Which Airport is Closest to Midtown Manhattan: LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark?

When planning a trip to New York City, travelers often wonder which airport is the most convenient to access Midtown Manhattan. This guide will help you decide by comparing the distances and travel times.

The Closer Options: LaGuardia and Newark

The closest airport to Midtown Manhattan is LaGuardia Airport (LGA). It is approximately 8 miles away, making it the most convenient option in terms of distance. For reference, Times Square, a key landmark in Midtown, is only about a 30-minute subway ride from LGA.

Meanwhile, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is around 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, which adds about 15-20 minutes to your journey. While it is slightly further, EWR still offers direct flights to more international destinations compared to LGA.

Traveling from Each Airport to Midtown Manhattan

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) By car: About 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to drive about 10-15 miles. By subway: Approximately a 35-minute commute with a bus connection. By bus: Quick and convenient, usually taking around 25-30 minutes.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) By car: Approximately 30-35 minutes in clear traffic. Expect to drive about 16 miles. By train: A 50-60-minute trip using theJersey struggline or Light Rail, followed by the Air Train to the airport.

JFK International Airport (JFK) By car: 45-50 minutes in clear traffic. Expect to drive about 15-16 miles. By train: A 1.5 to 2-hour trip using theLong Island Rail Road to the JFK AirTrain.

For those who are concerned about the unpredictable New York traffic, it is recommended to add a margin of time to your estimated travel duration.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for the most convenient and direct option to access Midtown Manhattan, LaGuardia Airport is the best choice. However, Newark Liberty International Airport offers a good alternative with a slightly longer travel time but more international destinations. JFK International Airport, while convenient, is the farthest from Midtown Manhattan.

Further Reading

For more information on getting to Times Square from the airports, read our guide here. This comprehensive resource will help you make the best decision for your travel needs.