My first piece of advice about traveling between Newark and JFK or LGA airports is to avoid doing it if at all possible! It can be a daunting task to cross a huge city and two rivers, especially if you are short on time. However, there may be times when it’s unavoidable.
Since there may be a time when you need to transfer between NYC airports, I thought it would be helpful to share information about how to do it. In this post, I cover how to get from Newark to JFK or LGA. It is not as far to transfer between LaGuardia and JFK, but it’s not simple so I have included information on that as well.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
TL;DR: If you have the budget or are short on time, booking a car service is likely your best bet for transferring between NYC airports.
While you can land at one NYC airport and then transfer to another, it’s best to avoid if possible.
Contents
Location of NYC Airports
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it’s handy to know where the three main airports in the New York City area are located. Take a look at the NYC airport map below, and you’ll see that JFK and LGA are pretty close to each other, while EWR sits on the other side.
The distance between JFK and EWR varies from 30 to 42 miles, depending on the route you take. LGA to EWR is about 32 miles (or 26 miles if you pass through Manhattan). Meanwhile, JFK and LGA are just about 10 miles apart, but with the notorious traffic congestion in the area it can feel much farther.
My Experience Transferring from LGA to EWR
For over 13 years, I was based in New York City so normally I would not need to travel between NYC airports. On one occasion, I was traveling to Houston on United Airlines. My flight was one of the few United Airline flights from LaGuardia airport.
Unfortunately, there was bad weather in Houston and my flight was canceled. If I wanted to get there that day my only option was to catch a flight out of Newark, United’s hub. I didn’t have time to really think about it, otherwise, there is no way I would have made it.
I jumped in a cab and said take me to Newark as fast as you can. Luckily, it was not rush hour, but we did run into a little traffic. My bill was well over $100. If I hadn’t made that flight, I probably would have had to cancel my whole trip since it was only for a weekend. I was thankful I made it to Houston to see my friends.
Note: If you are planning ahead and know you will be tight on time, you can save money by booking a car service with Carmel in advance and you can earn airline miles.
Best Ways to Go From JFK to EWR (or vice versa)
There are actually many ways that you can transfer from JFK to EWR. Technically, you can use any of the options that I listed in my post about JFK transportation options and then connect to any of the Newark airport transportation options.
Taxi or Car Service
This will be the fastest way (unless you’re traveling during rush hour), but it will be pricey. I’d recommend taking a car service or taxi from EWR to JFK only when you’re in a real hurry. If you decide to go for it, think about booking a car service online in advance to skip the taxi line and save some time.
Taxis are always an option, but they are not cheap.
With Carmel Car Service, you can easily book online and even earn frequent flyer miles for the ride. Additionally, Carmel’s pricing is in line with a NYC taxi and cheaper than most other car service companies in NYC. This will be your most affordable taxi or car service option.
Click here to check the price and get more information about Carmel Car Service.
NYC Airporter Bus – Now Closed
**NY Airport Express stopped running during COVID, and I’m not sure when express bus service will be available again.
To make things simple and affordable, I suggest that you use the NYC Airporter bus option (now called the NYC Express Bus) from JFK and transfer at the Port Authority bus terminal stop to the Newark Airport Express bus.
Just remember if you are going from EWR to JFK, you need to catch the Newark Airport Express from the EWR and then transfer to the NYC Airporter at Port Authority. Please print out two copies of your confirmation, one for each bus. For only $29, this is a steal!
ETS Shuttle
ETS offers a direct shuttle from EWR to JFK. I have not used this option. I am skeptical about it because the time estimates on their website vary from 45 to 90 minutes for transferring between EWR and JFK depending on the page you are viewing. Knowing New York traffic, I seriously doubt they ever make it in 45 minutes.
You can read reviews of the ETS shuttle here.
Best Ways to Go From LGA to EWR
There are actually many ways that you can transfer from LGA to EWR. Technically, you can use any of the options that I listed in my post about LGA transportation options and then connect to any of the Newark airport transportation options.
Public transportation
To reach Newark Liberty from LaGuardia Airport, you’ll need to make your way to the city and catch either the Newark Airport Express or an NJ Transit Train. Unfortunately, LaGuardia isn’t seamlessly connected to NYC via public transportation. While there are a couple of bus options, there’s no direct train or subway service to Manhattan.
While taking an NYC bus to Manhattan might save you a bit of money, it’s important to note that it can be quite time-consuming.
Taxi or Car Service
Once more, a taxi or car service is likely the speediest option, but it comes at a cost and might not be the most budget-friendly choice. If time is of the essence, it might make sense for you pay for the convenience. If you opt for this route, consider booking a car service online to skip the taxi line and save valuable time.
I strongly recommend Carmel Car Service for this, as their online booking process is straightforward, their rates are reasonable, and you even have the opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles for your journey. It’s a win-win!
Click here to book online with Carmel.
