How do Airport Transfers work? An ultimate guide to airport transfers
Traveling is a source of exhilaration and ecstasy as it opens doors to new experiences, and cultures and makes us discover popular destinations. It arouses feelings of thrill, and inquisitiveness and inspires us to break the shackles of our daily monotonous routine.
However, with the perks of traveling come various challenges the most common being airport transfers. If travelers are going to destinations that they are not familiar with then airport transfers are likely to be arduous and strenuous. This happens when they are not familiar with the essentials of airport transfers and lack knowledge of airport layout, transportation and terminals.
For this reason, this blog will elaborate on each and every aspect of airport transfers. It is imperative to have an understanding of these areas because it significantly helps us to enjoy seamless airport transportation.
New York Airport Transfers
The duo of New York dynamic airports comprises LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). These airports have their own unique amenities and advantages. JFK acts as a key gateway for international traveling while LGA provides closer and easy access to Manhattan.
LaGuardia Airport Transfers
Despite being smaller compared to nearby airports like JFK and EWR, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) acts as a pivotal source for providing bridges to popular destinations across the United States. The airport has undergone a plethora of renovations and transformations since its inception in 1939. The experience of travelers keeps getting better and better.
Furthermore, this airport has three active terminals namely Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C. Each terminal serves various airlines. In addition to this, the airport has to offer multiple provisions to passengers such as restaurants, shops and lounges, etc.
Airlines from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Terminals
Terminal A |
Terminal B |
Terminal C |
Spirit Airlines | United Airlines | WestJet |
Frontier Airlines | Southwest Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
American Airlines | ||
Air Canada | ||
JetBlue Airways |
Nearest Hotels to LGA
- New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott
Distance: 0.7 miles - Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport
Distance: 0.6 miles - Hampton Inn New York-LaGuardia Airport
Distance: 0.7 miles - Holiday Inn Express LaGuardia Airport, an IHG Hotel
Distance: 3.7 miles
Distance from Manhattan
LaGuardia Airport is located at a distance of 10 miles from Manhattan.
Airport Shuttle from LGA
There are many shuttle services that you may opt for from LaGuardia Airport. These shuttle services have a fixed schedule and routing. They make stops at every famous destination such as hotels and tourist attractions. There are shuttle pickup points outside every terminal. People can easily access these shuttle services through these pickup points.
One of the reliable shuttle services from LaGuardia Airport is GO Airlink NYC which starts at $30 per person. Such shuttle services efficiently address the transportation needs of passengers at budget-friendly rates.
Public Transportation from LGA
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers Bus services to and from LaGuardia Airport. Each bus is identified by its designated number such as M60 Bus and Q70 Bus etc. These buses have their distinct routing and pickup points.
There is no direct subway that connects to LGA but you may reach any of the nearby subway stations via these public buses. This way, you get easy access to Manhattan and other areas of the city. A point-to-point transfer on the aforementioned bus services or subway almost costs $3.
John F. Kennedy Airport Transfers (JFK)
John F. Kennedy Airport is widely recognized as JFK Airport or simply JFK. This eminent airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. JFK has significantly evolved since its inauguration in 1948. It has five passenger terminals namely Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7 and Terminal 8. Each terminal serves a distinct set of airlines.
In a nutshell, JFK has the honor of being a key hub of transportation, epitomizing the vibrant nature of New York City. JFK continues to serve millions of domestic and international travelers every year.
Airlines from JFK Airport Terminals
Terminal 1 |
Terminal 4 |
Terminal 5 |
Terminal 7 |
Terminal 8 |
Air China | Aeromexico | Cape Air | Aer Lingus | American Airlines |
Air France | Air India | JetBlue | Air Canada | British Airways |
Air New Zealand | China Airlines | Alaska Airlines | Japan Airways | |
Austrian Airlines | Copa Airlines | ANA (All Nippon) | Qatar Airways | |
Azores Airlines | Delta | Kuwait Airways | Royal Jordanian | |
Brussels Airlines | EI AI | Scandinavian Airlines | ||
Lufthansa | Emirates | |||
Etihad | ||||
JetBlue |
Nearest Hotels to JFK
- JFK INN
Distance: 1 mile from JFK
- Radisson Hotel JFK Airport
Distance: 1.2 miles from JFK
- Hampton Inn NY-JFK
Distance: 1 mile from JFK
- Holiday Inn Express JFK Airport
Distance: 0.8 mile from JFK - Crowne Plaza JFK Airport
Distance: 1.3 miles from JFK
Distance from Manhattan
JFK is located at a distance of 19 miles from Manhattan.
Airport Shuttle from JFK
Just like LaGuardia Airport, there are various airport shuttles that operate to and from JFK Airport. These shuttle services provide comfortable and reliable transportation to different areas of the city starting at a meager rate of almost $30 per person. One such shuttle service that operates from JFK is Go Airport Shuttle.
