Being a large metropolis, New York is perfectly served by all means of transportation. In particular, for those arriving from far away, airports and stations are the main points of reference. New York has several structures for the reception of airplanes and trains, but the most important ones are: the three international airports and the two large stations. Let’s get to know them better.
AIRPORTS
John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Known around the world simply as “JFK”, this airport today is the most important and busiest in New York, and in the entire United States. It is the first port of call in the “States” for tourists arriving from all over the world. It has existed since 1943 and has been operational since 1948 but only in the 1980s, with the growth of the tourist myth of New York in the world, did it become the main hub.
The airport now has 8 terminals, plus a 9th under construction, and with 4 long runways it handles traffic of over 60 million people a year. Inside it offers a vast choice of shops, restaurants, banking services, hotels and of course car rental and security facilities. It guarantees free wi-fi, assistance services for disabled people and a series of convenient and accessible parking spaces.
It is 29 km away from downtown New York, which makes it the furthest of the three major international airports. But the distance is almost eliminated by the frequency and efficiency of the means of connection to the city.
Newark International Airport (EWR)
Located 26 km from the city center, Newark Airport is the oldest in New York. In fact, it was opened in 1928 and immediately became so busy that, only ten years later, it required the construction of a second airport for a “help”. Thanks also to its glorious history, Newark has come down to our days still fully operational. And today it supports the two major airports.
Newark Airport has 4 terminals, one of which is dedicated to cargo flights. There are 3 runways, and also a helicopter landing pad. It handles traffic of almost 40 million people a year, who can take advantage of shops, banks, restaurants, art galleries, car and shuttle rentals and a good number of security posts and airport hotels. The car parks are mostly concentrated between terminals B and C. There is no shortage of services for the disabled.
LaGuardia International Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia history as a commercial airport begins in 1939 even though it had already worked as a private airport before. Since then, it has developed and expanded to the point of surpassing the Newark Airport, to “assist” which it had been planned! After the more important JFK, this is the best known airport in New York. It is also the closest to downtown, being just 15km away from Manhattan!
It works with 2 runways and 4 terminals handling an annual passenger traffic of 32 million people. It offers wi-fi service, catering, hotels, shops, banks, the inevitable security services and car rentals. In addition, here you can enjoy relaxation rooms and conference rooms. Assistance for the disabled is very active and efficient. The parking spaces are well distributed over the entire surface of the airport.
STATIONS
Grand Central Terminal Station
The Grand Central train station, in the heart of Manhattan, is not only the most important in New York, but also the most prestigious in terms of history. It was opened in 1913 and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1978. In fact, it retains the charm of early 20th century architecture enhanced by subsequent restorations.
Today 62 million travelers pass through here, taking advantage of the station’s services. Divided over two floors, one of which is underground, it has 67 railway platforms and 2 large halls. Inside the station there is also the apartment of the billionaire Vanderbilt, now used as a congress center. Of course, there is no shortage of restaurants and shops. Connections are guaranteed by the metro stop, the bus station and the countless taxis.
Pennsylvania Station
Penn Station, short name for Pennsylvania Station, is located under the square of the same name between 7th and 8th Avenues in Manhattan. It is the second most important station in New York and one of the oldest since it has been in operation since 1846! Unfortunately, the ancient building, which is no longer visible today, was demolished to create the current underground structure.
This station has a tunnel that passes under the Hudson River, uses 21 platforms and handles about 700,000 passengers, guaranteeing them services of all kinds in a modern and increasingly technological structure. The metro stop and the bus and taxi stations help to make the continuous direct connection with the city efficient.