Make your Manhattan landing and visit as convenient as possible when you charter a private jet and land at these nearby airport locations.
Flying into any airport in or near New York City is a treat for both the eyes and the soul. Seeing that iconic skyline coming slowly into focus, banking over the city, and catching a glimpse of life in one of the most desirable and well-known locations on the planet is invigorating and exciting in ways you never knew it could be.
One thing to consider when flying into New York, Manhattan in particular, is where exactly you should land to make for the most convenient experience possible. After all, the traffic in Manhattan is notoriously heavy and difficult to navigate, and wasting time in a traffic jam certainly isn’t the best possible start to your visit! Here’s how to get as close to Manhattan as you can when you’re flying in on a private jet charter and make the most out of your stay or vacation.
1. Airport (TEB) in Bergen County, New Jersey
Google Maps travel time estimate: 39 min (13.3 miles) via I-95 S
Teterboro is, without question, the premier choice for those who book private jet travel. A mere 12 miles away from midtown Manhattan, Teterboro has a history of incredible service that dates all the way back to its founding in 1919. The land was originally purchased in 1917 with the aim of opening an aviation factory, which was followed by the first flight taking off in 1919, and then Colonial Air using the airfield to deliver mail in 1926. Even back then, Teterboro was no stranger to celebrity visits: famous aviators such as Richard E. Byrd, Charles A. Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart are known to have spent time there during the “Golden Age of Aviation.” Today, Teterboro has a high level of prestige. This is thanks not only to its wonderful service but also to modern celebrities who choose this airport due to it being a little more discreet for quick, easy trips in and out of New York
Since Teterboro has a weight limit that prohibits planes weighing more than 100,000 pounds from using their space, no commercial planes are able to land there. This makes the airport experience far more exclusive and far less time-consuming or frustrating. Landing at this airport will put you as physically close to Manhattan as any jet can get, which means less time spent in traffic and more time saved to enjoy activities like retail therapy or a salon pampering session! New York is your oyster when you’ve landed at an airport that makes disembarking and getting through the rest of the process as simple and comfortable as it can be.
2. LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens, New York City
Google Maps travel time estimate: 31 min (11.5 miles) via FDR Drive
LaGuardia is the second-best choice for private jet travelers trying to get as close to Manhattan as possible. Its proximity to midtown Manhattan is only slightly further than Teterboro, and the facilities are not quite as luxurious, but that doesn’t mean that this airport is a slouch in terms of welcoming and catering to private jet travellers. This FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) airport has high-end amenities available for both private and commercial flight clients, but the fact that it is one of the busiest airports in the country can, at times, be something of a drawback.
Expect to encounter concierge services, which are there to make your trip to New York an easier and more entertaining one by assisting with car services and experiences. LaGuardia is also home to several VIP lounges, so even a delay in takeoff won’t dampen your spirits since you’ll be relaxing in a comfortable, plush lounger and sipping on a delicious cocktail while you wait. Thankfully, LaGuardia has implemented measures to streamline processes that usually eat up a lot of time, such as customs clearance, which is now much faster for private jet customers.
3. Westchester County (HPN) in Harrison and Northcastle, Westchester County
Google Maps travel time estimate: 59 min (34.1 miles) via NY-9A S
Westchester is our final choice, ranked third on our list of best options. This airport is significantly further away from Midtown Manhattan than the others: more or less double the travel time, depending on factors like traffic and weather. Even though the travel time into the city is longer, Westchester is still a good choice, thanks to how efficiently the airport is run. Westchester’s location is strategic to target travelers who are coming to or from areas like New York City or more upstate, countryside-focused places such as Connecticut.
Thanks to its location, Westchester is a slightly less hectic experience than LaGuardia. All processes from boarding to baggage claim are streamlined to ensure that travellers waste as little time as possible on these chores, which may even out your travel time or time of arrival in Manhattan when compared to a closer option like LaGuardia. The amenities and facilities at Westchester are top-notch. The facility is kept spotless, there’s a selection of concierge services that can help you navigate your time in the city, there’s gourmet catering and first-class service in the VIP lounges, which are available to private jet travelers when there’s time that needs spending. Westchester also offers separate, private terminals to its private jet partners, which means that you won’t be inundated with passengers waiting for commercial flights and will be able to hold onto your peace of mind when you arrive or depart.
Choose Your Fighter
Each of these airports offers a wonderful selection of services and amenities to private jet clients. It’s up to you to select the airport that best fits your personal needs. Do you prefer proximity to privacy? Would you rather have a private terminal or be close to your terminal destination? Use the information we’ve supplied to make your business or vacation trip to Manhattan the easiest, most convenient one ever.
