Getting from JFK to Manhattan can seem confusing when you’re not familiar with the New York area. You’re arriving into the southeast corner of Queens which isn’t far distance-wise but might as well feel like a world away.
This detailed guide (written by a local) will help you decide the best way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan with all the step-by-step info you need to make your New York airport transfer.
How to Get from JFK to Manhattan
For clarity and to help you get your bearings, JFK airport is about 16 miles from midtown Manhattan, roughly the same distance as getting from Newark Airport in New Jersey.
Technically, Laguardia Airport (also located in Queens) is the closest airport to Manhattan mileage-wise but it doesn’t always translate to quicker transfer times into Manhattan.
Plus, JFK is the New York City’s main international airport. So if you’re arriving from outside the U.S., it’s likely you’ll begin your NYC trip at JFK.
Depending on the day and time you arrive and the way you choose to travel from JFK to NYC, the trip can take about 30-40 minutes or well over an hour. Choosing the right means of transportation for your travel style and travel budget can make all the difference between arriving at your hotel stressed out or ready to get out and enjoy NYC.
In the table below, you’ll find a quick glance at each way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan. Then, for all of the details about a specific way to transfer from JFK, find everything you need to know in the corresponding sections below.
| Transfers from JFK to Manhattan | Quick Glance Information |
|---|---|
| Subway | Using the JFK AirTrain, connect to the subway into Manhattan. The total cost is $11.15. |
| Long Island Rail Road | Using the JFK AirTrain, connect to the Long Island Rail Road to New York Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal. The cost will be between $13-$19 depending on the time you catch the Long Island Rail Road train. |
| Shared Rides | Go Airlink NYC offers shared rides between JFK and your Manhattan hotel. Prices are about $36 but does not include tip. |
| Taxi | The JFK taxi fare to Manhattan costs a flat fare of $70 for a ride from JFK to Manhattan. This does not include, tolls, applicable surcharges, or tip. Be sure to only use official licensed NYC yellow taxis. |
| Private Car Service | Carmel is a private car service in the NYC area. Transfers from JFK to Manhattan start around $65 and do not include tolls or tip. |
| Uber and Lyft | Depending on traffic conditions and demand, prices could be $80 and up, possibly even double or more than double that price. |
Take a Taxi from JFK to Manhattan
A cab from JFK to Manhattan is one of the easiest ways to get into New York City. Up to 4 people, or 5 in a minivan, and their luggage can transfer from JFK to New York City by simply waiting at the taxi stand outside each terminal.
Depending on the time you arrive, there could be a line of people waiting for taxis but it typically moves fairly well. Also, depending on the time of your arrival, traffic in and around the JFK area can be thick! A taxi ride could take 1 hour (or more!) to reach your hotel in Manhattan.
In case you missed it above, you might be wondering, how much is a taxi from JFK to Manhattan. With the convenience, of course, comes an expense.
The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission has set rules for flat fees to Manhattan. The taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan is $70.00, not including tolls, applicable surcharges, or tip. There’s a $5.00 surcharge during peak hours which are from 4 pm -8 pm on weekdays. A taxi from JFK will also include an NY State tax of 50 cents added to trips within New York and a $2.50 congestion fee for rides that finish south of 96th Street in Manhattan.
For reference, if your hotel is in Midtown Manhattan or Lower Manhattan, your taxi will be south of 96th Street.
A word of caution, there will also be drivers trying to offer you rides for cheaper than the cost of a taxi from JFK to Manhattan in their unlicensed cars. Ignore them.
It’s safer to go with licensed yellow cabs. Plus, if anything goes wrong, for example a dispute about the price or a lost cell phone, it’s easier to get help through NYC’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Grab a Ride with LYFT or Uber from JFK to Manhattan
Uber and other ride apps are also available for pickups in the arrivals area. A private transfer from JFK to Manhattan will cost about $80 but could easily cost more than this. At times, because of the traffic and demand, prices can be double this price.
