Key Takeaways
- LaGuardia (LGA) is closer to Manhattan (about 8 miles) and ideal for short, domestic trips.
- JFK Airport handles most international flights and has more global routes.
- Expect less travel time and lower ride costs from LaGuardia than JFK.
- Immigration lines are usually faster at LaGuardia, though JFK offers more customs services.
- Ongoing construction at LaGuardia may cause delays; plan ahead for pickup or drop-off.
- No matter which New York airport you fly into, Teddy’s Limo offers private, reliable car service to and from JFK, LaGuardia, and anywhere in the NYC metro area.
If you’re flying into New York City, LaGuardia (LGA) is usually the best choice for Manhattan and short domestic trips, while JFK Airport is better for international flights and travelers staying in Brooklyn or Queens.
When you’re flying out of an airport, there are plenty of things to consider: frequent flyer lounges, restaurants, and so on. But when you’re flying into an airport, there’s usually a single overriding concern: how fast you can leave. This is why our passengers often ask us: “Which of New York City’s airports should I fly into?”
Which New York Airport Has Fewer Flight Delays — JFK or LaGuardia?
If you’re a serious traveler, you may want to bookmark the US Department of Transportation website. From this page, you can select the most-used airports in the country and review all kinds of statistics, including an on-time performance summary. We checked out the most recent results for JFK, LaGuardia and, for good measure, Newark Liberty International Airport. Here’s how they compare, from best to worst:
Percent of Arriving Flights That Were On Time
(December 2018- November 2019)
| Airport | Arrivals | Departures |
| JFK | 79 | 80 |
| Newark | 68 | 73 |
| LaGuardia | 71 | 75 |
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics
NOTE: Construction at LaGuardia airport may impact your decision. A full airport renovation through 2021, often causes considerable ground-side congestion. Read the full story on LaGuardia Construction.
As you can see, you’re more likely to be delayed if you’re flying into LaGuardia or Newark. John F. Kennedy airport ranks 15 out of the top 100 U.S. airports for on-time departures and 20 for on-time arrivals. In contrast, LaGuardia is a bit higher on the list for being on-time and ranks 27 for on-time departures and 29 for on-time arrivals. Newark has a similar ranking as LaGuardia for being on-time and ranks 20 for on-time departures and 30 for on-time arrivals.
Which New York Airport Makes Going Through Immigration Easier?
Experienced international travelers know that getting off the plane in your home country isn’t the end of the road: You still have the immigration line ahead of you. But once again, the U.S. government tracks flight processing times, more commonly known as “wait times.” LaGuardia isn’t tracked and results vary by terminal at JFK and Newark, but the bottom line is that immigration lines are shorter on average at Newark than they are at JFK.
What’s the Best Way to Get From JFK or LaGuardia to Your Hotel or Home?
If you’re heading into New York City, LaGuardia is the closest. It’s just 8.6 miles from LaGuardia to Midtown Manhattan, compared to 14.7 miles from JFK and 16.6 miles from Newark. If you’re going from LaGuardia to Connecticut or from JFK to Connecticut, LaGuardia is also the closest. It’s 32 miles from Stamford, compared to 38 for JFK and 59 for Newark.
Is Construction or Traffic Worse at LaGuardia Right Now?
With all of that being said, it is well worth noting again that traffic in and around LaGuardia may impact your decision. The airport construction is expected to take 4 years.
“LaGuardia Airport is beginning a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment program. Passengers will continue to travel through LaGuardia during the airport’s construction period. Parking will be limited and some roads will be closed or detoured.”
- Find the most current LaGuardia advisories: LaGuardia Airport Website
- Parking at LaGuardia during Construction: LaGuardia Airport Website
- How to Get from LaGuardia to Manhattan (Without a Headache)
Laguardia vs JFK: The Bottom Line
So which airport should you fly into? As you can see, there are several factors to consider, including expected traffic levels when your flight is scheduled to arrive. JFK probably has an edge on LaGuardia when it comes to the potential frustration factor, while LaGuardia may be a few miles closer to your home, hotel or business meeting.
New York City Airport Limousine Service
One thing that we do know is that, especially after a long flight, there’s nothing like a relaxed, private car or limousine ride to take you on the last leg of your trip. A reputable New York or Connecticut airport limo service will monitor airplane flight arrival data in real-time, often from FAA-authorized information transmitted directly from aircraft transponders. Whether your in-bound flight is running early or behind schedule – and even if you’re arriving late at night or first thing in the morning – your chauffeur should always be there to meet you.
An experienced driver will likely know the best way to your destination, getting you there as quickly as possible while allowing you to rest or prepare for a meeting. Likewise, taking a limousine to JFK or LaGuardia from Connecticut is a great way to start your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Between JFK and LaGuardia
Q: Which New York airport should I fly into for Manhattan?
A: If you want to get to Manhattan quickly, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the best choice. It’s just about 8 miles from Midtown and offers shorter travel times and lower car service fares. However, JFK Airport can be a better fit if you’re flying internationally or arriving late at night, since it operates more 24-hour services.
Q: Is JFK or LaGuardia bigger?
A: JFK Airport is significantly larger and handles most of New York’s international traffic, while LaGuardia is smaller and focused on domestic routes. JFK has six terminals and dozens of airlines, making it ideal for long-haul or overseas flights. LaGuardia has four terminals and is undergoing modernization to improve the traveler experience.
Q: Which New York airport has fewer flight delays?
A: Historically, LaGuardia has had more delays due to heavy traffic and ongoing construction projects. JFK typically runs more efficiently, especially for international departures, though peak-hour congestion can affect either airport. Always check your flight’s status before heading out.
Q: Is it easier to get through immigration at JFK or LaGuardia?
A: JFK has more international gates and customs staff, which can streamline the process for global travelers. LaGuardia mainly serves domestic passengers, so if you’re flying in from another U.S. city, you’ll skip immigration altogether.
Q: How long does it take to get from JFK or LaGuardia to Manhattan?
A: From LaGuardia, expect a 25–40-minute drive in moderate traffic. From JFK, it’s about 45–75 minutes, depending on the time of day. Booking a professional service like Teddy’s Limo ensures real-time navigation adjustments and a stress-free trip.
Q: Which airport is more convenient for business travelers?
A: LaGuardia is usually the top pick for business travelers flying regionally. Its proximity to Midtown and quicker turnaround times make it ideal for same-day trips. JFK, however, offers better lounges and international connectivity for executives coming from abroad.
Q: Does LaGuardia still have construction delays?
A: Yes, portions of LaGuardia’s renovation continue through 2025, improving terminals and access roads. Plan extra time for arrivals and departures, or pre-book your Teddy’s Limo pickup to avoid traffic bottlenecks.Q: What’s the best airport car service in New York?
A: Teddy’s Limo provides professional, on-time airport transfers from JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Westchester County Airport. With experienced local drivers, real-time flight tracking, and luxury vehicles, Teddy’s ensures smooth transportation no matter which New York airport you fly into.
About Teddy’s
Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Teddy’s Transportation System provides professionally managed, dependable transportation services in Fairfield and Westchester Counties and the New York metropolitan area. We also provide competitively priced airport car service to all New York area airports, as well as airports in and around White Plains, Hartford, New Haven, Boston, Providence and Albany.
