Westchester County Airport

Westchester County Airport (HPN), often referred to as White Plains Airport, is a convenient and peaceful air gateway located on the border of New York and Connecticut. It serves as an important regional transport hub, offering travellers an excellent alternative to the larger and busier airports of New York City. Located just 53 km north of Manhattan, it is ideal for those heading to the northern suburbs of the metropolis, the Hudson Valley, or western Connecticut. Despite its compact size, the airport serves a significant number of passengers who value it for shorter queues and faster check-in procedures.

Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Westchester Airport is its convenience and compactness. Passengers note that passing through security and baggage reclaim here takes significantly less time compared to giants like JFK or LaGuardia. The airport mainly serves domestic flights, offering direct connections to key business and tourist centres across the USA.

Since the 1980s, Westchester County has strictly regulated the number of flights and passenger flow to minimise the impact on surrounding residential areas, making it one of the "quietest" and most environmentally responsible airports in the region. The terminal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring comfortable waiting times for flights at any hour. Although the airport is considered regional, it is easy to reach the USA and the rest of the world from here via convenient connections at major hub airports.

If you need to contact the administration of Westchester County Airport (HPN) or obtain additional information, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: airport.westchestergov.com — here you will find up-to-date schedules, parking information, and services.
• Information Desk Phone: (914) 995-4860. You can obtain general information about airport operations at this number.
• Address: 240 Airport Road, White Plains, New York 10604, USA.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost and Found Information:
  • If you left items in the terminal building, contact the Westchester County Police precinct at the airport by calling (914) 995-6222.
  • If your items were lost on board the aircraft or your luggage did not arrive, please contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Customer Support Contacts: For general questions, use the main airport phone number. For questions related to booking, tickets, or flight status, you must contact your airline directly.

Getting to Westchester County Airport (HPN), located in the scenic county of Westchester, is quite simple thanks to a variety of transport options. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you can choose a convenient way to get to your flight on time. The airport serves both domestic flights and is an important hub for business aviation in New York State, USA.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The Bee-Line Bus system plays a key role here. Route No. 12 directly connects the airport terminal with the cities of White Plains and Harrison. Conveniently, this bus stops at the White Plains and Rye train stations, from where you can easily reach the heart of New York City — Grand Central Terminal — via Metro-North Railroad trains without traffic jams. A trip by public transport will take longer but will allow for significant savings.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport. The trip from White Plains city centre takes just 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. If you are travelling from Manhattan, be prepared to spend between 45 to 90 minutes, as time depends heavily on traffic congestion. This is a more expensive option, but it is ideal if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or value your time.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is the best choice. Offices of leading rental companies are located right at the airport, where you can pick up or drop off a car. If you are arriving in your own vehicle, the airport grounds offer convenient options for short-term and long-term parking. This is an excellent option for those planning to explore the surroundings of Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

In general, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. For a budget journey, choose the "train + bus" combination. For maximum comfort, choose a taxi. For flexibility, choose a rental car. It is also worth noting that for a wider choice of international destinations, travellers often use the region's major airports: LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which can also be reached from Westchester County.

Westchester County Airport (HPN) is distinguished by its compactness and convenience, making it a popular choice for travellers. The airport has only one main terminal, which serves all airlines and flights, both for arrivals and departures. Such a simple structure significantly simplifies navigation and saves passengers from having to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The main hall is divided into check-in and baggage reclaim areas. After check-in, passengers pass through a centralised security checkpoint, which leads to the general departure area. From here, you can easily reach any of the boarding gates. Thanks to the small size of the airport, all gates are within walking distance, and you won't have to walk long to reach your flight.

Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. The departure zone with gates, small cafes, and shops is located immediately after security control. Arriving passengers enter the baggage reclaim area, located on the lower level of the terminal, near the exit and car rental counters. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take just a few minutes.

Although Westchester Airport is smaller than the major New York aviation hubs, it is recommended to arrive in advance. You should allow about 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure to pass through check-in and security screening. During peak hours or holidays, it is better to arrive a little earlier to avoid rushing. Overall, procedures here are significantly faster than at large airports.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs; getting lost in HPN is practically impossible. The compactness of the terminal is its main advantage, ensuring a quick and hassle-free path from the building entrance to boarding the aircraft.

The history of Westchester County Airport (HPN), located in New York State, USA, dates back to World War II. The airport was built in 1942 and initially functioned as an Air National Guard base. Its primary task was to ensure the air defence of New York City and surrounding territories. Its location away from densely populated areas, yet close to the metropolis, made it a strategically important facility.

After the war ended, in 1945, the airport was transferred to Westchester County for civilian use. It was then that it began serving the first commercial flights, gradually turning into an important transport hub for residents of the northern suburbs of New York and Connecticut. Despite its civilian status, the airport maintained a military presence for many years, making it a unique dual-purpose facility.

