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  New York JFK Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  JFK/KJFK

  Country:

  United States

  CEO:

  Rick Cotton (Executive Director of Port Authority of NY and NJ)

  Passenger Count :

  16,630,642 (2020)

  Runways :

  4L/22R - 3,682m (12,079 ft) | 4R/22L - 2,560m (8,400 ft) | 13L/31R - 3,048m (10,000 ft) | 13R/31L - 4,423m (14,511 ft)

  Terminals:

  Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 | Terminal 7 | Terminal 8

As a traveler, finding yourself in the New York City area in need of a transfer between the metro region’s airports is not an ideal situation. However, a variety of unexpected flight mishaps can occur that necessitate a connection to a nearby airport. Our guide on how to transit between John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) Airports can help you be better informed on how to make the most efficient connection.

Know before you go

John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports are only about 10 miles (16 km) apart in the borough of Queens, New York. Newark Liberty Airport is located in New Jersey and is about 34 miles (55 km) from John F. Kennedy and about 25 miles (40 km) from LaGuardia.

Connection between the New York City region’s airports must be made through either ground or underground transportation. There once was an official airport bus service, the NYC Airporter, that provided service linking all three airports. Unfortunately, the Airporter ceased operations in 2020. The remaining options include private and shared transportation as well as public transit.

Generally, transiting between John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia can be a relatively efficient trip given the short distance between them. However, connecting between John F. Kennedy or LaGuardia and Newark Liberty is a longer journey that requires some forethought.

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Private and shared ground transportation options

Peak rush hour times in Manhattan are between 08:00 and 09:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00. If your trip requires transiting between airports during these windows of time, ground transportation between airports is likely to be time-consuming.

Taxi and private ride-hail services are plentiful and easy to access in the greater New York City metropolitan region. Fares will vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Additionally, shared airport shuttle services permitted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provide transit between all three airports. Shuttle services can be more expensive than taxis, but passengers are informed of the fare up front, which is helpful for planning and budgeting.

Travel time on an airport shuttle varies, but an hour is the average duration between John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty. Hours of operation vary by shuttle provider, so it is wise to inquire about the schedule when you book your reservation.

Connecting via public transit

Both John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty offer AirTrain service, which connects the passenger terminals at the airports as well as public transit amenities. Traveling between John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia via public transit is straightforward, as the AirTrain connects to the New York City subway system. The estimated duration for this trip is 30 minutes.

Transiting between John F. Kennedy or LaGuardia and Newark Liberty is a longer trip, but feasible via public transit. Passengers going from Newark Liberty to John F. Kennedy should take the AirTrain to Penn Station in New York City, then board the subway to connect with the AirTrain at John F. Kennedy. The route can be followed in either direction, and the estimated duration for this trip is just over an hour.

Passengers wishing to connect between LaGuardia and Newark Liberty will need to take the Metropolitan Transit Authority M60 bus to link up with the subway system to Penn Station, where they can then access the AirTrain to Newark Liberty. Travelers going in the opposite direction can simply follow the route in reverse. The estimated duration for this trip is 44 minutes.

Public transit fares can vary depending on whether the passenger qualifies for a reduced fare. If you’re traveling with a significant amount of luggage, with a large group, or with a family with small children, the public transit option may be less convenient, though potentially more cost-efficient than a private alternative.