And while there typically are LYFTs and Ubers in the area, you could end up having to wait for a car to pick you up.
If you’d like a private transfer from JFK to Manhattan, I recommend booking this in advance so that your vehicle is waiting for you when you’re ready to leave the airport. Carmel Car & Limo is the service I use when I need to book a pre-arranged car service transfer from JFK to Manhattan.
There are several benefits to doing this instead of using a car service app when you arrive.
First, you won’t have to wait in a taxi line for an available yellow cab. You’ll also have a driver checking your flight and knowing if you’re delayed. While Uber lets you reserve your car for a specific time, if your flight is delayed, the driver could think you are a no-show.
Take a JFK Airport Shuttle to Manhattan
An NYC airport shuttle is more affordable than a taxi or private ride, not to mention a more environmentally friendly way to transfer from JFK to Manhattan.
Go Airlink NYC is an official partner with the New York and New Jersey Port Authorities and has earned a reputation among hotels in NYC as the most trusted New York airport shuttle.
You can book a seat on the shuttle ahead of time and your driver will track your flight and wait in case of any delays. You’ll get door-to-door service to and from your NYC hotel no matter when you arrive. This also saves you time needing to wait in a taxi queue by having a reserved ride waiting for you.
Transportation from JFK to Manhattan is available 24/7. Round-trip tickets are also available for you to arrange a shuttle to JFK at the end of your New York City trip.
If you want to save some money but don’t want the hassle of lugging your bags onto the subway or the train, the best way to get from JFK to Manhattan is with a shuttle like Go Airlink NYC.
Pro Tip: Go Airlink NYC can accommodate bigger families or groups who need an entire shuttle from JFK. Not only can everyone travel together, but the cost can also be split.
How to Take the Subway from JFK to Manhattan
First and foremost, this is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Manhattan. For a total of $11.15, you can transfer from JFK to Manhattan by subway with the help of the AirTrain at the airport.
The E, A, J, and Z subway lines are reached by taking the JFK AirTrain. These subway lines reach different areas of New York City so it’s important to use the right line for the more streamlined ride.
The E line is best if your New York City hotel is in Midtown or neighborhoods north like the Upper West Side or just south like in Chelsea. This subway line helps you reach points in Midtown Manhattan with many connections to other subway lines.
The A, J, and Z trains are most useful if your NYC hotel is in Lower Manhattan in the Financial District near the World Trade Center area or in Chinatown near the Lower East Side. At Fulton Street, the A train also connects to the 2 and 3 subway lines which can help you get to Greenwich Village.
The following sections explain about the AirTrain and how you can use it to connect to the New York City Subway from JFK.
JFK Airport Transportation
You can get to multiple places in New York City by using the AirTrain at JFK to connect with the NYC subway system and/or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). More on how to use the LIRR to go from JFK to Manhattan in a moment.
The JFK AirTrain has 3 separate lines and they’re accessible from all airport terminals. The 3 lines are the:
- All Terminals Loop (currently not running in 2023)
- Jamaica Station Line
- Howard Beach Line
The AirTrain All Terminals Loop is the airport line is just as it sounds. It circles through each of the JFK terminals and parking areas. This line only loops the airport and will not get you to stations connecting you with the NYC subway or the LIRR.
However, the All Terminals Loop is currently not running because of construction on the new Terminal 1 at JFK. So if you arrive at Terminal 1 right now, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus that connects travelers to Terminal 8 where they can get the AirTrain. The shuttle runs 24/7.
JFK Airport Transfers Using the AirTrain’s Jamaica Line & the NYC Subway
This is the best option by subway from JFK if your hotel is in Midtown Manhattan or areas north or just south of Midtown. This includes hotels near Times Square, Central Park, or the Broadway Theater District.
