New York, New York! The city that never sleeps, and which offers five different airports to travelers. This many choices can sometimes be daunting, especially if you are visiting the Big Apple for the first time. When booking a flight, the question often arises: which airport is the most convenient, the cheapest, or closest to my accommodation? In this article, we will help you navigate the maze of New York airports so you can have the best possible travel experience.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is New York's largest and busiest airport, located in Queens. It is the most important gateway for international flights, and many airlines offer flights here from all over the world. The advantage of JFK is that many direct flights arrive here, and the airport is constantly being modernized, so the quality of services is high. However, its distance from the center of Manhattan is greater than that of other airports, and transportation can be time-consuming and expensive. The fastest (and most expensive) way to get from the airport to Manhattan is by taxi or Uber/Lyft. You can travel cheaper, but slower, by using the AirTrain railway system, which connects the airport to the subway and the Long Island Railroad.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia, also located in Queens, primarily accepts domestic flights. It has undergone a massive renovation in recent years and now has modern, spacious terminals. The advantage of LGA over JFK is its closer location to Manhattan, which allows for shorter and cheaper transfers. You can easily get to Manhattan from the airport by taxi, bus, or the Q70-S bus route, which connects the airport to the subway. LaGuardia is an ideal choice if you are traveling on domestic flights and quick access to the city center is important to you.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark is located in New Jersey, but it is also a convenient alternative for many New York travelers. The advantage of Newark is often lower airfare, and it is a major base for United Airlines. The most convenient (and most expensive) way to get from the airport to Manhattan is by taxi or Uber/Lyft. You can also get to Manhattan using the New Jersey Transit railway system, but this may require several transfers. Newark may be a good choice if the price of the flight is the most important consideration and you do not mind the longer travel time.
Stewart International Airport (SWF) and Roosevelt Island (FDR)
Stewart International Airport and Roosevelt Island Airport are less well-known and primarily accept regional flights. Stewart is located in Newburgh, and Roosevelt Island is in the Hudson River, near Manhattan. These airports generally offer cheaper flights, but getting to Manhattan from them can be more time-consuming and complicated. You can get from Stewart to Manhattan by bus, while from Roosevelt Island by subway or ferry.
Tip: When booking a flight, always check the airport's location relative to your accommodation, and consider transportation costs and time. You can easily compare the offerings of different airlines and airports and find the best flight for you on the Unifly.hu website!