New York sits under the busiest airspace in the United States, and “how many airports does New York have” has a bigger answer than most travelers expect. This guide lists every airport worth knowing: the three major New York City hubs, the regional airports around the metro area, and the main upstate airports, with codes, locations, distance to Manhattan, and how to get from each into the city.
Quick answer
How many airports are in New York? New York State has hundreds of airports and airfields, but only about ten carry regular scheduled passenger flights. The New York City area is served by three major airports, John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR), plus regional airports like Westchester (HPN), Long Island MacArthur (ISP), and Stewart (SWF). Upstate adds Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany.
Table of Contents
Airports in New York: The Full List
Here are the New York airports travelers actually fly through, from the three major NYC-area hubs to the regional and upstate options, with approximate distance to Midtown Manhattan.
| Airport | Code | Location | ~Miles to Manhattan | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy International | JFK | Queens, NYC | ~16 | Major international |
| LaGuardia | LGA | Queens, NYC | ~8 | Major (mostly domestic) |
| Newark Liberty International | EWR | Newark, NJ | ~9 | Major international |
| Westchester County | HPN | White Plains, NY | ~33 | Regional |
| Long Island MacArthur | ISP | Islip, NY | ~50 | Regional |
| Stewart International | SWF | Newburgh, NY | ~60 | Regional / international |
| Buffalo Niagara International | BUF | Buffalo, NY | ~370 | Upstate major |
| Greater Rochester International | ROC | Rochester, NY | ~330 | Upstate |
| Syracuse Hancock International | SYR | Syracuse, NY | ~250 | Upstate |
| Albany International | ALB | Albany, NY | ~150 | Upstate |
For most visitors, “airports in New York” means the three major hubs that serve New York City. Those are where nearly all international and long-haul domestic flights land, and where your ride into the city matters most.
The 3 Major Airports in New York City
New York City’s three main airports, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, together form the busiest airport system in the United States. Here is what sets each apart and how far each sits from Manhattan. Compare your New York airport transportation options before you land.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is New York’s primary international gateway and, in 2026, a major construction site: a $19 billion redevelopment is building the New Terminal One and Terminal 6, with the first new gates opening in 2026 (official JFK construction updates). It sits about 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, so allow extra time for construction detours. A fixed-rate JFK car service keeps the trip predictable.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia, the closest major airport to Manhattan at about 8 miles, handles mostly domestic flights and has been transformed by an $8 billion overhaul. Its Terminal B holds a 5-Star Skytrax rating, the first in North America, and it was named Best U.S. Airport by Forbes. Public transit to LGA is limited, so a private LGA car service is often the easiest way in.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark, a major United hub, sits about nine miles west of Manhattan in New Jersey. Its new $2.7 billion Terminal A has 33 gates and handles over 15 million passengers a year (Port Authority of NY & NJ), and Terminal C is one of the best U.S. terminals for dining. Book a Newark car service for a smooth transfer across the river.
Other Airports Serving the New York City Area
Beyond the big three, three regional airports serve the wider metro area and can be smart alternatives for certain routes or to skip the busiest terminals.
Westchester County Airport (HPN)
In White Plains, about 33 miles north of Midtown, HPN is a compact, low-hassle airport popular with business travelers and Westchester and Connecticut residents. See our Westchester Airport car service.
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
In Islip, about 50 miles east on Long Island, ISP serves Long Island travelers and a selection of domestic routes. See our MacArthur Airport car service.
Stewart International Airport (SWF)
In Newburgh, about 60 miles north, Stewart offers a handful of domestic and international routes and easy access to the Hudson Valley.
Airports in New York State Beyond the City
If you are searching for airports in New York State rather than New York City, the main upstate airports with scheduled service are Buffalo Niagara (BUF), Greater Rochester (ROC), Syracuse Hancock (SYR), and Albany (ALB). Each is the primary airport for its region and hundreds of miles from Manhattan.
Which New York Airport Should You Fly Into?
The short version: choose LaGuardia for the quickest trip to Manhattan, JFK for international flights and the widest choice of airlines, and Newark if you are headed to New Jersey or the west side of Manhattan. For the full breakdown, see our guide comparing JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark.
Getting from a New York Airport to Manhattan
All three major airports sit 8 to 16 miles from Midtown, but traffic, not distance, decides the trip. For step-by-step routes, see JFK to Times Square, LaGuardia to Times Square and Newark Airport to Times Square. A pre-booked, flight-tracked car service removes the two biggest variables: surge pricing and a driver who cannot find you. See how it works on our NYC airport car service page, with fixed rates for JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Not going to Manhattan? See where travelers head from each NYC airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in New York
How many airports does New York City have?
New York City is served by three major airports: JFK and LaGuardia in Queens, and Newark Liberty just across the river in New Jersey. Several regional airports (Westchester, Long Island MacArthur, and Stewart) serve the wider metro area.
What are the 3 major airports in New York?
John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). Together they form the busiest airport system in the United States.
Which New York airport is closest to Manhattan?
LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest, about 8 miles from Midtown. Newark is about 9 miles and JFK about 16, though traffic affects travel time more than distance.
How many airports are in New York State?
New York State has hundreds of airports and airfields, but only about ten carry regular scheduled passenger service, including the three NYC-area majors plus Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and a few others.
Which New York airports handle international flights?
JFK is the main international gateway, with Newark (EWR) also handling extensive international service. LaGuardia is primarily domestic, with limited short-haul international flights.
