Which New York airport is best for backpackers?
Backpackers need the cheapest door-to-door journey. JFK's AirTrain + E subway to LIC costs just €11 — the cheapest airport transfer in New York. Newark's cheapest transfer is €20. For budget travellers heading to hostels in Brooklyn or Queens, JFK is the clear winner.
Which airport is best?
AirTrain + E subway to Court Square (LIC): €11 total. Cheapest airport transfer in New York. LIC and Brooklyn have the best hostel options. JFK is closer to both. The natural choice for backpackers.
€11 to LIC via E subway — cheapest transfer in NYC
NJ Transit minimum €20 to anywhere — nearly double JFK's cheapest transfer. Only makes sense if you find a dramatically cheaper flight into Newark.
Minimum €20 transfer — much more expensive than JFK
Transfer comparison
JFK is the backpacker's New York airport. Cheaper transfers, closer to Brooklyn/Queens hostels, and the €11 E subway option is the best budget deal in the city.
Compare cheapest JFK vs Newark → →How we determine this
This guide is generated from the Travelvus Decision Engine using verified airport datasets, destination transfer profiles, and door-to-door comparison methodology. Recommendations are data-driven — not editorial opinion. Transfer costs are illustrative EUR values. Airfares are illustrative planning estimates.
Last reviewed: July 2026