Top 3 Closest Airports to Times Square, NYC
The definitive 2026 guide to LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark: real distances, traffic-adjusted travel times, transport costs, and the smartest way to arrive in Midtown Manhattan. Brought to you by NYL Worldwide Chauffeur Service — licensed NYC chauffeurs with flat-rate airport transfers and 24/7 availability.
At a Glance: All Three NYC Airports Compared
Use this table as a starting point. Full breakdowns for each airport follow below.
| Airport | Code | Miles to Times Sq. | Car Time (Off-Peak) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaGuardia Airport | LGA | 8 to 10 miles | 20 to 35 min | Domestic US flights, short-stay visitors |
| JFK International | JFK | 15 to 16 miles | 35 to 55 min | International flights, all airline options |
| Newark Liberty | EWR | 15 to 17 miles | 30 to 50 min | United hub, NJ Transit train to Penn Station |
Why Times Square Is the Benchmark for NYC Airport Distance
Times Square sits at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway, between West 42nd Street and West 47th Street in Midtown Manhattan (coordinates: 40.7580 N, 74.0060 W). It is the most visited tourist destination in the United States, drawing more than 50 million visitors annually. Most Midtown hotels, Broadway theaters, and major business addresses are within a 10-minute walk of its center.
This makes the airport-to-Times Square journey the most practical planning metric for the vast majority of NYC visitors. Whether you are checking into a 47th Street hotel, attending a midtown meeting, or heading to a Broadway show, the airport transfer options below apply directly to your arrival.
#1 LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Closest Airport to Times Square
Distance and Why It Matters
LaGuardia Airport sits on a peninsula in Flushing Bay in the borough of Queens. Its road distance from Times Square via the Queens-Midtown Tunnel is approximately 10 miles, making it closer to Midtown Manhattan than any other major commercial airport in the tri-state area. After an $8 billion reconstruction completed between 2022 and 2024, Terminals B and C are now modern facilities with proper road access, improved passenger flow, and a significantly better departure experience.
LaGuardia Terminals
- Terminal B: American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and most non-Delta carriers.
- Terminal C: Delta Air Lines (the dominant carrier at LGA, operating the majority of domestic routes from this airport).
Travel Time and Cost from LaGuardia to Times Square
| Transport Mode | Off-Peak Time | Rush Hour Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Chauffeur / Black Car | 20 to 30 min | 35 to 55 min | $75 to $150 flat rate |
| Yellow Taxi / Rideshare | 20 to 35 min | 40 to 65 min | $30 to $55 + tip |
| Q70 SBS Bus + Subway | 40 to 50 min | 50 to 65 min | $2.90 (one MetroCard tap) |
| M60 SBS Bus + Subway | 45 to 55 min | 55 to 70 min | $2.90 (one MetroCard tap) |
The Traffic Reality at LaGuardia
Distance does not equal speed in New York City. The Grand Central Parkway and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel approaches are among the most congested roads in the United States. During weekday morning rush (6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and evening rush (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), a 10-mile trip from LGA can stretch to 60 minutes or more. Midday and late-night arrivals typically see 20 to 30 minute journeys.
A professional chauffeur service with drivers who know alternate routes — the 59th Street Bridge via the BQE, bypassing the Queens-Midtown Tunnel on heavy-traffic days — can consistently cut 10 to 15 minutes off rush-hour transfer times compared to a standard taxi or rideshare.
LaGuardia Limitations to Know
- Domestic flights only: LaGuardia does not handle international arrivals. All international flights must use JFK or Newark.
- No AirTrain or rail connection: Unlike JFK and Newark, LGA has no dedicated rail link to Manhattan. All ground transport requires a bus, taxi, or car service.
- Late-night bus gaps: The Q70 and M60 buses run reduced overnight schedules. Arrivals after midnight should pre-book a private car service.
#2 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Best for International Arrivals
JFK: New York’s International Gateway
John F. Kennedy International Airport is the largest airport serving New York City, handling approximately 61 million passengers annually. It is the primary US entry point for transatlantic and transpacific travelers and offers the widest selection of airlines, routes, and connections of any airport in the New York region. JFK sits 15 to 16 road miles from Times Square via the Van Wyck Expressway and Queens-Midtown Tunnel.
JFK’s most significant advantage over LaGuardia is its AirTrain system, which connects all terminals to two subway and rail hubs. This gives JFK a reliable, 24-hour, budget-friendly mass transit option that LGA cannot match. For travelers who prefer a stress-free, door-to-door arrival, NYL’s JFK airport car service offers flat-rate transfers with flight tracking and meet-and-greet pickup inside the terminal.
JFK Terminals (2026)
- Terminal 1: Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and other international carriers.
- Terminal 4: Delta Air Lines (international and some domestic), Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and many other major international airlines.
- Terminal 5: JetBlue Airways (domestic and select Caribbean/international routes).
- Terminal 8: American Airlines (domestic and international flights).