Public Transportation from JFK
Unlike LaGuardia, JFK has a well-built connection to the New York City Public Transportation Network. To access most of the connections to the Public Transportation network, you are required to take Jamaica and Howard Beach AirTrain.
The JFK AirTrain connects passengers of all terminals to the NYC subway system. Each train is designated by an alphabet such as AirTrain A or AirTrain E. Each train has distinct routing or stops. You can follow the train signs or announcements to know where the train will head to.
Apart from AirTrain, there are public buses assigned by MTA to and from JFK airport. Each bus has a different and fixed routing providing easy and cheap access to different parts of the city. Usually the buses that are deployed to and from JFK include Q3, Q6, Q7 and Q10.
Chicago Airport Transfers
There are two main international airports located at a near distance from the heart of chicago I.e. O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Each of these airports has its own set of provisions for passengers and welcomes millions of travelers from all over the world every year. Here is everything you need to know about Chicago Airport Transfers especially to or from any of the suburbs.
O’Hare International Airport
Named in honor of second world war aviator Butch O’Hare, this international airport is home to millions of travelers from around the world. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States. This airport has four active terminals I.e. Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. The Terminal 5 is also known as O’Hare International Terminal.
Apart from the common facilities like shops, lounges and etc, O’Hare has an automated train system that enables passengers to easily access any of the four terminals. This automated system is known as Airport Transit System or generally known as People Mover. This system operates all the time and passengers are able to navigate between terminals and parking lots.
Airlines from O’Hare Airport Terminals
Terminal 1 |
Terminal 2 |
Terminal 3 |
Terminal 5 |
All Nippon (departure) | Air Canada | Aer Lingus | Aeromexico |
Lufthansa (departure | Alaska Airlines | American Airlines (departures) | Air France |
United Airlines (departure) | JetBlue | Cape Air | Air India |
Southern Airway Expres | Contour Airlines | Air New Zealand | |
Denver Air Connection | Air Serbia | ||
Iberia Airlines (departures) | Austrian Airlines | ||
Japan Airlines (departures) | British Airways | ||
Spirit Airlines | Cathay Pacific Airways | ||
Delta Airlines | |||
Eva Air | |||
Emirates | |||
Ethiopian Airlines | |||
Etihad Airways | |||
Finnair | |||
Frontier Airlines | |||
Korean Air | |||
LOT Polish Airlines | |||
Lufthansa (arrivals) | |||
American Airlines (intl arrivals) |
Nearest Hotels to O’Hare
- Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel
Located directly within O’Hare - Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
Located 3 miles away from O’Hare
- Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Located 4 miles away from O’Hare
- The Westin O’Hare
Located 3 miles away from O’Hare
- Marriott Suites O’Hare
Located 4 miles away from O’Hare
Distance from Chicago Downtown
O’Hare is located at a distance of 23 miles from Chicago Downtown.
Airport Shuttle from O’Hare
Many hotels that are near O’Hare Airport offer their own shuttle service to and from the airport. These shuttle services provide comfortable and cheap transportation. In addition to this, there are many private shuttle services that operate from O’Hare. These shuttle services provide transportation to Chicago downtown and various suburbs at budget-friendly rates.
Public Transportation from O’Hare
As for the public transportation options from O’hare then this includes the Blue Line Train operated by Chicago Transit Authority. This train provides direct transportation between Chicago downtown and O’Hare. It renders seamless transportation at cheap rates. Moreover, Pace Suburban Bus Service offers various routes connecting O’Hare to downtown and numerous suburbs.
Midway International Airport Transfers
Although quite smaller in comparison to O’Hare, Midway International Airport is still one of the most significant airports in the United States. One of the main advantages of traveling with Midway is its close proximity to Chicago Downtown.
This airport has technically one terminal which is further divided into concourses I.e. Concourse A, B, C and the main terminal itself.
Airlines from Midway International Airport Terminal
Concourse A |
Concourse B |
Concourse C |
Southwest Airline | Delta Airline | Frontier Airlines |
Porter | JetBlue | |
Volaris | Spirit |
Nearest Hotels to Midway International Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Midway Airport
Located 2 miles away from Midway
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Chicago-Midway Airport
Located 1.5 miles away from Midway
- Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Midway Airport
Located almost 1 mile away from Midway - Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport
Located 2 miles away from Midway
Distance from Chicago Downtown
One of the main pros of Midway International Airport is its close proximity to Chicago Downtown I.e. It is located only 12 miles away from downtown Chicago.
Airport Shuttle from Midway Airport
Similar to O’Hare, hotels that are near Midway International airport provide their own shuttle services to and from the airport. Furthermore, there are private shuttle services as well that operate to and from Midway airport. These shuttle services start at a meager rate of almost $30 per person. They provide convenient transportation to downtown and nearby suburbs.
