9 Direct Flights From NYC for 2025, Starting at $165 Round-Trip
New Yorkers can get direct flights to any continent (well, except Antarctica)


New York City may not be the center of the world, despite what many of its residents may think. But when it comes to international travel, it’s certainly an ideal place to be. New Yorkers have access to two large-scale international airports — John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty — offering direct flights to destinations across six continents. (Antarctica, of course, remains a boating journey). And while LaGuardia is widely considered a domestic hub, it does offer direct flights from NYC to a few attractive destinations in the Caribbean and Canada.
All three airports are easily accessible via public transport and boast an array of lounges for frequent fliers, though, like everything else in New York, they have a tendency to get over-crowded. Fortunately, you can enroll in TSA PreCheck or register for Clear at NYC airports to avoid long security lines.
But before you worry about security lines, you have to book your flight, which means figuring out where to go next. Fortunately, there are plenty of direct flights from NYC to international destinations starting at surprisingly low prices.
These are the nine best international flights from New York City to help you plan your next adventure, listed in order of price by airport.
We hope you find an epic flight deal! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Direct Flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the go-to airport for international travel for New Yorkers. It’s the sixth largest airport in the United States, serving 190 destinations, 78 countries, and 72 airlines. Because of the volume of flights, rates tend to be cheaper than in Newark, and there are more options for direct flights.
JFK is also the easiest to access via public transit, with a stop on the E train in Long Island, so you don’t have to pay for an expensive airport shuttle. You’ll want to arrive quite early, however, as it’s the busiest airport in the state.
Flights to Portugal from NYC
- Flight time: 6 hours, 15 minutes
- Airlines: Azores, Tap Air
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $361 (May) via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: This Bright Pink Hotel on a Tropical European Island Is a Literal Dream Getaway
The best deals on flights from NYC to Portugal typically fly into Lisbon or Porto. Non-stop flights from JFK to Madeira, Portugal, launched in 2022 and offer travelers quick and easy access to the idyllic European destination. Madeira and Porto Santo are the two main inhabited islands in the Madeira Islands, a small Portuguese island chain off the western coast of Africa, roughly 350 miles from Morocco. The tropical European island has long been a well-kept secret amongst frequent fliers, renowned for its mountainous coastline, volcanic lava pools, and picturesque vineyards that provide plenty to do.
The new flight path is a sign that the island is increasingly becoming popular on a global stage, and, thanks to its positioning in the North Atlantic, it’s one of the best direct flights from NYC for a long weekend trip (though you may want to stay along its shores for far longer than that). The best months to visit are August and September, when the weather is warmest, though there’s no bad time to visit this Portuguese oasis — the subtropical climate guarantees 12 months of sunshine.
Once you arrive, lounging at the beach is certainly an option, but you’ll find plenty of adventure activities ranging from waterfall-jumping tours to wine-tasting tours in an open-air Jeep. And the hiking is also world-class, with an extremely well-marked system of coastal and inland trails. Oh, and don’t forget to take a wild basket ride while you’re there, too.
Read more about Madeira, Portugal
Flights to Iceland from NYC
- Flight time: 5 hours, 45 minutes
- Airlines: Kenya Airways
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $359 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: Sleep and Dine With Giraffes at This Giraffe Hotel in Kenya
Iceland is all the rage right now — and this summer is the perfect time to find out why. Flights from NYC to Iceland are cheap and quick, and you can be at the Blue Lagoon within an hour of landing. The country is known for hiking, fjords, and small towns that feel a world away from the hustle of Manhattan or Brooklyn, even though the flight is under six hours long.
The best way to see a lot of Iceland in a short time is to book a private tour. These can be catered to interests like outdoor adventure, food and drink, or wellness (and it’s easy to combine all three into one epic trip). The country features some of the best Airbnbs anywhere, including remote cabins and stargazing bubbles. Of course, there are the northern lights . It’s also possible to hop a cruise around the island and see the natural sights from the water.
You’ll fly into Keflavik, which is under an hour from Reykjavik, the capital. The Blue Lagoon is between the two, and if you land early in the morning, head straight there to beat the crowds that show up in the afternoon.
