Three airports serve New York, and the right one depends less on the airline and more on where you are sleeping. Here is how we advise clients who get to choose.

JFK

The most flights, the most international arrivals, and the longest ride to Manhattan: 45 to 60 minutes in normal traffic, longer at rush hour. Our JFK to Manhattan flat rate is $129. If you are staying in Brooklyn, JFK is the obvious pick and the ride drops to about 35 minutes.

LaGuardia

Closest to Midtown and the Upper East Side, 30 to 45 minutes door to door, and dramatically better since the rebuild. Domestic only. The flat rate is $109. If your meeting is in Midtown and you are flying within the country, this is the one.

Newark

Often the cheapest fares and the best choice for the West Side, Tribeca, and anywhere in New Jersey. The ride is 45 to 65 minutes and crosses a river, which is why the flat rate is $139 with tolls included. Early-morning departures from Newark are painless.

The rule of thumb

East Side or Brooklyn: JFK. Midtown: LaGuardia. West Side or Jersey: Newark. Whatever you pick, every transfer is tracked to the gate, and your chauffeur waits free for 60 minutes on international flights. Book the ride once you have the flight number.