Public Transportation from Midway Airport
The primary option for Public transportation in the case of Midway International Airport is the Orange Line Train Service operated by the Chicago Transit Authority. This train service renders frequent and seamless transportation to downtown.
There are public buses operated by the Chicago Transit Authority as well that cater to the transportation needs of travelers ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Other Forms of Airport Transfers
Other than shuttle services and public transportation there are multiple options for airport transfers and these options have their distinct benefits.
Taxi Service
Tired of waiting for scheduled shuttle services or public transportation? If yes, then this mode of airport transfer might be an ideal option for your travel needs. There are designated parking places or a taxi stand at every airport.
One can easily access a taxi service from these points and can reach their desired destination by traveling non-stop. This mode of airport transfer is time-saving and a good option for those who have a tight schedule ahead.
Uber
One of the popular choices for airport transfers is Uber. You may book your Uber service on demand via Uber App available on Google Play Store and App Store. Uber is a bit more cost-effective option in comparison to Taxi services.
Furthermore, Uber offers a good range of vehicles and you may opt for a vehicle of your choice depending upon your transportation needs.
Lyft
Similar to Uber, Lyft is a transportation service that you may book using their designated App. As compared to Taxi services, it offers cheaper rates and saves you from the inconvenience of stopping at various stops in public transportation or shuttle services. It takes you directly to your desired destination.
Limo and Car Service
This is the most reliable and luxurious option for transportation especially in case of airport transfers. Limo and Car Service render service with a professionally trained chauffeur who takes care of the ride immaculately. These services have a set of protocols that they always abide by and are the best alternative to taxi service.
Such protocols include, sharing Chauffeur and vehicle details ahead of time, tracking and monitoring the flight to avoid any possible inconvenience etc. There is always a possibility of flights getting delayed or arriving early, therefore, flight being tracked by limo and car services is one of the key benefits of booking these services.
Limo and Car Services have a vast range of vehicles to offer such as Sedans, luxurious sedans, SUVs, luxurious SUVs, stretches, party buses, Sprinter vans etc. You may select any of the vehicles depending on your transportation needs.
Like vehicles, there is a wide range of services offered by Limo and Car services. These services include point-to-point transfers, Airport pickups with meet and greet service, hourly service etc. You may opt for any of the services as per your transportation needs.
Other perks of traveling with limo and car services include:
- Time-Saving: Limo and Car services take you directly to your desired destination without making any stops. Their chauffeurs are always on time and these services meticulously handle time management. This service is best for you if you are not willing to make any compromise on time management
- Well-maintained Fleet: These services provide transportation with late make and models. They always keep updating their fleet with new models that are well-equipped and are kept in pristine condition.
- Safety: Limo and Car services have all types of child seats available. These include regular booster seats, booster seats with high-back attachment, Front Facing Toddler seats and rear-facing infant seats. You may select any of the child seats according to the weight and age of your child.
- Sanitized Vehicles: Not only the vehicles are in pristine condition but Limo and Car Services ensure to provide transportation with fully sanitized vehicles and chauffeurs. Chauffeurs take care of sanitization and also wear masks
- Reliability: Limo and Car services are more reliable than any other mode of transportation because they are fully committed to the demands and needs of their clients. They take full responsibility for delivering services without any shortcomings. These services never cancel out on their clients at the last moment. This adds to their reliability and makes these services more trustworthy in comparison to other services.
FAQs
Q1. How will I identify my driver if I book limo and car services?
Ans: Limo and Car services share Chauffeur details ahead of time. In addition to this, they also provide vehicle details with plate number. This enables you to easily identify your driver for airport pickups.
Q2. Where do we meet our driver for airport pickups?
Ans: Limo and Car services offer two types of airport pickups namely Curbside Pickup and the other one is called Meet and Greet service or Baggage claim. In the former, the chauffeur picks you up from the middle lane curbside at your respective door while in the latter the chauffeur meets you at the baggage claim area with a greeting sign and assists you with the luggage.
Q3. Do limo and car services provide transportation with child seats?
Ans: Limo and Car Services have all types of child seats available. These include regular booster seats, booster seats with high-back attachment, front facing seats, and rear-facing infant seats. Seat is determined by the weight and age of a child.
Q4. How advance do I need to book limo and car services?
Ans: This depends on the service area of a limo and car service. Different limo and car services have different service areas. Some providers even specialize in last minute rides while some need prior notice. It all depends on the service area of the provider.
Q5. What happens if my flight gets delayed or arrives early?
Ans: As for limo and car services, then they always collect your flight details at the time of reservation. These services always track and monitor the flight to avoid any possible inconvenience. So, you never have to worry about your flight getting delayed or arriving early if you have decided to go with limo and car services.