Flying private into New York City is one of the most satisfying travel upgrades you can make. It’s not just because the flight itself is more comfortable. It’s because the arrival is completely different. You skip the crowded terminals, avoid long taxi lines, and step into the city feeling calm instead of depleted. But NYC private travel has one big decision most people don’t think about until they’re booking: which airport you should actually fly into. Two of the most common options are Teterboro (TEB) and Westchester County Airport (HPN), and while both are great, they deliver very different experiences.
Teterboro (TEB): the closest private jet airport to Manhattan
Teterboro is one of the most popular private jet airports in the country for a reason. It’s incredibly efficient, designed heavily around private aviation, and it’s one of the closest options to Manhattan. If your goal is fast access to the city, TEB is usually the move. Teterboro is especially popular for business travelers, high-frequency flyers, and anyone who values speed above everything. It’s the type of airport that makes your travel feel compressed in the best way. Arrive close to departure, take off quickly, land close to Manhattan, and be on the move without wasting time.
Westchester (HPN): the quieter luxury option
Westchester offers a different kind of experience. It’s still private aviation friendly, but it tends to feel more relaxed, more low-key, and often more comfortable if you’re traveling to areas north of the city, like Greenwich, the Hamptons, or Connecticut. HPN is a favorite for travelers who want a smoother, calmer arrival without the intensity of NYC traffic patterns. It’s also a strong option if your final destination isn’t directly Manhattan. In some cases, landing at Westchester can actually save time depending on where you’re headed.
Which one should you choose?
If you’re flying in for meetings in Manhattan, a same-day turnaround, or you want the closest and most direct arrival, Teterboro is usually the best choice. If your trip is more lifestyle-focused, you’re staying outside the city, or you prefer a quieter arrival experience, Westchester may be the better fit. The real “right answer” depends on your destination, your timing, and what you want your arrival to feel like. Private travel is about control, and your airport choice is part of that control.
What about JFK, LGA, or Newark?
Yes, private jets can use major airports too, but those airports aren’t designed around private aviation in the same way. They can involve more congestion, more ground delays, and more traffic-heavy arrivals depending on the day. For most private flyers, the best NYC experience comes from using airports built for private aviation. That’s why TEB and HPN are so commonly recommended.
Why Amalfi Jets makes NYC private travel effortless
NYC travel is high stakes. It’s a city where time matters, and private travel should feel clean and efficient, not complicated. Amalfi Jets handles sourcing, scheduling, and logistics so your flight feels seamless from the first message to the moment you land. With access to 3,500+ aircraft across 170+ countries, we match you with the right aircraft and operator for your NYC mission. Whether you’re arriving for business, lifestyle, or something in between, we make sure your private travel experience feels exactly how it should.
Smooth, elevated, and completely in your control.