New York Airports

If you're flying to New York City, don't miss this guide to New York Airports

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport

John F. Kennedy Airport is New York's largest airport with over 47 million travelers passing through JFK Airport in 2007. Kennedy Airport (JFK) is located on Jamaica Bay in Queens, approximately 15 miles from midtown Manhattan. For visitors interested in using public transportation to travel from the airport into Manhattan, JFK offers a light-rail Airtrain that connects directly to New York's subway system.

Pros of Kennedy Airport:
• Airtrain service
Cons of Kennedy Airport:
• More expensive to cab ride from JFK to Manhattan than from LGA to Manhattan

2. LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport is smaller than Kennedy Airport, but no less important. Over 25 million passengers traveled through LaGuardia Airport in 2006. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located on Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay in Queens, approximately 8 miles from midtown Manhattan, making LaGuardia the closest airport to midtown Manhattan.

Pros of LaGuardia Airport:
• Closest airport to midtown Manhattan
Cons of LaGuardia Airport:
• Getting to the airport via public transport requires taking a bus

3. Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Airport is actually located in Newark, New Jersey, but it is an important travel hub for visitors to New York City and is located just 16 miles from midtown Manhattan.

Pros of Newark Airport:
• Offers direct flights from many cities that don't have direct service from other New York airports
Cons of Newark Airport:
• New Jersey location makes cab fare expensive to/from airport

4. Long Island Islip MacArthur Airport

Located on Long Island, MacArthur Airport accommodates over 2 million passengers annually. U.S. Airways and Southwest Airlines are the two primary airlines that operate out of MacArthur Airport. MacArthur Airport is located 50 miles east of Manhattan, but it does have shuttle service to the Long Island Railroad, which offers service into Manhattan.

5. White Plains Westchester Airport

Located in Westchester, White Plains Airport accommodates over 1 million passengers annually. U.S. Airways and Southwest Airlines are the two primary airlines that operate out of MacArthur Airport. MacArthur Airport is located 27 miles northeast of Manhattan.

6. Stewart International Airport (SWF)

Located in Newburgh/New Windsor, New York, Stewart International Airport accommodates nearly 1 million passengers annually. Stewart International Airport is located 60 miles north of Manhattan.

7. Teterboro Airport

Teterboro Airport is located about 12 miles from Manhattan in New Jersey. Teterboro Airport does not have scheduled commercial flights, but it does service charter flights and private planes.