NYC Airports for World Cup 2026: JFK, LGA & EWR

Which airport to use, how to get to Manhattan, and the fastest route to MetLife Stadium — everything international fans need to know.

NYC Airports for World Cup 2026: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark

The New York metropolitan area is served by three major airports — John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). For World Cup fans, the right airport depends on where you're flying from, where you're staying, and whether you need to get to MetLife Stadium quickly. This guide covers every route and what to know specifically for the 2026 tournament.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK is the largest international gateway in the New York area and handles the majority of long-haul international flights. If you're flying from Europe, South America, Africa, or Asia, JFK will often be your primary option and offers the widest range of airlines and routes.

JFK to Manhattan by transit

The standard and cheapest route is the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the E or A subway train into Manhattan. Total journey time to Midtown is typically 50–70 minutes depending on your destination. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, plus the standard subway fare.

An alternative is the AirTrain to Jamaica, then Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station — faster (around 30–40 minutes total to Midtown) but more expensive at around $15–20 depending on time of day.

JFK to MetLife Stadium

JFK is the furthest airport from MetLife Stadium. The best route is AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR to Penn Station, then NJ Transit to Secaucus and the Meadowlands service. Allow approximately 90 minutes total. On match days, leave extra time at Penn Station.

Taxi and rideshare from JFK

Taxis from JFK to Manhattan are a flat rate of approximately $70–80 (plus tolls and tip). Rideshare pricing varies and surges significantly on busy tournament days. Journey time by car is 40–60 minutes in normal traffic but can exceed 90 minutes during peak hours.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia is the closest major airport to Manhattan — roughly 8 miles from Midtown — and is the most convenient for domestic travelers. However, LaGuardia is primarily a domestic airport due to its perimeter rule, which restricts most nonstop flights to destinations within 1,500 miles. International fans should not book into LGA unless connecting through a US hub.

LGA to Manhattan by transit

The M60 bus connects LaGuardia to multiple subway lines in Queens and Upper Manhattan. From the airport, take the M60 to the N/W trains at Astoria or to the 125th Street subway stops for downtown connections. Journey time to Midtown is typically 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. Cost is a standard subway/bus fare.

Taxis from LGA to Midtown typically cost $35–55 plus tolls and tip, with journey times of 20–40 minutes in light traffic.

LGA to MetLife Stadium

Take the M60 bus into Manhattan, connect to the 7 train or subway to Penn Station, then NJ Transit to Secaucus and the Meadowlands. Allow 75–90 minutes total on match days.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark is in New Jersey, approximately 15 miles from MetLife Stadium — making it the closest airport to the stadium and the best option for fans who want to minimize match-day travel. EWR is a major hub for United Airlines and handles significant international traffic from Europe and beyond.

EWR to Manhattan by transit

Take the AirTrain Newark to Newark Airport RailLink Station, then board an NJ Transit train to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. Total journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes. The fare is $8.50 for the AirTrain plus the NJ Transit fare (approximately $15–17 combined).

EWR to MetLife Stadium

This is where EWR shines. From the airport, take NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station, then continue on NJ Transit toward Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands rail service on event days. Total journey is approximately 30–45 minutes — the fastest airport-to-stadium route in the region.

Alternatively, on match days, rideshare from EWR to MetLife costs approximately $15–25 under normal conditions, but can surge significantly on major match days.

Which airport should World Cup fans use?

Flying internationally? JFK has the widest range of international routes and airlines. EWR is also a strong choice — particularly if you're on United or flying from Europe — and gives you the best stadium access.

Attending MetLife matches? EWR is the best option — closest to the stadium and direct NJ Transit connection. Just account for the AirTrain construction in 2026.

Staying in Manhattan for the full tournament? JFK or LGA (if connecting domestically) put you closer to Midtown. LGA is fastest to Manhattan by taxi but is domestic-only.

Watching in fan zones? JFK is the best option — AirTrain connects easily to the 7 train for Fan Zone Queens at USTA. EWR has the PATH to Manhattan for the Rockefeller Center Fan Village and Jersey Fan Hub.

From any airport to MetLife Stadium on match day

The universal recommendation for all three airports is the same: get to Penn Station in Manhattan and board NJ Transit. The specific route varies by airport:

• From JFK: AirTrain → Jamaica → LIRR or E/A subway → Penn Station → NJ Transit → Meadowlands
• From LGA: M60 bus → subway → Penn Station → NJ Transit → Meadowlands
• From EWR: AirTrain → Newark Penn → NJ Transit → Secaucus → Meadowlands (or direct service)

Read the complete guide: How to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC.

Where to stay near NYC airports

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