JFK Airport Transfers: How to Reach LaGuardia or Newark in 2026

Transferring Between New York Airports

Some New York itineraries require passengers to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport and depart from LaGuardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport.

Changing airports is not a simple gate transfer. Passengers must leave JFK, travel to the second airport, enter the new airport, check in again, and pass through security before the next flight. Travelers should avoid booking tight connections between different airports.

What an Airport Transfer Involves

When changing airports, passengers generally need to complete immigration and customs when arriving internationally, collect all checked luggage, leave the arrival terminal, travel to the second airport, check in with the departing airline, check luggage again, pass through TSA security, and walk to the departure gate.

The transfer plan must therefore account for all these steps rather than only the driving time.

JFK to LaGuardia Airport

JFK and LaGuardia are both located in Queens, but traffic conditions can make travel times unpredictable.

Estimated Road Travel Time

JFK Airport currently estimates taxi or shuttle travel between JFK and LaGuardia at approximately 30–60 minutes, with an estimated taxi fare of approximately $60.

Tolls, surcharges, traffic conditions, waiting time, and other charges may affect the final cost.

Professional Car Service

A prearranged professional car service can provide direct transportation from the JFK arrival terminal to the correct LaGuardia departure terminal.

This option may be especially useful for families traveling with children, business travelers, groups, passengers with multiple bags, travelers with limited mobility, and customers who prefer a scheduled vehicle.

When reserving a transfer, passengers should provide both flight numbers, the number of passengers, luggage requirements, and a working mobile number.

Public Transportation

The official public-transit route involves taking the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station, transferring to the E subway, traveling four stops to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, transferring to the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus, and taking the Q70 to LaGuardia Airport.

This option may cost less but requires several transfers and may be difficult with heavy luggage.

JFK to Newark Liberty International Airport

A transfer from JFK to Newark requires traveling from Queens, New York, to New Jersey.

Estimated Road Travel Time

JFK Airport currently estimates taxi or shuttle travel between JFK and Newark at approximately 60–100 minutes, with an estimated taxi fare of approximately $160.

Additional tolls and surcharges may apply. Construction, rush-hour traffic, weather, and roadway incidents can extend the journey.

Professional Car Service

A private transfer can provide direct transportation between the airports without requiring passengers to carry luggage through several rail stations.

Passengers should confirm that the reservation includes the correct JFK pickup terminal, the correct Newark departure terminal, sufficient luggage capacity, all expected tolls and airport fees, flight-monitoring arrangements, and a realistic connection schedule.

Public Transportation

One official rail option involves taking the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station, taking the Long Island Rail Road to New York Penn Station, transferring to NJ Transit, traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, and taking the Newark AirTrain to the departure terminal.

This route avoids some road traffic but includes several transfers. Passengers must allow time to navigate stations, purchase tickets, wait for trains, and transport luggage.

How Much Connection Time Is Enough?

There is no single safe connection time for every passenger.

The required time depends on whether the arriving flight is domestic or international, immigration and customs processing, baggage delivery time, traffic or public-transportation conditions, JFK construction delays, the departing airline’s check-in deadline, TSA security wait times, terminal walking time, and whether the flights are on one ticket or separate reservations.

A 30-minute estimated drive between JFK and LaGuardia does not mean a one-hour flight connection is possible.

Before booking, travelers should verify the full itinerary with the airlines and build a substantial buffer between flights. When flights are booked separately, passengers should ask each airline what assistance, if any, would be available if a delay causes a missed connection.

Five Ways to Protect Your Connection

1. Confirm Both Airports Carefully

Check the airport codes on the itinerary:

• JFK — John F. Kennedy International Airport

• LGA — LaGuardia Airport

• EWR — Newark Liberty International Airport

2. Verify the Departure Terminal

Terminal assignments can change. Confirm the operating airline and terminal before beginning the transfer.

3. Reserve Transportation in Advance

A prearranged transfer gives the provider the flight and vehicle requirements before arrival.

4. Allow for Delays

Do not plan using only the fastest estimated driving time. Add time for baggage, terminal traffic, construction, and security.

5. Keep Your Driver Informed

Turn on your phone after landing and advise the provider about immigration, baggage, or terminal delays.

Travel Between Airports With Confidence

LimoAllOver is developing a digital marketplace designed to connect travelers with independent professional limousine companies and licensed chauffeurs.

Accurate flight information, appropriate vehicle selection, and advance planning can help make an airport-to-airport transfer safer, clearer, and less stressful.

Professional drivers and limousine companies can download the LimoAllOver Driver App from the Apple App Store.

Travel times, fares, terminal assignments, and transportation procedures may change. Travelers should always confirm current information with their airlines and transportation provider.