Read more about Iceland
- A Trip to Iceland’s Vestrahorn Is an Otherworldly Experience
- How to Walk Behind and Around Iceland’s Incredible Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Iceland’s Reykjadalur Might Just Be the Most Beautiful Natural Hot Spring
- Iceland’s New Westfjords Way Is a Wild, Empty Alternative to the Ring Road
- 8 Museums in Reykjavík for Huge Whales, Northern Lights, and Lots of Penises
Flights to New Zealand from NYC
- Flight time: 17 hours, 30 minutes
- Airlines: Air New Zealand, Qantas, American
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $1,071 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: The 6 Best Luxury Resorts in New Zealand
Air New Zealand launched the first direct flight between JFK and Auckland in September 2022, eliminating the need for New York travelers to stop in Texas or California en route to the gorgeous South Pacific nation. Sure, 17 hours is a long flight, but it’s a comparatively minimal price to pay for getting to visit. New Zealand is a destination truly worth circling the globe to visit.
Home to dramatic fjords, pristine glaciers, and endless undulating hillsides, New Zealand is famous for its otherworldly nature — hence its nickname of “The Real Middle Earth.” But the culture and cuisine of the Oceania island are also not to be overlooked, and Auckland is the perfect starting point for a trip through NZ.
Thrill-seekers can opt for the Skywalk along New Zealand’s tallest skyscraper for a view of the city, while beach lovers should head west to the coast to enjoy the spectacular sunset at Piha Beach. New Zealand’s world-renowned vineyards are along the eastern coast, while lush rainforests abound in the sup-tropical North Island of New Zealand. Unlike some other direct flights from NYC on this list, there’s not much point in going for just a few days. Budget at least two weeks at a minimum to get a feel for the country.
Read more about New Zealand:
Direct Flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is another portal for New Yorkers to the world beyond. It’s a smaller (and often less crowded) hub for travelers, with only three terminals compared to JFK’s six. As a result, there are fewer options for direct flights, though EWR still connects travelers to 183 destinations in 57 countries.
While JFK is easiest to reach on the subway, EWR’s location in Newark is more convenient for travelers leaving from the west side of Manhattan as the AirTrain connects EWR to Penn Station in about 25 minutes.
Flights to Peru from NYC
- Flight time: 8 hours
- Airlines: United
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $468 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: Hotels Near Machu Picchu Perfect for Post-Trek Relaxation
Fly south to the Peruvian capital of Lima with United’s direct flight from EWR. While many travelers are already aware of the charms of South American capitals such as Bogota or Buenos Aires, this cosmopolitan destination along the Pacific Ocean remains wildly underrated. And flights are quite the steal, often under $500 round-trip.
While many visitors view Lima as a stopover to Cusco and Machu Picchu, the city holds a charm all its own. Avid surfers from all over the globe flock to Lima’s beaches as the Peruvian city is among the most underrated surfing destinations in the world (and one of the birthplaces of the sport). Travelers can spend a day on the beach and an evening visiting the bars and restaurants of the popular Miraflores District, home to some of the city’s best nightlife. The Larco Museum has fascinating exhibits on the nation’s pre-Columbian history, and you’ll definitely want to take a walking tour of the innovative street art and galleries in the neighboring district of Barranco.
Read more about Lima
Flights from NYC to Paris
- Flight time: 7 hours, 10 minutes
- Airlines: Air France, Delta, United, La Compagnie, French Bee, Air Caraibes
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $373 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: The 9 Most Exciting Boutique Hotels in Paris
As 1943’s “Casablanca” told us, “we’ll always have Paris.” (Well, barring a global pandemic). But it’s nice to know that a trip to the City of Light is as easy as ever thanks to the array of flights from NYC to Paris, from EWR direct to Charles De Gaulle Airport. And if you’re looking to save money before spending Euros overseas, consider a trip towards the end of the year, when round-trip prices dip below $500.
While the allure of the French capital remains well-documented in popular culture, there’s still so much to discover on a trip to Paris. Whether you’re interested in living like a local in the eccentric 18th Arrondissement of Montmartre or clubbing in the Marais, there’s something to entice every type of traveler. Of course, you could fill an entire trip with just visiting museums; the Louvre alone can warrant two or three days.
Read more about Paris
Flights to Japan from NYC
- Flight time: 14 hours, 30 minutes
- Airlines: United, ANA
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $805 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: The Top Tokyo Hotels in Each Must-See Neighborhood
There’s a certain thrill involved in departing one major global hub and arriving in another — especially when the latter is totally different than the former. And if you’re looking to save money on airfare, check out the rates for a direct flight to Narita International Airport, which are under $1,000 via Skyscanner for May, 2025. That’s also good news for skiers, since the low rates continue into December.
