New Yorkers and tourists alike enjoy convenient air access to numerous destinations thanks to three airports that share direct flights with countless major cities and smaller hubs around the world. If you haven’t visited New York City in the past few years, you may be surprised to find brand-new terminals, concourses, and modernization projects that continue to completely transform the three major hubs serving the New York City region.
Which airports serve the New York City area?
Three major airports serving the New York City area:
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
There are advantages and disadvantages to flying into and out of each of these airports, including their distance from Manhattan and the relative ease or ease of access to each airport.
All three airports are undergoing major updates. Newark’s $3.5 billion AirTrain is currently under construction, LaGuardia Airport is opening increasingly swankier lounges (after a six-year renovation), and JFK is undergoing a $19 billion overhaul that will completely transform the airport in the coming years.
Here’s what travelers need to know about the three major airports in the New York City area.
LaGuardia Airport: Once considered New York City’s worst airport, it is now a local favorite
If you’re flying domestically to or from New York, LaGuardia Airport is your best bet. Thanks to its recent complete transformation and proximity to Manhattan, LaGuardia is firmly rising up the ranks as the city of choice for travel hubs among New Yorkers.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located in the borough of Queens, New York (not far from the culinary and cultural melting pot of the Jackson Heights neighborhood), is not only the closest airport to Manhattan (particularly accessible from Midtown East, the Upper East Side, and northwest Brooklyn), but it also underwent an $8 billion overhaul from 2016 to 2022 and now features brand-new terminals and passenger gates. They have transformed this former underdog – once likened to an institution in a “third world country” – into an award-winning hub.
LaGuardia Airport can’t become a world-class international airport on par with JFK or Newark because of “border rules” that limit direct flights to airports 1,500 miles away. But for domestic flights, especially Delta Air Lines (which has made a huge investment in the LaGuardia terminal), you should definitely consider LGA.
How to get from Manhattan to LaGuardia Airport
How to get to LaGuardia Island by public transportation
Access to public transportation is not LaGuardia’s strong suit. There is free Q70-SBS (also known as LaGuardia Link) direct bus service from the E, F, M, and R subway stations at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 (or Long Island Railroad) subway station at the 61st Street-Woodside station. If you’re riding Metro-North, you can transfer to the M60-SBS bus at Harlem 125 Metro-North Station to get to LaGuardia Airport. However, many tourists and local residents choose ride-sharing, taxis, and paid van services.
How to get to LaGuardia by taxi or rideshare service
The most common options are taxis or rideshare services. Taxi fares from Manhattan to the airport range from approximately $34 to $57 (and vice versa). Excludes tolls, new congestion charges, and tips. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Terminal B without traffic, and up to an hour during peak hours. Thankfully, your rideshare experience with LaGuardia just got even more convenient. Each terminal has a dedicated pick-up area nearby. Fares range from an average of $53 to Central Harlem to an average of $91 to Battery Park.
Budget-minded travelers can also take advantage of the Uber shuttle service, which offers round-trip transportation to and from LGA from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. for about $20. The 14-passenger van will travel from LGA to 33rd Street, Times Square, 42nd Street, the West Village and the World Trade Center, making several stops along each route. Vehicles can be booked up to 3 days in advance, but please allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport.
Best food and service at each LaGuardia terminal
Here are some of the best ways to pass the time before your flight or during your layover in LGA.
Terminal A
The historic Marine Air Terminal dates back to the 1930s and is often confusing for passengers. This terminal is a beautiful Art Deco terminal located on the opposite side of the airport from Terminal B and Terminal C, but it is not connected to these terminals in any way. Spirit Airlines operated from all six gates of the quiet terminal until it closed in 2026, but the terminal now has no traditional commercial airline service. The only current tenant is the commercial airline Modern Aviation.
