United States JFK LGA EWR

New York

A nonstop mix of iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and food culture that rewards even short layovers.

⏱
Min. layover to leave
240 min
✓
Can leave airport?
Need 6h+
🚊
Transit to city
60 min
Select Airport
JFK John F Kennedy International Airport Insider Guide
60 min to city
LGA LaGuardia Airport Insider Guide
40 min to city
EWR Newark Liberty International Airport Insider Guide
55 min to city
✕
We recommend staying airside at JFK with under 6 hours
60 min each way. Immigration typically 75 min. Minimum recommended: 240 min for comfort.
Plan my layover →
How much time do you have?
Our recommendations take into account your actual arrival and departure times, airport processing, and transit friction.
From JFK
🏢
Under 3h
Stay airside
🚕
3–6 hours
Quick city stop
🗽
6–10 hours
Full exploration
🌃
10+ hours
Multi-neighborhood
Recommended itinerary

Your layover plan

Verified route
Time budget breakdown
🛂 Immigration 75m
🚊 Transit 60m
🗽 Explore
🚊 Return 60m
🔒 Buffer 45m
With 3 hours at JFK or EWR, stay airside—JFK is better for food and space (T4 and T5 especially), while EWR is tighter and best for a sit-down meal near your gate; avoid terminal changes at both.
We recommend you stay airside unless you land at JFK or LGA with very fast immigration; grab food, stretch, and avoid leaving the airport because traffic and security re-entry are unpredictable.
If you land at JFK or LGA, consider a very tight Manhattan visit like a Midtown walk or Central Park edge only if traffic is light; from EWR, it’s safer to stay near the airport or use lounges.
Plan this like a short city stay rather than a checklist. Choose one base neighborhood and settle in. Midtown works well for walkability, Central Park, dining, and hotels, while SoHo or the Lower East Side are great for food and nightlife. Use trains over cars whenever possible and always plan your return earlier than you think you need to.
⭐
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Where to Eat

Best eats for a layover

🍴
Food guides for New York are coming soon! Check the itinerary tab for restaurant recommendations built into your layover plan.
🍴
New York Food Walking Tour
Taste the best of the city with a local guide. Perfect for a layover.
Book tour ↗
Affiliate link · Same price as booking direct
What to See

Top layover-friendly sights

🗽
Sightseeing guides for New York are coming soon! Check the itinerary tab for top sights built into your layover plan.
Practical Information

Everything you need to know

🛂 Immigration & Customs

Average immigration wait at JFK: approximately 75 minutes.

JFK immigration can range from fairly quick to very slow depending on the terminal, airline bank, and time of day, with long-haul arrival peaks often creating extended waits. US citizens and many eligible travelers can speed things up with Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control where available. If you need to recheck bags after customs, build in extra time because queues can stack up quickly.
🚊 Getting to the City

Recommended: Rail - Fast, reliable airport rail avoids traffic and reaches central areas quickly.

AirTrain connects JFK to subway (A/E/J/Z) and LIRR; Newark AirTrain links to NJ Transit trains into Manhattan. Taxis and rideshare are easy but traffic and tolls add time.

The easiest public-transport route from JFK to Manhattan is the AirTrain to Jamaica Station or Howard Beach, then the subway or Long Island Rail Road depending on your destination. Budget roughly $11-$20 total for AirTrain plus subway or LIRR, while yellow taxis to Manhattan usually use a flat fare structure and can cost much more with tolls and tip. For tight layovers, the LIRR from Jamaica is usually the fastest rail option into Midtown.
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🧳 Luggage Storage

Don't drag your bags through New York. Luggage storage services available near the airport and in the city center.

Find luggage storage ↗ Affiliate link · Same price for you
🌤 Weather & Packing

Check current weather conditions for New York before your layover. Dress in layers for airport-to-city transitions — terminals can be cold while city streets may be warm.

💡 Layover Advice

If your layover is short, don’t try to crisscross the city — pick one neighborhood and enjoy it properly. Transit is excellent, but distances add up fast, especially during rush hour. Food, iconic sights, and a short walk will feel more satisfying than rushing multiple stops.

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