Travel 101: Which airport should I fly to in New York City?
July 24, 7:09 AM Pamela Notar Rochester International Travel Examiner
Traveling to New York City can be exciting, but deciding which airport to fly into can be confusing. Some airlines only fly into certain airports, while other airlines fly into multiple NYC airports. Here is an explanation to the pros and cons of New York City airports so that you can make the best decision for your travel plans. Remember, the cheapest flight doesn’t always mean the cheapest trip!
John F Kennedy (JFK) International: JFK Airport is located in Queens and handles the majority of New York’s international flights. However, you can easily get a domestic flight that flies into JFK. While JFK airport is the farthest from Manhattan, it is the only airport that has a direct connection to the NYC Subway system. Subway: For $2, you can take the subway into Manhattan, which is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi. Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach or Jamaica Center, and take the blue line into Manhattan from there. However, travel time is around 1 hour and it may be difficult for travelers with heavy luggage (there are some stairs that need to be tackled). Bus: Take the New York Airport Service Express Bus, which stops at Grand Central, 8th & 42nd, and Penn Station. Bus is $13 and takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Taxi: Taxis into Manhattan from JFK take 30 60 minutes and cost a flat rate of $45, not including tolls and tipping.
LaGuardia (LGA) International: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is also located in Queens and handles mostly domestic flights, although you can get an international flight through LGA. Unlike JFK, the subway does not run directly to LaGuardia. Bus: You can take the M60 bus for $2 which will drop you off at 116th and Broadway, from which you can then take a taxi or the subway. New York Airport Service Express Bus: Take this bus, which stops at Grand Central, 8th & 42nd, and Penn Station. Bus is $10 and takes around 40 minutes to an hour. Shuttle: Express Shuttle USA will pick you up after you go to the ground transportation desk. One way fare is $13 and has several stops in Manhattan. Taxi: A taxi from LGA costs between $16 and $26, not including tolls and tipping, and takes between 20 and 35 minutes. While flying into LaGuardia may be the closer choice, it will most likely be more expensive to get into Manhattan.
Newark (EWR) International: Newark (EWR) Airport is located over the river in New Jersey and handles both domestic and international flights. Newark Airport is the hub for Continental Airlines, and if you prefer to fly Continental, you will be flying into Newark (it is the only NYC airport they fly into). Bus: NYC public transportation isn’t available from Newark, but there is a Newark Liberty Express Bus that costs $12.50 round trip and will bring you from the terminals to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park, or Grand Central Station. Train: You can also take the Newark AirTrain, which will bring you to the NJ Transit train, and eventually to NY Penn Station. This option costs approximately $15 and takes around 30 minutes. The trip is 45 minutes to an hour. Taxi: Taxis take 20 45 minutes and cost $30 38 not including tolls and tips.
Each airport has its pro and cons and all provide adequate transportation to and from Manhattan. Compare flight prices before making a final decision. While a flight might be $20 cheaper into one airport, the differences in ground transportation costs might make another airport a better option. Copyright 2009 Examiner.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Author Pamela Notar is an Examiner from Rochester. You can see Pamela's articles at: "http://www.Examiner.com/x 15944 Rochester International Travel Examiner"