Terminal B
The airport’s main terminal, home to airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines, has completed a $4 billion renovation to great success and was named the world’s best new airport terminal in 2023 by aviation ranking organization Skytrax. The 1.3 million square foot Terminal B has also earned a prestigious 5-star Skytrax rating for the second year in a row. The bright and airy hall has no trace of the previous cramped, dingy building. The center of the terminal now features a floor-to-ceiling dancing fountain, as well as luxury airport lounges such as the Centurion Lounge, Air Canada, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Chase Sapphire Lounge will debut as a flagship location here in 2024 (check out the shuffleboard table in the hidden back room and the treehouse-like second floor), and Capital One opened an exciting food-focused lounge featuring Jose Andres tapas earlier this year. All travelers have access to the terminal’s two children’s play areas, meditation room and Be Relax Spa.
The terminal is also packed with food and snack options, including New York classics like Bar Veloce and East Village wine bar. Brooklyn junior cheesecake. Talde Noodle Bar by celebrity chef Dale Talde. Delicious sandwiches from Melt Shop. A classic pie from Tony & Benny’s Pizza Parlor. Zaro’s Family Bakery for bagels. Food emporium in the 5th arrondissement. Brooklyn Diner serves traditional American cuisine. Other fast-casual options range from Hill Country, which serves Texas-style barbecue and fried chicken, to the always reliable Shake Shack, and 2025 newcomer Mezze, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re looking for a leisurely meal to fill a long layover, you can head to other sit-down options like Mulberry Street, Il Viaggio, Hunt and Fish Grill, or grab a bar stool at Orpheus + Apollo, Panorama Bar, Bar 212, Poor Authority, or Spirit & Bell.
terminal C
In 2025, Delta Air Lines’ LaGuardia Airport hub completed a $4 billion redesign that included a spacious, airy arrival hall and the 35,000 square foot Delta Sky Club, which can accommodate up to 700 people within the Delta Air Lines system. The terminal operates more than 220 flights daily from 37 gates across four concourses. (Terminal D does not exist as a separate terminal.) Throughout the terminal, there is a wealth of art, including giant murals, sculptures, and digital art installations. And the culinary scene is getting a welcome boost from several New York City outposts, including Artichoke, known for its signature artichoke-spinach pizza, among others. Bubby’s is comfort food. Eggy weggie for breakfast sandwich. For veteran Morimoto ramen, try Chuko. Essex Burger is famous on the Lower East Side. H&H Bagel; Magnolia Bakery will satisfy your sweet tooth.
John F. Kennedy International Airport: New York City’s main international hub
John F. Kennedy International Airport, also known by the airport code JFK, is without a doubt the easiest way to get from the New York City area to destinations around the world, with tons of nonstop flights from major airlines like British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. One major airline not operating from John F. Kennedy Airport is United Airlines (which briefly returned to JFK in 2021 after a five-year hiatus, but left again in 2022). We use Newark as our main hub. See below for more details.
JFK Airport in Queens, Jamaica, is in the midst of a major $19 billion renovation scheduled for completion in 2030. Over the course of this ambitious project, six separate terminals have been reduced to four, anchored by two new complexes at either end of the airport, billed as “one unified Kennedy Airport.” Unfortunately, this transformation means that construction-related detours and road delays will continue to occur in and around the airport for years to come. But it also means that a new JFK is being born.
Modernization efforts aside, JFK is an international hub along with other major airports in the world, such as London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Dubai International. And it’s one of the busiest airports in the United States. Just by walking through the terminal, you can get a sense of the personalities of international airlines and the people who come from all over the world. It makes for fascinating human observation.
How to get from Manhattan to JFK Airport
How to get to JFK by public transportation
The easiest way to get to JFK is to take the AirTrain on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and stop at all terminals. Previously, you could only board the LIRR from Penn Station on Manhattan’s West Side, which was inconvenient for people living or staying on the East Side. However, in early 2023, a new LIRR annex named Grand Central Madison opened in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, making it finally possible to take a train from Eastside Manhattan Station to JFK Airport. LIRR train tickets between Grand Central or Penn Station and Jamaica (where you board the AirTrain) cost $5.25 or $7.25, depending on peak or off-peak hours. The JFK AirTrain fare is $8.75.
