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Choose Your Airport
Select your airport, then choose your direction. Each guide covers every realistic option — subway, train, express bus, rideshare, and taxi — with current fares and realistic travel times.
NYC’s Three Airports
LGA and JFK are both in Queens; EWR is across the Hudson in New Jersey — but often just as convenient depending on where you’re staying in Manhattan.
Transportation Cost Comparison
Approximate one-way costs from Midtown Manhattan. Rideshare prices vary by time of day and surge pricing. Verify current fares before you travel.
| Method | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit | |||
| AirTrain + SubwaySee note 1 | $11.75Two separate fares | ~70 min | Cheapest option |
| AirTrain + LIRRvia Jamaica Station · See note 2 Schedules & Fares |
$14.00 / $16.00Off-peak / Peak · Two separate fares Senior/Disabled: $12.25 |
35–45 min | ⭐ Best Balance |
| Road | |||
| Shared Van Go Airlink NYC · Uber Shuttle | $25–$36Prices vary · book in advance | ~60 min | Budget, no planning |
| Yellow TaxiSee note 3 | $70 flat rateAll-in typically $85–$120 + tolls & tip |
~45–60 min | Easiest after landing |
| Uber / LyftSee note 4 | $80–$150+Varies widely · check app | 47–60 min | Flexible, door-to-door |
| Car Service / LimoKing & Queen Limo · See note 5 | From ~$180+ tip, tolls & fees | ~45–60 min | Comfort, zero hassle |
| Premium | |||
| HelicopterBLADE · See note 6 | $195/seatShared charter $795–$995 Private charter from $1,875 |
~5 min | High-End & Fastest |
- AirTrain + Subway: Fare shown = AirTrain fare ($8.75) + subway fare ($3.00), paid as two separate transactions. Take the A train to Howard Beach or the E/J/Z to Jamaica, then board the AirTrain to your terminal. AirTrain fare is paid at the fare gate when exiting toward the subway. Children under 5 ride the AirTrain free.
- AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): Fare shown = LIRR fare + AirTrain fare ($8.75), paid as two separate transactions at different points. From Manhattan, purchase your LIRR ticket at Penn Station (Midtown West) or Grand Central Madison (Midtown East) and ride to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the AirTrain to your terminal. Arriving at JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and purchase your LIRR ticket there — trains run to both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
Pay the AirTrain fare at the fare gate when exiting toward the LIRR. Off-peak total: $5.25 + $8.75 = $14.00. Peak total: $7.25 + $8.75 = $16.00. Senior/Disabled: $3.50 LIRR + $8.75 AirTrain = $12.25 at all times. Peak hours vary by line and season — check mta.info for current schedule. Your LIRR ticket for this trip is a CityTicket — the MTA’s fare class for trips that start and end within New York City. Ticket machines and the TrainTime app apply this rate automatically when you enter your stations. Track live departures and plan your trip with the MTA’s official TrainTime app — available on the App Store and Google Play. - Yellow Taxi — JFK flat rate: The $70 flat rate applies to trips between Manhattan and JFK in either direction. With all surcharges, the realistic all-in total is typically $85–$120 before tip. Additional charges: $0.50 MTA State Surcharge · $1.00 Improvement Surcharge · $1.00 Overnight Surcharge (8pm–6am) · $2.50 NY State Congestion Surcharge · $0.75 MTA Congestion Pricing Toll (destinations south of 60th St) · $2.00 Airport Access Fee · $5.00 Rush Hour Surcharge (4–8pm weekdays, excluding holidays) · plus bridge/tunnel tolls and tip. Meter rate applies for JFK to non-Manhattan NYC destinations. Yellow taxi fares are regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC).
- Uber / Lyft: Prices vary widely with demand, traffic, time of day, and vehicle type. UberX typically $82–$107; UberXL $127–$139; Uber Black $133–$144. During surge periods, the yellow taxi flat rate may be cheaper and more predictable. Always check the app for a current estimate before booking.
- Car Service: Fixed-rate pricing with no surge. Tolls, fees, and tip are additional. Book in advance — most services require a reservation. Rates vary by company and vehicle class.
- Helicopter (BLADE): Three pricing tiers. By-the-seat scheduled flights from $195/seat between Manhattan and JFK, typically weekdays with limited weekend service. Shared charter (“Crowdsource”) from $795–$995 — you book the whole helicopter and BLADE sells remaining seats to others on the same route. Private charter from $1,875 — full aircraft, your chosen departure time. Manhattan heliports: West 30th Street and East 34th Street. Flight time is approximately 5 minutes. Book at blade.com.