NYC Airporter Bus – Now Closed
**NY Airport Express stopped running during COVID, and I’m not sure when express bus service will be available again.
Just like traveling between EWR and JFK, this is my preferred option. Take the NYC Airporter bus (now called the NYC Express Bus) from LGA and transfer at the Port Authority bus terminal stop to the Newark Airport Express bus. Book this as one ticket on the NYC Airporter website and remember to print out two copies of your confirmation, one for each bus. The fee for this journey is still $29, which I think is very good value!
Just remember if you are going from EWR to LGA, you need to catch the Newark Airport Express from the EWR and then transfer to the NYC Airporter at Port Authority.
ETS Shuttle
ETS also offers a direct shuttle from EWR to LGA. I have not used this shuttle either for the same reasons I mentioned above. I don’t find their website user-friendly, and I think they are overly optimistic about their time estimates. I seriously question whether it is possible for anyone to get from EWR to JFK in 45 minutes – except in the middle of the night maybe!
You can read reviews of the ETS shuttle here.
Sometimes travel is not as easy as just getting on a plane and flying, transferring airports can be complicated.
Best Ways to Transfer from LGA to JFK
Even though the distance from JFK to LaGuardia airport is only 10 miles, you still need to allow time for the transfer. There are no train options available, so it is likely you will have to deal with traffic.
Public Transportation
As I mentioned earlier, the public transportation options to reach LGA are quite limited. It’s important to note that there’s no direct train connecting LGA to JFK, so attempting to use public transit for this route would eat up well over an hour of your time.
In light of this, your best alternatives are to opt for a taxi or a car service. However, it’s worth mentioning that traffic could be a challenge with either choice.
Taxi or Car Service
Going by taxi can be a good option. The one thing you have to keep in mind is there could be a long line to get a taxi depending on the time you land. You can also use Uber or another car sharing service but again depending on the time you land you may have to deal with surge pricing. It may be worth an extra dollar or so, to book a car service in advance. Check out my preferred car service, Carmel, and earn frequent flyer miles for your ride.
Click here to reserve a ride with Carmel.
NYC Airporter Shuttle
**NY Airport Express stopped running during COVID, and I’m not sure when express bus service will be available again.
Another good option, this service, now called the NYC Express Bus, runs between JFK and LaGuardia airports every 30 minutes. The average travel time for a JFK LGA transfer is 60 minutes and it costs $17 per person.
Transferring Between NYC Airports is Not Easy
In summary, it is best to avoid transferring between NYC airports if you can. Even if you are just going between JFK and LaGuardia airports it will take time.
Train options for airport transfers are rather limited, and the unpredictable traffic conditions in the city can make your journey take longer than you might expect. You need to make sure you allow plenty of time between flights at different NYC airports. Keep in mind that attempting to fit in some sightseeing during a short layover might not be feasible.
Have you had to transfer between NYC airports or airports in other cities?
-Anisa
Pin for Later
Expert Tips for Transfering Between EWR, JFK, and LGA Airports
- Avoid transferring between NYC Airports if possible but if you can’t be sure to allow plenty of time. If possible plan to make the transfer during off-peak times.
- It will be easier to transfer between airports with less luggage. Get our packing tips here.
- If your budget allows, you may want to book a car service online in advance with Carmel. As a bonus, you earn frequent flyer miles for your ride. Click here to book online with Carmel.
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Last Updated on September 17, 2023
Wow, Anisa, great subject! I’ll definitely bookmark it. I’ve traveled in and out of all three airports and I agree with your best advice: avoid transfering between them if at all possible. I prefer to fly into Newark, I find the airport easier to navigate, and I’m used to it. I had to fly in Newark but out of JFK for one very short trip though, and I was not happy about it. Taxi service costs a fortune and it was what I used because I was in a rush and I don’t know Manhattan well enough to feel comfortable with other options. So this is one of those posts that I’ll keep for future reference. Thanks for explaining all the options.
Emese – Glad you found the post helpful. All the transportation options can be really confusing.
Even though I’ve never been to NYC I knew about it’s airports, but I didn’t realize that it would be so complicated to transfer. Luckily for me, I’ve been able to avoid transferring between airports in other cities.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, it really can be a pain, glad to hear you haven’t had to transfer before
This is such a useful post, covering it seems all options. We have pinned it to multiple boards for future reference! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you guys! So glad to hear you found it helpful.
Very informative, thank you! I hope I never have to deal with this situation (airport transfers are my worst nightmares), but if it ever does happen, at least now I have all of the important information! Thanks!
Jessica – So glad to hear you found the post helpful. I hope you never need the information though!
Great tips with loads of practical information. Definitely bookmarking this for future use!
Thanks Lynne – so glad you found it helpful.
This really highlights how transport in NYC needs a bit of a rethink – imagine if there were other options that were environmentally friendly, cheap and fast – surely it would add millions to the city’s revenue? Just a thought 🙂 Great post btw, -what about Uber? If you did try the ETS bus do update the post!
Annie – Very good point. Yes Uber is another option, the thing that worries me is the surge pricing though. And yes if I do try ETS or hear from someone who has I will update the post.
Awesome!
