How to Get to The Bronx. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to The Bronx

Major Airports & Airlines

The Bronx is served by three major airports in the New York metropolitan area, each offering various flight options and ground transit links.

Airport Overview

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located in Queens, 15-20 miles to the southeast of The Bronx. Major international and domestic hub.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located in Newark, NJ, 20-25 miles southwest of The Bronx. Major international and domestic hub.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Located in Queens, 5-10 miles south of The Bronx. Mainly serves domestic flights and some Caribbean/Canadian routes.

Flight Availability & Pricing

All major U.S. Airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue) and numerous international carriers operate from JFK and EWR. LGA hosts domestic flights by these same carriers. Direct flights connect New York to nearly every major city worldwide.

Seasonal Price Trends

Peak Season (Summer, Major Holidays): Flights are generally more expensive.
Shoulder Season (Spring, Fall): Often has better deals and comfortable travel conditions. Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
Low Season (Winter, holidays excluded): Typically offers the lowest prices. Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.

Airport Services

All three airports offer extensive shopping, dining, lounges, services related to money, and free Wi-Fi.

JFK/EWR Transfers

AirTrain JFK connects to NYC subway/LIRR. AirTrain Newark connects to NJ Transit to Manhattan. Taxis/ride-shares available.

LGA Transfers

MTA Bus (Q70-SBS, M60-SBS) links to subway/LIRR. Taxis/ride-shares also available.

Transfer Options from Airports to The Bronx

From JFK Airport

AirTrain JFK connects to NYC subway (A, E, J, Z lines) and LIRR. Cost: AirTrain ($8.50) + subway/LIRR fare.
Taxi/Ride-share: Flat rate to Manhattan ($70 + tolls/tip); fares to The Bronx vary by distance/traffic.
Ride-share apps (Uber/Lyft) use dynamic pricing.
From subway/LIRR stops, transfer to a Bronx-bound train or bus.

From Newark Liberty EWR & LaGuardia LGA

EWR: AirTrain Newark connects to NJ Transit trains to Penn Station, Manhattan (approx. $15.75). Then use MTA subway/Metro-North.
LGA: MTA Bus (Q70-SBS, M60-SBS) to subway lines or direct to The Bronx. Fare: $2.90.
Taxi/Ride-share: EWR fares vary widely, include tolls. LGA fares are metered, typically $30-$50+ to The Bronx.
Consider traffic conditions, especially during rush hour, when planning transfers.

Land Transportation Options

Train Services

Amtrak connects NYC (Penn Station) to major cities. Metro-North Railroad provides direct access to several Bronx stations from Grand Downtown Terminal (Manhattan), including Yankee Stadium, Fordham, and Botanical Garden.

Long-Distance Buses

Companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and Peter Pan Bus Routes serve Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. From there, transfer to MTA subway or a local bus for The Bronx. Often a budget-friendly alternative.

Self-Driving

Driving in NYC is challenging because of dense traffic, complex streets, and limited, expensive parking. Tolls apply on many bridges and tunnels. A valid U.S. driver's license or an International Driving Permit (DiscoverCars.com) with your foreign a license is required. Not recommended for tourists primarily using public transport.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

The NYC Ferry offers an unique and scenic way to reach parts of The Bronx, notably the South Bronx.

NYC Ferry Routes

The Soundview route of the NYC Ferry serves the South Bronx (Soundview landing).
Travel from Manhattan (Pier 11/Wall St. Or East 34th St.) or Queens.
Check the NYC Ferry schedule for current routes and times.

Cruise Ports & Connections

Major cruise lines use terminals in Manhattan and Brooklyn. From these particular, you connect to The Bronx via land transport.

Connecting to The Bronx

Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Brooklyn The Passenger terminal are used by major cruise lines.
From terminals, take a taxi, ride-share, or mass transit to reach The Bronx.
International arrivals via cruise ship undergo standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures.

Immigration & River Transport

River transportation options are for the most part limited to the NYC Ferry for travelers. None other extensive river transportation services function within The Bronx itself, apart from recreational boating activities on City Island.

River Transit & Procedures

The NYC Ferry represents the main river transportation option for travelers.
Standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures apply for international arrivals via cruise ship.
Ferry landings typically provide easy access to MTA bus routes for onward travel to The Bronx.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in The Bronx are generally well-maintained. Traffic remains a significant concern, especially during morning and evening rush hours. New York City enforces strict traffic laws and parking regulations.

Driving Safely

Pedestrians and cyclists are common; drive defensively and stay alert.
Use GPS or mapping navigation applications.
Right turn on red is generally permitted after a full stop unless prohibited by a sign.

Departure Information

Exit Fees: The United States imposes no specific exit fees upon departure. Taxes and fees are typically part of your ticket price.
Timing: For international flights from JFK or EWR, arrive at least 3 hours prior. For domestic flights, allow 2 hours.
Check-in: Always confirm check-in and arrival recommendations with your airline.

Security: Expect Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checks.
Airport Facilities: All major airports offer comprehensive facilities: dining, shopping, lounges, restrooms, Wi-Fi.
Train/Bus Stations: Arrive at Penn Station, Grand Central, or Port Authority at least 30-60 minutes before departure.

Final Departure Advice

Efficient Departures

Plan your departure meticulously to avoid any last-minute stress.

Before You Go

Check traffic conditions and public transit delays.
Allow ample buffer time, especially during rush hour, to not miss your flight.
Confirm flight status and gate information before leaving.

Smooth Airport Experience

Making your way through the airport can be straightforward with preparation.

At the Airport

Have all travel documents ready for check-in and security.
Keep electronics accessible for security screening.
Take advantage of airport amenities like dining and shopping.

Air Travel

Book flights far in advance for peak season times. Consider shoulder or low seasons for savings.

Train/Bus

Arrive 30-60 minutes early for train/bus departures to find your platform.

Sea/River

NYC Ferry offers scenic routes; cruise arrivals follow standard U.S. Customs procedures.

Travel Essentials Reminder

Travel Documents Check

Double-check all necessary travel documents before heading to the airport or transportation hub.

Confirmations

A passport that is not expired and visa/ESTA.
Flight, train, or bus tickets.
Accommodation reservations.

Health & Safety Kit

Ensure your personal health and safety items are easily accessible for your journey.

Preparedness

Personal medications with prescriptions.
Basic first aid items.
Travel insurance details.

Connectivity & Devices

Charged Devices

Ensure phones, tablets, and cameras are fully a fee for travel.

Adapters & Power Banks

Pack correct power adapters and easy to carry chargers for your devices.

Offline Content

Download any entertainment, maps, or guides for offline access.

Final Check

Confirm luggage limits with your airline, especially for carry-ons. Weigh your bags at home to avoid unexpected fees at the airport. Have a comfortable travel outfit prepared for your journey.

How to Get to The Bronx