If you are planning a trip to New York, you will usually choose between John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International (EWR). All three handle large numbers of flights every day, but they differ in distance, the kinds of flights they serve and how you reach Manhattan from them. This guide compares them so you can book the flight — and the ride — that suits your trip.
At a Glance: Distance to Midtown Manhattan
| Airport | Code | Location | To Midtown | Often best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaGuardia | LGA | Queens, NY | About 8 mi | Domestic flights, the closest commute |
| JFK International | JFK | Queens, NY | About 15 mi | International and long-haul flights |
| Newark Liberty | EWR | Newark, NJ | About 16 mi | New Jersey trips and the West Side |
Distance is only part of the story. In New York, the time of day, the weather and bridge and tunnel traffic often matter more than mileage, which is why a chauffeur who plans the route in real time makes a real difference.
JFK: The International Gateway
JFK, in southeastern Queens, is where most international travel into New York begins. If you are flying in from Europe, Asia, the Middle East or South America, it is the airport you are most likely to use. It is about 15 miles from Midtown, and the drive runs through Queens on routes such as the Van Wyck Expressway and the Belt Parkway, then into Manhattan over the East River crossings.
Because international arrivals include customs and immigration, the time between landing and reaching the curb can vary a lot. That is why our JFK car service includes 60 minutes of complimentary wait time for international arrivals, counted from your actual landing time, plus meet and greet at baggage claim.
LaGuardia: Closest to Midtown
LaGuardia, in northern Queens, is the closest of the three at about 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. It mainly serves domestic flights, which makes it a natural choice for business trips within the United States, quick weekend visits and travelers heading to Midtown, the Upper East Side or Upper West Side.
A shorter distance does not always mean a shorter trip at rush hour, but for many journeys LaGuardia offers the quickest door-to-door option. Learn more about our LaGuardia car service.
Newark: A Strong Choice for New Jersey and the West Side
Newark Liberty is in New Jersey, about 16 miles from Midtown, and it handles both domestic and international flights. Travelers headed to New Jersey — Jersey City, Hoboken, Short Hills or Princeton — often find it the most convenient airport, and it can also work well for Manhattan's West Side and Lower Manhattan via the Hudson River crossings.
Our Newark airport car service covers trips into Manhattan and across New Jersey, with the same flight tracking and fixed pricing as every other airport we serve.
Flying Private? Teterboro, Westchester and MacArthur
If you are flying private or on a regional flight, three smaller airports are worth knowing:
- Teterboro (TEB) — a private aviation airport in New Jersey, about 12 miles from Midtown.
- Westchester County (HPN) — about 30 miles from Midtown, convenient for Westchester and Connecticut.
- Long Island MacArthur (ISP) — about 50 miles from Midtown, convenient for Long Island.
How to Choose the Right Airport
- Flying internationally? JFK or Newark, depending on your airline and your final destination.
- Short domestic trip to Midtown or the Upper East Side? LaGuardia is usually the closest option.
- Staying in New Jersey or on the West Side? Newark is often the most convenient.
- Flying private? Teterboro is the closest private aviation airport to Manhattan.
Tips for a Smooth Airport Pickup
- Share your flight number when you book. We track your flight in real time and move your pickup to your actual landing time at no charge.
- Know your wait time. Complimentary wait time is 60 minutes for international arrivals and 30 minutes for domestic arrivals, counted from landing.
- Pick a vehicle for your luggage. The Cadillac Escalade ESV or Lincoln Navigator seats up to 6 passengers with 6 large suitcases; the Chevrolet Suburban takes up to 7 passengers and 7 large suitcases. See the full fleet.
- Request child seats in advance. Let us know your children's ages when booking so we can provide the right seats.
- Get a fixed fare upfront. Your fare is quoted and confirmed before you travel, with no surge pricing. Tolls, parking and airport fees are disclosed in advance.
For more on how we handle every airport, see our airport transfer service or the full list of New York airports we serve.