| JFK (Queens) | LGA (Queens) | EWR (Newark, NJ) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | International, most airlines, most non-stops | Domestic, short-haul, convenience to Manhattan | International (Star Alliance), NJ/NY West Side |
| Distance to Midtown | 12 mi (35–60 min) | 8 mi (25–45 min) | 15 mi (35–60 min) |
| Transit | AirTrain → Subway (A/E/J/Z) / LIRR | AirTrain → Subway (7) / Bus (M60) | AirTrain → NJ Transit / Amtrak |
| Pros | Global connectivity, modern terminals (1,4,5,8), lounges | Closest to Manhattan, less walking, cheaper parking | Often cheaper fares, good United/Polish/Indian links |
| Cons | Crowds, long security, terminal transfers, traffic | Few international, perimeter rule (<1,500 mi), old terminals (B/C) | Crowded, long security, NJ traffic, fewer low-cost carriers |
Always compare total door-to-door time & cost for your specific origin/destination.