Cheap flights to New York from $865

While the Big Apple might be its main drawcard, there’s more to New York State than just New York City.

Not far from the yellow cabs, skyscrapers and noise of Manhattan you’ll uncover a world of small towns, fresh air, wildlife, forests, unspoilt beaches and State Parks.

From the thunderous Niagara Falls on the Canadian border to the wide open spaces of the Catskills Mountains and the beaches and boardwalks of Long Island, New York State has more than its fair share of natural beauty and wonder.

The history, melting pot of peoples, culture and international cuisine make New York State a fascinating place to fly to.

New York climate

The Mid-Atlantic has distinct seasons – cold snowy winters, mild springs when the flowers and trees come back to life, hot and humid summers, and warm autumns with spectacular foliage.Buffalo’s winters are notoriously cold and the city is often covered in 228cm of snow.The summer climate is cool in the Adirondacks and Catskills while the NYC/Long Island area and lower Hudson Valley have warm summers with some periods of high, uncomfortable humidity.Search and compare: cheap flights to New York State

Peak season:

New York City’s peak travel period is October through December – the beginning of the cultural season. New Year’s Eve, and the Times Square ball-drop, is a big draw and travellers looking to visit over this busy period need to plan ahead. Spring and summer are also busy, but if you do your research reduced rates on flights to New York and hotel rooms can be found.

Summer is the peak season in the Hamptons. Visitors planning holidays in the Hamptons need to book New York flights and rental homes at least six months in advance to avoid missing out.

Off Season:

Except for Valentine’s Day, the best time to find cheap flights to New York and discounted hotel rates is January through March.

Getting around New York

Public Transport

In New York City, public transport is really the only way to go. The city has a great subway and bus system and taxis are fairly easy to flag down. This is one place where driving is best left to the experts. However, in the rest of the towns and cities across the state public transport leaves a lot to be desired.

Air

With a bunch of airports and airlines to choose from, flying is a quick, and often cheap, way to get around New York State. Fly with CommutAir, JetBlue Airways, US Airways, Colgan Air and Northwest Airlines.

Car

For everywhere outside NYC, hiring a car is your best bet for convenience and value for money. If you’re driving over winter make sure your car is prepared for the elements with snow tires, working windscreen wipers, battery, and demisters. Oh, and don’t forget, they drive on the right.

Rail

Catching the train in New York State certainly won’t get you anywhere fast, but it does make for a relaxing journey. Travel with Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad.

Bus

While not the most glamorous mode of transport, it’s certainly affordable. Catch the famous (infamous) Greyhound to make your way around the state.

What is good to know if travelling to New York?

• The working class city of Buffalo has a bit of an unfair reputation for being rundown and shabby. While it is certainly a rugged town, its vibrant college atmosphere and superb culinary scene go some way to make up for it. Make sure you sample a beef on weck sandwich, Wardynski’s kielbasa, Sahlen’s hot dogs, Buffalo Wings and haddock fish fries. Hardcore foodies will want to visit during one of the city’s many food festivals such as the Taste of Buffalo and the National Buffalo Wing Festival. To top it all off, as the gateway to the American side of Niagara Falls and on the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo is also blessed with some pretty spectacular scenery.
• The rolling, tree-covered peaks of the Catskills Mountains are a favourite of busy New York City-dwellers looking to get away from it all. It’s also a haven for artists, writers and musicians especially around the famous town of Woodstock.
• Home to the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, when locals mention Long Island they really mean the wealthy suburban counties of Nassau and Suffolk. Long Island is also home to the famously affluent seaside resort, the Hamptons. In summer the population of the Hamptons swells with the arrival of wealthy New York City dwellers and, increasingly, Europeans and South Americans. Explore historic Sag Harbor, a 300-year old seaside village, then stroll along the sandy, unspoilt beaches of Southampton and pick up something special from one of Main St’s unique stores. Or simply enjoy a spot of people watching and see how the other half live.
• While it may live slightly in the shadow of the more famous Canadian side, the US part of Niagara Falls is definitely not to be sniffed at. For those after a refreshing (ie wet), close up view, the classic Maid of the Mist boat trip will give you a real feel for the power of the falls. Hike through the State Park to various viewing point or take a helicopter tour for a breath-taking bird’s-eye view.