JFK vs. Newark: Best NYC Airports, Cheap Flights & Travel Tips (2025 Guide)

Planning a trip to New York City? Whether you're flying in for business or leisure, chances are you'll arrive at either John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). These two major international airports are among the busiest in the United States and serve millions of passengers every year. From flight ticket booking and airport transportation to last-minute flights and airport facilities, this guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth travel experience to or from NYC.

Overview of JFK Airport: New York’s International Gateway

JFK Airport, located in Queens, is New York City’s largest and busiest airport. It handles a high volume of international flights, making it a top choice for travelers flying from Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond. When you book a flight to New York, JFK is often the first option that appears on most airfare comparison websites.

The airport has six passenger terminals (1 through 8), and each terminal serves different international and domestic airlines. Major carriers at JFK include Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and international names like British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa.

Why Choose Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) for Your NYC Travel?

EWR Airport, or Newark Liberty International Airport, is located in Newark, New Jersey—just a short drive or train ride from Manhattan. It’s a primary hub for United Airlines and is often a smart choice for travelers looking for cheap flights to New York City, especially those staying in Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Jersey City.

Newark Airport is well-connected and sometimes less crowded than JFK, offering a faster and more convenient option for domestic and international travelers alike.

How to Find Affordable Flights to JFK and EWR

When searching for affordable plane tickets to NYC, it’s essential to compare flights arriving at both JFK and EWR. Many flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia let you filter by airport, price, number of stops, airline, and time of travel.

Booking your airline tickets to New York at least 6–8 weeks in advance can help you find better deals, but if you’re traveling during peak seasons like summer or Christmas, booking earlier is even better.

For last-minute flights to NYC, Newark often has more competitive fares due to less congestion, while JFK provides a wider range of international connections. Signing up for fare alerts and checking low-cost carriers can help you snag a deal even close to your departure date. If your travel dates are flexible, flying on weekdays and during off-peak hours may save you money.

Navigating JFK Airport: Transportation and Transfers

Once you’ve secured your New York City flight tickets, it’s time to plan your airport transfer. JFK Airport transportation options include the AirTrain JFK, which connects all terminals to subway lines A, E, J, and Z via Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station.

You can reach Midtown Manhattan in about an hour using public transit. If you prefer more comfort, yellow cabs, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, and private airport shuttles are available 24/7. Most services have fixed flat rates for rides between JFK and Manhattan.

Getting Around Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)

At Newark Liberty Airport, passengers can use the AirTrain Newark, which links terminals to NJ Transit and Amtrak services at the Newark Liberty Airport Station. This provides fast access to Penn Station in Manhattan, often in under 30 minutes.

Travelers arriving at EWR can also choose from a variety of airport shuttles, car rentals, and rideshare options to get to their hotel or destination. Booking your airport transfer in advance online is recommended for better pricing and availability.

Tips for International Travelers at JFK and EWR

If you're flying internationally, arriving early is essential. Both JFK and EWR recommend arriving at least 3 hours before international departures and 2 hours before domestic flights.

International passengers at both airports have access to Global Entry kiosks, mobile passport control, and automated check-in options that speed up processing and reduce wait times.

Luxury and Convenience: Airport Lounges and Amenities

For those traveling in style, both JFK and Newark offer premium airport lounges operated by major airlines. If you're a member of a frequent flyer program or hold a premium credit card, you may be eligible for lounge access with complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.

JFK’s Terminal 4 is especially known for luxury shopping and dining, while Newark’s Terminal C offers an innovative dining experience and digital ordering via tablets.

Flexible Booking Options: Open-Jaw Tickets and Multi-City Flights

When planning your trip, consider booking open-jaw flights, which allow you to arrive at JFK and depart from Newark, or vice versa. This option is great for multi-city itineraries and reduces unnecessary travel back to the same airport.

Many online booking platforms offer this feature and may show discounted airfare for these flexible routes.

Booking Tips for Peak Travel Seasons

If you're flying to NYC during major events, such as New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Fashion Week, or business conventions, it’s best to book your New York City plane tickets months in advance. High demand during these periods can significantly drive up prices.

Also, consider booking a hotel near the airport if your flight arrives late or departs early. Both JFK and EWR have several nearby hotels offering free shuttle services, which is convenient for overnight stays or layovers.

Bundling Your Trip: Vacation Packages and Airport Transfers

Many travelers also opt to book vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and airport transfers. These packages often offer great discounts and are available through trusted platforms like Priceline, Travelocity, and Orbitz.

Whether you're traveling solo or with family, this is a smart way to simplify your booking and save on overall travel costs.

Stay Updated: Apps and Real-Time Flight Information

For the most up-to-date flight schedules, security wait times, and gate information, download the official JFK Airport and Newark Airport apps or use third-party apps like FlightAware or TripIt.

Staying informed about any delays, weather issues, or gate changes will make your airport experience smoother and stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Why JFK and EWR Are the Best Airports for NYC Travel

In conclusion, whether you're flying into JFK or Newark Liberty, both New York City airports offer modern amenities, excellent connectivity, and a variety of options for travelers looking to book flights, plan airport transfers, and explore NYC.