JFK vs. LaGuardia vs. Newark
John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
Distance: JFK is the most known New York City airport but did you know it was all the way in Queens? John F. Kennedy Airport is about 18 miles away from Manhattan, making it a true hassle to get to the city. Between traffic and expensive taxis/uber your best bet it to take public transportation to get to the city and that will take you about an hour or more. Public transit: JFK AirTrain/E or F train (subway).
Flight Options: JFK is the primary international airport, where you’ll find most of the long-haul flights departing and landing. It’s a major hub for American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue, and many international carriers.
Amenities: JFK Airport offers an extensive list of restaurants, cafes, fast food and Grab & Go services in its six terminals. There are 24 lounges at JFK, with 8 allowing passengers to purchase single-entry passes. 7 of the lounges are available to passengers with Priority Pass membership, including the Primeclass and Wingtips lounges.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Distance: LaGuardia is the closest option to the city, however the traffic due to intense construction may cause significant delays. Public transit: Q70 bus/E or 7 train (subway).
Flight Options: LGA is a much smaller airport with only 72 aircraft gates. It features more of domestic flights rather than international. However, because its so close to the city, the major U.S. airlines all fly out of LaGuardia. LGA is also Southwest’s only airport route in New York.
Amenities: LaGuardia has come a long way due to major construction efforts that has lasted for 10 years. It’s a smaller airport but it still has a few okay lounges. The most exciting is the Amex Centurion Lounge, accessible to holders of a Platinum Card® from American Express or Amex Centurion card. A huge BUT is that there are no Priority Pass lounges at LaGuardia.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Distance: Is the farthest away from Manhattan because it technically is in New Jersey and not New York City. Driving from EWR to the city is about 21 miles. Public Transit: AirTrain Newark/Newark Airport
Flight Options: This airport isn’t a hub for all major airlines but it is one of United’s largest hubs. The Star Alliance carrier doesn’t operate out of JFK. A number of other international airlines also fly into Newark, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and El Al.
Amenities: Newark Airport only has three terminals: A, B and C. Within those terminals, EWR has 13 lounges, including 5 lounges managed by United Airlines, a Delta Sky Club, and an American Airlines Admirals Club. Passengers who are not eligible for an airline lounge can purchase a day pass to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group or Lufthansa Business Lounge in Terminal B.
Final choice: To pick one of these great airports I would have to say it depends on where you are staying in New York City and where you are trying to go. If you are staying in Manhattan definitely fly in and out of LGA. However, if you read our NYC on a Budget post you know there are several great options out of the city where you can save a buck or two. This would make JFK the best option; cheaper flights and closer to the outer boroughs (Brooklyn and Queens). Plus there are way more amenities in JFK just in case you have a long layover. (What to do during a long layover)
