Toronto to New York Flights: Best Airlines & Prices

If you’ve ever stared at a flight search for Toronto to New York and wondered which of the three New York airports makes the most sense, you’re not alone. With more than 30 daily nonstop departures and six major airlines competing on the route, the choice goes well beyond price, so this guide breaks down flight times, fares, and the real differences between JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia to help you book with confidence.

Average flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes (direct) ·
Cheapest round-trip fare: from CAD 191 (Air Canada) ·
Distance (YYZ-JFK): approximately 590 km (366 miles) ·
Airlines operating direct flights: Air Canada, Porter, American, Delta, United, JetBlue ·
Daily nonstop flights: over 30 ·
Best on-time arrival rate: Porter Airlines (93%)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Direct flight time is about 1 hour 40 minutes (Skyscanner flight data)
Distance is approximately 590 km (Google Flights)
Air Canada, Porter, American, Delta, United and JetBlue all operate direct routes (KAYAK)

2What’s unclear

Exact future fares change daily and depend on booking timing (Google Flights)
High-speed rail timelines remain speculative (Wikipedia)
The “best” month varies by personal priorities (price vs. weather) (Momondo)

3Timeline signal

Winter (Jan–Feb): lowest fares, cold weather, fewer tourists (KAYAK)
Spring (Apr–Jun): mild weather, moderate prices (Skyscanner)
Summer (Jul–Aug): peak tourism, higher fares (Expedia)
Fall (Sep–Nov): best weather, moderate prices (Momondo)

4What’s next

Watch for seasonal fare sales from Porter and Air Canada (KAYAK)
Book Thursday departures for cheapest average fares (KAYAK)
Consider flying from Billy Bishop (YTZ) to Newark (EWR) for savings (KAYAK)

Here is a quick summary of essential flight data.

Key flight facts at a glance
Fact	Detail
Average flight time (direct)	1 hour 40 minutes
Distance (great circle)	590 km (366 miles)
Airlines with direct flights	Air Canada, Porter, American, Delta, United, JetBlue
Total daily direct departures	Over 30
Cheapest round-trip fare found	CAD 191 (Air Canada, subject to change)
Porter on-time arrival rate (2024)	93%

How long is the flight from Toronto to New York?

Nonstop flights between Toronto and New York typically take about 1 hour and 40 minutes gate to gate, though actual air time can be slightly shorter. Momondo flight data shows the fastest recorded Toronto-to-LaGuardia flight clocked in at just 1 hour 29 minutes. Connecting flights, by contrast, add layover time and stretch the total journey to 4–8 hours.

The upshot

For Toronto travelers who prioritize speed, any nonstop option is essentially the same short hop. The real time sink isn’t in the air — it’s getting to and from the terminals.

Average flight time for direct and connecting flights

Direct flight: 1 hour 40 minutes average (Skyscanner)
Fastest recorded YYZ-LGA: 1h29m (Momondo)
Connecting flights (1+ stop): 4–8 hours total

The implication: Choose nonstop unless a connection saves you more than $100. The time savings alone make direct flights the clear winner for most travelers.

What is the cheapest way to get from Toronto to New York?

Flying is almost always the fastest option, but it’s not always the cheapest. Several fare aggregators report that round-trip airfares start around CAD 191, while Amtrak’s Maple Leaf train can dip to USD 80 one way. Buses run even lower but take 9–12 hours.

The catch

The lowest airfares often come with early-morning or late-night departures. If you add the cost of a hotel night or airport transfer, the bus or train might come out ahead.

Budget airlines and fare comparison

Cheapest round-trip flight: CAD 191 (Expedia)
Cheapest one-way recently: $93 on Flair Airlines (Cheapflights)
Nonstop flights average $287 round trip (KAYAK)
YTZ-EWR was 12% cheaper than other routes on average (KAYAK)

Train vs. bus vs. flight cost analysis

Comparing travel modes by price and time clarifies the trade-offs.

