JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark: Which NYC Airport Should You Fly From?

A practical, no-nonsense comparison of New York's three major airports — fares, airlines, transit times to Manhattan, and which one to choose for your trip.

New York is one of the only cities in the world served by three major airports — JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR). That is a huge advantage for travelers, but it also means a real decision every time you fly. This guide breaks down how the three compare on price, airlines, location, and convenience so you can pick the right one for each trip.

Quick Comparison

•JFK (Queens): the international powerhouse; biggest JetBlue and Delta presence; about 15 miles from Midtown.

•LaGuardia (Queens): closest to Manhattan at roughly 8 miles; best for short-haul domestic; recently rebuilt terminals.

•Newark (New Jersey): a United hub; often the cheapest for transcontinental and international; about 18 miles from Midtown.

Which Airport Has the Cheapest Flights?

There is no permanent winner — it depends on the route and the airline. But some patterns hold:

•Newark is frequently cheapest for United flights and for many transcontinental and international routes.

•JFK is most competitive on international long-haul and on JetBlue and Delta domestic routes.

•LaGuardia shines on short East Coast hops to cities like Boston, Washington DC, and Chicago.

The only reliable way to know is to compare all three for your specific dates — which is exactly what FlyNYC does on a single search.

Getting To and From Each Airport

JFK

•AirTrain connects to the subway (E, J/Z, A lines) and the LIRR.

•Travel time to Midtown: about 45 to 75 minutes by transit.

•Taxi/rideshare: 35 to 75 minutes depending on traffic.

LaGuardia

•Closest to Midtown — about 8 miles.

•No direct subway; use the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to the subway, or rideshare.

•Travel time: about 30 to 50 minutes.

Newark

•AirTrain connects to NJ Transit and Amtrak at Newark Liberty station.

•Travel time to Midtown: about 45 to 60 minutes by train.

•Note: rideshare from Newark can carry New Jersey surcharges.

Choose Your Airport by Trip Type

•International long-haul: JFK first, Newark second.

•Transcontinental (LA, San Francisco, Seattle): compare Newark and JFK; see NYC to Los Angeles.

•Short East Coast hop: LaGuardia for convenience, but check all three.

•Budget carrier (Spirit, Frontier): usually LaGuardia or Newark — see Spirit and Frontier.

•Lowest possible fare, flexible on logistics: start with Newark.

Terminals, Lounges, and Experience

LaGuardia's recent multi-billion-dollar rebuild has transformed it from the city's least-loved airport into one of its most pleasant, with bright new terminals and better dining. JFK is a sprawling international hub where your terminal depends heavily on your airline — leave extra time for connections. Newark is efficient and well-connected to the regional rail network, which can make it the smoothest option if you are coming from New Jersey or the west side of Manhattan.

Tips for Every NYC Airport

•✅ Always compare all three before booking — fares vary by $50 to $150

•✅ Factor transit cost and time into the "real" price of a cheap fare

•✅ Arrive 2 hours early for domestic, 3 hours for international

•✅ For LaGuardia, budget extra buffer — it has no direct train

•✅ Know your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled

The Bottom Line

The best NYC airport is the one that is cheapest and most convenient for your specific trip — and that changes from booking to booking. Treat all three as a single pool of options, compare every time, and you will save money and hassle. Read the full NYC airport guides, then search flights across all three airports.

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