New York Stewart International Airport (SWF), located in the Hudson Valley, offers a refreshing alternative to New York City’s busier airports, handling around 433,000 passengers annually. Situated 60 miles north of Manhattan in Orange County, this non-hub airport serves domestic and international flights via carriers like Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, and PLAY, with destinations including Orlando, Charleston, and Reykjavik.
The passenger experience at SWF is designed for ease, with a single, modern terminal that ensures quick navigation. Check-in counters, security checkpoints, and gates are all within a short walk, and the airport’s small size means minimal queues, with average security wait times of just over two minutes. Staff are friendly, and clear signage aids first-time visitors. A Federal Inspection Service facility, opened in 2020, processes up to 400 international passengers per hour, making arrivals efficient. Accessibility services, including wheelchair assistance, are available on request, ensuring a smooth journey for all travellers.
Accessing SWF from Manhattan is straightforward, though it requires planning due to the distance. The Stewart Airport Express by Coach USA provides direct bus service from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the airport for £16, taking 75-90 minutes, with schedules aligned to flight times. Public transport options include Metro-North’s Port Jervis Line to Beacon or Salisbury Mills, followed by a £12-£20 taxi ride, though this can take up to two hours. Driving via Interstate 87 and Interstate 84 is the fastest option, covering the 60 miles in about 75 minutes, though tolls and occasional congestion on the New York State Thruway may add time. Parking is affordable, with short-term rates at £4.80 per hour and long-term at £12 per day, located steps from the terminal with contactless payment options. Rental car services, including Enterprise and Avis, are available on-site, reachable via a short walk.
The airport’s layout is simple, with one terminal housing all facilities across 20,000 square feet. Check-in counters, a single security checkpoint, and six jetbridge gates are centrally located, with two baggage claim belts nearby. The Federal Inspection Service area in the terminal’s east wing handles international arrivals, with customs and immigration desks for efficient processing. The compact design eliminates the need for shuttles or trams, and walking from check-in to gates takes under five minutes. Clear signage and a central concourse ensure easy navigation, even for first-time visitors.
Delays are rare due to SWF’s low traffic, but weather, particularly heavy snow or fog in the Hudson Valley, can affect operations, especially in winter months like February. Peak travel times, such as early mornings or holiday periods, may see slightly longer security waits, though rarely exceeding 10 minutes. Travellers should arrive 1.5 hours early for domestic flights and two hours for international to account for potential weather disruptions. Checking flight status via the SWF website or apps like Flightradar24 is recommended.
Dining options at SWF are limited but practical, with Euro Café offering sandwiches, salads, and coffee, and a Hudson News beer garden providing light bites and drinks. Retail includes a duty-free shop for international travellers and Hudson News for souvenirs, magazines, and travel essentials. While options are modest compared to larger airports, they meet basic needs for the airport’s smaller passenger volume.
Facilities are functional, with free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and charging stations near seating areas. A children’s play area keeps young travellers entertained, and a pet relief area is available near the main entrance. ATMs and currency exchange services are on-site, and accessible restrooms cater to all passengers. No airline lounges are available, but the terminal’s open seating areas offer a relaxed waiting environment. Nearby hotels, like the Homewood Suites by Hilton, provide free shuttles for overnight stays.
On-time performance is generally strong, with Allegiant Air and PLAY maintaining reliable schedules due to low runway congestion. The airport’s two runways—6,006 and 11,818 feet—handle diverse aircraft, including occasional diversions from larger airports like JFK. Connections are limited, as SWF is not a major hub, but PLAY offers seamless transfers in Reykjavيk to 22 European cities, with minimum connecting times of 90 minutes. Passengers should confirm gate assignments via airline apps to avoid delays during transfers.Potential delays may arise from winter weather, which can close runways or disrupt bus services from Manhattan. Air traffic control constraints in the busy New York airspace can also cause minor hold-ups, particularly for arriving flights. Travellers can mitigate risks by booking midweek flights, avoiding peak seasons, and monitoring weather forecasts.
