There is no denying we Aussies have a love affair with New York. From iconic sites such as the Empire State Building, the distinctive triangular shape of the Flatiron Building and the Art Deco–style of the Chrysler Building to sprawling Central Park and the 1½-mile-long High Line that starts in Chelsea, there is a lot to see and do in the 'City that Never Sleeps'. Take off to the Big Apple and search for cheap flights to New York today.
Flights to New York will vary in price throughout the year, but they're normally cheapest during March, April and September. Winter, particularly November, can also be a good time to grab a cheap flight, as long as you avoid the Christmas period as there is a lot going on in December. New Year in New York is also one of the most popular things to do, so the flight prices will rise during this time. So, plan a holiday to New York during low season, and there's every chance you'll snap up a great bargain on iFly.
You can take your pick from three airports in New York to fly into – JFK Airport, Newark Airport and LaGuardia Airport. They're each located in different areas of New York, with Newark located just outside the city in New Jersey. On iFly you have the choice to choose which one works best for you. Flight prices, times and airlines vary between the airports, but New York City can be easily reached from all of them.
John F. Kennedy Airport is the primary International Airport serving New York and is located in Jamaica in the borough of Queens, approximately 19 kilometres from Lower Manhattan. JFK has six terminals and is a hub for American Airlines and Delta.
The fee to use the AirTrain at JFK is $5 and is paid upon exiting, which means you don’t need to purchase a ticket in advance. The cost for the AirTrain will automatically be deducted at Jamaica or Howard Beach Station when you purchase your subway ticket. In order to use the subway, you will need to purchase a MetroCard.
If you are heading to Midtown or Uptown Manhattan: Take the AirTrain at JFK to “Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer” station. From Jamaica Station, line E will take you as far as 53rd Street in Manhattan. You can also take the LIRR (Long Island Railway Service) to New York Penn Station. It is a faster, and a bit more expensive alternative to taking the subway to Manhattan.
If you want to head to Downtown Manhattan: Take the AirTrain to “Howard Beach JFK Airport” station. From Howard Beach Station you can take the A and C lines to get to Lower Manhattan.
There is a flat fee of $52 not including tolls or tips if you grab a taxi at the airport. You will need to wait in line for a taxi at the licensed taxi stand (this can take up to 20 minutes). Make sure you go to the official Yellow Cabs queue.
An Uber or Lyft will likely cost $65+ depending on the time of day so make sure to check the estimated fare of your journey before you order your Uber.
Private transfers from JFK to Manhattan cost from $17 per person and take 45 to 60 minutes. Private transfers are available 24/7 which makes them a very convenient option. Once you arrive at JFK Airport, all you have to do is call the number given on your booking confirmation and your car will arrive promptly. You can choose between either a minivan which fits 5 people and a Sedan for a maximum of 3 passengers. The more people you travel with, the lower the per person price is. But even with 2 people, you’d pay less for a private transfer than for a regular taxi into Manhattan. Contact our office on 1800 156 856 to organise your private transfer.
Instead of waiting in the Taxi line or struggling with your bags on the Metro another great affodable option to get from JFK to Manhattan is the Shuttle bus. Transfer duration is between 90 to 120 minutes with flexible departure times. The shuttle transfer will take you straight to your hotel or private address and costs around $26 (depending on currency exchange) per person. Purchase your Shuttle Bus transfers in advance. Give iFly a call on 1800 156 856 when you've booked your flights online to New York.
JFK is about 27 kilometres from Times Square, and the trip by car is likely to take 45 minutes to an hour. If you are arriving in the morning hours during the week when commuter traffic is at its worst, and you could be looking at closer to 1 hour and 1 1/2 hours travel time from the airport into Manhattan.
LaGuardia Airport is the smallest of the three airports that serve New York City, but it's also the closest to Manhattan. Laguardia is located in Queens, about 12 kilometres away. There are four terminals and is a major hub for Delta and US Airways.
Newark Airport is located in New Jersey, about 12 kilometres away from Midtown Manhattan. Driving to the city will take about 20 to 45 minutes. United Airlines is the airport’s largest airline, operating across two of the three terminals. British Airways, Delta and American Airlines all fly into Newark Airport.
Australia is among one of the 38 countries whose residents need to apply for an ESTA to gain entry into the United States under the country's Visa Waiver Program. It costs $14 USD and lasts for 2 years. It’s quick and easy to apply, and you can’t travel without it.
Also make sure you're covered and have organised your Travel Insurance.