Significant stages in the airport's history were the 1980s and 1990s, when large-scale works on terminal modernisation and infrastructure were carried out. Runways and navigation equipment were improved, allowing for the reception of more modern types of aircraft. However, the airport's development has always been a subject of close attention from local communities. Due to concerns regarding noise and the environment, strict restrictions on the number of flights and passenger flow, as well as a night curfew, were introduced and remain in effect to this day.

One of the interesting facts from the history of HPN is that it became an example of a compromise between the needs for air travel and preserving the quality of life in the suburbs. The airport never sought to become a giant like its New York neighbours but focused on serving business aviation and regional flights. Today, it is a modern and convenient airport whose history reflects the balance between development and respect for the interests of the local population.

Westchester County Airport (HPN) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink coffee, as well as shops with newspapers and travel goods. To stay connected, use the free Wi-Fi and device charging stations located throughout the building.

Comfortable waiting areas are provided in the airport for relaxing before departure. It is worth noting that HPN is a compact regional airport, so there are no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges for commercial airline passengers here. Such services are generally available to private aviation clients through separate terminals.

The airport cares about the comfort of all travellers. Baby care rooms are equipped for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on an accessible environment, including ramps and adapted restrooms, and can also request assistance services. Basic medical aid can be obtained at the airport if necessary.

ATMs for cash withdrawals are installed in the terminal. Currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to take care of this in advance. There are no hotels or business centres on the airport territory itself, but there are many hotels in the immediate vicinity offering both accommodation and conference rooms for business meetings.

Despite its compact size, Westchester County Airport (HPN) offers passengers a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full lunch before departure. The main options are concentrated in the area after passing security control, but there is also a place to get coffee in the public zone.

After passing screening (airside), you enter the main departure lounge where most restaurants are located. Here you will find the main food court with a grill, offering classic American dishes: burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. This is a great place for those who want to have a leisurely lunch with a view of the runway. Nearby, you will usually find CIBO Express Gourmet Market — a shop offering fresh sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, fruit, and healthy snacks. This is an ideal option for a quick and wholesome bite. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can also be found here.

In the public zone (landside), before passing security control, the choice is more limited. Typically, a coffee shop operates here, for example, Dunkin' Donuts, where you can get coffee, donuts, and pastries. This is convenient for those meeting passengers or for those who arrived at the airport early and want a snack before checking in for their flight.

Regarding prices, they are typical for airports in the USA — slightly higher than in city establishments. Most food outlets open early in the morning to serve passengers on the first flights and close after the last plane departs. If you have strict dietary restrictions (e.g. Halal), it is recommended to check the availability of suitable dishes directly with the staff, as specialised offerings may be limited.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: CIBO Express Gourmet Market (after security) — the best choice for fresh and healthy options. Dunkin' Donuts (before security) — for coffee and pastries.
• For a full meal: The main grill in the departure area — here you can sit comfortably and order a hot dish and beverages.

When planning a trip through Westchester County Airport, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible and avoid unnecessary stress. This regional airport serves flights across the USA and offers a calmer alternative to the major aviation hubs of New York.

Arrival Time at the Airport: Westchester Airport (HPN) is smaller than JFK or LaGuardia, so there is usually less hustle and bustle here. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is enough to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without rushing. During peak hours (early morning and evening), it is better to add another 30 minutes.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. At the airport, you will only need to leave your luggage at the designated counter (baggage drop-off). TSA security checkpoints work efficiently here, but still keep your passport and boarding pass ready. If you fly frequently, consider the TSA PreCheck programme for expedited security screening.

Seat Selection: Want to admire the views during takeoff and landing over the scenic surroundings of Westchester? Choose a window seat. If being able to stretch your legs or exit the plane quickly upon arrival is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Use specialised websites to check the cabin layout of your flight and choose the best seat.

Hand Luggage: Standard TSA rules apply here. All liquids must be in containers of up to 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Electronic devices, such as laptops, may need to be removed from your bag for separate scanning. Check hand luggage and baggage allowance rules with your airline, as they may vary.

Connecting Passengers: Although HPN is not a major transfer hub, connections are possible here. The airport is compact, so moving between gates will not take much time. Ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines and need to re-check your luggage.

Saving Time and Money: Book parking online in advance — it is often cheaper. Bring an empty water bottle to fill it after passing security, and light snacks to avoid spending on food at the airport. Using a mobile boarding pass will also speed up the process.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, contact an airline representative first for the latest information. There are several cafes and free Wi-Fi in the airport to pass the time. Be sure to check your flight status online even before leaving for the airport to avoid long waits.