How to get to New York City

New York is not just the largest metropolis in the USA, but also one of the most attractive cities in the world, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. When planning how to get to New York, you will discover a multitude of convenient options: the city is a global transport hub, welcoming planes, trains, and buses from all over the world. Whether you choose a flight across the ocean or a journey by car, your trip to the "Big Apple" will be an exciting start to your adventure.

The main air gateway for most international flights is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), one of the busiest in the world. A common alternative is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in the neighbouring state of New Jersey but offering excellent connections to Manhattan. For domestic flights, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is convenient as it is located closest to the city centre.

Additionally, travellers can make use of Westchester County Airport (HPN) or business aviation via Teterboro. All these hubs ensure high capacity, making flying the fastest way to get to the heart of the metropolis.

Rail connections to the city are organised at the highest level, with the famous Penn Station serving as the main hub. Both long-distance high-speed trains and commuter trains arrive here, delivering passengers right into the thick of the action in Manhattan.

If you are travelling from nearby cities, the train is an excellent choice to avoid traffic jams. For instance, there are regular connections with locations such as Stamford, Morristown, and Teterboro, from where you can reach the centre quickly and comfortably.

Bus transport remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to get to New York. A trip from nearby Teterboro will take less than an hour — only about 0.9 h, covering a distance of 24 km. From the city of Morristown, the bus takes approximately 2.2 h, which is a good alternative to private transport.

For travellers from more distant points, such as Stamford, the travel time will be around 3.3 h. Modern buses provide a decent level of comfort, allowing you to rest before exploring the metropolis.

Travelling by car or taxi offers flexibility in route planning, although one should be prepared for heavy traffic when entering the city. The quickest drive is from Teterboro: the distance of 25 km is usually covered in 0.7 h. The road from Morristown (53 km) will take just under an hour — about 0.8 h.

If you are departing from Stamford, expect to spend approximately 1.0 h on the road to cover 64 km. Many tourists prefer using a navigator to track traffic in real-time to minimise delays when approaching tunnels and bridges.

New York is a city with frantic energy, where life never stops for a minute. To ensure your trip is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The main rule is comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot. The weather can be changeable, so dress in layers to easily adapt to the heat outside or air conditioning indoors.
2. Transport. The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get around (operates 24/7). Yellow taxis are a classic, but during rush hour, they can get stuck in traffic for a long time.
3. Tipping. In the USA, it is customary to leave tips almost everywhere. In restaurants, the norm is considered 18–22% of the bill; it is also customary to give a few dollars to service staff and hotel housekeepers.
4. Safety. New York has become much safer, but one should not lose vigilance. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places (Times Square, the subway) and avoid deserted parks at night.
5. Sidewalk Etiquette. New Yorkers walk fast. Do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to check a map or take a photo — step to the side so as not to hinder the flow of people.
6. Navigation. Streets run from east to west, and Avenues run from north to south. This is a simple grid that will help you easily orient yourself in Manhattan.
7. What to Avoid. Never enter an empty subway car during rush hour. Usually, this means the air conditioning is not working there, or there is an unpleasant smell.

By following these simple tips, you can feel not just like a tourist, but like a local in this amazing city. Enjoy every moment in New York!