Getting to Brooklyn From a Flight into NY

Famous for its major role in the progress of several American cultural movements, for Coney Island, and for being a great escape from Manhattan’s bustle, Brooklyn is a hip destination unique to its neighboring boroughs. Brooklyn is the second-largest borough, so choosing an appropriate New York airport for arrival can greatly reduce travel efforts.

Traveling to the eastern part of Brooklyn, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the most convenient choice. JFK lies approximately 10 miles east of Brooklyn and provides transportation into the borough via AirTrain, the airport’s link to New York’s public transit at Jamaica Station. Likewise, getting to Brooklyn by car is effortless, though heavy traffic is likely on streets and highways surrounding the airport. Lastly, a cab is always available outside the doors of arrival. With hundreds of flight arriving each day, the most convenient flight may just be to JFK.

If visiting northern points of interest in Brooklyn, flying into LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers many potential benefits. Less convenient than JFK, offering fewer flights and less airport logistical organization, travel to LGA tends to be more economical. While LGA only accommodates travel to and from select major international cities, it is an excellent choice for domestic travel and cheap flights. Getting to Brooklyn from LGA with a car is quick and easy, as you will arrive in little over eight miles. However, taking public transportation from LGA will require some navigation of New York MTA.

While Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is actually in New Jersey, it is closer and more convenient than both JFK and LGA if traveling to western or southern points of interest in Brooklyn. EWR ranks between JFK and LGA in terms of flight volume, flight convenience and transportation options. If you are relying on public transportation, take the easily accessible PATH, or Port Authority Trans-Hudson, to Manhattan and navigate New York’s MTA to get across the East River to Brooklyn. A taxi is most comfortable – once again, waiting eagerly for passengers just outside arrivals – but not recommended if you are traveling on any kind of budget. Taxis will undoubtedly add necessary tolls and border-crossing fees, resulting in explosive fare.

As there are no airports in Brooklyn, it is up to you to decide which airport works best. For domestic flights, one of the three airports listed will get you closest to your final destination. If taking an international flight, chances are high that you will arrive at JFK. All three airports, though, provide a relatively convenient way to travel to any part of Brooklyn. If you require assistance navigating to Brooklyn after you land, don’t be afraid to ask for directions from staff members of the airport.