Alternatively, you can take the A subway line to the Howard Beach-JFK Airport stop and transfer to the AirTrain (make sure to take the line marked for Far Rockaway; lines marked Lefferts Blvd do not stop on the AirTrain). Alternatively, you can take the E, J, and Z to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport, where you can connect to the AirTrain. Both subways take longer, making at least 12 stops between JFK and Manhattan, but depending on where you’re starting from, it may be easier than going to an LIRR station first. The subway fare is $3. AirTrain costs an additional $8.75.
How to get to JFK Airport by taxi or rideshare service
The car trip highlights JFK’s biggest flaw. It’s 15-20 miles from Manhattan, which wouldn’t be so bad without the traffic jams along the way, but the current construction is making it even worse. Unless you’re flying to and from the airport after 10pm or before 7am, you can definitely expect traffic. It’s about a 45-minute drive without traffic, but during most days and evenings, passengers should expect a 75- to 90-minute drive to Manhattan. The flat rate taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan using a traditional yellow cab is $70 (excluding tolls and tips). (Note that rides from JFK are a flat rate, but rides from LGA and EWR are not.) Additional fees based on time of day and route range from $2.75 to $8.50. From Manhattan to However, at JFK, you’ll be paying tolls and tips on top of what the meter says for the 90-minute trip, which can be quite expensive. Please make sure to use the official Yellow Cab taxi rank (outside baggage claim). These are regulated by the Flat Fare Rule and the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Those flying JetBlue from Terminal 5 should also note that due to construction at neighboring Terminal 6, the taxi rank has been moved further from the main facility to the ground floor of the yellow parking lot near the AirTrain station. (Note: Both the taxi rank and the AirTrain station are a very long walk from the Terminal 5 arrival gate. Please contact JFK Accessibility Services for assistance.)
Rideshares with Uber and Lyft are a little cheaper during off-hours, but they apply peak fare surcharges that can exceed $100. Due to construction, rideshare pickup locations from Terminals 5 and 7 have been moved to the Howard Beach AirTrain Station parking lot. Passengers can take the AirTrain to the pick-up point for free. The most affordable rideshare option is Uber Shuttle. The shuttle operates from three locations in Manhattan (Times Square, Greenwich Village, and 42nd Street) to JFK, with several stops along each route. Exact costs vary depending on time and boarding location, but passengers can expect to pay approximately $25. Uber shuttles from JFK to Manhattan depart from Terminals 4 and 5.
How to get to JFK by car
If you drive your own car, short-term parking near the terminal has a maximum rate of $80 per day, while long-term parking has plenty of spots with a maximum rate of $49 per day. Check parking availability before you leave home, or plan ahead and pre-book your spot online. All parking lots at the airport, including long-term parking, are connected to the terminal via the free JFK AirTrain. If you’re driving, time your departure to avoid rush hour traffic. Typically weekdays from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm. Please note that construction is causing traffic congestion and parking spaces are limited.
How to get to JFK Airport with paid van service
Aside from the Uber shuttle, there are several van services between JFK and Manhattan that are a great way to save money instead of time. Airlink NYC and ETS Airport Shuttle are two of the major van services authorized to operate on JFK grounds. Fares between JFK and Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan start at $35 each way, which is a great deal, especially if you have a lot of luggage and don’t mind carpooling or experiencing multiple drop-offs and pickups at various hotels along the route. Please note that road travel may take longer than expected due to construction.
How to get to JFK Airport by helicopter
The absolute fastest way is to use Blade Helicopter Services. The flight takes approximately 10 minutes between a Manhattan helicopter pad and a private terminal at JFK. Most flights depart from West 30th Street, but there are also flights from East 34th Street on weekdays from 2:45pm to 6pm. Instagram-friendly seats start at about $200. Considering the surge prices for rideshare services, this is actually not such a bad deal.
