Flights to New York — What to Expect
New York is served by three major airports, which gives you real options when hunting for cheap flights to New York. John F. Kennedy International (JFK) handles the bulk of transatlantic traffic and is where most European carriers land — it's well-connected to Manhattan but expect 45–75 minutes by subway or AirTrain depending on where you're staying. Newark Liberty (EWR) in New Jersey is often overlooked but frequently cheaper, with a direct NJ Transit rail link into Penn Station running around $13. LaGuardia (LGA) is the most central but mainly serves domestic routes, so it's less relevant if you're flying in from Europe. When comparing flights from London to New York, Amsterdam to New York, or Paris to New York, always check all three airports — a $60 price difference between JFK and EWR is common.
On the airline front, you have solid choices across budget and full-service carriers. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines dominate the London Heathrow–JFK route. Aer Lingus offers competitive New York flight deals via Dublin with the bonus of US pre-clearance, meaning you skip customs on arrival. Iberia and Air France are worth checking from southern Europe. For a no-frills transatlantic option, Norse Atlantic and Level occasionally undercut legacy carriers significantly. From major European hubs, economy fares generally range from €380–€650 in shoulder season and can spike to €900+ in summer peak. Business class on flights to New York from Europe typically starts around €1,800–€2,500 but drops with sales.
Best Time to Visit New York
New York genuinely has four seasons, and the timing of your trip matters more here than in most cities. April and May are a sweet spot — Central Park is in bloom, the crowds haven't arrived yet, and you'll find decent New York flight deals before summer pricing kicks in. June through August is high season: long days, rooftop bars in full swing, outdoor movies and concerts, but also heat, humidity, and peak fares. If you're coming in July or August, book early and budget for higher accommodation costs.
September through November is arguably the best window overall. Early September still feels like summer but without the crush. By mid-October, the foliage in Central Park and Prospect Park is genuinely spectacular — locals love this time of year for good reason. November gets cold quickly and Thanksgiving week turns the city chaotic with tourists. Winter (December–February) has its appeal — ice skating at Rockefeller Center, fewer queues at museums, and sometimes strong flight deals — but temperatures hover around 0–5°C and January can be brutal. March is a shoulder month worth considering if you're flexible: prices drop, and the city starts thawing out by late in the month.
Getting Around New York
From JFK, the AirTrain to Sutphin Blvd/Jamaica station, then the E, J, or Z subway into Manhattan costs around $8–10 total and takes 50–70 minutes. It's the most reliable option. Taxis from JFK to Manhattan are a flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip — reasonable if you're splitting with someone. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) hover in similar territory but surge during peak hours. From Newark, NJ Transit to Penn Station runs every 20–30 minutes for about $13 and takes 30 minutes — genuinely underrated.
Inside the city, the subway is your main tool. A single ride is $2.90, and an unlimited weekly MetroCard costs $34 — worth it if you're staying more than four days. The subway runs 24 hours, which is one of New York's genuine advantages over most world cities. Buses are slower but useful for crosstown routes. Citi Bike (bike share) is excellent for flat areas like Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Don't bother with a rental car unless you're leaving the city.
Where to Stay in New York
Neighborhood choice shapes your entire trip. Midtown Manhattan (around Times Square, Hell's Kitchen) is central and convenient but overpriced for what you get — expect $200–$400/night for a basic room. Lower East Side, SoHo, and the West Village offer better character at similar or slightly lower prices, and you're closer to genuinely good food. Brooklyn — specifically Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Park Slope — gives you excellent value, great dining, and a 15–20 minute subway ride into Manhattan. Budget travelers should look at hostels in Harlem or the Bowery (from $50–80/night for a dorm). Mid-range visitors do well in the East Village or Chelsea ($180–$280 for a decent hotel). For premium stays, the West Village, Tribeca, and the Upper East Side have boutique hotels and classic New York luxury.
Top Things to Do in New York
- Central Park: 843 acres that locals actually use daily — rent a bike, walk the Ramble, or catch a free Shakespeare in the Park performance in summer.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: One of the world's great museums. Pay-what-you-wish for New York state residents; suggested $30 for others. Easily a full day.
- Brooklyn Bridge Walk: Cross it on foot from Brooklyn to Manhattan for the best skyline views in the city. Do it in the morning to avoid crowds.
- The High Line: Elevated park built on a former rail line running through Chelsea — genuinely well-designed and free. Combine with a visit to Hudson Yards.
- A proper New York deli meal: Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side for pastrami, or Di Fara in Brooklyn for pizza. These aren't tourist traps — they're institutions.
- Staten Island Ferry: Free, runs 24 hours, and gives you a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty from the water. Better value than the official Liberty Island boat tour.
Practical Travel Tips
Visas: EU and UK citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days but must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which costs $21 and should be applied for at least 72 hours before travel. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. US customs can be thorough — answer questions directly and honestly.
Currency: US Dollars (USD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including most food trucks. Carry $20–40 in cash for tips, small purchases, and the occasional cash-only spot. Avoid airport currency exchange desks — use an ATM or a Wise/Revolut card. Tipping is not optional in New York — 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 per bag for hotel porters. Tip your taxi driver and your Uber driver. It's built into how service workers are paid here. Safety: New York is considerably safer than its reputation suggests. Standard urban awareness applies — watch your phone on the subway, avoid flashing expensive gear in quieter areas at night, and trust your instincts. Most neighborhoods visitors frequent are fine around the clock.
FAQ — Flights to New York
How much do flights to New York cost?
From major European cities, economy flights to New York typically cost between €380 and €650 during shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October). Summer fares (June–August) regularly climb to €700–€950 or higher, especially on popular routes like London to New York or Paris to New York. Booking 6–10 weeks in advance in shoulder season is usually the sweet spot for price. Last-minute deals do occasionally appear on routes with strong competition, particularly on Norse Atlantic and Aer Lingus.
Which airlines fly to New York?
Dozens of carriers operate flights to New York's three airports. From the UK, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, and Norse Atlantic are the main options into JFK. Aer Lingus flies via Dublin with US pre-clearance. From continental Europe, Air France, KLM, Iberia, Lufthansa, Swiss, and TAP Air Portugal all serve New York with their respective hubs. Low-cost transatlantic options include Norse Atlantic (Oslo/London to JFK) and occasionally Level. Delta operates heavily out of JFK and is worth checking for competitive pricing on transatlantic bookings.
What is the cheapest month to fly to New York?
January and February are consistently the cheapest months for flights to New York, with fares sometimes dipping below €350 from major European hubs. The trade-off is cold weather and shorter days. For travelers who want decent weather alongside reasonable fares, March and early November offer the best balance. The absolute peak for prices is late June through August and the week of Thanksgiving — avoid those windows if budget is your priority when searching for New York flight deals.
How long is the flight to New York from London?
Direct flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick to JFK take approximately 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes westbound (London to New York) and around 6 hours 45 minutes–7 hours 30 minutes eastbound due to the jet stream. From Amsterdam, expect roughly 8 hours. From Paris CDG, around 8 hours 15 minutes. From Madrid or Lisbon, it's closer to 8–9 hours. If you're flying from a more easterly hub like Warsaw or Athens, factor in a connection through a major hub — direct flights to New York from those cities are limited.