- Travel times: All time estimates are based on light to moderate traffic conditions. Actual travel times may vary due to traffic, weather, accidents, construction, and other factors. Transit times are more predictable but subject to service delays.
| Method | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit | |||
| Q70 Bus + SubwayBus in Queens · Subway between Queens & Manhattan · See note 1 | $3.00Single subway fare · OMNY tap to pay | 40–60 min | Cheapest option |
| Metro-North + M60 BusWestchester · Dutchess · Putnam · CT · See note 2 (from Harlem–125th St.) |
VariesMetro-North fare + $3.00 bus | Varies | Time Saver Route |
| Metro-North + LIRR + Q70 BusWestchester · Dutchess · Putnam · CT · See note 3 | VariesMetro-North + LIRR fares + $3.00 bus | Varies | Comfort Route |
| Road | |||
| Shared Van Go Airlink NYC · Uber Shuttle | ~$30Prices vary · book in advance | ~60 min | Budget, no planning |
| Yellow TaxiSee note 4 | MeteredTypically $35–$60 from Midtown + surcharges & tip |
~25–45 min | Easiest after landing |
| Uber / LyftSee note 5 | $40–$90+Varies widely · check app | 25–45 min | Flexible, door-to-door |
| Car Service / LimoKing & Queen Limo · See note 6 | From ~$75+ tip, tolls & fees | ~25–45 min | Comfort, zero hassle |
- Q70 Bus + Subway: The Q70 bus runs from LaGuardia Airport through Queens, connecting to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74th St subway station (E/F/M/R/7 trains) and the Woodside–61st St LIRR station. The bus portion runs entirely within Queens; once you board the subway you’re on your way into Manhattan. Pay the fare at the kiosk before boarding the bus — do not pay on the bus. One fare covers both the bus and subway on OMNY. Runs frequently during daytime hours.
- Metro-North + M60 Bus (Time Saver Route): Travelers from Westchester, Dutchess, or Putnam counties in New York, or from Connecticut, can take Metro-North toward the city and connect directly to the M60 bus at 125th St — which runs straight to LaGuardia without a subway transfer. This is the faster option of the two Metro-North routes, but it requires getting off at 125th St and picking up the bus there. A good choice for travelers who know the route and are comfortable with the connection.
Full routing details are in our related guides: LaGuardia to Manhattan and Manhattan to LaGuardia. - Metro-North + LIRR + Q70 Bus (Comfort Route): Travelers from Westchester, Dutchess, or Putnam counties, or Connecticut, who prefer a more familiar path can take Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal, transfer to the LIRR at Grand Central Madison, ride to Woodside, then take the Q70 bus directly to LaGuardia. This route adds time and cost compared to the M60 option, but avoids unfamiliar areas or routes — many suburban travelers find it more comfortable and intuitive.
Full routing details are in our related guides: LaGuardia to Manhattan and Manhattan to LaGuardia. - Yellow Taxi — LGA metered fare: Unlike JFK, there is no flat rate for taxi trips to or from LaGuardia. The meter runs from pickup. From Midtown Manhattan, expect $35–$60 before surcharges and tip. Additional charges: $0.50 MTA State Surcharge + $1.00 Improvement Surcharge + $1.00 Overnight Surcharge (8pm–6am) + $2.50 NY State Congestion Surcharge + $0.75 MTA Congestion Pricing Toll (destinations south of 60th St) + $5.00 Rush Hour Surcharge (4–8pm weekdays, excluding holidays) + tolls + tip. Yellow taxi fares are regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC).
- Uber / Lyft: Prices vary widely with demand, traffic, time of day, and vehicle type. LGA is relatively close to Midtown, so base fares are lower than JFK — but surge pricing during peak hours can push totals significantly higher. Always check the app for a current estimate before booking.
- Car Service: Fixed-rate pricing with no surge. Tolls, fees, and tip are additional. Book in advance — most services require a reservation. Rates vary by company and vehicle class.
- Travel times: All estimates assume light to moderate traffic. LGA’s proximity to Midtown means road times can be very short in off-peak hours — but traffic on the Grand Central Pkwy and the BQE can add significant time during rush hours. Transit times are more consistent but subject to service delays.
