Best Airport to Fly Into New York City: Pros & Cons of LGA, JFK, EWR

In this episode we break down, with stats and opinions, the best airport to fly into New York City. We'll discuss the pros and cons of LGA, JFK, and Newark Airports.

Flying Into Newark Airport to Go to NYC

• Located in New Jersey, across the Hudson from NYC
• Public Transportation cost into Manhattan: usually about $16 for the train from the airport to Penn Station in NYC, then (depending on final location) another $2.90 for a subway swipe

Stats about Newark Airport Delays

From April 2019 to April 2024, Newark Airport had a 73.1% on-time rate for flights (worst of the three).

It also had a 3.96% cancellation rate (highest of the three)

Pros of Newark Airport

• It's usually the lowest-cost option for flights alone

Cons of Newark Airport

• Has the longest average security wait time of the 3 airports at 23 minutes, compared to 16 for JFK and 17 for LGA
• It is a trek to get there, and if you don't hit the train at the right time, you can end up waiting for an extended amount of time for the next train
• Finding the AirTrain can be confusing; it's not very well-marked
• If you take an Uber or Lyft or any type of driving, it's the most challenging and confusing airport I've ever driven to/from
• You have to go to New Jersey 😜

Flying Into JFK Airport

• JFK is the largest of the 3 NYC airports, with 128 gates
• It also has the highest number of destinations globally out of the 3 options
• Public Transportation cost into Manhattan: $11.40, one subway swipe + AirTrain ride

Stats about JFK Airport Delays

From April 2019 to April 2024, JFK Airport had a 76.45% on-time rate for flights.

It also had a 2.75% cancellation rate.

Pros of JFK

• Arguably, the easiest to get into NYC via public transportation, the most straightforward navigation
• Often, it is the cheaper option overall, depending on where you're coming from
• Due to the size, there are a plethora of lounges, food options, and shops

Cons of JFK

• Currently, there is a major reconstruction project that won't be complete until 2028
• Much further away from Manhattan than you think, and quite risky that you'll hit traffic

Flying Into La Guardia Airport

• Many of the terminals have been recently renovated
• Geographically, it is closest to Midtown Manhattan out of the 3 options. Half the distance of the other two options
• Public Transportation cost into Manhattan: $2.90, one subway swipe

Stats about LGA Airport Delays

From April 2019 to April 2024, LGA Airport had a 76.62% on-time rate for flights.

It also had a 3.69% cancellation rate.

Pros of LGA

• The views when you take off and land are the best
• New Chase Sapphire Lounge and a fantastic Centurion Lounge
• Quality shopping options for last-minute souvenirs
• Many of their food options are popular local NYC chains
• If you Uber or Lyft, it is the cheapest and fastest airport by car
• Public transportation into NYC is the cheapest of the 3 airports

Cons of LGA

• The public transportation route can be confusing; the bus stops aren't super clearly marked
• We seem to do more walking to our gate from security than other airports
• Usually more expensive to fly into

Our Pick for Best Airport to Fly Into New York & Recap

La Guardia!

Be sure to download our Ultimate Transportation Guide to learn exactly how to get to and from each airport. https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide