You’re staring at a screen, probably exhausted, trying to figure out if JFK is actually closer to your hotel than Newark. It’s a mess. Honestly, looking at a New York airports map for the first time feels like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep moving. New York City doesn't just have one airport. It has three major ones—John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR)—and they form a sort of chaotic triangle around the five boroughs.
People always ask which one is "best." There is no best. There is only "the one that won't make you cry in traffic."
Mapping the Big Three: Where They Actually Are
If you look at a New York airports map, you'll see JFK and LaGuardia sitting in Queens. Newark is technically in New Jersey. This is the first thing that trips people up. They see Newark and think, "I'm going to New York, why would I fly to Jersey?" But if you’re staying in Manhattan’s West Side, Newark is often faster to reach than JFK. Traffic is the Great Equalizer here. You could be five miles away and spend an hour in a cab. It’s brutal.
JFK sits way out on the edge of Jamaica Bay. It’s massive. It’s the international heavyweight. If you’re coming from London, Tokyo, or Sao Paulo, you’re likely landing here. LaGuardia is tucked up against the East River, much closer to the skyline. For years, it was a joke—literally described as "third world" by politicians—but a massive $8 billion renovation has turned it into something surprisingly sleek. Then there's Newark, across the Hudson River, serving as a massive hub for United Airlines.
The JFK Footprint
JFK is a beast. It has six active terminals (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and the recently demolished/under-reconstruction areas for the New Terminal One). On a New York airports map, it occupies the most acreage by far. Getting between terminals isn't a walk; it’s a ride on the AirTrain.
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- Terminal 4: The big one. Delta lives here, along with dozens of international carriers.
- Terminal 5: JetBlue’s home. It’s airy and has a TWA Hotel nearby that is basically a 1960s time capsule.
- Terminal 8: American Airlines and British Airways.
If you’re taking the subway, you’re looking at the A train or the E/J/Z. It’s cheap—under ten bucks—but it takes forever. An hour and fifteen minutes is a good day. A bad day? Don't ask.
Understanding the LaGuardia Glow-up
LaGuardia used to be the airport you avoided. Now, it’s the one people actually want to use for domestic flights. On the New York airports map, it’s the northernmost point of the triangle. It doesn't have a direct subway link, which is its biggest flaw. You have to take a bus (the M60 or Q70) to get to the train. Or just pay for an Uber.
The new Terminal B is actually stunning. They have these water features that drop patterns from the ceiling. It feels like a mall in Dubai, not a government-run transit hub in Queens. Because it’s smaller and closer to Manhattan, the "wheels down to curb" time is usually the fastest of the three. Just remember: no international flights land here unless they are "pre-cleared" from places like Canada or the Bahamas, because there is no permanent US Customs facility.
The Newark Wildcard
Newark (EWR) is the secret weapon for anyone staying in Midtown or the West Side. You take the NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station, and you’re at the airport in 25 minutes. It’s often faster than getting to Queens.
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The new Terminal A at Newark won "World’s Best New Airport Terminal" in 2024 from Skytrax. It’s huge, filled with local Jersey art, and the food isn't just cardboard sandwiches. But Newark can be tricky. If you miss that last train back to the city at night, a Lyft across state lines will cost you a fortune because of the tolls and the "out of state" surcharges drivers tack on.
The Alternatives Nobody Mentions
If you look at a broader New York airports map, you’ll spot a few outliers. Stewart International (SWF) is way up in Newburgh. It’s about 60 miles north. Some budget airlines like Play or Atlantic Airways fly there. They tell you "it’s New York," but you’ll be taking a two-hour bus ride to see Times Square. It’s beautiful country, though.
Then there’s Westchester County Airport (HPN) and Long Island MacArthur (ISP). These are great if you’re visiting family in the suburbs, but for a tourist, they are usually a mistake.
Logistics: The Practical Reality of the Map
When you look at a New York airports map, don't just look at the distance in miles. Look at the time of day.
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- 4:00 PM on a Friday: JFK to Manhattan is a two-hour nightmare. Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Jamaica Station instead.
- Tuesday at 10:00 AM: An Uber from LaGuardia to the Upper East Side is a breeze.
- Sunday Night: Newark is your friend because the NJ Transit runs frequently and skips the Lincoln Tunnel traffic.
Transport Costs at a Glance
Getting around the map isn't cheap. A yellow cab from JFK to Manhattan is a flat rate—currently $70 plus tolls and tip, often ending up over $100. LaGuardia and Newark use meters. Newark is particularly expensive because of the "New Jersey to New York" surcharge.
The AirTrain at JFK and Newark is its own separate cost. You can't just use your unlimited MetroCard; you need to pay a separate fee (around $8.50) just to exit the airport station and hit the subway or train. It's a bit of a "welcome to New York" tax.
Making the Decision
Choosing based on the New York airports map comes down to where you are sleeping.
- Staying in Brooklyn? Fly into JFK. The A train or a quick car ride through local streets is easy.
- Staying in Queens or Upper Manhattan? LaGuardia is your best bet.
- Staying near Penn Station or Chelsea? Newark is the winner.
Don't ignore the airlines, though. If you're a Delta loyalist, you're looking at JFK Terminal 4 or the new LGA terminals. United fans are almost exclusively Newark. American is split between JFK and LGA.
One weird tip: if you're flying into JFK and want to save money, check the LIRR schedule. It’s a few dollars more than the subway but saves you 30 minutes of sitting next to someone playing loud music on their phone in a cramped subway car. It’s the "civilized" way to enter the city.
The New York airports map is more than just geography; it's a lesson in urban survival. You have to account for the bridges, the tunnels, and the sheer volume of people trying to do exactly what you're doing.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your arrival time: If you land during rush hour (7–10 AM or 4–7 PM), prioritize airports with rail connections (JFK or EWR) over LaGuardia.
- Map your hotel first: Put your hotel address into a map app and toggle between the three airports to see the real-time "typical traffic" for your arrival time.
- Download the apps: Get the "TrainTime" app for LIRR/Metro-North and the "NJ Transit" app if you're using Newark.
- Budget for tolls: If you take a car, remember that the bridges and tunnels aren't free, and those costs are always passed on to the passenger.
- Verify your terminal: JFK is so large that going to the wrong terminal can cost you 20 minutes on the AirTrain. Double-check your airline’s specific terminal on the airport's official website before you leave the hotel.