| Method | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit | |||
| NJ Transit + AirTrainNortheast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line · See note 1 Schedules & Fares |
$16.10–$19.10NJ Transit fare (varies by zone) + $8.75 AirTrain · AirTrain fee included when ticket purchased via app or machine | ~30–45 min | ⭐ Best Balance |
| NJ Transit from NJ SuburbsTransfer at Newark Penn Station · See note 2 | VariesNJ Transit fare + $8.75 AirTrain | Varies | NJ Residents |
| Road | |||
| Shared Van Go Airlink NYC · Uber Shuttle | $20–$30Prices vary · book in advance | ~60–75 min | Budget, no planning |
| Yellow TaxiSee note 3 | MeteredTypically $50–$85 from Midtown + $20 Newark surcharge + tip |
~40–60 min | Easiest after landing |
| Uber / LyftSee note 4 | $55–$120+Varies widely · check app | 40–60 min | Flexible, door-to-door |
| Car Service / LimoKing & Queen Limo · See note 5 | From ~$100+ tip, tolls & fees | ~40–60 min | Comfort, zero hassle |
| Premium | |||
| HelicopterBLADE · West 30th St Heliport only · See note 6 | From $195/seat~10 min · Lands at Signature terminal · Car transfer to terminal included | ~10 min | High-End & Fastest |
- NJ Transit + AirTrain: Two NJ Transit lines stop directly at Newark Liberty Airport Station — the Northeast Corridor (serving NY Penn Station, Newark Penn, Trenton, and points between) and the North Jersey Coast Line (serving NY Penn Station, Newark Penn, and the Jersey Shore corridor).When you purchase your ticket to or from Newark Airport through the NJ Transit app, web, or a ticket machine, the $8.75 AirTrain access fee is already included — one ticket covers both. Keep your ticket: you’ll need it to pass through the fare gate at the airport rail station. Trains are designated with an airplane symbol or “EWR” on departure boards.From NY Penn Station, the ride to the airport takes about 20–25 minutes. Allow extra time for the AirTrain connection between the rail station and your terminal.Note: As of January 2026, the AirTrain is suspended on weekdays between 5am–3pm for replacement construction. During this window, free shuttle buses replace AirTrain service between the rail station and terminals. Allow extra time. Check njtransit.com for current service advisories before travel.
- NJ Transit from NJ Suburbs: Travelers originating from communities across New Jersey can reach EWR via NJ Transit without going through Manhattan.
Northeast Corridor — connects Trenton, Princeton Junction, New Brunswick, Metropark, and points between, all the way to Newark Liberty Airport Station directly.
North Jersey Coast Line — connects the Jersey Shore corridor from Bay Head and Long Branch through Rahway and Elizabeth, also stopping directly at Newark Liberty Airport Station.
Riders on other NJ Transit lines (Morris & Essex, Raritan Valley, Montclair-Boonton, and others) can connect at Newark Penn Station or Secaucus Junction to board an airport-bound train.
Full routing details are in our related guides: Newark to Manhattan and Manhattan to Newark. - Yellow Taxi — EWR metered fare: There is no flat rate for taxi trips to or from Newark. The meter runs from pickup, and a $20 Newark surcharge applies to all trips between Manhattan and EWR. From Midtown, expect $50–$85 on the meter before surcharges and tip. Additional charges: $0.50 MTA State Surcharge + $1.00 Improvement Surcharge + $1.00 Overnight Surcharge (8pm–6am) + $2.50 NY State Congestion Surcharge + $0.75 MTA Congestion Pricing Toll (destinations south of 60th St) + $5.00 Rush Hour Surcharge (4–8pm weekdays, excluding holidays) + $20.00 Newark Surcharge + Lincoln or Holland Tunnel toll + tip. Yellow taxi fares are regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC).
- Uber / Lyft: Prices vary widely with demand, traffic, time of day, and vehicle type. EWR is farther from Midtown than LGA or JFK in road miles, and tunnel tolls add to the total. Always check the app for a current estimate before booking.
- Car Service: Fixed-rate pricing with no surge. Tolls, fees, and tip are additional. Book in advance — most services require a reservation. Rates vary by company and vehicle class.
- Helicopter (BLADE): BLADE operates shared flights between the West 30th St Heliport (Manhattan) and Newark Liberty. Flights are approximately 10 minutes. BLADE lands at the Signature Flight Support private terminal on airport grounds — a car transfer to the main terminal is included in the service. From $195/seat for shared flights. Book in advance at blade.com.
- Travel times: All estimates assume light to moderate traffic. The Lincoln Tunnel is the primary crossing for road travel — delays can be significant during peak hours. NJ Transit times are generally reliable but subject to service changes, especially during the current AirTrain construction period.
Official Maps & Resources
Official maps and guides from the MTA, Port Authority, and NJ Transit. Links open directly to the source — always the most current version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from travelers flying in and out of New York City.
1 Which NYC airport should I fly into?
JFK — Largest international hub. Widest range of airlines and destinations. Rail access via AirTrain to subway or LIRR. Flat taxi rate from Manhattan. Best for international flights and travelers who want a reliable transit option.
LaGuardia — Closest to Midtown (about 8 miles). Primarily domestic. No direct rail link, but subway and commuter rail connections via the M60 and Q70 bus routes bring thousands of passengers daily. Taxi, rideshare, and car service also widely used. Known for delays and cancellations — factor that in for time-sensitive travel.
