Best airport for peole living in NYC
 

Which airport is best for me to fly my parents to, if they are going to stay with friend who live in/near NYC. I can't get hold of the friends so wanted to know if any of the airports are easier to get to than others when you're driving. Thanks

It really depends on where they live. "In/near NYC" is a vast area that could be categorized as a 75 miles in any direction from Manhattan.

Generally speaking (assuming it's a domestic flight) if coming from east and north of Manhattan LaGuardia is the best option.

If coming from West and South of Manhattan then Newark is better.

The fewest number of bridges or tunnels they have to use should be a good indicator of which is best.

More info plase. Which is it, "in" or "near" NYC? And where are they flying from?

I don't know for sure. Sorry
My parents will be flying from Milwaukee. The flights I can get are either into LaGuardia or Newark. I am trying to book the flights for them since they are currently in South Africa.

They have arranged a home stay with another minister for the few days they are in NYC. My guess is it's probably in NYC since they are wanting to do some site seeing for the 2 days they're there.

Are any of the airports more Metro accessible than others?

Agreed - the metro area is huge and which airport isb est depedns not only on where your parents friends are - but if they are going to be picked up of if they will have to make their way to the friends.

LGA, EWR and JFK all have benefits for certain areas - and if they live far out on LI Islip might be most convenient - if north of the city they might try Westchester.

Also - it depends on to which airports the departure airport has the best/most convenient flights.

IF they are going into Manhattan I would go into LGA - which is a $30 to $35 cab ride to most of Manhattan. Newark is generally less convenient - esp if you don;t want to drag luggage on public transit - or considerably more expensive.

BUT - if they live outside Manhattan all bets are off.

thanks for the help - I jsut needed a push to pick a flight for them. It's the middle of the night there so I can't ask their opinion.

Given that lack of clarity, I'd suggest LaGuardia is the best bet as it has the best access from the most places - given all the uncertainty.

By chance it turns out they'll be in New Jersey, check with the airline and see if you can change their destination.

BTW, from Milwaukee I've found Midwest Express Airlines to be the best option.

Because you mentioned Metro accessible airports, I would suggest Newark might fit the bill. There is very easy train service to and from Midtown Manhattan.

There is also an airport express bus service between Port Authority and both LGA and Newark. The cost is $20 roundtrip per passenger.

With a cab, if you're going to Manhattan, LGA is usually your best/fastest option (provided it's not rush hour...).

LGA is more convenient to Manhattan ...

As it turns out they're not staying with friends - couldn't find a contact to stay with, so now I'm looking for a budget hotel for them - see my other thread. Thanks for the help here though.

I picked Newark in the end 'cos that was the cheapest flight option they could get.