The geography in plain terms
LaGuardia is closest to Manhattan at roughly eight miles, but handles no long-haul international traffic. JFK is fifteen miles out in southern Queens and is the international hub. Newark is fifteen miles west in New Jersey, with strong international service, but every trip crosses the Hudson.
Drive time by borough
From Manhattan: LGA 20 to 45 minutes, JFK 45 to 70, EWR 45 to 75. From Brooklyn: JFK is usually the closest, 25 to 50 minutes. From Queens: both LGA and JFK are typically under 30. From the Bronx: LGA 25 to 40 via the Whitestone or Triborough. From Staten Island: Newark is closest at 25 to 45 via the Goethals.
Reliability, not just distance
LaGuardia is closest but its access roads are the most congestion-sensitive of the three. JFK has the Van Wyck problem but more alternate routes. Newark's variance comes entirely from the Hudson crossings. If your flight is genuinely unmissable, JFK with a generous buffer is the most forgiving choice from Manhattan.
Cost differences
Newark transfers cost the most from New York City because of tolls and distance. LaGuardia is the cheapest. JFK sits in between. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive is usually $40 to $60 in a sedan, which is often smaller than the airfare difference between the three airports.
Need a car for this?
Dispatch is staffed 24 hours a day and every quote is fixed before you book, including tolls, fuel, taxes and gratuity. Call (516) 241-6537 or request a written quote.