Travel Time and Cost from JFK to Times Square
| Transport Mode | Off-Peak Time | Rush Hour Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Chauffeur / Black Car | 35 to 50 min | 55 to 85 min | $100 to $175 flat rate |
| Yellow Taxi (flat rate) | 40 to 55 min | 60 to 90 min | $70 flat + tolls + tip (~$90–$110 total) |
| AirTrain + E Train Subway | 55 to 65 min | 65 to 80 min | $11.15 total ($8.25 AirTrain + $2.90 subway) |
| AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station | 40 to 55 min | 50 to 65 min | ~$19 to $22 total per person |
The AirTrain JFK Connection
AirTrain JFK connects all terminals to two stations: Jamaica (Long Island Rail Road and E/J/Z subway lines) and Howard Beach (A subway line). From Jamaica Station, the E train reaches Times Square-42nd Street in approximately 45 minutes. The LIRR from Jamaica to Penn Station (34th Street) takes about 30 to 35 minutes and is the fastest public transit option from JFK to Midtown.
The AirTrain operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, giving JFK a significant late-night transit advantage over LaGuardia. The fixed taxi flat rate of $70 (set by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission) applies to all yellow cab rides from any JFK terminal to any Manhattan address, making pricing predictable even if travel times vary.
#3 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): The Traffic-Proof Option
EWR: More Than Just a Backup Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport sits across the Hudson River in New Jersey, approximately 15 to 17 road miles from Times Square. It handles around 49 million passengers annually and serves as United Airlines’ primary East Coast hub, as well as a major gateway for international carriers including Air India, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and Iberia.
Newark’s most underappreciated strength is its NJ Transit rail connection. The AirTrain Newark links all three terminals to Newark Airport Rail Station, where NJ Transit trains depart to New York Penn Station every 15 to 20 minutes. Penn Station is at 34th Street and 8th Avenue, approximately 8 blocks from Times Square on foot or one stop on the 1/2/3 subway lines. For a premium alternative, NYL’s Newark airport car service provides flat-rate transfers with no surge pricing.
Newark Terminals
- Terminal A: International arrivals (most non-United international flights), connected directly to the AirTrain.
- Terminal B: United Airlines domestic and select international routes.
- Terminal C: United Airlines primary hub terminal (domestic and international), United Club lounges, most United connections.
Travel Time and Cost from Newark to Times Square
| Transport Mode | Off-Peak Time | Rush Hour Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Chauffeur / Black Car | 30 to 45 min | 45 to 70 min | $100 to $160 flat rate |
| Yellow Taxi / Rideshare | 35 to 50 min | 50 to 80 min | $50 to $80 + tolls + tip |
| AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station | 35 to 45 min | 38 to 48 min | $15.75 all-in (AirTrain included) |
Which Airport Should You Use? A Decision Guide
The right airport depends on your specific trip profile. Here is a direct comparison by traveler situation:
| Your Situation | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic US flight | LGA Airport Car | Closest airport, fastest car journey in light traffic. |
| International arrival | JFK or EWR | LGA has no international flights. JFK has the most routes; EWR is United’s international hub. |
| Flying United Airlines | EWR | EWR is United’s primary East Coast hub with the most United departures and connections. |
| Flying Delta Airlines | LGA or JFK | Delta dominates LGA Terminal C (domestic) and JFK Terminal 4 (international). |
| Arriving during rush hour | EWR (train) | NJ Transit train ignores road traffic entirely. Consistent 35 to 45 minute journey. |
| Budget priority, public transit preferred | JFK or EWR | JFK AirTrain + E subway: $11.15. EWR AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station: $15.75. |
| Late-night arrival (after 10 p.m.) | JFK or EWR | Both AirTrains run 24/7. LGA buses have limited overnight service. |
| Business traveler, premium transfer | Corporate Transfer | Pre-booked luxury chauffeur service with flight tracking eliminates traffic stress from all three airports. |
| Group of 4+ or family with heavy luggage | Group Transfer | SUV or van service from NYL accommodates groups and large luggage from any airport. |
Real Travel Times by Time of Day: All Three Airports
These are realistic estimates based on actual New York City traffic patterns, not best-case scenarios.
| Arrival Window | LGA by Car | JFK by Car | EWR by Car | EWR by Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. (early) | 20 to 28 min | 35 to 45 min | 28 to 38 min | 35 to 42 min |
| 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (AM rush) | 45 to 70 min | 55 to 80 min | 50 to 75 min | 35 to 45 min |
| 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (midday) | 25 to 38 min | 40 to 52 min | 32 to 48 min | 35 to 42 min |
| 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (PM rush) | 50 to 75 min | 60 to 90 min | 55 to 80 min | 35 to 45 min |
| 7 p.m. to midnight | 25 to 40 min | 38 to 52 min | 30 to 48 min | 35 to 42 min |
| Midnight to 6 a.m. | 15 to 25 min | 28 to 38 min | 22 to 32 min | 35 to 42 min |
Getting from the Airport to Times Square: All Options Explained
Option 1: Private Chauffeur Service (Most Reliable)
A pre-booked chauffeur service is the most stress-free and time-reliable way to travel between any of the three airports and Times Square. NYL Worldwide’s airport car service offers what taxis, rideshares, and shuttles cannot:
- Flight tracking: your driver adjusts pickup time automatically if your flight is delayed or arrives early.
