New York is unusual among major cities in having three separate international airports serving the metro area, each with its own strengths depending on where you're flying from, where you're headed once you land, and which airlines you prefer. Here's how JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR) actually compare.
The Quick Comparison
| Airport | Best For | Distance to Midtown |
|---|---|---|
| JFK | International flights, widest carrier selection | ~45-60 min |
| LGA | Domestic flights, closest to Manhattan | ~25-35 min |
| EWR | International + domestic, strong for NJ/CT-bound travelers | ~35-50 min |
JFK: The International Hub
JFK handles the largest share of international traffic into New York, with six terminals and nearly every major global carrier represented. If you're flying internationally — particularly on Delta, Emirates, British Airways, or most Asian and European carriers — you're most likely landing at JFK. It's also the farthest of the three from Manhattan, so building in extra transfer time is worthwhile, especially during evening rush hour.
LaGuardia: Closest to the City
LGA is almost entirely domestic (with a small number of exceptions), and its proximity to Manhattan makes it the fastest airport-to-city option of the three. Its completely rebuilt terminal system means the days of LGA's notoriously dated infrastructure are largely behind it. If your flight is domestic and you're headed straight to Manhattan, LGA typically means the shortest transfer of the three airports.
Newark: Often Overlooked, Often Underrated
EWR sits in New Jersey rather than New York, which leads some travelers to assume it's less convenient — but for anyone headed to New Jersey, Connecticut, or even parts of Westchester, Newark can actually be the more direct route, avoiding a crossing back through Manhattan entirely. It's also United's primary New York hub and carries substantial international traffic, including several major European and Middle Eastern carriers.
Choosing Based on Your Destination
If you're headed to the Hamptons, JFK is typically the most practical entry point. Heading to Connecticut or western New Jersey? EWR often saves real time over routing through JFK or LGA. Staying in Manhattan itself? LGA is usually fastest if your flight serves it.
Why the Right Airport Doesn't Always Mean the Easiest Transfer
Regardless of which airport you land at, ground transportation quality varies enormously — taxi lines, rideshare surge pricing, and unfamiliar terminal layouts can turn even the best-chosen airport into a frustrating final leg of a long trip. A pre-booked car service with a driver who already knows all three airports removes that uncertainty entirely, regardless of which one you land at.
MyNYSUV Serves All Three — And Beyond
Whichever airport your flight lands at, MyNYSUV provides the same fixed-rate, flight-tracked, meet-and-greet service. Terminal familiarity, real-time flight monitoring, and a driver who's already accounted for your specific arrival point mean the airport you choose matters far less once you've booked reliable transportation from it.