NYC Airport Guide 2026: JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Teterboro
By Swift Chauffeur Worldwide Editorial Team, Ground Operations
Four airports serve New York City
New York City is served by four airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and Teterboro (TEB). Each serves a different purpose. JFK handles most international traffic, LGA is closest to Manhattan for domestic flights, EWR is a major United hub in New Jersey, and TEB serves private aviation exclusively.
JFK — international gateway, 15 miles from Midtown
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan with a drive time of 45-75 minutes. JFK has Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Terminal 4 is the busiest (Delta, international carriers). Terminal 1 handles most foreign flag carriers. Terminal 8 is American Airlines.
Sedan chauffeur service from JFK to Manhattan starts at $95. SUV from $115. The route typically uses the Van Wyck Expressway or Belt Parkway. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) adds 20-40 minutes.
LGA — closest to Manhattan, 8 miles
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan — the closest of the four airports. Drive time is 25-50 minutes via the Grand Central Parkway. LGA has three terminals: A (Delta), B (United, American, JetBlue, others), and C (Delta Shuttle).
Sedan chauffeur service from LGA to Manhattan starts at $75. SUV from $95.
EWR — New Jersey hub, 16 miles from Midtown
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, located in Newark, New Jersey. Drive time is 35-60 minutes via the Lincoln Tunnel or Holland Tunnel. EWR has Terminals A, B, and C — Terminal C is the United Airlines hub.
Sedan chauffeur service from EWR to Manhattan starts at $95. SUV from $115. Tolls are included in the flat rate.
TEB — private aviation, 12 miles from Midtown
Teterboro Airport (TEB) is 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan and serves exclusively private aviation. Drive time is 30-55 minutes via the George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel.
TEB has four FBOs: Signature Flight Support, Atlantic Aviation, Meridian, and Jet Aviation. Sedan chauffeur service from TEB to Manhattan starts at $85.
Which NYC airport should you use?
For international travel, JFK is the default. For domestic flights, LGA is fastest to/from Manhattan. For United flights, EWR is often the best option. For private jets, TEB is the standard.
Cost comparison for sedan chauffeur service to Midtown: LGA $75, TEB $85, JFK $95, EWR $95.
Flat-rate airport chauffeur service vs Uber
Swift Chauffeur Worldwide provides flat-rate airport transfers to all four NYC airports. Unlike Uber Black and Lyft Lux, our pricing never surges during rush hour, rain, or holidays. Every airport pickup includes flight tracking, terminal meet-and-greet, and complimentary wait time.
During a typical rainy Friday rush hour, Uber Black from JFK can surge to $250-$400. Our flat rate stays at $95 for a sedan.
About the author
Published by the ground operations team at Swift Chauffeur Worldwide, a NYC luxury chauffeur service operating since 2014.