The guide to Westchester County Airport starts with one simple truth: if you have ever landed at JFK or LaGuardia during peak travel season and spent an hour just getting off the plane, HPN will feel like a completely different world. Westchester County Airport, also known as White Plains Airport, sits just six miles northeast of White Plains, New York, and serves the northwest suburbs of New York City in a way that the major city airports simply cannot. Smaller, calmer, and considerably more manageable, it is a genuinely underrated option for travellers heading to or from the New York metro area. Whether you are arriving for business or leisure, pairing your arrival with a private chauffeur service makes the whole experience even smoother — Windy City Limousine Chicago provides luxury airport transfers through its trusted global affiliate network, with professional chauffeurs, real-time flight tracking, and a fleet built for executive-level comfort.
This guide to Westchester County Airport covers everything from the airport’s history and current flight options to lounges, hotels, ground transportation, and practical tips for a stress-free experience.
A Brief History of Westchester County Airport
Westchester County Airport was not originally built for commercial travel. Constructed in 1942, it began its life as an Air National Guard station designed to help protect New York City during World War II. Civilian and military operations ran side by side from 1949 until 1983, when the Guard relocated to Stewart International Airport nearby, leaving the facility to develop fully as a commercial and general aviation hub.
Today, HPN handles well over 1.5 million passengers annually, a number that continues to grow year on year. One of its most consistent strengths is on-time performance — roughly three-quarters of all flights arrive and depart within 15 minutes of their scheduled times, a statistic that puts many larger airports to shame. For business travellers in particular, that reliability is not a small thing.
Westchester Airport Flights — Where Can You Fly From HPN?
The current scheduled airline roster at HPN includes American Eagle, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, JetBlue Airways, and United Express. Between them, these carriers connect Westchester to a solid range of domestic destinations including Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Washington D.C. Reagan National, Atlanta, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Connecting services from these hubs extend your options to destinations across the United States and internationally.
During the summer months, a charter service operates between Westchester and Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in Massachusetts — a popular seasonal route for those heading to the New England coast.
While HPN does not offer the sheer volume of routes that JFK or Newark provide, it more than compensates through ease of use. Check-in lines are short, security is fast, and the overall experience of moving through the airport is far less taxing than what you encounter at the major New York hubs.
Westchester Airport Lounges and Private Jet Terminals
Given its size, Westchester County Airport does not have the network of airline lounges you would find at a major hub. There are no branded airline clubs or premium departure lounges within the main terminal. That said, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas of the airport, which makes waiting for a flight considerably more productive.
For private aviation passengers, there is a dedicated lounge at the general aviation terminal with seating and basic facilities. It is functional rather than lavish, but adequate for the volume of private travellers that pass through.
Private Jet Charter Services at Westchester Airport
One of the defining characteristics of HPN is how heavily it is used by private aviation. Approximately three-quarters of all aircraft movements at Westchester are general aviation — private jets, charter flights, and helicopter operations — rather than scheduled commercial service. This makes it one of the busier private aviation hubs in the northeastern United States.
Two fixed-base operators handle private aircraft at the airport: Ross Aviation East and Signature Flight Support, both of which offer fuel, hangar space, and ground handling services. For guests looking to charter a private jet or helicopter, Wings Air and Tradewinds Aviation both operate from Westchester, providing flexible options for those who want to travel on their own schedule.
Getting to Westchester Airport from New York City
This is where planning makes a real difference. Westchester County Airport sits roughly 30 to 35 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, and depending on the time of day, the drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour and a half. Understanding your options ahead of time saves a lot of stress.
For business travellers and anyone prioritising comfort, a pre-booked private chauffeur transfer is by far the most reliable choice. Windy City Limousine Chicago coordinates premium airport transfers through its global affiliate network, covering HPN pickups and drop-offs in vehicles from the Lincoln Continental and Cadillac XTS for solo executives to the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van for larger groups or those travelling with significant luggage. Chauffeurs monitor your flight in real time, so whether you land early or late, your driver is ready when you are.
Book your Westchester Airport transfer here.
For those who prefer public options, the Bee-Line Bus Service connects the airport to downtown White Plains and various points across Westchester County. From White Plains, the MTA Metro-North Railroad runs regular services into Grand Central Station in Manhattan — a useful combination if you are comfortable with a two-stage journey and a bit of luggage management.
