Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Manhattan, United States
1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. It's located in Queens, approximately 16 miles southeast of Manhattan.
- Variety of Transportation: JFK offers multiple transportation options, including public buses, taxis, car services, and the AirTrain JFK to the subway.
- Size and Complexity: Being a large airport, navigation and finding your way around might be challenging but clear signage and maps are available.
- Distance from Manhattan: JFK is further away from Manhattan compared to other airports, but offers direct transportation links.
2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Located in the northern part of Queens and primarily serving domestic flights, LaGuardia Airport is a key gateway to Manhattan. It's approximately 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
- Central Location: LaGuardia's central location makes it more convenient for reaching Midtown and other parts of Manhattan.
- Redevelopment Project: Currently undergoing a massive renovation project to modernize facilities and improve passenger experience.
- Transportation Options: MTA Q70 SBS bus, taxis, car services, and airport shuttles are available for transportation from LaGuardia.
3. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located across the Hudson River in New Jersey, approximately 16 miles southwest of Manhattan. It offers flights to numerous domestic and international destinations.
- Accessibility from Manhattan: EWR can be accessed by PATH trains from Newark Penn Station, NJ Transit trains, buses, taxis, and car services.
- Travel Time: Travel time to Manhattan may be longer compared to JFK and LGA due to the need to cross the river and traffic conditions.
- Airline Options: Newark Liberty offers a wide variety of airlines, making it an important hub for many carriers.
4. AirTrain JFK
Free transportation service connecting the terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport and the subway system.
- Ease of Travel: AirTrain JFK makes it easy to travel between the terminals without having to go outside.
- Convenience for Subway Access: The AirTrain connects directly with the subway at Jamaica Station, providing access to Manhattan and other parts of NYC.
- Time-Saver: AirTrain JFK reduces walking time between terminals significantly compared to on-foot travel.
5. MTA AirTrain LGA
Free transportation service connecting the terminals at LaGuardia Airport and the subway system.
- Convenience for Subway Access: MTA AirTrain LGA connects directly with the subway at the Mets-Willets Point Station, providing access to Manhattan and other parts of NYC.
- Ease of Travel: AirTrain LGA makes it easy to travel between the terminals without having to go outside.
- Time-Saver: AirTrain LGA reduces walking time between terminals significantly compared to on-foot travel.
6. MTA Subway System
An extensive network of underground trains serving various parts of Manhattan and the greater New York City area.
- Coverage Area: The subway system covers a vast area, making it easy to reach various neighborhoods in Manhattan.
- Frequency of Trains: Trains run frequently, allowing for reliable and timely travel within the city.
- Cost-Effective Transportation: The subway is a cost-effective way to get around Manhattan compared to taxis or car services.
7. NYC Airporter
Shared shuttle bus service between JFK and LaGuardia airports and various hotels in Manhattan.
- Cost-Effective Transportation: NYC Airporter offers shared transportation, making it more affordable compared to taxis or private car services.
- Convenience for Hotels: NYC Airporter provides door-to-door service at participating hotels in Manhattan.
- Frequency of Shuttles: Shuttles run frequently throughout the day and night, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
8. SuperShuttle
Shared shuttle van service between JFK, LaGuardia airports, and various hotels in Manhattan.
- Cost-Effective Transportation: SuperShuttle offers shared transportation, making it more affordable compared to taxis or private car services.
- Convenience for Hotels: SuperShuttle provides door-to-door service at participating hotels in Manhattan.
- Frequency of Shuttles: Shuttles run frequently throughout the day and night, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
9. New York City Taxi
Iconic yellow taxis available for hire at all airports in Manhattan. They are equipped with credit card readers and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
- Convenience for Travel: Taxis provide door-to-door service, making it easy to reach your destination.
- Time-Saver: Taxis can be a faster option depending on traffic conditions and the location of your final destination.
- Flexibility: Taxis offer flexibility in terms of routing, as drivers may take the most efficient route to your destination.
10. Car Services (Uber, Lyft)
Popular ride-hailing services available at all airports in Manhattan. They can be booked in advance or requested upon arrival.
- Convenience for Travel: Car services provide door-to-door service, making it easy to reach your destination.
- Time-Saver: Car services can be a faster option depending on traffic conditions and the location of your final destination.
- Flexibility: Car services offer flexibility in terms of routing, as drivers may take the most efficient route to your destination.
11. NYC Ferry
A high-speed ferry service connecting various neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn with stops at JFK and LaGuardia airports.
- Accessibility from Airports: NYC Ferry provides access to Manhattan directly from the airports.
- Time-Saver: Ferries can be a faster option depending on traffic conditions and the location of your final destination in Manhattan.
- Scenic Views: Ferry rides offer stunning views of Manhattan's skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
12. Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
A commuter rail system connecting Long Island with Penn Station in Manhattan. It offers direct service to LaGuardia Airport.
- Accessibility from Airports: LIRR provides access to Manhattan directly from LaGuardia Airport.
- Time-Saver: Trains can be a faster option depending on traffic conditions and the location of your final destination in Manhattan.
- Comfortable Travel: Traveling by train is generally more comfortable compared to buses, especially for longer journeys.
13. NJ Transit Rail Service
A commuter rail system connecting New Jersey with Penn Station in Manhattan. It offers direct service to Newark Liberty International Airport.
- Accessibility from Airports: NJ Transit provides access to Manhattan directly from Newark Liberty International Airport.
- Time-Saver: Trains can be a faster option depending on traffic conditions and the location of your final destination in Manhattan.
- Comfortable Travel: Traveling by train is generally more comfortable compared to buses, especially for longer journeys.
14. NYC Vehicle Rental Services
Car rental services available at all airports in Manhattan. They offer a variety of vehicles for travelers to choose from.
- Flexibility for Travel: Renting a car provides flexibility in terms of routing and schedules.
- Cost-Effective Transportation: Renting a car can be cost-effective for groups or extended stays in Manhattan.
- Convenience for Travel: Having a rental car provides convenience for travel to destinations outside of Manhattan.
15. Bike Sharing Services (Citi Bike)
A bike-sharing system available in various neighborhoods across Manhattan. Bikes can be rented at docking stations located throughout the city.
- Environmentally Friendly Travel: Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around Manhattan.
- Convenience for Short Distances: Bikes are a good option for short distances and navigating congested areas in the city.
- Cost-Effective Travel: Citi Bike offers affordable hourly or daily rates, making it a cost-effective transportation option.