- Meet and greet: your chauffeur waits inside the terminal at baggage claim with a name board — no hunting for your car at the curb.
- Fixed pricing: pre-booked rates do not fluctuate based on demand, time of day, or surge algorithms.
- Vehicle options: executive sedans, full-size SUVs, and passenger vans to suit every group size and luggage volume.
- Professional drivers: licensed, uniformed, with route knowledge for bypassing bottlenecks in real time.
Option 2: Yellow Taxi
Yellow cabs are metered at LaGuardia and Newark but offer a flat fare from JFK to any Manhattan address ($70 before tolls and tip, total approximately $90 to $110). Taxis are available at all three airports from designated taxi stands and do not require pre-booking. The main downside is that fares are subject to peak surcharges and tolls, and during periods of high demand, queue times at the stand can add 15 to 30 minutes to your transfer.
Option 3: Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
Rideshare services operate at all three airports from designated app pickup zones. Prices vary significantly based on demand and surge pricing. During periods of high demand such as evening rush hour or after major flight delays, rideshare fares from JFK and EWR can exceed yellow cab rates. For LaGuardia, rideshare is often competitively priced during off-peak hours. Unlike a pre-booked chauffeur, rideshare cannot guarantee a vehicle type and does not offer flight tracking.
Option 4: Public Transit — Detailed Routes
From LGA: Take the Q70 SBS to 74th Street-Jackson Heights (E/F/M/R/7 train connections), then subway to Times Square-42nd Street. Or take the M60 SBS to the Upper West Side, connecting to the 1/2/3 subway lines south. Total: 40 to 55 minutes off-peak. Cost: $2.90 (one MetroCard tap covers bus and subway).
From JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then E train to 42nd Street-Port Authority (Times Square). Total: 55 to 65 minutes. Cost: $11.15. Faster option: AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR to Penn Station (34th Street). Total: 40 to 55 minutes. Cost: $19 to $22 per person.
From EWR: AirTrain Newark to Newark Airport Rail Station, then NJ Transit train (Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line) to New York Penn Station. Total: 35 to 45 minutes. Cost: $15.75 all-in. Penn Station is 8 blocks or one subway stop from Times Square.
Arrive at Times Square the Right Way
NYL Worldwide Chauffeur Service
Whether your flight lands at LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark, NYL Worldwide delivers a guaranteed, seamless arrival experience from the moment your wheels touch down. We are not a taxi app with surge pricing. We are not a shared shuttle where you wait for other passengers. We are a professional chauffeur service built specifically for travelers who understand that how you arrive sets the tone for everything that follows.
What makes NYL Worldwide different:
- Airport transfers from LGA, JFK, and EWR with real-time flight tracking. Your driver adjusts pickup time automatically whether your flight lands early or late.
- Meet-and-greet inside the terminal, name board in hand. Your chauffeur is at baggage claim before you are.
- Luxury fleet : executive sedans, full-size SUVs, and passenger vans for every group size and occasion.
- Fixed, transparent pricing. Quoted before you book. No surge pricing, no hidden fees, no surprises.
- Corporate airport transfers with professional, licensed, uniformed chauffeurs and corporate account billing.
- Group transportation for families, corporate teams, and event delegations — sized vehicles, coordinated timing.
- Hourly chauffeur service for full-day city use, multi-stop itineraries, and back-to-back meetings.
- 24/7 availability including overnight flights, holidays, and peak travel periods.
Book your transfer in minutes. Your chauffeur will be ready when you land.
Book Now Get a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
The 10 most common questions travelers ask about getting from NYC airports to Times Square, answered directly.
1. Which airport is closest to Times Square, NYC?
2. How long does it take to get from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?
3. How long does it take to get from JFK to Times Square?
4. How do I get from Newark Airport to Times Square?
5. Does LaGuardia have a direct train or rail connection to Manhattan?
6. Is it cheaper to fly into Newark than JFK or LaGuardia?
7. What is the best airport for a Times Square hotel if arriving internationally?
8. What is the fastest public transit option from any NYC airport to Times Square?
9. Can I take a yellow cab from JFK to Times Square and how much will it cost?
10. What is the best way to get from the airport to Times Square with a family or large group?
Summary: The Right Airport for Your Arrival
LaGuardia is the closest airport to Times Square and the fastest by car when traffic is light. If you are flying domestically and arriving outside rush hours, LGA is the most convenient choice. JFK is the right airport for international travelers and offers the most airline options and the best 24-hour public transit via AirTrain. The LIRR provides the fastest rail option to Midtown.
Newark is the most underestimated option. Its NJ Transit train connection provides the fastest, most consistent public transit journey to Penn Station regardless of rush-hour traffic. For United Airlines travelers and those prioritizing schedule reliability, EWR deserves serious consideration.
For travelers who prefer to eliminate all variables, a pre-booked chauffeur service from NYL Worldwide transforms the airport-to-Times Square journey into the first comfortable moment of your New York City stay, regardless of which terminal you land in. From hourly city service to corporate airport transfers to city-to-city limo connections, NYL’s full suite of services is available 24/7. Contact us or book your transfer now.