Seattle to New York Flight Time & Schedules

How Much Time Does the Seattle to New York Journey Take?

A nonstop flight from Seattle to New York generally takes around 5 hours 12 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes, with an overall average of approximately 5 hours 22 minutes. Flights leave from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and cross the United States to New York's major airports.

For travellers looking for the quickest journey, nonstop flights are available from Seattle to both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Current nonstop operators include Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines, although the airline available depends on the New York airport you choose.

Travellers heading to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) will normally need a connecting itinerary from Seattle. These journeys take longer and can involve a stop at another major US airport.

What Is the Average Flight Time from Seattle to New York?

The average nonstop flight time between Seattle and New York is about 5 hours 22 minutes, although individual schedules can range from approximately 5 hours 12 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes.

A flight into JFK typically takes around 5 hours 27 minutes on average, while the average scheduled journey from SEA to Newark is approximately 5 hours 26 minutes. Current schedules confirm nonstop service on both routes.

Connecting flights require more time because the total journey includes both flight sectors and the layover. Some of the quicker one-stop choices can begin at approximately:

Via Detroit (DTW): around 6 hours 35 minutes
Via Chicago (ORD or MDW): roughly 6 hours 55 minutes to 7 hours 5 minutes
Via Portland (PDX): commonly 7 hours 10 minutes or longer
Via Boston (BOS): approximately 7 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 40 minutes or more

Longer connections can push the complete travel time beyond these estimates, particularly when there is a lengthy airport wait or a less direct routing.

For travellers whose priority is reaching New York as quickly as possible, a nonstop SEA–JFK or SEA–EWR service will normally be the most convenient choice.

SEA–JFK is one of the main nonstop routes between Seattle and New York. The distance is approximately 2,428 miles (3,907 km), with flights averaging about 5 hours 27 minutes.

Current nonstop services are provided by Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue. Flight schedules vary by date, but this route has multiple direct departures throughout the week.

JFK is located in Queens and is one of New York City's principal international gateways. It can be a useful arrival point for passengers heading to Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan or connecting to another international flight.

Flights from SEA to EWR cover approximately 2,394 miles (3,853 km) and have an average scheduled duration of about 5 hours 26 minutes.

Alaska Airlines and United Airlines currently provide nonstop service between Seattle and Newark.

Although Newark is located in New Jersey, it is one of the three principal airports serving the New York metropolitan area. It can be particularly practical for travellers staying in parts of Manhattan or New Jersey.

LaGuardia is another major gateway for New York, but Seattle travellers will generally need to make a connection when flying to LGA.

A connecting SEA–LGA itinerary usually takes approximately 7 to 9 hours or longer, depending on the connecting airport and length of the layover.

LaGuardia has a perimeter rule that restricts most scheduled nonstop flights beyond 1,500 statute miles, although exceptions apply, including Saturday operations and Denver. Because Seattle lies well beyond that distance, regular SEA–LGA travel is primarily offered through connecting itineraries.

LaGuardia can nevertheless be an attractive arrival airport for passengers whose final destination is Manhattan, Queens or another nearby part of New York City.

A nonstop flight is clearly the quicker way to travel from Seattle to New York. Direct journeys typically require around 5 hours 12 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes, while some of the fastest one-stop itineraries begin at approximately 6 hours 35 minutes.

Connections through Chicago can take around 6 hours 55 minutes to 7 hours 5 minutes, while routes involving Portland, Boston or other cities may take 7 hours 10 minutes or considerably longer.

The difference becomes greater when a connection includes a long layover. For that reason, travellers should compare the total journey duration, arrival airport, connection time and final arrival time before choosing a flight.

Which New York Airports Can You Fly to from Seattle?

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is connected with all three of the main airports serving the New York City area, but the type of service differs by airport.

Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Route Code	Approximate Flight Duration
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)	John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)	SEA–JFK	Around 5 hrs 12 mins–5 hrs 45 mins nonstop
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)	Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)	SEA–EWR	Around 5 hrs 12 mins–5 hrs 45 mins nonstop
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)	LaGuardia Airport (LGA)	SEA–LGA	Usually around 7–9+ hrs with a connection

Airlines Offering Nonstop Flights

Alaska Airlines

Delta Air Lines

JetBlue

United Airlines

What Is the Time Difference Between Seattle and New York?

New York is 3 hours ahead of Seattle.

Seattle operates on Pacific Time, while New York follows Eastern Time. Both cities observe Daylight Saving Time, so the normal three-hour difference is maintained throughout the year.

For example, if it is 12:00 noon in Seattle, it is 3:00 PM in New York.This time difference is particularly important when looking at arrival schedules.

A flight leaving Seattle at 8:00 AM and spending roughly five and a half hours in the air would not appear to arrive at 1:30 PM local time.

After accounting for New York being three hours ahead, the local arrival would be closer to 4:30 PM, subject to the actual scheduled flight duration.

When comparing flights, always check departure and arrival times in the local time zone shown on your itinerary.

Explore More Flight Times & Routes

Planning beyond this route? Explore more flight times, distances, and travel durations using our tools below.

Start with our Flight Time Calculator to estimate journey times worldwide, or browse average travel times from your departure city using the Seattle Flight Times.