Tokyo is a cultural hotspot and a trendsetting capital, not just within the nation of Japan but throughout the world. You can spend days getting lost in the city’s art districts, historical sites, and shopping centers, experiencing the city’s very distinct historical and modern-day cultures and subcultures.
To capitalize on the country’s natural beauty in the fall, time your trip for November, when the Japanese maple trees (momiji) turn red. Much is said about Tokyo’s cherry blossom season in March and April, but autumnal leaf peeping in Japan is just as colorful (and usually more affordable). And Tokyo is so lively that there’s always something happening year-round.
Read more about Tokyo:
Direct Flights from LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is in Queens, just north of Manhattan, and is the smallest airport in New York City. While LGA is generally reserved for domestic travel, the airport does offer a few direct flights from NYC to international locales, with non-stop flights to 84 destinations in four countries other than the US: Aruba, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canada.
The small airport is easy to navigate and reachable on the F or N subway lines. And since it’s only 10 miles from Manhattan, it’s cheaper and faster to reach by taxi than other other New York airports, especially if you’re uptown or on the east side. Plus, the recent renovations have been hailed as both innovative and luxurious, and the full $8 billion redesign will be complete by the end of 2024.
Flights to Toronto from NYC
- Flight time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
- Airlines: Air Canada, United, WestJet, Delta
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $165 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: 8 Hotels in Toronto With Outstanding Service and Proximity To Must-See Attractions
Consider a trip up north with a jaunt to Ontario. Toronto Pearson International Airport is just under a two-hour direct flight from NYC’s LaGuardia, and prices are extremely reasonable year-round. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and home to impressive art galleries and museums — not to mention the Hockey Hall of Fame (a tribute to the most Canadian of sports).
Toronto is an ideal place to spend a cosmopolitan weekend exploring award-winning restaurants and outdoor festivals, or doing some nearby sightseeing. Iconic Niagara Falls is nearby (and much more beautiful on the Canadian side), as is Prince Edward Island, a coastal oasis with red-sand beaches every bit as gorgeous as the pink sands of the Bahamas.
Read more about Toronto:
Flights to Spain from NYC
- Flight time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- Airlines: American Airlines, Air France
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $551 via Skyscanner
Visiting Madrid or Barcelona in summer is the stuff of Eurotrip dreams. Spain is the place to be from May until the seasons change, and with these flight deals from La Guardia to Madrid and elsewhere in the country, you can splurge a bit on an Airbnb while you’re there. Plan to take your trip to Seville and into Basque country, where you can eat some of the best cuisine in the world.
In Madrid, the Royal Palace is a must-see, and an afternoon should be blocked to stroll through the art-filled halls of the Prado Museum. Also experience Plaza Mayor and the lush greenery of Retiro Park. In Barcelona, you can admire the breathtaking architecture of Antoni Gaudí, especially the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Stroll down La Rambla to experience the city’s lively street life and explore the historic Gothic Quarter.
Read more about Spain:
- Grab Your Friends and Live the Good Life on a Trip to Madrid
- Seville Is One of Europe’s Underrated Cities. Here’s Where to Stay for a Cultural Trip to Spain.
- This Little-Known Luxury Train Is the Spanish Equivalent of the Orient Express
- Madrid Neighborhood Guide: 4 City Districts for Getting Off the Beaten Path
- How to Plan the Perfect Two-Week Itinerary for a Trip to Spain
Flights to the Bahamas from NYC
- Flight time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
- Airlines: JetBlue
- Lowest round-trip price in 2025: $363 via Skyscanner
- Where to stay: 17 of the Most Breathtaking Airbnbs in the Bahamas
There are few things more refreshing than departing the big city for the tropics, and to boot, flying to The Bahamas from NYC is cheaper than flying to many domestic destinations. You can get there fast and then take it slow. Beach Boys, anyone?
While there are few Caribbean destinations as well-known as the Bahamas, the nation’s capital of Nassau still holds many surprises and delights for first-time visitors and return travelers alike. If you’re not into all-inclusive resorts, leave them behind for a stay at Compass Point (a favored recording destination of both Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones) and venture out on a walking food tour of the city with Tru Bahamian Food Tours, which provides guests with a fascinating history of the capital (and plenty of rum, of course). Nearly any other tropical activity you can imagine is also an option, from snorkeling to sunset cruises to stand-up paddleboarding and even submarine tours.
Read more about the Bahamas