Flying to New York City
Flight times, jet lag tips, and getting from the airport to Manhattan
⚡ Quick Answer
From Europe: 7-8 hours. From Asia: 13-15 hours. From West Coast US: 5-6 hours. Best arrival time: morning or early afternoon to adjust to local time faster. JFK → Manhattan takes 60-90 minutes by transit.
Planning your trip to NYC? This guide covers everything from flight duration to beating jet lag to getting from JFK, Newark, or LaGuardia into Manhattan without getting ripped off.
✈️ Flight Times to NYC
| From | Flight Time | Jet Lag | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 London | 7-8 hours | Moderate | Westbound (easier) |
| 🇫🇷 Paris | 8-8.5 hours | Moderate | Westbound |
| 🇦🇪 Dubai | 14-15 hours | Severe | Westbound |
| 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 13-14 hours | Severe | Eastbound (harder) |
| 🇦🇺 Sydney | 20-22 hours | Extreme | Via LA usually |
| 🇺🇸 Los Angeles | 5-5.5 hours | Minimal | Same day |
| 🇺🇸 Miami | 3 hours | None | Same timezone |
| 🇧🇷 São Paulo | 10 hours | Light | Similar times |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico City | 4.5-5 hours | Minimal | Same day |
😴 Jet Lag Survival Guide
From Europe (5-6 hour difference)
- • Take an overnight flight — arrive NYC morning, stay awake until 9-10 PM local
- • Jet lag lasts 2-3 days typically
- • Westbound travel is easier (you "gain" time)
- • First night: Go to bed at normal NYC time even if exhausted
From Asia (12-14 hour difference)
- • This is the hardest adjustment — expect 5-7 days
- • Your body clock will be completely inverted
- • Consider stopping in Europe or West Coast for a day
- • Use melatonin at NYC bedtime for first few nights
- • Get sunlight in the morning, avoid it in evening
From Australia (14-16 hour difference)
- • The extreme case — plan for a week of adjustment
- • Flying via LA can help break up the journey
- • You might be wide awake at 3 AM for days
- • Schedule light activities for first 2 days
Pro Tips
- • Start adjusting sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure
- • Stay hydrated on the plane (skip alcohol)
- • Set your watch to NYC time when you board
- • Don't nap longer than 20 minutes on arrival day
🛬 NYC Airports
JFK (Queens)
Main international hub
- 📍 15 miles from Manhattan
- 🚇 AirTrain + Subway: 60-90 min, $10.75
- 🚕 Taxi: 45-75 min, $70 flat + tolls
- 🚐 Shuttle: $20-25, shared
Newark (New Jersey)
Often cheaper flights
- 📍 16 miles from Manhattan
- 🚇 AirTrain + NJ Transit: 45-60 min, $16
- 🚕 Taxi/Uber: 40-60 min, $60-80
- 🚌 Newark Airport Express: 45 min, $18
LaGuardia (Queens)
Domestic flights mostly
- 📍 8 miles from Manhattan
- 🚇 Bus + Subway: 60-75 min, $2.90
- 🚕 Taxi: 25-45 min, $35-55
- 💡 Closest but traffic-dependent
⏰ Best Time to Arrive
Ideal: Morning arrival (8 AM - 12 PM)
- ✅ Full day to adjust to timezone
- ✅ Hotel might let you check in early (or store bags)
- ✅ Sunlight helps reset circadian rhythm
- ✅ Easier to stay awake until normal bedtime
Okay: Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM)
- ⚠️ Less time before evening
- ⚠️ Rush hour traffic from airport
- ✅ Still time for dinner and light exploration
Avoid if possible: Late night (after 9 PM)
- ❌ Harder to adjust (you'll want to sleep immediately)
- ❌ Limited transport options late night
- ❌ Wasted first day if you crash
🚶 Getting Around: NYC Distance & Time Rules
NYC's grid system makes navigation easy once you learn these simple rules:
🧮 The 20-Block Rule
20 blocks = 1 mile = ~20 minutes walking
North-South blocks (numbered streets)
- 📏 1 block north/south = ~1 minute walk
- ↔️ East-West blocks are 3-4x longer (~3-4 minutes each)
- 🏃 Quick math: Street 42 to Street 22 = 20 blocks = 20 minutes
🚇 Subway vs Walking
- • Under 20 blocks? Walk (faster than waiting for train)
- • 20-40 blocks? Subway is worth it
- • East-West? Always subway or bus
🚕 When to Taxi/Uber
- • Rush hour = subway faster
- • Late night = rideshare safer
- • Crosstown (east↔west) = can be worth it
💡 Rush hour warning: Taking a taxi from JFK during rush hour (4-7 PM) can take 2+ hours. The AirTrain + subway combo is slower on paper but has a guaranteed arrival time.
FAQ
How long does jet lag last from London to NYC?
Usually 2-4 days. Westbound travel (to NYC) is easier than eastbound (returning). Most people feel normal by day 3.
Should I take an overnight or daytime flight to NYC?
Overnight (red-eye) flights from Europe are ideal — you arrive in the morning and can power through the day. From Asia, timing is trickier; consider a layover to break up the journey.
What's the cheapest way from JFK to Manhattan?
Subway: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8.50), then the E/J/Z train to Manhattan ($2.90). Total: $10.75, takes 60-90 minutes.
Which NYC airport is best for international flights?
JFK has the most international connections and best transit to Manhattan. Newark can have cheaper flights but requires going through New Jersey. LaGuardia is mostly domestic.
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Last updated: December 2025. Flight times and transport prices are estimates.