Is it better to fly or drive to NYC?

Flying is significantly faster and often cheaper than driving when accounting for fuel and hotels.

Which NYC airport is closest to Manhattan?

LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan.

Do I need a car in NYC?

No, a car is a liability in NYC due to expensive parking and heavy traffic.

How long is the flight from MSP to NYC?

Direct flights typically take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes.

What is the best way to get from JFK to Manhattan?

The AirTrain to the subway or the LIRR to Penn Station are the most reliable methods.

Spring Park

New York

Flight Driving

Spring Park to New York

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Spring Park to New York City covers approximately 1,900 kilometers. Most travelers drive 25 minutes to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to catch a direct flight. Direct flights to JFK, LGA, or EWR take roughly 3 hours. Alternatively, driving via I-90 E and I-80 E takes over 20 hours. Flying is the most practical method for this long-distance route.

Total Distance: Driving distance 1,950 km, straight-line air distance 1,750 km.

Fastest Way

Flight, 3 hours direct from MSP to NYC.

Cheapest Way

Flight, starting at $150 when booked in advance.

Compare Spring Park to New York Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	22 hours
Avg Price	$150 - $400	$300 - $500
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MSP to JFK/LGA/EWR	I-90 E and I-80 E
Tip	Book at least 3 weeks in advance to secure lower fares.	Expect heavy tolls through Indiana and Pennsylvania.

Travel Tips

Airport Transit
Use the Light Rail Transit from downtown Minneapolis to reach MSP efficiently.
NYC Subway
Purchase a MetroCard or use OMNY contactless payment for seamless subway travel.
Walking
Wear comfortable shoes as you will likely walk several miles per day in Manhattan.
Dining
Avoid tourist traps in Times Square; explore local eateries in the West Village or Astoria.
Weather
Carry an umbrella as NYC weather can change rapidly throughout the day.

Safety Tips

Subway Awareness
Stay alert on subway platforms and keep your belongings secure in crowded cars.
Street Smarts
Avoid walking alone in isolated areas of parks late at night.
Scams
Ignore street performers or vendors who aggressively solicit money in tourist hubs.
Emergency
Dial 911 for any immediate emergency assistance required in the city.