EWR · Solid hub with strong United product and improving facilities but suffers from congestion and variable delays.
LGA · Rebuilt Terminals B and C finally feel modern inside, but LGA still punishes travelers with curb chaos, no AirTrain, separate non-connected terminals, and Manhattan traffic that turns a short hop into a 90-minute ordeal.
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
EWR7.3
LGA7.3
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
EWR7.8+2.8
LGA5.0
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
EWR6.8+1.3
LGA5.5
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
EWR7.2
LGA7.4+0.2
LGA
Domestic and Canada/Caribbean short-haul from New YorkDelta flyers using the rebuilt Terminal C hubTravelers with Amex Platinum who can hit the Centurion in BQuick turnarounds when you pad hard for road traffic
LGA
Grand Central Parkway and East River crossings — 25 minutes off-peak becomes 70+ in rush hourWrong-terminal drop-off: A, B, and C are separate buildings with no sterile connectorPeak security crushes 0600–0900 and 1500–1900, especially multi-airline banks in BCurb and rideshare-lot meltdown after weather delays when everyone lands at once
Accessibility
Shopping
Arrive 2.5-3 hrs early for international or peak domestic
Security in C often exceeds 30 min; check newarkairport.com for live waits.
Confirm your terminal before booking transport
United dominates C; Delta/American in A; international mix in B.
Eat before security in landside if possible
Airside options solid but pricier; Terminal C has best variety for United flyers.
LGA
American Express Centurion LoungeDelta Sky Club (Terminal C)Terminal B & C dining hallsEscape LoungeCLEAR + TSA PreCheckTerminal A grab-and-go
Pad hard for the Grand Central Parkway
Leave Manhattan 2+ hours before domestic departure in rush hours; the airport is near, the traffic is not.
Confirm A vs B vs C before you drop off
Terminals are separate buildings with no sterile airside walk; wrong curb = full exit and re-screen.
Eat in B or C; treat A as grab-and-go
Terminal B and the new Terminal C have real restaurants; Terminal A options are thin once you're past security.