Food and service at JFK terminals
Depending on which terminal you’re in, you may have a wide range of options for things to do before your flight or during your layover, or you may have very limited options. JFK consists of five (sometimes confusing) terminals numbered 1 through 8, but terminals 2, 3, and 6 were demolished more than a decade ago. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each terminal. Each has its own unique characteristics and design.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1’s major airline tenants are Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. It’s no wonder, then, that the duty-free shopping is top-notch, with brands like Bvlgari and Hermès stocked here. If you have access to it, the T1 airline lounge is an upscale place for business or first class passengers to relax. There is also a Prime Class Lounge for Priority Pass members. Most of the meals are fast food, but there are also reliable options, including locals that serve American standards like burgers and pizza. Enjoy a pre-flight cocktail at Soho Bites. Enjoy Turkish cuisine at Eat & Go Istanbul. There’s also Wok & Roll with Chinese and Japanese menus.
terminal 4
The vast and spacious new Terminal 4 space is home to dozens of upscale shops, restaurants, lounges, and even a rare private art collection. International airlines from Air India to Emirates and Virgin Atlantic operate from this terminal, as does Delta Air Lines (Delta Sky Club and Delta One Club), which operates both domestic and international flights. Capitol One has unveiled a 13,500 square foot flagship lounge in 2025, right after security. The Amex Centurion Lounge here is popular for its signature coffee bar and secret bootlegger, and the Sapphire Reserve Lounge has opened at the counter next door with a brighter, more open space. Any passenger can purchase a Minute Suite and HelloSky Lounge access. Terminal 4 is home to cult fast-casual burger joint Shake Shack, hearty steakhouse fare at Palm Bar & Grill, and cocktail spot Gotham Speakeasy. There’s a Lego Store, Scoreboard sports souvenirs, and two candy shops: Chocolate & More and So Chocolate. Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, and Kiehl’s can also accommodate your last-minute luggage needs.
Related: Here are the most exciting new airport lounges in the US
terminal 5
The terminal is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, which is expected to be completed later this year. It is the home of JetBlue and features the airline’s first lounge, the Blue House. Several other upgrades have already been rolled out, including significantly improved dining options, new art installations, and an outdoor terrace with a dog park. Local favorites like Jacob’s Pickles, Leon’s Bagels, and Melt Shoppe all have locations within the terminal. Other takeout spots like Caribbean Kitchen and Custom Burgers also offer plenty of pre-flight meal options. Shopping spots aren’t as plentiful as other terminals, but you can shop at retail spaces modeled after Bryant Park, including Herschel, Where Travelers Books, and Build-A-Bear Station. Terminal 5 also has the advantage of being connected to the TWA Hotel. Located within the original airport terminal designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962, this hotel is JFK’s only on-site hotel.
terminal 7
Once the JFK redesign is complete, a new Terminal 6 will be built in the space currently occupied by Terminal 7. Currently, Terminal 7 is home to Air Canada, Condor, Icelandair, North Atlantic Airways, Frontier Airlines, and more. There are two lounges: Aer Lingus and Horizons. The terminal’s food options are decidedly uninspiring, including Dunkin’, Le Grand Comptoir Wine Bar, and True Burger. Shopping is also sparse, consisting mostly of a few duty-free shops and a few Hudson News stores.
terminal 8
The renovation of Terminal 8 was announced in April 2026. Other oneworld partners such as American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair are major tenants here. The project expanded the terminal by 130,000 square feet, making room for five new gates, dozens of new shopping and dining facilities, and an enhanced baggage system. American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club are available to club members and premium passengers. New gourmet highlights include Eataly’s first airport location, Blinded Tiger’s Secret Tavern, and the soon-to-open Momofuku’s Peach Palace, which will be held in the spacious food hall. Shop until you arrive or until boarding begins at Marc Jacobs, Alchemy, Longchamp, and Lacoste.
