Queens New York, USA Travel Guide
Queens is directly home to two major airports, with a third nearby, creating a central hub for flying. These airports offer extensive connections and services.
JFK handles most major international airlines and numerous domestic carriers. LGA mainly services major domestic airlines like Delta, American, United, Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue. EWR also operates with a wide range of international and domestic airlines.
All airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) offer duty-free shops, a wide range of restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, car rental, and free Wi-Fi.
AirTrain JFK connects to NYC subway (A, E, J, Z lines) and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Taxis, ride-sharing (AirHelp related services), shared vans, and private automobiles are available.
LGA: MTA city buses (Q70-SBS, M60-SBS) to subway/LIRR. EWR: AirTrain Newark to NJ Transit trains that go to NYC Penn Station, then subway/LIRR to Queens.
Exit fees and taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price. No separate payment upon departure from U.S. Airports.
International flights (JFK, EWR): Arrive 3 hours prior. Domestic (LGA): Arrive TWO hours before. Add extra time for traffic/transit delays.
Check-in, baggage drop, security, duty-free, restaurants, lounges. LIRR stations offer tickets, waiting areas.
The Li Rail Road (LIRR) provides extensive commuter rail service within Queens and to destinations across Long Island. It connects to Manhattan's Penn Station and Grand Central Madison, and Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal. LIRR stations exist throughout Queens, offering a fast way to travel within the borough and to Manhattan.
Major long-distance bus lines, like Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines, and others, operate into the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Starting there, you will transfer to the MTA subway or a city bus to reach Queens. Bus travel offers a generally more economical option for inter-urban travel within the U.S. Compared to trains or flights, though travel times are longer.
If you're going to drive to Queens, confirm you get to know the requirements. A valid ... is required driver's license; an International Driving Permit (IDP) comes recommended for foreign drivers, in addition back to your home country license. You also need proof of insurance. Driving in Queens and New York City can prove challenging. Expect heavy traffic, complex system of roadss, and aggressive drivers.
Roads in Queens are generally well-maintained, but potholes can be an issue, especially after winter. Heavy traffic remains severe, especially during peak hours (morning and evening commutes), leading to longer travel times. Drivers should remain aware of pedestrians and cyclists, who are numerous. Defensive driving practices are advised due to the high volume of vehicles and varying driving styles.
NYC Ferry stops are strategically located for connections to MTA buses and subway stations, making onward journeys easy.