Newark — United Airlines hub, with extensive domestic and international routes, including strong transatlantic service. Terminal A is newly rebuilt and among the best in the region. NJ Transit rail connects directly to Penn Station — convenient for the West Side and Lower Manhattan. Fares are sometimes cheaper, particularly to Europe.
2 Which airport is best for international flights?
JFK is New York’s primary international hub, with the most airlines, the most destinations, and the most non-stop long-haul routes. It’s served by virtually every major international carrier. Terminal 4 handles Delta and many international airlines; Terminal 1 covers Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, and others.
Newark is also a major international airport — United’s hub here includes extensive transatlantic and transpacific routes, and European carriers like Lufthansa and TAP Portugal operate out of Terminal B. For travelers flying United or Star Alliance partners, EWR can be just as good as JFK.
LaGuardia is primarily domestic. A handful of international routes exist but it’s not where you’ll find the major international connections.
3 Do I need a REAL ID to fly?
Yes — as of May 7, 2025, REAL ID is required for domestic flights within the United States. A standard driver’s license that does not meet REAL ID standards is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints for air travel. Look for a star in the upper corner of your license — that’s the REAL ID mark.
If your license isn’t REAL ID compliant, you’ll need to use a U.S. passport or another acceptable form of federal ID at the security checkpoint. For international travel, your passport is required regardless. Check your state DMV’s website to update your license if needed — most states can issue a REAL ID-compliant license at your next renewal or with a dedicated visit.
4 Is TSA PreCheck worth it for flying out of NYC?
Yes — especially at JFK and Newark, where standard security lines can be substantial. TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop in your bag, and use a dedicated lane that moves significantly faster. At busy terminals like JFK Terminal 4 or Terminal 5, PreCheck can save 20–30 minutes during peak hours.
PreCheck membership lasts five years and requires an in-person background check and fingerprinting. CLEAR is a separate service that uses biometrics to verify your identity, allowing you to skip the ID check line — but CLEAR gets you to the front of the security screening line, not through a different lane. Many frequent flyers use both together for the fastest overall experience. As of 2026, TSA has also rolled out Touchless ID at select terminals using facial recognition — worth checking if your terminal supports it.
5 What are the best and worst times to travel through NYC airports?
The best time to travel is mid-morning to early afternoon — roughly 10am to 2pm. Security lines are shorter, traffic is lighter, and the airports are less chaotic. Early morning flights (before 7am) also tend to have fewer delays since aircraft haven’t had a chance to fall behind schedule yet.
The worst times are Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and holiday weekends. The week before Thanksgiving and the days around Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest of the year across all three airports. LaGuardia in particular is consistently ranked among the worst airports in the country for on-time performance — if your schedule is flexible, JFK or EWR are more reliable choices during high-travel periods.
6 Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at NYC airports?
All three airports have designated rideshare pickup zones — and they are not at the terminal curb.
JFK — Rideshare pickups are at a centralized lot accessed via the AirTrain (one stop from most terminals, free within the airport loop).
LaGuardia — Rideshare pickups are in designated parking areas accessible by a short walk or shuttle from the terminals. Follow the app’s in-terminal signage carefully — it’s easy to end up at the wrong spot.
Newark — Rideshare pickup is at a dedicated lot near Terminal B. Always confirm the exact location in your app before you arrive at baggage claim, as these zones occasionally change.
7 How do I get through customs faster when arriving internationally?
Global Entry is the single best tool for international arrivals. It allows U.S. citizens and eligible foreign nationals to bypass the standard customs line and use automated kiosks instead — typically cutting the process from 45–60 minutes down to under 5 minutes. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. Enrollment requires an application, background check, and in-person interview, and the membership lasts five years.
At JFK Terminal 4, which handles most international arrivals, customs lines during the 3–6pm window (when multiple transatlantic flights land simultaneously) can be very long without Global Entry. If you fly internationally more than once a year, it’s worth the application process. Mobile Passport Control is a free app alternative that can also speed up the process for U.S. citizens at participating airports — JFK and Newark both support it.
8 Which airport has the best terminals and amenities?
This has changed significantly in recent years as all three airports have undergone major renovations. Newark’s Terminal A, which reopened in 2023, is widely considered the best new terminal in the New York area — spacious, modern, with good dining and natural light. LaGuardia’s Terminal B is also genuinely impressive after its recent rebuild, with soaring ceilings and solid food options by airport standards.
At JFK, the experience varies by terminal. Terminal 4 (Delta hub) and Terminal 5 (JetBlue) are well-regarded. Terminals 1 and 7 are older and more cramped.
The famous TWA Hotel, located in the landmarked 1962 TWA terminal designed by Eero Saarinen, is worth a visit even if you’re not staying there — the Sunken Lounge is accessible to non-guests. If you’re a frequent flyer, airline lounge access (through membership, credit cards, or business/first class status) transforms the experience at all three airports considerably.