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How to Get to Brooklyn

How to Get to Brooklyn

Brooklyn New York, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel to Brooklyn

Major Airports & Airlines

New York City is served by three major airports, offering extensive flight options.

Airport Information

  • JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport): Major international and domestic hub, located 15 miles southeast of Downtown Brooklyn.
  • LGA (LaGuardia Airport): Primarily domestic flights, some international flights to Canada/Caribbean, located 10 miles north of Downtown Brooklyn.
  • EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport): Major international and domestic hub, located 20 miles to the southwest of Downtown Brooklyn (in New Jersey).

Flight Routes & Seasons

Airlines and flight availability vary by season and destination.

Flight Details

  • Airlines: All major U.S. airlines (Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue) and numerous international carriers serve these airports.
  • Direct Flights: JFK and EWR offer direct flights from most major global cities. LGA serves direct flights from North American cities.
  • Seasonal Prices: Summer and vacation times see the highest demand plus prices. Book well in advance. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Airport Facilities

All three airports provide duty-free shops, dining, lounges, and free Wifi-Fi. Skyscanner for flight searchs.

Car Rental

Vehicle hire services are available at all airports. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters and baggage services are available.

Airport Transfers to Brooklyn

From JFK Airport

  • AirTrain JFK + Subway: Cost-effective. AirTrain ($8.50) + Subway ($2.90). Travel time 60-90 minutes.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Metered fare, $50-$80+ plus tolls/tip. Travel time 30-70 minutes, traffic dependent.
  • Shuttle Transport: Shared-ride vans (e.g., Go Airlink NYC) for door-to-service to your door.
  • Check current prices before travel.

From LGA & EWR Airports

  • LGA (Bus + Subway): Q70-SBS or M60-SBS buses connect to subway. Cost $2.90. Travel time 45-75 minutes. Taxi/ride-share $40-$60+.
  • EWR (AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit + Subway): AirTrain ($8.25) + NJ Transit ($15.25) + Subway ($2.90). Travel time 75-100 minutes.
  • EWR Taxi/Ride-share: Metered fare $70-$100+, plus tolls/tip. Travel time 45-90 minutes, traffic dependent.

Airport Facilities & Services

Duty-Free Shopping

Find a range of duty-free shops at JFK and EWR airports.

Dining Options

A wide selection of dining options, from fast-casual dining to sit-down restaurants.

Lounges & Wi-Fi

Airline lounges and free Wi-Connectivity are available for travelers.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Train services link New York City to other U.S. Cities and Long Island.

Rail Services

  • Amtrak: Main intercity train service. Arrives at Penn Station in Manhattan, connect to Brooklyn via subway.
  • Northeast Corridor: Amtrak offers connections to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston.
  • Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): Commuter rail connecting Li to Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal and Manhattan's Penn Station.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services offer connections from various U.S. Cities.

Bus Companies

  • Major Coach Terminals: Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan Bus Services arrive at Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
  • From Port Authority, connect to Brooklyn via subway.
  • Some bus lines also terminate or depart from Flushing (Queens), with subway connections to Brooklyn.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Driving in Brooklyn is generally not recommended for tourists.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license. IDP is useful if your foreign license is not in English. Valid insurance.
  • Considerations: Heavy traffic, complex streets, limited and expensive parking. Public transport is more efficient.
  • Tolls: Bridges and tunnels into NYC often have tolls.

Road Conditions & Safety

Awareness of road quality and local driving practices promotes safety.

Local Driving Notes

  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained, but potholes are common, especially after winter.
  • Heavy Traffic: A constant issue, notably at busy times.
  • Safety Concerns: Drivers in The Big Apple can be aggressive. Practice defensive driving.

Border Crossing Info

  • Brooklyn is within the United States.
  • No specific border crossing information applies for travel to Brooklyn from within the U.S.
  • International travelers entering the U.S. Follow standard entry procedures at the airport or seaports.
  • Ensure all foreign travel documents are in order upon arrival in the U.S.
  • A passport that is not expired and visa/ESTA are verified on your first point of entry to the United States.
  • Follow all U.S. Customs and immigration instructions.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Water transportation offers scenic routes and practical connections.

NYC Ferry Information

  • NYC Ferry: Operates several routes connecting Brooklyn neighborhoods (Dumbo, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge) to Manhattan.
  • NYC Ferry offers practical transit and fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline and bridges.
  • A single ride costs $4.00.

Cruise Ports

The Big Apple has dedicated cruise terminals.

Cruise Terminal Details

  • Manhattan Cruise Terminal & Brooklyn The Cruise ship terminal: Serve major cruise lines.
  • Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
  • Passengers disembarking could require taxis, ride-shares, or local buses and subways to their accommodations.

River Transport

NYC Ferry is the main option for general public use on waterways.

Immigration

Standard U.S. Immigration applies at all ports of entry, including cruise terminals.

Connections

Ferry landings are typically near bus stops or subway stations for easy transfers.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Departure information for a smooth exit from Brooklyn.

Departure Details

  • Exit Fees: The U.S. does not collect specific exit fees or taxes upon departure. Fees are included in airline ticket price.
  • Timing (International Flights): Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Timing (Domestic Flights): Get there at LEAST 2 hours before departure.

Airport Facilities

Facilities to make your wait more comfortable at the airport.

Departure Amenities

  • Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR): Offer dining, shopping, and lounge facilities.
  • Train Stations (Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal): Provide basic amenities, food vendors, and waiting areas.
  • Allow plenty of time for security screening, particularly during busy travel periods.

Online Check-in

Save Time

Utilize online check-in services provided by your airline.

Baggage Drop

Online check-in can speed up bag check processes.

Reduce Stress

Minimizes time spent waiting at the airport counter.

Departure Reminder

Upon leaving, always factor in potential traffic delays, especially if traveling to the airport during rush hour.

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