When planning to leave New York City, one of the biggest decisions you will need to make is which airport to use. With three major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)- each offer unique advantages and challenges, choosing the best one depends on factors like location, convenience, flight availability, and amenities.
In this blog, I will try to discuss some pros and cons of each airport to help you make the best decision for your next trip.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area.JFK Airport is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City. this airport covers 5,200 acres and is the largest airport. Overall 90 airlines operate from JFK Airport with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents. Here are some pros and cons of JFK Airport:
Pros:
- Public Transit Accessibility: The AirTrain connects directly to the subway system, making it relatively easy to access from Manhattan.
- Variety of Airlines and Flight Options: Most major airlines operate out of JFK, offering competitive pricing and numerous routes.
- 24/7 Operations: Unlike some airports that have limited late-night flights, JFK remains active around the clock.
Cons:
- Security and Customs Delays: As an international hub, security and customs lines can be lengthy, so arriving early is crucial.
- Expensive Parking: If you’re driving, parking at JFK can be pricey, especially for long-term stays
Best for:
- International travelers
- Those looking for a large selection of flights
- Budget-conscious travelers who can take public transit
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) colloquially known as LaGuardia or simply LGA- is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queen, New York City. This airport covers 680 acres as of January 1, 2025 the facility was established in 1929 and began operating as a public airport in 1939. As of 2023, it was the third-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area behind Kennedy and Newark airports, and the 19th-busiest in the United States by passenger volume. The airport is located directly to the north of the Grand Central Parkway, the airport’s primary access highway. While the airport is a hub for both American Airlines and Delta Airlines, commercial service is strictly governed by unique regulations including a curfew, a slot system, and a perimeter rule. prohibiting most non-stop flights to or from destinations greater than 1,500 mi (2,400 km).
Pros:
- Recent Renovations: the airport has undergone major renovations, improving terminals, adding new amenities, and making for a more pleasant experience.
- Closest to Manhattan: If you’re traveling to or from Manhattan, LaGuardia is the most convenient airport, located just 8 miles away.
- Shorter Security Lines: Compared to JFK and Newark, LGA often has shorter TSA lines, making it a great choice for those who prefer quick check-ins.
- Frequent Domestic Flights: LGA primarily serves domestic flights, making it ideal for quick trips within the U.S.
Cons:
- Fewer Public Transit Options: Unlike JFK and Newark, LGA does not have a direct train connection, making public transport less convenient.
- Frequent Flight Delays: LGA has a reputation for delays due to high air traffic and frequent runway congestion.
Best for:
- Domestic flyers
- Travelers heading to or from Manhattan
- Business travelers who value quick access
- Domestic flyers
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the major international airports serving the New York metropolitan area. The airport straddles the boundary between the cities of Newark in Essex country and Elizabeth in Union country. It’s located in west-southwest Manhattan. It is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. The city of Newark built this airport on 68 acres (28ha) of marshland in 1928. In 2022, the airport served 43.4 million passengers, which made it the 13th-busiest airport in the nation and the 23rd-busiest airport in the world. The airline serves about 63% of passengers at EWR, making it the largest tenant at the airport.
Pros:
- Easy Access via Train: The AirTrain connects directly to NJ Transit and Amtrak, providing a seamless transit option for those in Manhattan or New Jersey.
- United Airlines Hub: If you’re a United flyer, Newark is often the best choice with the most direct flights and benefits for loyalty program members.
- Great for International and Domestic Flights: Newark offers a strong mix of both domestic and international routes.
- Less Crowded Than JFK: While still busy, Newark tends to have slightly less congestion than JFK.
Cons:
- Older Terminals: While Terminal A is undergoing renovations, some terminals feel outdated compared to JFK or LaGuardia’s newer updates.
- Weather-Related Delays: Like the other NYC airports, Newark is prone to delays, particularly in winter due to its location in New Jersey.
Best for:
- United Airlines travelers
- Those in New Jersey or western NYC
- International travelers who want an alternative to JFK
Stewart International Airport (SWF)
Stewart International Airport is a public/military airport in Orange County, New York. it is in the southwest of Poughkeepsie, approximately 60 miles north of Manhattan, NYC. The Airport was developed in the 1930s as a military base to allow cadets at the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point to learn aviation; it has grown into a significant passenger airport for the mid-Hudson region and countries.
Pros:
- Less Crowded: Stewart is significantly less busy, leading to a more relaxed travel experience.
- Easy Parking: Parking is cheaper and more convenient compared to the major NYC airports.
- Lower Cost Flights: Some budget airlines operate from Stewart, offering more affordable airfare.
Cons:
- Limited Flight Options: Stewart has far fewer flights than JFK, LGA, and EWR.
- Far from NYC: Located in New Windsor, about 60 miles north of Manhattan, it requires a longer commute.
Best for:
- Budget travelers
- Those who prefer a less crowded airport experience
Westchester County Airport (HPN)
Westchester County Airport (HPN) is a country-owned airport in Westchester country, New York, United States.it is sometimes referred to as the white planis Airport and is os identified by the official airline guide.
The Airport primarily serves researchers country, New York and Fairfield Country, Connecticut. The Airport is located approximately 33 miles north of midtown Manhattan. It is also considered a satellite or reliever airport for the New York Metropolitan Area. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the airport had 872,023 passenger enplanements in a calendar year, 2019.
The Westchester Country Airport has one small, three-level terminal with six gates, of which only four can be used simultaneously because only four aircraft can be scheduled to use the terminal’s ramp at the given time
Pros:
- Convenient for Travelers in Northern NYC and Westchester: Located in White Plains, this airport is ideal for those in the suburbs.
- Less Congestion: Smaller crowds mean a faster, more seamless travel experience.
- Frequent Domestic Flights: HPN offers a solid selection of domestic routes.
Cons:
- Limited International Flights: Most flights are domestic, limiting global connectivity.
- Fewer Airlines: HPN does not serve as many airlines as the larger airports.
Best for:
- Travelers based in Westchester, Connecticut, or northern NYC
- Those looking for a stress-free airport experience
Which Airport Should You Choose?
The best airport for your trips it’s depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick summary to help you to decide one:
- From my perception Choose Jfk if you need the most international flight options, prefer public transportation access, and don’t mind potential congestion
- Pic LGA if you want to be close to Manhattan, are taking a domestic flight, and prefer a recently renovated airport with quick security lines.
- Opt for EWR if you are a United flyer, traveling internationally but avoiding JKF, or based in New Jersey.
- Try HPN if you live in Westchester country or Connecticut and want a small convenient airport
Each airport has strengths and weaknesses, so knowing what matters most to you. Whether it; ‘s convenience, cost, or flight availability can help make your travel experience smoother.
Conclusion
Before you move into any New York Airport always check real-time traffic conditions, security wait times, and flight delays before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute surprises. In this blog, we try to cover some pros and cons of every New York airport. so, before you select anyone consider your perspective.
Happy Journey!
FAQs
- Which NYC airport is closest to Manhattan?
LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest, located just 8 miles from Manhattan. - Which airport is best for international flights?
JFK offers the most international flight options and airline choices. - Which NYC airport has the least delays?
Westchester County Airport (HPN) and Stewart (SWF) generally have fewer delays due to less congestion. - Is Newark better than JFK?
Newark (EWR) is better for United Airlines travelers and those in New Jersey, but JFK has more international flight options. - Which airport is best for budget travelers?
Stewart International Airport (SWF) often has the cheapest flights with budget airlines.
