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Which New York airport should you choose?

Flying into New York gives you two main options: JFK in Queens or Newark in New Jersey. They serve different airlines, connect to Manhattan differently, and the total cost varies by destination. Choose carefully — it matters more than you think.

Compare JFK vs Newark →

Interactive Decision EngineDestination-awareDoor-to-door AnalysisScenario Recommendations

JFK

New York's largest international airport — most routes, AirTrain + LIRR connection

Strengths

+AirTrain + LIRR to Grand Central (50 min)

+Most international routes and airlines

+Best for Brooklyn and Long Island City

+24h AirTrain service

Watch out

!Longer transfer to Midtown than Newark

!Can be crowded at peak international hours

!Further from Upper Manhattan

Best forInternational travellers, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island City

EWR

Newark

Closer to Midtown Manhattan — NJ Transit direct to Penn Station

Strengths

+NJ Transit/Amtrak to Penn Station (30–40 min)

+Closer to Midtown and Lower Manhattan

+Often cheaper on United and domestic routes

+Less crowded than JFK

Watch out

!NJ Transit not 24h — limited late-night options

!AirTrain + train transfer adds complexity

!Not ideal for Brooklyn or Queens destinations

Best forMidtown Manhattan, Financial District, business travellers

Transfer at a glance

Door-to-door transfer costs and times for the most common New York destinations.

JFK → Midtown

AirTrain + LIRR, ~50 min

€16

EWR → Midtown

AirTrain + NJ Transit, ~40 min

€20

JFK → Brooklyn

AirTrain + LIRR to Atlantic Terminal, ~40 min

€14

EWR → Financial District

NJ Transit + subway, ~55 min

€20

Which airport for your situation?

Each scenario links directly to the Decision Engine with prefilled assumptions.

01Lowest total cost

JFK often has a lower total cost thanks to cheaper AirTrain + LIRR transfers. But check baggage policies — they can flip the result.

Compare cost →

02Fastest city arrival

Newark reaches Midtown in ~40 min via NJ Transit. JFK takes 50+ min. For Manhattan business travellers, Newark is often faster.

See times →

03Brooklyn destination

JFK's AirTrain + LIRR reaches Atlantic Terminal in 40 min. Newark requires NJ Transit + subway — nearly 60 min to Downtown Brooklyn.

Brooklyn →

04Business traveller

For Midtown offices, Newark's direct NJ Transit to Penn Station is hard to beat. For Financial District, both are competitive.

Midtown →

05Late-night arrival

JFK's AirTrain runs 24h. Newark's NJ Transit stops around 01:30 — after that you're looking at a pricey taxi or rideshare.

Late arrival →

More about New York airports

Best Airport for Manhattan

Read guide →

JFK vs Newark

Read guide →

New York Airports overview

Read guide →

How we calculate this

Transfer costs are illustrative EUR values based on MTA/NJ Transit/Amtrak fares reviewed July 2026. Airfares are illustrative planning estimates. The Decision Engine calculates real trip cost including baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers.

Last reviewed: July 2026