API Gateway – Endpoint Types

Edge-Optimized (Default)

• Best for global clients.

• Requests are routed through CloudFront edge locations before reaching the API Gateway in its home region, reducing latency for distant users.

• CloudFront distribution is managed automatically by API Gateway.

Regional

• Optimized for clients in the same AWS Region.

• Can be paired with a custom CloudFront distribution for advanced caching and routing control.

• Avoids the extra hop through AWS’s global edge network when not needed.

Private

• Accessible only from within a VPC using an interface VPC endpoint (ENI).

• Requires an API Gateway resource policy to control access.

• Ensures the API never traverses the public internet.