When you picture what it must be like when one embarks upon the adventure-filled journey that can be getting to any one of the three major airports within the ever-bustling New York City, your mind likely jumps to images of speeding cabs and people frantically trying to beat traffic to catch their flights. It's not surprising to assume that such would be the case, as New York City airports handle over 90 million passengers each year. This includes a stunning 62 million that pass through John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), then 21 million through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and lastly, 11.6 million that pass through LaGuardia Airport (LGA). However, you can rest assured and stress no more in knowing that New York City is simultaneously one of the most impressively connected cities, and features state-of-the-art public transportation with its gigantic subway system, numerous commuter rail networks, and speedy ferries.
Getting to LaGuardia (LGA)
First, we'll cover how you get to LaGuardia Airport. You won't be able to arrive at LaGuardia via public transportation in terms of taking the subway specifically. This is due to the airport having no direct rail links. Thus, passengers can either elect to take the M60 bus from uptown Manhattan at a highly agreeable cost of $2.75, or they can take the Subway to Queens and then arrive through LaGuardia's complementary bus service. If you decide to use the second option, you should note that it's best to take the E, F, M, or R to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue Station of the 7 train to 74th St-Braodway. This journey in its entirety will cost you the passenger a $2.75 subway fare. Talk about saving some money as opposed to trying to catch an Uber or a Lyft with surge pricing.
Getting to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Next, we have JFK, and this journey can pan out to be a bit more elaborate. However, with proper planning and the following helpful knowledge at your disposal, you should have no trouble getting to JFK in a time-efficient manner at all. There are three options available to you when you travel to JFK by way of public transportation, and then there are two options from the majority of the other boroughs. Each of these options will require a connection to JFK's AirTrain. This works out to an $8.25 fare for all of the riders.
The first option is the cheapest of the bunch and ends up costing around $11, all the while depending on a passenger's subway fare status (as some city residents are eligible for discounts). A passenger can hop on the A train to Howard Beach Station, which is on the line heading towards Far Rockaway. This route requires a $2.75 subway fare, which is in addition to the fare for the AirTrain.
Passengers are also able to make use of the ever-convenient New York Subway, which requires taking the E, J, or Z train to Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport station. This particular option will cost the same as it would with the A train, and will require a connection on the AirTrain as well.
The last and third option is to choose to arrive at JFK by way of public transportation which is only available from Manhattan, as well as some destinations that are plotted along the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). By taking the LIRR to Jamaica Station, and then transferring over to the AirTrain, passengers can arrive at JFK's terminals. This route proves to be pricier, and the combination of all the fares can run you anywhere between $13.50 to $25.25.
Getting to Newark Airport (EWR)
Last, we have the journey to Newark Airport. Getting to Newark Airport by way of public transportation is pretty cut and dry for New York residents who can board the New Jersey Transit rail services from Penn Station which travel right to the airport. When you've arrived at EWR, you can connect to your terminal through the airport's free AirTrain service. A one-way fare from Penn Station to Newark Airport will cost $15.75.
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