Everyone talks about what to do in New York. Nobody talks about how to actually get there from the airport without wasting time and money.
I’m going to fix that.
Pick Your Airport Wisely
New York has three main airports, and which one you fly into changes everything about your first hour in the city.
LaGuardia is closest to Manhattan. If you’re staying in Midtown or the Upper East Side, LGA usually makes the most sense. The airport just got a major renovation, so it’s actually nice now. Getting out is the tricky part. A lga car service that knows the pickup spots saves you from wandering around with your bags.
JFK is your international hub. Bigger, busier, farther from Manhattan. Budget extra time for everything. If you need to get somewhere specific, jfk car service beats trying to figure out the AirTrain and subway combo after a long flight.
Newark works great if you’re flexible. Sometimes the flights are cheaper, and if you’re heading to Jersey anyway, it makes sense. Just know that crossing into Manhattan means bridge or tunnel traffic.
Private Aviation Is Different
If you’re flying private, you’re probably going through Teterboro. It’s a completely different experience. No security lines, no crowds, just you and your plane.
The thing is, you still need to get from TEB to wherever you’re actually going. Most people have a teterboro airport car service waiting on the tarmac. The driver coordinates directly with the FBO, so everything connects smoothly.
My Ground Transportation Rules
- Don’t use rideshare apps during rush hour. The surge pricing will hurt.
- Book car service in advance. You lock in a price and guarantee a driver.
- Always share your flight number. Good services adjust for delays automatically.
- Keep cash for tips. Some drivers appreciate it.
- Have addresses ready. Know where you’re going before you land.
Real Talk
Getting from a New York airport to your hotel doesn’t have to be stressful. You just need to plan ahead instead of figuring it out when you’re tired and jet-lagged.
Book your ride before you fly. Pick the right airport for your destination. And don’t cheap out on transportation only to waste time you can’t get back.
New York is waiting. Get there the smart way.