You can get from JFK Airport to New York City by taking AirTrain’s Jamaica line to the Jamaica stop. Then, you walk to exit the AirTrain system. This is also where you pay for the AirTrain, upon exit. You can use the contactless payment gateway at the turnstiles or buy a MetroCard from one of the machines just near the turnstiles to exit.
Either way, cash is not necessary. You can use your credit card or your digital wallet on your smartphone.
After going through the turnstiles, you need to walk down to the street level to the Sutphin Boulevard / Archer Avenue station where the E, J, and Z trains stop. Descend into the train station and expansive NYC subway system and you’ll be on your way to Manhattan in no time.
From this station, take the “E” train towards Midtown Manhattan where you’ll have multiple stops in Manhattan depending on where you need to go. Just know, the “E” train will make several stops in Queens before crossing into Manhattan.
Most visitors are traveling to a midtown hotel. So, if this is you as well, you’ll probably need to get off the train at either 42nd St./Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station or the very next stop, 34th St./ Penn Station. Or you might need to connect to another train from a hub like these stops.
From the 42nd St./Port Authority Bus Terminal subway lines, you can walk underground to Times Square and connect with the trains there, too.
From either of these stops or others where multiple train lines converge, you can transfer for free to other subway lines. Penn Station also has a taxi stand if you plan to finish your journey in a cab.
The J and the Z trains make limited stops in Manhattan. However, if your final destination is in on the Lower East Side or Financial District in Manhattan either of these trains will make more sense for you.
From your terminal at JFK Airport to NYC, expect the train ride to take about 50-60 minutes and cost $11.15. The cost includes the $8.25 AirTrain ticket exit fee and $2.90 for the subway ride.
If you choose to buy a MetroCard instead of using the contactless payment system, there is a $1.00 charge to buy a new MetroCard from an automated machine.
Transfers from JFK to NYC on the Howard Beach AirTrain & NYC Subway
Another option for taking the subway from JFK to Manhattan is by using the Howard Beach AirTrain Line. Ride the AirTrain to the Howard Beach/JFK Airport stop and connect to the “A” subway train to Manhattan.
The $11.15 one-way cost applies as above. Use the contactless payment method to pay for your fares on the AirTrain and the subway or buy a MetroCard for the subway at the Howard Beach Station and proceed into Manhattan.
The Jamaica Line to the E train option above tends to be the more popular way to go partly because Midtown Manhattan is the most popular are to stay in New York.
The Howard Beach Line to the A train option also takes about 60-70 minutes to get to Manhattan from JFK. But if you’re staying at an NYC hotel below 14th St. in Manhattan the A train will be faster than taking the subway to Midtown on the E train and then heading down to Lower Manhattan on another subway line.
Pro Tip: If you plan to take the “A” train from NYC to JFK at the end of your trip, only get on the A train headed for “Far Rockaway” not “Lefferts Blvd.
JFK to Manhattan Subway Tips
In addition to your budget, there are a few other things to think about before deciding whether the subway from JFK to Manhattan is right for you.
- What day and time are you arriving? Rush hour traffic is one of the best reasons to choose public transportation from JFK to NYC. During peak traffic times, plan at least an hour on the roads to get from JFK to New York City. Keep in mind that even outside of rush hour, New York City’s highways and streets are always busy.
- How many bags do you have? Within the airport, there are elevators and escalators to help you manage your luggage. And while many subway stations in Manhattan have elevators or escalators, not all do. Expect to have to navigate stairs and bigger crowds with your bags.
- How many people are you traveling with? The taxi cost from JFK to Manhattan is still $70 plus tolls, tip, and other surcharges even with a full taxi of 4-5 people. But, if you need more than 1 taxi to fit everyone, your transfer from JFK to Manhattan quickly becomes quite expensive.
- Is it your first time in New York City? The subways and trains are easy to figure out, especially with a little research before your trip. But if you’re feeling nervous about visiting NYC, it could be worth a few extra dollars to go by taxi or shuttle service from JFK to Manhattan to start the trip right.
