Comparison Table: JFK vs LGA
| Comparison Item | JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) | LaGuardia (LGA) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Located in Queens, NY, about 15 miles (23 km) from Manhattan. | Located in Queens, NY, about 8 miles (13 km) from Manhattan, closest to the city center. | LGA is better for quick access to Manhattan, while JFK is more suitable for international travelers. |
| Primary Use | International hub, serving 90+ airlines with 200+ destinations, including long-haul flights. | Primarily domestic flights, with limited international flights to Canada and the Caribbean. | JFK is the main international airport in NYC, while LGA focuses on domestic flights. |
| Flight Types | International and domestic flights, including long-haul routes (e.g., Europe, Asia, Middle East). | Mainly domestic flights, restricted by the 1500-mile rule (except Denver and some Saturday flights). | LGA's 1500-mile rule limits its range, but exceptions allow flights to Denver. |
| Transportation | - Subway + AirTrain: $7.75, ~60-90 mins - Taxi/Uber: $52-70, ~30-90 mins. | - Subway + Bus: $2.75, ~50-90 mins - Taxi/Uber: $30-40, ~20-60 mins. | LGA has lower transportation costs and shorter travel times, but JFK's AirTrain offers better internal transit. |
| Airport Facilities | - 6 terminals, modern facilities - Multiple airline lounges (e.g., Delta SkyClub, Amex Centurion Lounge). | - New terminals (B and C) with $8B and $4B renovations, modern facilities - Limited lounges (e.g., Delta SkyClub). | JFK offers more comprehensive facilities for long layovers, while LGA's new terminals are modern and ideal for short trips. |
| Airlines | - Major airlines: Delta, JetBlue, American Airlines - International airlines: British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, etc. | - Major airlines: Delta, American Airlines - Limited international flights (e.g., Canada). | JFK provides more international flight options, while LGA is primarily domestic. |
| Flight Delays | Fewer delays, optimized runway layout for handling high traffic. | More delays due to weather and runway limitations. | JFK's runway layout is better for peak traffic, while LGA has higher delay rates, especially in bad weather. |
| Parking Fees | - Economy parking: $18/day - Parking garage: $39/day. | - Parking fees: $39/day. | Parking costs are similar, but JFK offers more options (e.g., economy parking). |
| Target Audience | - International travelers - Travelers needing long-haul flights or more flight options. | - Domestic travelers - Travelers needing quick access to Manhattan. | JFK is better for international travelers and long-haul flights, while LGA is ideal for domestic travelers and short trips. |
| Other Features | - More dining and shopping options - Suitable for long layovers or stays. | - Modern terminal design, ideal for short trips - Convenient for business travelers. | JFK offers more dining and shopping options, while LGA's modern terminals are great for business travelers. |
Video Introduction to the JFK
Video Introduction to the LGA
The main differences between the JFK and the LGA.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are two of the major airports serving New York City, but they have several key differences:
Size and Capacity:
JFK is larger and handles more passengers annually than LGA. It has a greater number of gates and terminals.
LGA is smaller with fewer gates and is primarily focused on domestic flights.
Flight Operations:
JFK offers a wide range of international flights and is a hub for many major airlines, including those from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. It also serves numerous domestic destinations.
LGA mainly operates domestic flights and some regional international flights to Canada and select destinations in the Caribbean. It does not handle large international aircraft due to its shorter runways.
Location and Access to NYC:
JFK is located further from Manhattan, about 15 miles southeast of Midtown. However, it benefits from direct rail connections via the AirTrain to subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations.
LGA is closer to Manhattan, approximately 6 miles away, which can make it quicker to reach by car or shuttle services. However, it's often subject to heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
Transportation Options:
JFK has the AirTrain system that connects all terminals and provides easy access to public transit.
LGA relies more on road transportation, such as taxis, ride-sharing services, and buses, although there are plans for improved transit connections.
Terminal Configuration:
JFK has eight numbered terminals, though not all may be operational at any given time due to renovations or airline consolidations.
LGA has three main terminals, which were part of a modernization program aiming to improve passenger experience.
Amenities and Services:
JFK generally offers a wider variety of amenities, dining options, and shopping opportunities due to its size and international focus.
LGA, while smaller, aims to provide a more intimate and sometimes faster-moving environment, with improvements being made to enhance traveler comfort.
Noise Restrictions:
Both airports have noise restrictions, but LGA is known for having stricter curfew hours that limit night-time operations, which can affect late-night travelers.
These differences mean that one airport might be more suitable for you depending on your specific travel needs, such as whether you're flying internationally or domestically, your final destination within the city, and your preferences regarding travel time into the city.
Author's view
Choose JFK if you're flying internationally, value premium amenities, or need extensive flight options.
Choose LGA if you're flying domestically, want quicker access to Manhattan, or are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
recommend : LGA Airport Price List
recommend : JFK Airport Price List
FAQs
1. Which airport is closer to Manhattan?
LaGuardia (LGA) is closer to Manhattan, located about 8 miles away, making it a quicker option for travelers heading to the city center. JFK is about 15 miles from Manhattan, which can mean longer travel times, especially during peak traffic hours.
2. Which airport is better for international flights?
JFK is the primary international hub for New York City, serving over 90 airlines and offering flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide. It handles the majority of long-haul international flights, making it the better choice for international travelers.
LGA primarily serves domestic flights, with limited international options (mostly pre-cleared flights to Canada).
3. Which airport has better amenities and lounges?
JFK offers a wider range of amenities, including premium lounges (e.g., Amex Centurion Lounge, Delta SkyClub), upscale dining, and extensive shopping options. It is undergoing a $19 billion renovation, set to be completed by 2030, which will further enhance its facilities.
LGA has recently undergone significant renovations, improving its terminals and amenities. However, it still lags behind JFK in terms of variety and scale.
4. Which airport is more convenient for domestic travel?
LGA is more convenient for domestic travelers, as it focuses on shorter flights within the U.S. and Canada. It is closer to Manhattan, making it a quicker option for those traveling within the country.
JFK also serves domestic routes, but its primary focus is on international travel.
5. Which airport has better transportation options?
JFK offers more extensive transportation options, including the AirTrain, which connects to the subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). This makes it easier to access various parts of the city and beyond.
LGA lacks a direct rail link, requiring travelers to take a bus to connect to the subway. However, it is closer to Manhattan, which can offset the inconvenience.
6. Which airport is better for business travelers?
JFK is ideal for business travelers needing international connectivity and premium amenities like lounges and upscale dining. However, it is farther from Manhattan, which can be a drawback for time-sensitive trips.
LGA is better for domestic business travelers due to its proximity to Manhattan and shorter commute times.
7. Which airport is more affordable for flights and transportation?
LGA is generally more affordable for domestic flights and transportation to Manhattan, as it is closer and requires shorter travel times.
JFK may offer better deals for international flights, but transportation costs to Manhattan can be higher due to the longer distance.
8. Which airport has better on-time performance?
JFK has better on-time performance, with 79% of arrivals and 80% of departures being on time. Its runway layout is optimized to handle high traffic efficiently.
LGA historically has more delays due to its smaller size and limited runway capacity, though recent renovations have improved operations.
9. Which airport is better for first-time visitors to NYC?
JFK is better for first-time international visitors due to its extensive amenities and connectivity. However, LGA may be more convenient for domestic travelers looking to minimize travel time to Manhattan.
10. Which airport is undergoing renovations?
Both airports are undergoing significant renovations. JFK is in the midst of a $19 billion upgrade, set to be completed by 2030, while LGA has recently completed a $8 billion renovation, improving its terminals and overall traveler experience.
