Book your flight to New York with Icelandair from GBP 298*

FAQs about travel to New York

Information for passengers travelling to New York from the UK

How long does it take to fly to New York?

The flight time to New York from the UK can vary depending on the city you depart, the specific flight path, as well as any layovers you have planned. However, on average, the flight time from the UK to NYC is around 8 hours. Passengers flying to New York with Icelandair will stopover in Iceland before flying directly to NYC.

Which New York airport should I fly to?

New York has three main airports – John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty Int. (EWR). Icelandair flights to New York from England and Scotland land at either JFK or Newark (EWR).

For most people, JFK is the best airport to fly into since it’s well connected to the city via the subway and offers many flight options as a large international airport.

Newark (EWR) is closer to Manhattan, so is a good airport to fly into if you’re staying in that area. It’s also often less crowded than JFK so flights can be cheaper and less busy.

Do I need a visa to fly to New York from the UK?

UK citizens flying to New York will need to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding their flight.

You can apply for an ESTA online through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. The application process is straightforward and usually only takes a few minutes to complete.

See more information on visa and entry requirements.

How can I find cheap flights to New York?

If you’re looking for cheap flights to New York from the UK, we advise booking your trip in advance to secure the best deal. Traveling outside of peak tourists seasons such as the festive period and summer can also help lower the cost. We also advise checking our flight deals regularly for the best airfare.

Which cities in the UK can I fly to New York from?

Icelandair offers flights to NYC from three major cities in the UK: London, Manchester and Glasgow.

For international flights. Passengers should arrive 3-4 hours before their departure to secure a smooth and easy check-in.

What to see and do in New York

Ice skaters skating on the ice rink at Woolmark Park in the winter season in New York City

Best time to fly to New York

The best time to visit New York is between April and June when the weather gets better and crowds dip before the summer.

If you don’t mind the cold, November or December is also a great time to visit as everything gets festive for Thanksgiving and Christmas – you might even see some snow!

With plenty to see and do throughout the year, there’s really no bad time to visit the City That Never Sleeps.

Whether you want to book flights to New York from England or Scotland, you can find great packages on return flights to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), with Icelandair.

Getting around New York

Thanks to its layout, New York is a pretty walkable city. It also has an excellent public transport system with buses, trains, and the iconic subway system.

Riding the subway is a great way to explore the five boroughs - the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island - and feel like a local as you do it. Just purchase a MetroCard to get started.

The Staten Island ferry is another iconic mode of transport in New York. The trip takes about 25 minutes and is completely free. From the boat, you can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, New York harbor, and the Statue of Liberty.

Before you take in the bright lights of the Big Apple, how about exploring a cooler capital? UK travellers can take advantage of our Iceland and New York package and add a stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.

The iconic yellow cabs in New York making their way through the high rise city
The Woolman Park lit up in an evening glow with the city lights reflecting on the water in the pond and snow laying on either side of the bridge

Things to do in New York

When it comes to things to do in New York, you’ll be spoilt for choice. This big, buzzing city will leave you dizzy with its sheer energy and diversity - New York doesn't just have everything, it is everything, all at once and in your face.

New York is a destination that looms large in creative dreams and is a muse for so many on screens big and small.

Visit Central Park to discover the setting of iconic scenes in such films as When Harry Met Sally and Home Alone 2. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo and take in the striking Bethesda Fountain.

If you want to get up close to the homegrown culture, we recommend watching a baseball game at one of the city’s stadiums, seeing a Broadway show, or visiting one of the many incredible museums such as the Guggenheim or the Met.

Top attractions in New York

Iconic landmarks beckon from all directions in New York. There’s the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square, to name but a few.

Take a trip to the Top of the Rock, the Observation Deck, at the top of the Rockefeller Centre. Here you can enjoy views of the entire city of New York. Take the trip to the top at night to enjoy the beauty of the city’s lights.

Take the ferry over to Ellis Island, where you can view some of the earliest records of immigration to New York City.

For a dose of more recent history, you can visit the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay tribute to the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attack - an event that continues to impact the entire international community.

An overhead view of New York City on a bright summers day
A picture of the back of someone's legs making their way up the escalator in a shopping mall, holding four brightly coloured shopping bags

Shopping in New York

From flea markets to high fashion, this is a city for retail therapy and unique, stylish finds.

Hit Midtown's Fifth Avenue and surrounds to scour iconic department stores like Barneys, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Saks.

Savvy shoppers also make a beeline for Century 21, a New York institution, and other famous discount and designer outlet stores promising deals galore – just remember to leave some room in your suitcase.

Looking for something to take back to those back home in the UK? Stop by any museum gift store for a one-of-a-kind memento.

Eat and drink in New York

New York is a haven for foodies. If you’re looking for the quintessential New York food experience, there’s plenty to choose from.

Grab a pretzel or hot dog from a street cart or order a burger and milkshake at an old-fashioned diner to live the American dream. Or, make a reservation at the latest hotspot where part of the fun is to see and be seen and sample the fancy creations of an A-list celebrity chef.

Alternatively, let your geographical wanderings dictate your dinner. Find dim sum in Chinatown, soul food in Harlem, craft beers and burgers in Brooklyn and plenty more. Whatever you decide to do, come hungry!

A picture of someone taking a picture on their smartphone of a doughnut and sweet treats laid out on the table in front

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