves the most international airlines and destinations in the NYC area. LaGuardia is domestic-only. Newark also has strong international service, particularly United transatlantic and transpacific routes plus Lufthansa, Air France, and Emirates in Terminal A.
Which NYC airport has a train to Manhattan?
JFK has the AirTrain to Jamaica Station connecting to E/J/Z subway or LIRR to Penn Station (~60–75 min, ~$20–30). Newark has NJ Transit from the airport directly to Penn Station (~45–55 min, $17.85 + $7.75 AirTrain). LaGuardia has no train connection at all.
Is JFK or Newark better for Midtown Manhattan?
Newark is often better for Midtown, particularly the West Side. The NJ Transit train to Penn Station (34th St) takes 25 minutes and costs $17.85. By car service, EWR to Midtown costs $130–$160 and takes 25–40 minutes vs. JFK's $135–$165 and 45–65 minutes.
How much is a car service from JFK, LGA, and EWR to Manhattan?
Detailed Drivers flat-rate sedan pricing to Midtown Manhattan: JFK $145, LaGuardia $95, Newark $130. All rates include tolls and 60 minutes free wait. SUV rates are approximately $45–55 more. Call (888) 420-0177 for exact pricing.
Which NYC airport has the best on-time performance?
Newark (EWR) consistently has the best on-time performance of the three NYC-area airports. JFK and LGA both suffer from higher congestion in the New York airspace. For time-sensitive travel, EWR is the most reliable option.
Which NYC airport is cheapest for car service?
LaGuardia is cheapest for car service to Midtown Manhattan ($95–$125 sedan) because of its proximity. Newark and JFK are comparable ($130–$165 sedan to Midtown). For train travel, Newark is cheapest at $17.85 vs. ~$20–30 from JFK.
Is Newark Airport considered a New York airport?
Yes. Although Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Newark, New Jersey, it is one of the three official airports serving the New York City metropolitan area, operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It is commonly listed alongside JFK and LaGuardia as a 'New York area airport.'
Car Service from Any NYC Airport
Detailed Drivers picks up from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark 24/7. Flat-rate pricing, flight tracking, and 60-minute free wait at every airport. No surge pricing, ever.