Westchester County Airport guide
Overview
Westchester County Airport (HPN), located in Harrison, New York, serves as a convenient gateway for both business and leisure travelers heading to the New York metropolitan area. While smaller than the major hubs of JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, HPN offers a streamlined experience with fewer crowds, shorter security lines, and easy access to Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and parts of Connecticut. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from getting there to making the most of your time at the airport.
Location and Access
Situated just off Interstate 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway, the airport is roughly 30 minutes north of Midtown Manhattan under normal traffic conditions. Its address is:
240 Airport Road, Harrison, NY 10528
Driving:
- From NYC: Take I-95 North to Hutchinson River Parkway North, exit at Airport Road.
- From the Hudson Valley: Use I-684 South to exit 5, then follow signs to the airport.
Public Transportation:
- Bee-Line Bus System routes 12 and 13 stop at the airport terminal.
- Amtrak’s nearby Harrison Station (about 2 miles away) connects to the Metro-North Harlem Line; a short taxi or rideshare completes the trip.
Parking:
HPN provides both short‑term and long‑term lots. Short‑term parking is positioned directly in front of the terminal for quick drop‑offs, while long‑term lots offer economical rates for extended stays. All lots are monitored and include ADA‑accessible spaces.
Facilities and Services
Despite its modest size, the airport delivers a full range of amenities designed to make your wait comfortable.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal | Single‑level building with 12 gates (A–L) and two concourses. |
| Dining | Café selections include Starbucks, Dunkin’, and a full‑service bar & grill. |
| Retail | Newsstand, travel essentials shop, and a boutique featuring local goods. |
| Wi‑Fi | Free high‑speed internet throughout the terminal. |
| Business Center | Workstations, printing, and private meeting rooms available near Gate C. |
| Lounges | The USO lounge serves military personnel; a paid day‑pass lounge is accessible to all travelers via Priority Pass. |
| Family Services | Family restrooms, nursing rooms, and a children’s play area near Gate H. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair assistance, TTY phones, and tactile signage throughout. |
Airlines and Destinations
HPN hosts a mix of legacy carriers, regional operators, and seasonal charters. The following table summarizes the primary airlines and their non‑stop destinations as of the latest schedule.
| Airline | Non‑Stop Destinations | Frequency (Daily Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Chicago (ORD), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | 4–6 |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP) | 3–5 |
| JetBlue Airways | Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Nassau (ANS) | 2–4 |
| United Airlines | Denver (DEN), Washington Dulles (IAD) | 2–3 |
| Allegiant Air | Seasonal: Myrtle Beach (MYR), Savannah (SAV) | 1–2 (seasonal) |
| Contour Airlines | Essential Air Service to Albany (ALB) and Burlington (BTV) | 1–2 daily |
Note: Flight schedules vary; always verify with the airline before travel.
Ground Transportation Options
Getting to and from the airport is straightforward thanks to multiple choices.
- Rental Cars: Major companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget) have counters in the baggage claim area.
- Rideshare/Taxi: Designated pick‑up zones are located curbside; Uber and Lyft typically arrive within 5–10 minutes.
- Shuttle Services: Several hotels in White Plains, Harrison, and nearby areas offer complimentary shuttles; advance reservation is recommended.
- Public Transit: Bee-Line Bus routes 12 and 13 connect the airport to the White Plains TransCenter and the Bronxville Metro-North station.
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive Early: Although security lines are generally short, aim to arrive at least 60 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international departures.
- Check Parking Rates: Long‑term parking offers a daily rate of $8; validate your ticket at the exit to avoid overpaying.
- Use the Mobile App: The Westchester County Airport app provides real‑time flight updates, gate changes, and parking availability.
- Explore Local Eats: If you have a layover, consider venturing to nearby downtown White Plains for a wider variety of restaurants—just a 10‑minute drive away.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for flight alerts via your airline or the airport’s website to receive notifications about delays or gate changes.
Future Developments
Westchester County Airport is undergoing a phased modernization plan to enhance capacity and passenger experience. Key projects include:
- Terminal Expansion: Adding two new gates and expanding the baggage claim area by 2026.
- Solar Canopy Installation: A 1.2‑megawatt solar array over the long‑term lot, slated for completion in late 2025, will offset approximately 30% of the airport’s electricity usage.
- Improved Ground Access: Redesigning the Airport Road interchange to reduce congestion during peak travel periods.
These upgrades aim to maintain HPN’s reputation as a stress‑free alternative to the region’s larger airports while accommodating growing demand.
Conclusion
Westchester County Airport blends convenience, efficiency, and a touch of local charm to deliver a pleasant travel experience. Whether you’re flying for a quick business trip, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, HPN’s straightforward layout, ample parking, and friendly staff make it a smart choice. Keep this guide handy for your next journey, and enjoy the smooth start (or end) to your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Westchester County Airport have customs and border protection for international flights?
A: Yes. The airport operates a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility capable of handling limited international arrivals, primarily from Canada and the Caribbean.
Q2: Are there any hotels directly connected to the airport terminal?
A: No hotel is physically attached to the terminal, but several partner hotels (e.g., Hilton Westchester, Westchester Marriott) offer complimentary shuttles and are within a five‑minute drive.
Q3: Can I bring my pet through the airport?
A: Pets are allowed in carriers that fit under the seat. Service animals are permitted everywhere. Check with your airline for specific pet‑travel policies.
Q4: Is there a lost and found service?
A: Yes. The lost and found office is located near the main baggage claim area; you can also submit a report online via the airport’s website.
Q5: What dining options are available after security?
A: Post‑security, you’ll find a Starbucks, a Dunkin’, a sit‑down grill, and a newsstand with snacks and beverages.
Resources
- Official Airport Website: https://www.flywestchestercounty.com
- Westchester County Airport Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android app stores.
- Bee-Line Bus System: https://beelinebus.com
- Amtrak Harrison Station Information: https://www.amtrak.com/stations/harrison-ny-hri
- Federal Aviation Administration – Airport Data: https://www.faa.gov/airports
Feel free to explore these links for the most up‑to‑date information on flights, parking, and airport services. Safe travels!