Cheap Flights to New York City

New York City is the most visited city in the United States and one of the most connected aviation markets in the world. Three major airports serve the metropolitan area, with a combined flight network reaching over 200 destinations globally. Whether you are flying in for the first time to see Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, returning for business in Midtown, or connecting onward across the US, Travocart searches fares across every airline and every New York airport so you can compare all available options and book the lowest available fare in minutes. All fares include taxes, fuel surcharges, and our service fee. No extra charges are added at checkout.

New York City Airports

Three major commercial airports serve New York City. Which one to fly into depends on your airline, your final destination within the city, and your budget.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK is New York's primary international gateway, located in the borough of Queens approximately 15 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It is the largest of the three airports, with five active terminals and over 130 gates, and handles the majority of long-haul international arrivals into the city. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines both maintain major hubs at JFK, and virtually every significant international carrier operates services here. JFK is the only New York area airport capable of accommodating the Airbus A380.

The AirTrain JFK connects to the A subway line and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), with the combined fare to Midtown Manhattan running approximately $10–$11. A flat-rate taxi to Manhattan is $70, plus tolls and tip.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark is located in New Jersey approximately 16 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan and is United Airlines' primary transatlantic hub. Fares into Newark are frequently lower than comparable JFK or LaGuardia fares, particularly on United Airlines and certain international carriers, which can more than offset the slightly longer transfer time into the city.

The AirTrain Newark and NJ Transit trains connect to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan in approximately 30 minutes. Newark handles a significant volume of international flights, with its busiest European route being London Heathrow.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia is the closest airport to Manhattan, at approximately 8 miles from Midtown, and is primarily focused on domestic US travel and short regional international routes to Canada and the Caribbean. It does not have US Customs and Border Protection facilities for standard international arrivals.

After a major multi-billion dollar redevelopment, LaGuardia is now one of the most modern domestic airport experiences in the country and was named the best airport in North America for domestic and short-haul travel by Skytrax in April 2025. Public transport from LaGuardia relies on bus connections to the subway, with a total fare of around $2.90 but a journey time of 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic.

Popular Routes to New York City

London to New York
Dubai to New York
Mumbai to New York
Delhi to New York
Toronto to New York
Los Angeles to New York
Miami to New York
Chicago to New York
Atlanta to New York
Boston to New York
San Francisco to New York
Paris to New York
Amsterdam to New York
Frankfurt to New York
Doha to New York
Istanbul to New York
Tel Aviv to New York
Nairobi to New York
Lagos to New York
Seoul to New York

Airlines Flying to New York City

The following airlines operate regular routes to New York City across JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports. Available carriers and airports vary by route and travel date.

Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
United Airlines
JetBlue
Southwest Airlines
British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Air France
KLM
Lufthansa
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Turkish Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Japan Airlines
All Nippon Airways
Korean Air
Air India
Norse Atlantic Airways
Aer Lingus
Finnair
Iberia
LATAM Airlines
Avianca

Best Time to Visit New York City

New York is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season, but the experience and cost varies significantly across the calendar.

Spring (April to early June) is one of the best overall times to visit. Central Park and the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx are at their most beautiful, temperatures are comfortable for walking the city's neighbourhoods, and visitor numbers are lower than in peak summer. Fares and hotel rates are generally lower than July and August. May is consistently one of the best months to visit New York for a combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Summer (June to August) is the busiest and most expensive time to visit. The city's outdoor events calendar, including free Shakespeare in the Park, concerts in Central Park, and the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks, are highlights of the season. July is the warmest month, with average temperatures of around 27°C (81°F), though humidity can make it feel significantly hotter. Fares and accommodation prices are at their annual peak in July and August.

Autumn (September to November) is widely considered the finest season to visit New York. September retains summer warmth without the peak crowds, and October brings spectacular fall foliage to Central Park and the city's green spaces. The New York Film Festival takes place in late September and October, and the city takes on a beautiful golden light through the autumn months. Fares drop noticeably from their summer peak, making autumn an excellent-value window.

Winter (December to February) offers the city's most theatrical atmosphere. The Christmas decorations on Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the ice-skating rinks in Central Park and Bryant Park, and the energy of Times Square on New Year's Eve make December one of the most popular times to visit, with fares and hotel rates rising sharply. January and February are the coldest months and also typically the cheapest times to fly to New York, with average temperatures dropping below freezing in the coldest weeks.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to New York City

New York is one of the most competitively priced long-haul destinations from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia due to the volume of airlines competing on routes into the three airports. London–New York is the single busiest transatlantic route in the world, with over 1,300 weekly flights keeping fares highly competitive.

Compare fares across all three New York airports before booking. JFK offers the widest choice of airlines and the most direct routes, but Newark frequently has lower fares, particularly on United Airlines and select international carriers, and the transfer to Manhattan by AirTrain and NJ Transit is straightforward. LaGuardia is the best option for domestic US routes but is not relevant for most international arrivals.

The cheapest months to fly to New York are generally January, February, September, October, and November. July and August, the Christmas and New Year period, and US Thanksgiving week in late November are consistently the most expensive.

Booking around 40 days in advance has been shown to offer strong value on most routes to New York. Leaving the search until less than two weeks before departure on high-demand dates almost always results in significantly higher fares.

Travocart's Pay Later option lets you lock in your fare by paying 50% upfront and settling the remaining balance up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport should I fly into for New York City?

JFK is the best option for most international long-haul arrivals, with the widest range of direct routes and airlines. Newark is worth comparing, as fares are frequently lower, particularly on United Airlines, and the AirTrain and NJ Transit connection to Penn Station is fast and reliable. LaGuardia is primarily a domestic airport and is not relevant for most international visitors.

How do I get from JFK to Manhattan?

The most affordable option is the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica or Howard Beach Station, then the subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Midtown, with a total fare of approximately $10–$11 and a journey time of 45–60 minutes. A flat-rate taxi to Manhattan costs $70, plus tolls and tip. Ride-share services are also available from designated pickup zones.

What is the best time of year to visit New York City?

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best combination of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and lower fares compared to the peak summer months. December is popular for the festive atmosphere but is one of the most expensive periods. January and February are the coldest months and typically offer the lowest fares of the year.

Do I need a visa to visit New York from the UK or Europe?

Citizens of the UK, most EU member states, and many other countries can visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) without a full visa, but must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. The ESTA is applied for online and is typically approved quickly. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality before booking.

Is New York City safe for tourists?

Yes. New York City is safe for tourists in its most visited areas, including Midtown Manhattan, the Financial District, Brooklyn, and the major tourist attractions. Standard urban precautions apply, and visitors should remain aware of their surroundings in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, as they would in any major global city. The New York City Subway operates 24 hours a day and is a safe and efficient way to travel around the city.