Touching down in New York, your speed to Manhattan depends on runway, roadway, and rush hour. Typical runs look like this: from JFK, the Van Wyck (I‑678) to the Grand Central Parkway and onto the RFK Bridge; from LaGuardia, the Grand Central or BQE into Midtown; from Newark, I‑78 or the Turnpike to the Holland or Lincoln Tunnels. The fastest choice shifts with the clock, not just the map.
Start with your arrival time. JFK often runs 45–70 minutes to Midtown during daytime peaks; late nights can drop below 40. LaGuardia can be 30–50 minutes in light traffic but bogs down when construction or game nights spike. Newark often ranges 35–60 minutes depending on the tunnel approaches. If your flight changes last minute, locking in the right airport pickup matters. To keep options open, you can arrange your car rental at Newark for quick access to Midtown West and the Lincoln Tunnel.
Route choice matters. A Midtown East hotel favors JFK via the Whitestone/Triborough corridor; Midtown West can tilt to Newark via the Lincoln. Heading to Upper Manhattan? LGA’s proximity can shine off‑peak. If luggage and passengers push you toward more space, SUV options from EWR handle tunnels and ramps with calm braking and visibility.
Brand locations also affect speed at the curb. If you’re landing at JFK and want a streamlined handoff, the Avis counter at JFK and consolidated facilities reduce shuttle hops. On the New Jersey side, value hunters heading to Midtown West often choose the Budget desk at Newark to keep one‑way costs predictable.
UK travelers comparing terminology can also review car hire at JFK for late‑night pickups that dodge daytime bridge queues.
When each airport wins
- JFK: Most flights and vehicle choice; good for Midtown East and Lower Manhattan via RFK.
- LGA: Closest to Upper Manhattan and Queens; shines off‑peak or for Harlem/UES hotels.
- EWR: Best for Midtown West and the Lincoln Tunnel; fewer East River crossings.
Whichever runway you choose, Hola Car Rentals keeps it clear: transparent rates, No additional fees (save up to 60%), and Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up. For families, All‑Inclusive+ coverage and free travel insurance up to US$150,000 bring extra confidence to your first miles in NYC.
Book with Hola Car Rentals and match your pickup to your hotel side of town; then let real‑time traffic decide which bridge or tunnel wins on the day.