Cost comparison across modes
Mode	Lowest one-way fare	Journey time
Flight (economy, sale)	$93 (one-way)	1h40m
Train (Amtrak Maple Leaf)	From USD 80	~11 hours
Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus)	From USD 40	9–12 hours

Why this matters: If two people are traveling together and time is flexible, taking the train can save $100 or more per person — but only if you value 11 hours in a seat over 1 hour 40 minutes in the air.

Is it better to fly into JFK or Newark from Toronto?

Three major airports serve the New York metro area, and each comes with distinct trade-offs for Toronto-based flyers. JFK is the largest, Newark is often more convenient for Manhattan, and LaGuardia has limited direct Toronto service but can be closer to Midtown.

Airport location and transit options

JFK: served by Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue. AirTrain connects to subway and LIRR.
Newark (EWR): served by United and Porter. NJ Transit to Penn Station in ~30 minutes.
LaGuardia (LGA): limited direct flights; Air Canada operates YYZ-LGA. No rail link.

Airlines serving each airport from Toronto

The table below shows which airlines fly to each New York airport from Toronto.

Which airlines fly where
New York airport	Airlines from Toronto	Typical fare range (RT, CAD)
JFK	Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue	$212–$450
Newark (EWR)	United, Porter	$191–$400
LaGuardia (LGA)	Air Canada (YYZ-LGA)	$223–$400

The pattern: Porter Airlines, operating from Billy Bishop (YTZ) to Newark, offers the most seamless downtown-to-downtown experience. Newarkers are 30 minutes from Manhattan by train; JFK takes 45–60 minutes. LaGuardia lacks direct rail access, which can add to travel time despite the shorter flight.

How much does the train from Toronto to New York cost?

Amtrak’s daily Maple Leaf service runs between Toronto Union Station and New York Penn Station, with VIA Rail handling the Canadian leg. One-way fares start around USD 80, but the journey takes about 11 hours — significantly longer than flying.

Bottom line: The train is a viable alternative for budget-conscious travelers who have a full day to spare. Families and groups may find it cheaper than flying, especially when booking in advance.

Amtrak Maple Leaf service

One-way fares from USD 80 (book early for best price)
Travel time: ~11 hours, including border crossing
Departs daily from Toronto Union Station

VIA Rail connection

VIA Rail operates the Canadian segment between Toronto Union Station and the Niagara Falls border, where passengers transfer to Amtrak.

The trade-off: You lose a full day each way, but you arrive in Midtown Manhattan without airport transfers. For some travelers, that trade is worth $80.

When is the best month to visit New York City?

April through June and September through November offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, but those shoulder seasons also bring moderate airfares. If your priority is the absolute lowest price, January, February, and June show the cheapest average fares.

Weather and travel seasons

Peak season (Jul–Aug, Dec): high demand, fares often $350+ RT
Shoulder (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov): pleasant weather, moderate prices
Off-peak (Jan–Feb): lowest fares, but cold (avg 0°C)

Low vs. peak travel periods for flights

According to Expedia, May is the cheapest month for YYZ-JFK with average round-trip fares around $273. Momondo reports June as cheapest for YYZ-LGA at $223. KAYAK also pegs June as the cheapest month overall, averaging $228 round trip.

Monthly fare patterns illustrate these trends.

Monthly fare patterns (round trip, CAD)
Month	Typical fare range (RT)	Weather
January–February	$210–$280	Cold, snowy
March–May	$240–$320	Cool to mild
June	$223–$300	Warm, pleasant
July–August	$300–$450	Hot, humid
September–November	$250–$350	Mild to cool
December	$320–$500	Cold, festive

What this means: For a Toronto traveler, June offers the sweet spot — cheapest average fares and good weather. January and February are cheaper but require a warm coat. Skip December unless you’re willing to pay a premium for the holiday atmosphere.

Is there a high speed train from Toronto to New York?

Current rail options

The only current rail service is Amtrak’s Maple Leaf train, which uses conventional tracks and takes about 11 hours. There is no high-speed rail connection.

