The New York City area has three airports. John F. Kennedy and La Guardia, two of the world's busiest airports, are in Queens; Newark Liberty International is in New Jersey.

John F. Kennedy Airport, the area's largest, is located in Queens off the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678) about 15 miles east of Manhattan. The airport is undergoing renovation work to improve its terminals, roadways and arrivals buildings. Work is scheduled to be completed by 2006.

From JFK to Manhattan, take the Van Wyck Expressway to Grand Central Parkway, then head west on the Long Island Expressway. To reach Lower Manhattan, take the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and access either the Brooklyn, Manhattan or Williamsburg bridges leading into the city. To reach Midtown Manhattan, stay on the Long Island Expressway, which feeds directly into the Queens Midtown Tunnel. Drive time is about 1 hour.

Or take the subway: Take the A train directly from the Howard Beach JFK Airport station. The Q10 bus also connects JFK airport to Union Turnpike (E or F train), 121st Street (J or Z train) and Lefferts Boulevard (A train) stations; phone (718) 995-4700 for schedules.

AirTrain, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's airport rail system, ushers airline passengers from the airport to the Howard Beach terminal for subway connections to Manhattan or to Jamaica Station to catch a subway or the Long Island Rail Road. For AirTrain schedules and information about connections and transfers, phone (718) 244-4444.

Just 8 miles east of Midtown in northwest Queens, La Guardia Airport handles many domestic flights. The airport was named after the city's former mayor, Fiorello La Guardia (1934-45), who is credited with helping develop the metropolitan area's accessibility for the aviation age.

Upon leaving La Guardia Airport, take Grand Central Parkway west to the Triborough Bridge, then to Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive. Going north on FDR Drive takes you into Harlem; traveling south on FDR Drive takes you to Midtown Manhattan. Drive time is about 40 minutes.

New York Airport Service provides bus service from La Guardia and JFK airports to Manhattan and to the Jamaica, Queens, Long Island Rail Road station. The bus stops in Manhattan at the Port Authority bus terminal, 41st Street and Park Avenue, Grand Central Terminal and most midtown hotels. Fares are: from La Guardia to Manhattan $12; from JFK to Manhattan $15; between La Guardia and JFK $13; from La Guardia to hotels $12; and from JFK to hotels $15. Buses run frequently; for schedules and other information phone New York Airport Service at (718) 875-8200.

SuperShuttle departs from all La Guardia terminals and drops off passengers at Manhattan hotels. Fares range $15-$22 and the schedule varies according to passenger demand; phone (212) 315-3006 for information or (212) 258-3826 to make reservations. SuperShuttle also offers shuttle service from all three airports in vans designed to handle wheelchairs; reservations are required. Fares are $17 from Kennedy or Newark.

The Q48 bus provides service from La Guardia to the 111th Street or Main Street stations (both via the 7 train). On the subway, take the Q33 bus from La Guardia to Roosevelt Avenue station (via the E, F, G or R train) or the 74th Street/Broadway station (via the 7 train). For additional information, phone MTA, (718) 330-1234.

New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport handles domestic and transatlantic flights. Located on Newark Bay about 16 miles southwest of Manhattan, Newark is an ideal fly-in point for those proceeding to Lower Manhattan or points along the borough's western side. Take the New Jersey Turnpike to the Holland Tunnel for access to Lower Manhattan, and follow the signs to the Lincoln Tunnel if you are headed for Midtown Manhattan. It will take you about 40 minutes to reach the city.

Express buses from Newark Liberty stop at the Port Authority Bus Terminal at W. 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan; Olympia Trails Bus Service buses depart every 20 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight. One-way fare is $12; phone (908) 354-3330.

New Jersey Transit bus #62 runs between Newark Liberty and selected points in Newark, including Newark's Penn Station, where PATH subways depart for Broadway at 33rd Street. Buses leave Mon.-Fri. and Sun. every 20-30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sat. every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. The fare is $1.10.

AirTrain's rail system links Newark Liberty International Airport with Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where passengers can transfer to Amtrak or New Jersey Transit trains to continue on to New York City; phone (888) 397-4636.

Taxis are plentiful at all airports; a taxi ride from Kennedy, La Guardia or Newark Liberty to Midtown Manhattan costs $35 plus tolls and tip.

Hertz, 310 E. 48th St., offers discounts to AAA members; phone (800) 654-3080. All major car rental agencies have offices in New York City and at each airport.