New York City Travel Tips: Navigate Busy Airport Season Amid Population Surge
New York City Travel Tips for the Holidays
Population and Travel Impact
New York City’s population is approximately 8.2 million. This means more people will travel through the city’s airports than reside there.
Busiest Travel Days
The busiest travel days nationwide will be:
- Tuesday, Nov. 26
- Wednesday, Nov. 27
- Sunday, Dec. 1
The TSA expects more than 3 million travelers on Nov. 27 and Dec. 1.
JFK Airport
Travelers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) may face delays due to a $19 billion redevelopment project. It is recommended to allow extra travel time and consider public transit.
If driving to JFK, anticipate possible delays due to road closures. The AirTrain offers a free drop-off and pickup option at Lefferts Boulevard, providing access to all terminals.
Parking at JFK can be pre-booked. However, using the AirTrain, which connects to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road, is often the best option.
For more details about JFK, visit JFK Airport.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Travelers using LaGuardia Airport have a convenient option with the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. This bus connects to the subway in Jackson Heights. If you’re hungry, there are plenty of food options nearby.
For more information about getting to LGA, visit MTA’s Guide.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
At Newark Liberty International Airport, note that the AirTrain does not connect directly to Terminal A. Be sure to check the best public transit options to reach Terminal A.
Gridlock Alert Days
The NYC Department of Transportation has designated the following days as Gridlock Alert Days:
- Thursday, Nov. 21
- Friday, Nov. 22
- Tuesday, Nov. 26
- Tuesday, Dec. 3
- Wednesday, Dec. 4
Expect heavy traffic, especially in Manhattan, on these days. Public transit is encouraged to avoid road congestion.
Staying Home?
If you plan to stay in, enjoy a preview of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats. You can check out the floats here.