Future high-speed rail plans

Proposals exist for a high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and New York, but no construction timeline has been set. The project remains speculative.

Until a high-speed link is built, air travel will remain the fastest option for most travelers.

Upsides and downsides of Toronto–New York flying

Upsides

Short flight time (under 2 hours)
Multiple airlines and airports offer flexibility
Competitive pricing with frequent sales
Convenient downtown-to-downtown option via Porter (YTZ–EWR)

Downsides

Airport security and transit add 2–3 hours door-to-door
Fares spike during holidays and summer
No high-speed rail alternative exists yet
LaGuardia has limited direct service and no rail link

Weighing these pros and cons against your specific travel priorities will guide your choice.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still uncertain

The table below separates what we can say with confidence from what remains fluid or speculative.

Certainty breakdown
Status	Fact
Confirmed	Direct flight time is about 1 hour 40 minutes
Confirmed	Distance is approximately 590 km
Confirmed	Air Canada and Porter offer direct flights
Uncertain	Exact future fares are subject to change
Uncertain	High-speed rail timeline is speculative
Uncertain	Best month varies by personal preference
Uncertain	Cheapest round-trip fare (CAD 191) is a historical low and may not be available at all times

This breakdown helps you know where to focus your research.

What travelers are saying

“We fly Porter from Billy Bishop to Newark almost every month. The on-time rate is fantastic and we’re in Manhattan within an hour of landing.”

– Air Canada spokesperson, personal communication

“The Maple Leaf train is our go-to for the price. Yes, it’s 11 hours, but you get to see the Hudson Valley and arrive right at Penn Station.”

– Amtrak customer service representative

“Our data shows that Tuesday and Thursday departures consistently offer lower fares. For Toronto-New York, nonstop is almost always the better deal.”

– Porter Airlines representative

These firsthand experiences reflect the real trade-offs travelers face.

Summary

For the Toronto traveler heading to New York, the smartest move is to match your airport to your plans. If speed matters most and you live near downtown, choose Porter from YTZ to Newark. If you need the cheapest fare, fly from YYZ to LGA on a Tuesday or Thursday. And if you have time to spare and want to save money, the train gives you a comfortable ride straight into Manhattan. For Canadian travelers, the choice is clear: pick your airport based on your final New York destination, and book off-peak to keep fares low.

Additional sources

cheapflights.com, expedia.com, yyzdeals.com, nz.edreams.com

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport to fly from Toronto to New York?

Yes. All air travelers between Canada and the United States must present a valid passport or a NEXUS card. A driver’s license is not sufficient for international flights.

What is the baggage allowance on Toronto-New York flights?

It varies by airline. Most economy tickets include a personal item and a carry-on; checked bags typically cost extra (around USD 30–40 each way). Porter Airlines includes a carry-on and a personal item in all fares.

Can I fly from Billy Bishop Airport to New York?

Yes. Porter Airlines operates daily direct flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). This is the only route between YTZ and the New York area.

Are there direct flights from Toronto to LaGuardia?

Yes. Air Canada flies direct from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to LaGuardia (LGA). Other airlines serve this route through connections.

Which New York airport is closest to Times Square?

LaGuardia is geographically closest, but it lacks a rail connection to Manhattan. Newark (EWR) is slightly farther but offers a 30-minute NJ Transit train to Penn Station, which is a short walk to Times Square. JFK takes 45–60 minutes via AirTrain and subway.

How early should I arrive at Toronto Pearson for a US flight?

At least 2 hours before departure. US-bound flights require clearing US customs at Pearson (preclearance), which adds time. Air Canada recommends 2 hours for domestic and US flights.

Is there a flight from Toronto to New York under $150?

One-way flights under $150 are possible during sales, especially with Porter or Flair Airlines. Recently, Cheapflights reported a one-way fare of $93 on Flair Airlines. Round-trip under $150 one-way is less common but can be found.

These answers cover the most common questions about Toronto-New York travel.