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Most international flights land at John F. Kennedy Airport and some at Newark. La Guardia Airport serves domestic flights. Cab fares to the city are a fixed $45 from Kennedy Airport, $34–$50 from Newark, and $20–$30 from LaGuardia, plus $3.50 toll and tips.

Several limousine companies offer private door-to-door services by appointment, to or from the airports, rail, or ship terminals, at pre-arranged rates averaging $5-$10 more than taxi fares. Reputable services include Carmel and Tel Aviv.

Supershuttle vans operate door-to-door and are less than limousines or taxis.They pick up several passengers so allow plenty of time. Prices are $15–22 according to zip code.

Coaches from the airports to central midtown points cost $8–$13. Shared minibuses with hotel drop-offs cost $13–$19. Transportation information is available at the baggage checkout areas in all airports.

Amtrak trains from all parts of the U.S. arrive at Penn Station, 7th Avenue and 33rd Street. Long Island Railroad and New Jersey Transit commuter trains also use Penn station, and MetroNorth regional trains use Grand Central Terminal, at Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street. Cabs are widely available at all terminal entrances.

Buses are the least expensive way to travel in the U.S. Intercity bus and commuter lines arrive at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Cabs wait at the 8th Avenue entrance.

Cruise ships arrive in New York at the spacious, modern NYC Passenger Ship Terminal. Customs and immigration officials are on duty to process passengers on overseas cruises. Cabs are found outside the terminal.

Cars are a liability in midtown, where parking spaces are nonexistent and parking expenses can run to more than $30 a day. Check in advance with your hotel over the availability and cost of parking, and, if necessary, consider using a suburban motel located near convenient transportation into Manhattan.

$100 worth of gifts ($400 for U.S. citizens), one carton of 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and one litre of liquor may be brought into the U.S. without without incurring customs fees. No meat, seeds, growing plants, or fresh fruit may be brought in. Prescription drugs should be clearly marked. A receipt for any cameras or laptops will pre-empt any queries when you leave.

Landing cards and customs declaration forms are usually distributed on the plane, to be filled out ready for U.S. customs and immigration. Foreign nationals will have to join a separate (and usually long) line to have their passport inspected at immigration. Most UK and Canadian passport holders do not need visas if staying in the U.S. for 90 days or less; always check with your embassy.