I’m always finding flight deals that require a transfer, so this is handy in case we ever decide to do a switch (though it doesn’t seem very practical!)
Michelle – I agree. I would only do it for a really good deal. And make sure you allow yourself plenty of time.
This is really useful and helpful for those needing to transfer! I have always avoided any itineraries with transfers in NYC or any other city like Chicago or London that has multiple airports – layovers are stressful enough sometimes for me without the need to transfer!
Jessica – Yes I agree, ideally avoid transferring if possible.
From LA, there are some good deals to Newark. However, my sister that lives in The Bronx told me to fly to JFK or LaGuardia. So, I have followed her advice because I do not want to complicate her. My mom lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania and Newark is a better option to her. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth – Yes that makes sense. Sometimes deals just aren’t worth the hassle.
Oh gosh, I hope to never have to do that! This just sounds like it would be a nightmare and knowing my luck, it would cause me to miss my flight! #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Lolo – Yes, you really do need to make sure you leave extra time. It can be really stressful.
Really helpful post! We’ve not been in this situation, but it’s good to know the information is out there. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks. So glad you found it helpful. I hope you never have to do the transfer though!
This is really handy. We’re normally very careful to avoid having to transfer between airports, but so many times the airlines want us to take a tour of NYC to make a connection! Frustrating, but that’s what makes this post so perfect. Thanks for putting it together! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Glad you found the post helpful!
what if I arrived into LaGuardia about 10 am, and my flight out of JFK departs at 11:15pm? Could I go see Times Square and whatever else is recommended on public transportation, with 1 carry-on wheeled small suitcase?
Jan – You could do that. Some attractions may not allow the bag though so check that in advance. Have a great time in NY.
Thanks so much for writing this post! I am arriving to LaGuardia at 9am in a couple of days and my 2nd flight won’t leave JFK until 9pm that same day, I was considering using subway or uber to transfer airports but was worried about luggage and safety since I will be traveling with my little sister (she is 9) and so her safety is my #1 priority. I heard about the NYCExpressBus but was unsure about booking my tickets on their website but knowing that you have used their services has really helped calm my nerves. Thank you so much again!
Kate – Glad you found the post helpful. Yes, I used the NYC Airport Express bus many times JFK to/from Manhattan and LGA to/from Manhattan. I have not used the service between JFK and LGA (because I never had to transfer between the two airports) but based on all the other experiences I have had with them, I do recommend them.
Hello, some quick questions please….
I am catching an international flight out of Newark and would arrive at La Guardia. The layover is 4hrs. I think I am okay about the cost, so I can do the ride service. But do you think that it would definitely not take more than a couple of hours between to go from La Guardia to Newark if we just use Shuttle? If you think that that’s possible that would be great. Again. Money is not the biggest issue. (100-150$ is okay)
What time will you be traveling? At rush hour even a car service will be tight. If not, I would still not risk doing a shuttle or bus.
Thank you for the great recommendations! I’d like to get your opinion on one thing – we fly from Europe into JFK at 1pm on a Tuesday. We have the option to fly home direct from LGA at 6:45pm or out of JFK with a layover in CLT or ATL that afternoon/evening.
We’ll have to go through customs in JFK, so we will have to go back through security regardless of where we fly out of. Would you recommend transferring airports to get a direct flight or do you think the risk of traffic is too high and recommend flying out of JFK with a layover? I know this is somewhat personal preference but wanted to get your opinion based on ease of getting to and from JFK to LGA. Thanks in advance!
Alexandra – Glad you enjoyed the post. 5 hours and 45 minutes should be enough time to go through customs and transfer to LGA even with traffic as long as your flight is on time. It is a hassle though. I guess I would also take into consideration any price difference in the flights, the cost to transfer airports, and the length of the layover when deciding between the two options.
Hello, I will need to transfer from LGA airport to JFK airport. I arrive at LGA at 5pm and fly to italy from JFK at 11:30pm. Does this give me enough time to transfer via shuttle bus and go thru security at JFK? Would you happen to know what’s the longest travel time from LGA to JFK (1 hr, 2 hours?) – Thanks
Luna – You are arriving at rush hour (unless this happens to be a Saturday or Sunday), so there will be traffic for sure. I think you should be ok. If you consider worst-case scenarios – maybe don’t get the bus til 6 and then it takes 2 hours (it shouldn’t) – that gets you to JFK at 8 pm, which would be ideal. If your first flight delayed by more than an hour or so, you might want to consider taking a taxi.
Thank you sooo much for this information. I had to fly in on SOuthwest and the carmel company online booking was a save for sure.
So glad to hear that. Safe travels.
Hi, I arrive at Newark at 07:00 on Thursday 9 December from Johannesburg and need to get to JFK to get a flight to Trinidad. There is a Jetblue flight at 11:35. My bags need to be checked in 60 minutes before departure. Will I have enough time to do the transfer?
To be honest I don’t think so. You will need time for immigration and collecting your bags after your first flight. Then it’s rush hour so traffic could be bad. I would recommend looking for another flight option with more time.