If you fly private into the New York area with any regularity, you have almost certainly used both Teterboro and Westchester. They serve similar markets, handle similar aircraft, and sit within 30 miles of each other. But the right choice depends on where you are going — and when.
This is the practical breakdown.
The Basics
Teterboro Airport (TEB)
Located in Bergen County, New Jersey. Approximately 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan. New York's busiest dedicated private aviation airport. Handles the full range of aircraft from light jets to ultra-long-range. Signature Aviation and Jet Aviation are the primary FBO operators. Full international customs capability.
Westchester County Airport (HPN)
Located in White Plains, New York. Approximately 28 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Quieter than Teterboro, with shorter taxi times and less ramp congestion. Atlantic Aviation is the primary FBO operator on the private side. Also handles some regional commercial traffic. Full international customs capability.
When to Use Teterboro
- Your destination is Midtown Manhattan, downtown, or anywhere south of 59th Street
- You are connecting to a helicopter transfer to Manhattan or the Hamptons
- Your aircraft requires facilities only available at a larger FBO operation
- You are arriving internationally and have a preferred CBP relationship at TEB
When to Use Westchester
- Your destination is the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, or northern Manhattan
- You are heading to Greenwich, Stamford, or Fairfield County, Connecticut
- Your destination is the Hudson Valley — Westchester, Dutchess, or Orange County
- You prefer a quieter, less congested arrival experience
- Your schedule allows for slightly longer ground time and you value a calmer FBO environment
Ground Time Comparison
The numbers below are estimates based on typical traffic conditions. Real ground times vary significantly during peak hours — Friday afternoons leaving New York, and Sunday evenings returning, are the most variable.
- TEB to Midtown Manhattan: 25–45 minutes
- TEB to Lower Manhattan: 30–50 minutes
- TEB to Upper East Side: 35–55 minutes
- HPN to Upper East Side: 35–50 minutes
- HPN to Midtown Manhattan: 40–60 minutes
- HPN to Greenwich, CT: 20–30 minutes
The airport that saves you 15 minutes on the ground can cost you 30 if your destination is in the wrong direction.
The PCNY Recommendation
For most New York arrivals heading to Midtown or below, Teterboro is the default. The ground time advantage is real and the FBO infrastructure is more robust for high-volume arrivals. For clients heading north — whether to the Upper East Side, Connecticut, or the Hudson Valley — Westchester is almost always the better choice once you run the actual ground time numbers.
If you are unsure, PCNY can help you think through the routing before you file. One call before departure is worth more than 45 minutes sitting in GWB traffic.