Airport Closest to Times Square: LGA, JFK & Newark Compared
Choosing the airport closest to Times Square can mean the difference between a seamless arrival and a two-hour ground transportation ordeal. New York City is served by three major airports — LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, and Newark (EWR) — each sitting in a different direction from Midtown Manhattan. LaGuardia sits approximately 8 miles northeast in Queens, JFK lies roughly 15 miles southeast, also in Queens, and Newark is around 16 miles southwest across the New Jersey border. Distance alone does not determine the best option, though. Traffic, public transportation access, and fare rates all shape the real commute time you will face. This comparison breaks down every key factor — mileage, transit routes, cab fares, and travel times — so travelers staying in or near Times Square can choose the right airport before they fly into New York City.
Which Airport Is Closest to Times Square?
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest airport to Times Square, sitting approximately 8–10 miles northeast in Queens. A typical cab or rideshare covers that distance in 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic. JFK Airport lands roughly 15–17 miles southeast, adding meaningful time to any commute. Newark Liberty International sits approximately 16–18 miles to the west in New Jersey, crossing state lines and toll bridges. For travelers flying into New York City and staying near Midtown, LGA is the clear first choice for ground transportation speed and simplicity.
How Do LGA, JFK, and Newark Compare for Times Square Travelers?
Three major airports serve Times Square travelers, each with distinct trade-offs in distance, commute time, and transportation options:
| Airport | Distance to Times Square | Avg Commute Time | Best Transportation Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaGuardia (LGA) | ~9 miles (Queens) | 30–45 minutes | M60 SBS bus + subway |
| JFK | ~16 miles (Queens) | 45–75 minutes | AirTrain + E/J/Z subway |
| Newark (EWR) | ~17 miles (New Jersey) | 45–60 minutes | NJ Transit + Penn Station |
LGA wins on raw distance, making it the top pick for domestic travelers staying near Midtown. JFK and Newark fly more international routes, which shifts airport selection for travelers arriving from abroad. Despite the longer commute, both offer direct rail service that bypasses NYC traffic entirely.
What Are Your Transportation Options from Each Airport to Times Square?
New York's transit infrastructure is in a class of its own: the metro area has over 10 times the public transit utilization of the average large U.S. metro area and more than 5 times that of Chicago, the next closest city — which is why public transit routes from all three airports are genuinely practical options, not just budget fallbacks. NYMTC Regional Analysis
Each airport connects to Times Square through distinct public transportation and cab routes:
- LGA: Take the M60 SBS bus to the subway for under $3, or a cab for $30–45 (30–50 minutes without traffic). Rideshare fares from LGA vary more than taxis: while taxi fares to Midtown-area destinations typically range from $30–$52 plus tolls and tip, Uber rides from LaGuardia average around $61 due to surge pricing variability — making taxis a more predictable option during busy periods. Finding the Best Airport for Upper East Side Travel Needs
- JFK: Ride the AirTrain to the E/J/Z subway for approximately $10, or pay the $70 flat-rate cab fare (60–75 minutes). The JFK subway fare breaks down into two separate charges: $2.75 for the subway ride and $5 for the AirTrain segment, totaling $7.75 — still the most affordable rail option into Midtown among the three airports. Which NYC Airport Should You Choose: LGA, JFK, or EWR?
- Newark: Board NJ Transit to New York Penn Station, then the subway, for $17, or take a cab for $80–100 (50–70 minutes)
Traffic adds 30+ minutes to all cab estimates during peak hours. Travelers prioritizing speed over cost can book premium helicopter transfers to Midtown through Blade.