Don’t assume all three NYC airports are equal. EWR is actually the fastest to Midtown. JFK and LGA proximity deceives: they’re far from the city with slow connections. US Immigration takes 45 to 90 minutes, regardless of passport. Plan transit time before deciding to leave the airport.
JFK (John F. Kennedy)
JFK sits 24 kilometers southeast in Queens. The AirTrain connects terminals to Jamaica Station in 15 to 20 minutes for $8.50. From Jamaica: take the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station (20 minutes, $7.50 to $10) or the A/E subway line (50 minutes, included in MetroCard). Total to Midtown: 65 to 75 minutes for $10 to $18. A taxi costs $70 flat rate plus tolls and tip, taking 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Newark Liberty International (EWR)
Newark sits 26 kilometers west in New Jersey. Here’s the advantage: the AirTrain connects to the NJ Transit train to Penn Station in 25 to 35 minutes for $16.75. This is the fastest option of the three. A taxi costs $50 to $70 plus tolls and takes 30 to 60 minutes. EWR actually beats JFK and LGA to central Manhattan, despite being in another state.
LaGuardia (LGA)
LaGuardia is closest to Midtown at just 13 kilometers, but there is no rail connection. The M60 express bus reaches 125th Street in Harlem in 35 to 50 minutes, then you transfer to subway. Total: 60 to 75 minutes depending on connections. Taxi costs $30 to $50 and takes 25 to 50 minutes. Proximity matters less than connections here. LGA proximity is a trap.
Three-Hour Layover
Only feasible from Newark. Immigration alone takes 45 to 90 minutes. You land, clear CBP, collect bags, and have maybe 30 minutes to leave the airport before you need to return. Stay at the airport unless you have CLEAR or TSA PreCheck. Even with those programs, three hours is tight.
Six-Hour Layover
From JFK: AirTrain gets you to Manhattan in 75 minutes total. You have roughly two hours in the city before returning. Pick one neighborhood: Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo, the High Line, or Central Park. Buy a MetroCard and get moving. Grab a pizza slice and bagel on the way back.
From Newark: NJ Transit puts you at Penn Station in 25 minutes. Midtown is walkable from there. Hit the Empire State Building exterior, Bryant Park, or Grand Central Terminal. Both are sightseeing without long queues. Again: one neighborhood, get there, get back.
Visa and Entry
ESTA is required for Visa Waiver Program countries. US visa is required for everyone else. CLEAR and Global Entry reduce immigration time significantly and are worth the investment if you travel frequently. TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can cut your airport time by 30 to 60 minutes, which is the difference between staying airside and actually leaving.
Getting Around the City
The NYC subway is reliable and cheap. Google Maps is accurate for navigation. Buy a MetroCard or use contactless payment at any station. Tip at least 20% at restaurants; it’s expected. The city moves fast. Match that pace.
- JFK AirTrain + subway takes 60-75 min. EWR NJ Transit to Penn Station is 25 min. LaGuardia has no direct rail. Budget 45-90 min for US Immigration.
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