JFK vs LGA vs EWR — Which NYC Airport Is Best in 2026?

✈ NYC Travel Guide • FlyToDash • Updated 2025

New York City has more airport choices than almost anywhere in the world — and that’s both a blessing and a headache. Choosing between JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR) can drastically change your travel experience, price, and stress level.

This guide breaks it down clearly — no hype, no bias — so you can choose the best NYC airport for your trip.

Quick TL;DR

Best for International Flights: JFK — widest global coverage and nonstop routes.
Best for Convenience: LGA — closest to Manhattan, ideal for short domestic trips.
Best for Cheap Flights & United Hub: EWR — strong domestic and international pricing.

1. JFK — Best for International & Long-Haul Flights

JFK is the undisputed international gateway of New York City. Nearly every major global airline operates here, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air India, and more.

Most international routes in NYC
Best nonstop options to Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa
Competitive long-haul pricing

If you're flying internationally, JFK is almost always the best airport to check first.

2. LaGuardia (LGA) — Best for Convenience

LGA shines when it comes to location and ease. It’s the closest major airport to Manhattan and has been completely transformed with modern terminals.

Closest airport to Manhattan
Fast security and short taxi times
Domestic flights only (no international long-haul)

LGA is perfect for business trips and short domestic routes — but not for international travel.

3. Newark (EWR) — Best for Value & United Flyers

Newark is a major hub for United Airlines and often has surprisingly competitive prices, especially for international flights.

Strong international and domestic network
Often cheaper than JFK for Europe
Best option if flying United

Which NYC Airport Is the Cheapest?

EWR frequently offers the lowest fares overall.
JFK is best for long-haul value.
LGA is rarely the cheapest, but saves time.

Best Airport Based on Your Trip

International trip? → JFK
Quick domestic trip? → LGA
Flying United? → EWR
Budget traveler? → Compare JFK & EWR

How FlyToDash Helps

FlyToDash AI compares prices across JFK, LGA, and EWR at the same time — helping NYC travelers uncover savings most people miss.

Checking all three NYC airports can easily save $100–$400 per trip.

Final Thoughts

JFK = international powerhouse
LGA = speed & convenience
EWR = value & United hub

Cheap Flights from the New York City Area

Compare cheap flights from all three major NYC airports — JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR) — using FlyToDash AI. Checking all nearby airports can unlock significant savings.

✈️ Cheap Flights from New York (JFK • LGA • EWR)

Nearby East Coast Airports

Flying from nearby cities can sometimes be cheaper than NYC airports — especially for international or long-haul routes.

🛫 Flights from Philadelphia (PHL) 🛫 Flights from Boston (BOS) 🛫 Flights from Washington DC (IAD • DCA • BWI) 🛫 Flights from Baltimore (BWI) 🛫 Flights from Pittsburgh (PIT)

Use FlyToDash AI to compare all three airports in seconds — and always book the one that fits your trip best.