TWA Hotels in JFK
One of JFK’s most vibrant features is the old-world charm of the TWA Hotel. The hotel opened in 2019 inside the original terminal designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962, when the airport was known as Idlewild. This mid-century building has been abandoned since 2001 (Jet Blue’s Terminal 5 opened next door in 2008). But now it’s home to a rooftop pool overlooking the runway, a cocktail lounge inside a restored Lockheed Constellation L-1649A airplane (also known as Connie), an expansive red-carpeted sunken lounge restored to its 1962 glory, and a Paris Café. Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Michelin-certified and behind Jean-Georges and ABC Kitchen in Manhattan). A visit to the TWA Hotel is like stepping back in time, and if you’re looking to pop in for food and drinks, or need a place to sleep before or after a flight, it’s worth a night’s stay in one of our midcentury-meets-modern-meets-space-age rooms.
Newark Liberty International Airport: United Airlines’ New York City hub
If you’re flying United Airlines or one of its partner airlines, you’ll be departing from Newark, which is located in New Jersey but is United’s main hub in the New York area. But there are other reasons to consider this airport. It’s not too difficult to reach by public transport, as detailed below. It also offers a fair amount of international service, barring the disruption of popular international hub airport JFK.
Newark Liberty International Airport has also benefited from several major renovations in recent years, with a completely transformed Terminal A opening in early 2023. The long-awaited new terminal, with its high ceilings and light-filled concourses, is a welcome departure from its bawdy predecessor. The spacious gate area features a number of upgrades, including colorful artwork, 60% more seating and charging stations at each gate. Newark also launched a $3.5 billion plan to upgrade the entire AirTrain system for transportation within the airport and connection to New Jersey Transit Authority trains.
How to get from Manhattan to Newark Airport
How to get to Newark by public transportation
Traveling to Newark by train is very good by New York standards. From New York’s Penn Station, you can take New Jersey Transit trains to Newark Liberty International Airport Station. The 30-minute trip costs approximately $17 per person and includes complimentary transportation to the AirTrain, which stops at each airport terminal. The entire journey from Manhattan takes approximately 1 hour. However, the Port Authority has warned that delays may occur on weekdays until June 9, 2026, as shuttle buses will operate instead of the AirTrain due to current construction. (AirTrain will operate as usual on weekends.)
How to get to Newark by shuttle service
Airlink NYC and ETS Airport Shuttle are among the companies that offer shuttles between Manhattan and Newark, with prices starting at about $40 per person.
How to get to Newark by taxi or rideshare
For the past few years, United Airlines has advertised that it’s actually much faster to get to EWR from certain parts of Manhattan than it is to get to JFK. However, taxis and rideshare services to Newark are expensive. Fares from Manhattan can be over $100, plus additional tolls and round-trip tolls paid by the taxi.
Food and Services at Newark Terminals
Terminal A
The $2.7 billion facility can handle nearly 14 million passengers a year (the previous terminal was designed to handle 9 million) and spans 1 million square feet with 33 gates. Airlines operating here include Air Canada, American, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United, and more. The central rotunda includes a food court and a collection of digital towers honoring important figures in New Jersey history. Concessions include Jersey & Co. Gelato and Jersey Mike’s Subs. Playa Bowls offers acai bowls, poke bowls, smoothies, and juices. Shake Shack; and Starbucks. Retail stores carry major brands such as Boss, MAC, Kiehl’s, and Tumi. There are also several play areas for children and three airline lounges: American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club. The American Express Centurion Lounge is scheduled to open in late 2026.
Terminal B
This is the main international terminal, excluding United Airlines flights. There are lounges for British Airways and other international airlines. Malone’s Fish Market serves healthy meals including fish and a variety of salads, while Unusual Times serves a full English breakfast.
terminal C
It is home to United Airlines and offers some of the best dining options in Newark. For example, sushi restaurant Tsukiji Uomuro serves fish shipped directly from Japan several times a week. The terminal’s Daily Restaurant (hence its name) has a wood-fired grill and, as you might expect, the menu changes daily. The standard eggy-weggie for breakfast turns into a custom burger in the evening. Garden State Diner is styled after a retro Jersey diner experience. Melange Café Bakery Chocolatier features cookies and other sweets from the world of chocolatier Jacques Torres. Terminal C also has the United Club and United Polaris lounges.
This article was originally published in January 2020 and has been updated with current information. Barbara Peterson, Chris Dong and Michelle Baran contributed reporting.