The New York Journal · Hotels
Which NYC Hotel Is Best for Your Airport?
Traffic decides more than distance. How to choose a hotel that makes your airport run easier, whichever airport you fly into.
By Luxury Travel NYC Editorial··6 min read
In brief
- LaGuardia is usually quickest for Uptown and Midtown hotels; Newark can be competitive for downtown and West Side stays; JFK suits Brooklyn.
- Traffic matters more than distance, so treat any drive time as a range.
- If a long-haul arrival is overnight, ask your hotel about early check-in or a day room.
On a long trip the airport run is a small share of the time, but it is the part that sets the tone: on arrival it decides how quickly you can rest, and on departure it decides how calm your morning is. Here is how to match your hotel to the airport you are using.
| Neighborhood | From JFK | From LGA | From EWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper East Side | Often 45–75 min | Often 20–40 min | Often 45–75 min |
| Midtown & Central Park South | Often 45–75 min | Often 25–45 min | Often 35–60 min |
| NoMad & Hudson Yards | Often 45–75 min | Often 30–50 min | Often 30–55 min |
| Tribeca, SoHo & FiDi | Often 40–70 min | Often 30–50 min | Often 30–50 min |
| Brooklyn (Dumbo, Williamsburg) | Often 30–60 min | Often 25–45 min | Often 40–70 min |
Flying into LaGuardia
LaGuardia is usually the quickest airport for Uptown and Midtown hotels. The Carlyle, for example, is typically quickest via the RFK Bridge, and the Four Seasons Hotel New York is an easy run to LaGuardia.
Flying into Newark
Newark can match or beat JFK for downtown and West Side stays, such as The Greenwich Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, through the Holland Tunnel, depending on traffic.
Flying into JFK
JFK suits Brooklyn hotels and long-haul international flights. From Dumbo, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge can be closer in time to JFK and LaGuardia than Manhattan hotels are, depending on the expressways.
If you land early
Overnight flights often arrive well before check-in. Ask the hotel about early check-in or a day room when you book, since a confirmed room at 8 a.m. is worth more than any amenity.
FAQ
Questions, Answered
Which airport is best for my hotel?
Can I check in early after an overnight flight?
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