Flying from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) to New York: what you need to know
New York is three hours behind Praia, where Nelson Mandela International Airport is located. New York runs on the UTC-4 timezone.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your RAI to New York flight.
Planning to travel during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight ticket from RAI to New York. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Mohamed V International Airport (CMN)
Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL)
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
RAI is about 3 kilometres from central Praia. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
In search of a hotel close to RAI? If you're catching an early flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
51.1% of flights that leave from Nelson Mandela International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) to New York
The best price we've found for a one-way Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York flight is $1,486. The cheapest price for a return flight is $2,070. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RAI to New York if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, make the most of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when searching for a Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York ticket.
There's no need to check every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from RAI to New York.
Save money on your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is around 48 kilometres from central New York. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near JFK:
Go where the road takes you with a John F. Kennedy International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Budget, Dollar or Sixt and venture far and wide through New York and beyond.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from John F. Kennedy International Airport about two weeks before your flight from RAI to New York.
You'll find JFK at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
After your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in about 30 minutes by car. Central New York is roughly 24 kilometres from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to EWR. Here are a few options where you can check in after your RAI to New York flight:
Dollar, Budget and Thrifty make collecting a Newark Liberty International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride three weeks before your arrival at EWR can get you a lower rate.
The address for Newark Liberty International Airport is Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York has landed. Central New York is about 18 kilometres from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and takes roughly 25 minutes to reach by car.
The journey will take you roughly 1 hour by public transport.
Enjoy a low-stress, comfortable start to your break by choosing a hotel near LGA after your RAI to New York flight. Unwind after a day of travel or just give yourself time to get your bearings in a new city at:
Whether you want a mini for a solo trip or an SUV to transport your group, you'll find the right LaGuardia Airport rental car for you. Explore the types of wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Ace Rent a Car and Thrifty.
Around two weeks before your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York is the ideal time to secure your ride from LGA. You're more likely to lock in a better rate or score some early bird savings.
LaGuardia Airport is located at Hangar 7 Centre.
Best time to go to New York
Before you book your flights from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in New York offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season means you'll get better deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in New York is July, with temperatures ranging between 18ºC and 30ºC. Book your Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from RAI to New York in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 8ºC.
More about New York
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in New York right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to New York:
Central Park and Statue of Liberty are just the start of the major attractions to put on your New York travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Empire State Building.
Explore more of United States
New York will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of United States you should also see. Around 129 kilometres south-west of New York, a visit to Philadelphia will keep you busy. Start with leading attractions like Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Boston is another sought-after destination in United States and is around 306 kilometres north-east of New York. No trip is complete without dropping by Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.