How to Take the LIRR from JFK to Manhattan
First, it’s important to know that this is the fastest way on public transportation from JFK to your hotel in Manhattan compared to connecting to the subway. The price is a bit more compared to the subway while the subway might get you closer to your hotel.
At $13-$19, taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) costs more than the subway, but the total travel time is just 35-45 minutes. This price includes the AirTrain $8.25 exit fee plus the cost of a one-way ticket on an LIRR train to Manhattan depending on if you travel at peak (rush hour)or off-peak hours.
Follow the airport signs to the AirTrain. Take the AirTrain Jamaica Line to Jamaica Station where you connect to the LIRR.
The LIRR will take you to New York Penn Station at 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan on the west side. From here, Times Square is about 15 minutes away on foot.
Or you can go to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown East at 42nd Street. For reference, Grand Central is only a 15-minute walk from both the Empire State Building to the south and Rockefeller Center to the north.
Jamaica station is a major hub for the LIRR and trains into Penn and Grand Central Station will run just about every few minutes for most of the day and into the night. Look to the scheduling monitors for the next arriving train and track number.
Once you arrive at Penn Station or Grand Central, you can walk to your hotel if it’s nearby or connect to the NYC subway. Penn Station has connections to the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E trains. These trains are generally best for points along the west side of Manhattan.
Grand Central Terminal has connections to 4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains. The 4, 5, and 6 trains stop at points up and down the east side of Manhattan while the 7 and S trains run east and west to connect riders with subway lines on the other side of Manhattan from where they are.
ProTip: The newer area of Grand Central Terminal where LIRR trains arrive is much nicer than Penn Station which is currently under renovation and has limited amenities like coffee shops or places to grab a snack. If you’re planning to take the LIRR at the end of your trip from Manhattan to JFK, I recommend going from Grand Central if it’s convenient for you.
Is there a bus from JFK to Manhattan?
There are no direct public city bus service that goes from JFK to midtown or other parts of Manhattan. Some buses can help you connect with the subway or Long Island Railroad but they’re unnecessary for travel from JFK to Manhattan as long as the AirTrain is running normally.
Some buses do go to specific neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn, but it would still be worth it to investigate subway options as it’s usually faster to go by subway to get where you’re going than go by bus given NYC’s traffic.
Getting from Manhattan to JFK
You can take all of the above transportation options from Manhattan to JFK Airport at the end of your trip. It’s worth it to compare one-way and round-trip ticket prices to see if there’s a less expensive bundled ticket.
If you decide to use the shared shuttle option, you can book the return trip at the time of booking. Similarly, you can buy round-trip LIRR tickets, as well.
A taxi from Manhattan to JFK still costs the same $70 flat fee (not including tolls and tip) and has the applicable surcharges and taxes depending on the timing of your trip.
If you’re taking a taxi to JFK (or an Uber or LYFT), be mindful of the time of day you need to get there in relation to peak NYC traffic times. It can take well over 90 minutes to get to JFK if the traffic is thick!
So, how should you get from JFK Airport to Manhattan?
There are an endless number of things to do in New York City so why stress over your transfer from JFK to Manhattan?! Hopefully, the New York City tips in this guide will help you plan your airport transfer in no time so that you can focus on your New York City itinerary.
The LIRR trains and the NYC subway are the best ways from JFK to Manhattan if you’re looking to save money and time sitting in traffic. Logistically, it’s easy to navigate from JFK to the LIRR and NYC subway trains. It just comes down to what you’re comfortable with and if you can manage your luggage on public transportation.
On the other hand, if the public transportation choices seem too stressful or you don’t think you can manage your bags on public transportation, a JFK shuttle service is a great compromise. You get a hassle-free ride without the high cost of a taxi from JFK to Manhattan.
Or, if you have the budget for it, book a private car service transfer ahead of time for your own direct ride to your hotel.
So, what are your questions about JFK airport transportation to Manhattan?
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