JFK Vs. LaGuardia: Which New York Airport Is Truly Better?

Choosing between New York City's two main airports is almost as hard as successfully avoiding Times Square's most notorious tourist traps. And while both John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) serve millions of travelers every year, they each have their own set of advantages and drawbacks — some of which can easily make or break any NYC travel experience before it's even started.

That said, successfully navigating New York City airports usually depends on various factors. This includes basic considerations like where you're headed in the city, whether you're flying domestic or international, and how you plan to reach your final destination. Because, despite their relatively close proximity — there are roughly 11 miles between them — each airport serves distinctly different travel needs.

So, which airport is better? The answer is ... it depends. On one hand, JFK typically serves as New York's primary international hub — processing over 62 million passengers a year through an extensive network of global flights. Meanwhile, LaGuardia has recently experienced its own resurgence, with a whopping $8 billion renovation in 2022 that transformed the once-unorganized hub into a modern facility that's fully-equipped to handle domestic travel. Trying to rank one as better than the other ultimately boils down to whether or not you're flying internationally, and what your non-negotiables are in terms of travel time and budget.

JFK has long established itself as New York's biggest and most connected airport. Featuring a total of 130 gates, five terminals, and four runways, plenty of major U.S. airlines use it as their primary hub in the city, among more than 90 international carriers serving destinations worldwide. Unfortunately, its massive size and high passenger volume have also earned it a reputation as the top U.S. airport well-known for losing travelers' luggage.

In terms of getting to and from JFK, there are several options to choose from. First, public transit includes both the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) with AirTrain connection, or the subway plus AirTrain. Alternatively, taxis charge a flat rate of $70 to or from Manhattan, plus a $5 surcharge during peak hours — not including taxes, tolls, and tips — with travel times ranging from 30 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. That said, the airport's location often makes it the least accessible of the city's airports from Manhattan, with traffic as the main culprit for delays. Once at the airport, though, you'll find plenty of amenities spread across the terminals, including both fast food and sit-down restaurants. Plus, with various premium lounges operated by major carriers, travelers have plenty of comfortable spaces to wait for their flights.

On the upside, JFK is currently undergoing a massive $19-billion facelift that's expected to be completed by 2030. This full-scale renovation includes two new terminals, two revamped terminals, four million square feet of new space, new parking structures, and "an array of amenities, designed to enhance the customer experience" (via Port Authority of New York and New Jersey). That said, all of these renovations mean ongoing construction could make traffic and terminal access even more challenging until completion.

Despite being smaller and more focused on domestic travel, LaGuardia airport handles over 30 million passengers every year. Located in Queens just eight miles from midtown Manhattan, the airport enforces some pretty strict regulations. These include restrictions on flights longer than 1,500 miles and offers limited international services, available only to destinations with U.S. customs pre-clearance.

Unlike JFK, getting into Manhattan from LGA can be much simpler and cheaper. For starters, a taxi ride costs between $30 and $45 (plus taxes, tolls, and tip), and travel times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes. And although the airport lacks direct train access, public transit options include connecting buses like the Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link from subway stations, or the M60-SBS bus from uptown Manhattan — all of which are available for just $2.90. For budget-conscious travelers, Uber's LGA shared shuttle service features three routes departing from LaGuardia to points in Manhattan, starting from just $18 per seat.

Inside the terminals, LGA offers a pretty extensive list of amenities for travelers — from charging stations and free Wi-Fi to dedicated nursing suites and pet relief areas. As a major plus, the airport even features special facilities, like a sensory room for passengers with autism or sensory sensitivities. Unfortunately, though, LaGuardia is also known for serving up one of the most expensive airport beers in the country — which might put a damper on how you enjoy those pre-flight drinks.