Car rental is also available directly inside the terminal, with six major companies on-site: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The pick-up and drop-off lots sit directly adjacent to the baggage claim area, making the process straightforward. Renting a car makes most sense for travellers who plan to move around Westchester County independently during their stay.
Hotels Near Westchester County Airport
There are no hotels on the airport grounds themselves, but several solid options sit within five miles of HPN — a practical consideration for early departures or late arrivals when heading into Manhattan simply does not make sense.
Crowne Plaza White Plains-Downtown is located 3.7 miles from the airport, next to the Westchester Mall. Its 402 guest rooms and suites are well-appointed, and executive-level rooms include breakfast and an afternoon cocktail hour. The property has two restaurants, a coffee shop, a fitness room, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour business centre — a good all-round option for business travellers.
Hyatt House White Plains sits at the same distance from HPN and takes a different approach, offering 159 one and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and sleeper sofas. Breakfast is included, and the property suits both longer stays and overnight stopovers well. Facilities include a fitness room, a business centre, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Hilton Westchester is the largest of the three options, with 445 rooms set across 37 acres of woodland. It sits slightly further from the airport but compensates with an impressive range of facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, a jogging trail, tennis courts, and over 30 meeting rooms. The on-site restaurant Härth serves farm-to-table meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed setting — a cut above the standard airport hotel dining experience.
Tips for a Smooth Experience at HPN
If this is your first time flying through Westchester, a few practical points are worth knowing. Arrive with enough time, but not too much — security at HPN moves quickly and the terminal is compact, so the two-hour rule that applies at JFK is generally not necessary here. Parking is straightforward and reasonably priced compared to New York City airport options. The cell phone lot is well-positioned for anyone meeting an arriving passenger. And if you are travelling with significant luggage or a group, organising your ground transportation in advance is the single most impactful thing you can do to keep the experience smooth.
Ready to Arrive in Comfort?
Whether you are flying into HPN for business or making your way to the airport for a departure, your ground transfer should be the last thing you have to worry about. Windy City Limousine Chicago handles luxury airport transfers to and from Westchester County Airport through its worldwide network, with professional chauffeurs, premium vehicles, and 24/7 availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westchester County Airport also known as?
Westchester County Airport is also commonly called White Plains Airport or HPN, its IATA code. It is located six miles northeast of White Plains, New York.
Is Westchester Airport easier to use than JFK or LaGuardia?
For most travellers, yes. HPN is considerably smaller, which means shorter security lines, faster baggage claim, and a generally less stressful experience. On-time performance at HPN is also stronger than at most major New York airports.
Which airlines fly out of Westchester County Airport?
Scheduled carriers include American Eagle, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, JetBlue Airways, and United Express, with routes to destinations including Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.
Does Westchester Airport have a lounge?
There is no branded airline lounge at HPN. A basic lounge for private aviation passengers is available at the general aviation terminal. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the public areas of the main terminal.
How far is Westchester Airport from Manhattan?
HPN is approximately 30 to 35 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. Drive time varies between 45 minutes and over 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
What is the best way to get from NYC to Westchester Airport?
A pre-booked private chauffeur service is the most reliable and comfortable option. Public transport via the Bee-Line Bus and Metro-North is available but requires a transfer and is less practical with luggage.
Are there car rentals at Westchester Airport?
Yes. Six major car rental companies operate directly inside the terminal: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, with vehicles available adjacent to baggage claim.
Can I charter a private jet from Westchester Airport?
Yes. Wings Air and Tradewinds Aviation both offer private jet and helicopter charters from HPN, and two fixed-base operators — Ross Aviation East and Signature Flight Support — handle private aircraft ground services.
What hotels are closest to Westchester County Airport?
The nearest options include the Crowne Plaza White Plains-Downtown, Hyatt House White Plains, and Hilton Westchester, all within five miles of the airport and suitable for overnight stays before early departures.
How do I book a private chauffeur for Westchester Airport?
Windy City Limousine Chicago arranges luxury airport transfers to and from HPN through its global affiliate network. Reserve your chauffeur here.
