Overview
Queens is a city of over two million people in the United States, situated at an elevation of just 12 metres. Home to two of the region's major airports, Queens serves as a practical base for exploring the surrounding metropolitan area.
English and Spanish are the primary languages spoken here. The city operates on Eastern Standard Time and uses US dollars for all transactions.
Key facts
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Population | 2.32 million |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| Elevation | 12 m |
| Nearest airport | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), 7 km |
| Currency | USD |
Getting There
Queens benefits from proximity to two major international airports. John F. Kennedy International Airport lies just 6.7 kilometres away, making it the closest option for long-haul international travel. LaGuardia Airport is situated 11.1 kilometres distant and handles numerous domestic and international flights. Both airports offer straightforward ground transport connections into Queens itself.
For those arriving by air from other regions, Teterboro Airport is located 26.6 kilometres away and provides an alternative, particularly for private aviation and certain commercial services.
Find flights to Queens →arrives JFK (6.7 km away)
Exploring the Wider Area
Queens' location makes it an excellent base for exploring the broader metropolitan region. Brooklyn sits just 10.2 kilometres away, accessible for a day trip or short excursion. New York City proper is 14.7 kilometres distant, with Manhattan's core located 15.7 kilometres from Queens.
For those willing to travel slightly further, The Bronx lies 18.9 kilometres away. Jersey City (21.0 kilometres) and Newark (28.9 kilometres) in New Jersey offer additional exploration opportunities, whilst Staten Island is positioned 28.8 kilometres away. Those seeking a more substantial day trip might consider Trenton, located 92.5 kilometres away, which provides a different character from the immediate metropolitan area.
Practical Information
Queens operates within the America/New_York timezone. Currency is the US Dollar throughout. English and Spanish are the primary languages, making communication straightforward for most visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the FAQs section below for answers to common queries about visiting and navigating Queens and the surrounding region.
Nearby places
Journeys through here
Where to stay in Queens
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Getting around Queens
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Common questions
- Which airport should I use to reach Queens?
- John F. Kennedy International Airport is the closest major airport at 6.7 kilometres away, followed by LaGuardia Airport at 11.1 kilometres. Both offer ground transport options into Queens. Teterboro Airport, 26.6 kilometres distant, serves as an alternative for certain travellers.
- What languages are spoken in Queens?
- English and Spanish are the primary languages spoken throughout Queens.
- What currency should I use?
- The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency used in Queens.
- Can I easily visit nearby cities from Queens?
- Yes. Brooklyn (10.2 kilometres), New York City (14.7 kilometres), Manhattan (15.7 kilometres), and The Bronx (18.9 kilometres) are all close enough for day trips. Jersey City, Newark, Staten Island, and Trenton are also accessible, with Trenton the furthest at 92.5 kilometres.
On the map
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Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.