The Big Apple, Gotham, The City that Never Sleeps. New York is known by many names, but no matter how you look at it, this fascinating city has a pizazz all its own. There’s no place on earth quite like New York, and Australians have been flocking here in droves to get a taste of the big city razzmatazz.
Multiple flights depart every day for the USA and Canada from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Just a quick connection in Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco or Vancouver, and you’ll find yourself admiring the Manhattan skyline less than 24 hours after leaving home.
Flying time to the US west coast from Australia is just 12 to 14 hours. From there, trans-continental New York flights take less than 6 hours.
Airlines flying to New York
Whether you choose the most direct option to New York, or prefer to take advantage of the many stop-over options, say in Hawaii, the Middle East or Europe, there are many interesting routes to take on your way to The Big Apple.
From Australia, at least one stop is required to get to New York, but why not make the most of it? Extend your holiday in one of the many connecting cities where New York connections are available. The additional sightseeing stop-over is bound to make your New York trip even more special.
Fly to New York via Hawaii, Canada or the U.S. West Coast-
- American Airlines* – American flies daily from Sydney to Los Angeles where it offers multiple nonstop connections to New York’s JFK Airport.
- Delta Air Lines^ – Delta flies daily from Sydney to Los Angeles where it offers multiple nonstop connections to New York’s JFK Airport.
- Hawaiian Airlines^ – Hawaiian flies daily to Honolulu from both Brisbane and Sydney. From Honolulu, Hawaiian offers nonstop connections to New York’s JFK Airport.
- Qantas – Qantas offers daily same plane service from Sydney to New York via Los Angeles. The airline also flies from Sydney to Dallas where passengers can connect to nonstop flights to New York on American Airlines. Qantas also departs daily from Brisbane and Melbourne to Los Angeles. Nonstop connections to New York are available on American Airlines.
- United Airlines – United flies daily from Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles, and daily from Sydney to San Francisco. The airline offers nonstop connections from these west coast cities to its New York area hub in Newark, New Jersey.
- Virgin Australia – Virgin Australia flies daily from Brisbane and Sydney to Los Angeles. Quick and easy connections are available with partner airline Delta.
Fly to New York from Australia via Asia or the Middle East-
- Air India (via Delhi)
- All Nippon Airways (via Tokyo)
- Asiana (via Seoul)
- Cathay Pacific* (via Hong Kong and Vancouver)
- China Eastern* (via Shanghai)
- China Southern* (via Guangzhou)
- Emirates* (via Dubai)
- Etihad^ (via Abu Dhabi)
- Eva Air (via Taipei)
- Japan Airlines (via Tokyo)
- Korean Air (via Seoul)
- Philippine Airlines (via Manila and Vancouver)
- Qatar (via Doha)
- Singapore Airlines^ (via Singapore)
Fly to New York from Australia via Africa or South America-
- South African Airways^ (via Johannesburg)
* Qantas codeshare and frequent flyer partner ^ Virgin Australia codeshare and frequent flyer partner
Peak and off season. When to get the best deal
New York is blessed with four distinct seasons, each of which offer something unique and special. From Christmas lights and Rockefeller Center ice skating in the winter to tranquil walks through beautiful Central Park in the warmer months, New York is extraordinary any time of year. New York summers are the most popular time to visit. The weather is warm and American school holidays are in full swing. But while the crowds may be bigger, the summery atmosphere makes for an ideal time to walk the streets and see the sights.
Because New York is such a popular destination, travellers should find ample choice when searching for flights and holiday packages. From low fare to legacy airlines, there are dozens of carriers that fly into New York’s three major airports. A good way to find a lower fare is to search for flights to not only JFK Airport, but to LaGuardia Airport or Newark. The mix of airlines and routings into the New York area vastly increase the number of cheap flights available. Travelling mid-week and outside of public holidays are other ways to generate lower air fares.
Getting to and leaving the airport
New York’s two major international airports are within a 30-minute drive from Manhattan.-
- Newark Liberty Airport is located just across the Hudson River in New Jersey, approximately 25km from Midtown Manhattan. Taxis from Newark into New York add an additional surcharge and toll fees to the fare, which depending on the route can be as much as $75 for longer trips to the outer boroughs. Private shuttles, sedans and limousines can also be booked in the arrivals area near baggage claim.
New York Airport Facilities & Services
There are six terminals at JFK Airport, each with a varied selection of shops, bars, restaurants and lounges. Passengers collecting rental cars can take the AirTrain free of charge to Federal Circle Station where rental car offices and shuttle buses are located. Free Wi-Fi is available in each terminal as well as ATMs and currency exchange. Find your airline terminal and passenger facilities.
Terminal 1 – International Airlines Terminal Terminal 2 - Delta Terminal 4 – Int. and North American airlines including Delta, Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic Terminal 5 – Aer Lingus, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Terminal 7 – International Airlines including Qantas, British Airways, Air Canada and Cathay Pacific Terminal 8 – American Airlines and various international airlines
New York as transit or stop-over destination
What better way to pass the time on a New York layover than with a walk or sightseeing tour around Manhattan? A city known for its towering skyscrapers, amazing shopping, top restaurants and iconic landmarks, you won’t be able to resist taking a bite out of the Big Apple. Start downtown where you’ll find Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial Museum and ferries to the Statue of Liberty. Less than a mile away, a walking tour of Soho, Chinatown and Little Italy will reveal historic neighbourhoods known for their shops and ethnic foods.
Continue north to Midtown where the lights of New York are on full display at Times Square. Broadway is just steps away with top theatres featuring some of the world’s best stage productions. Two block over is the world famous shopping thoroughfare, Fifth Avenue. Walking north, Central Park welcomes visitors with inviting walkways and lush gardens.