Arriving at one of the three NYC airports is one thing, but figuring out how to get from one of these airports to Manhattan without stressing out or wasting half your travel budget is another. Whether you’re flying into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, each airport has its own ways to get where you need to go.
So, what’s the best way to transfer from one of these airports to New York City?
It depends on a few factors which I’ve broken down below using my own travel-tested experiences as a 25+ year New York City local. I fly in and out of these airports regularly and I’m happy to share these tips with you so that you can find the right NYC airport transfer option for your budget and needs.
This NYC Airport Survival Guide gives you an overview of the easiest ways to get to Manhattan no matter which of the three New York City Airports you fly into, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for you, your travel companions, and your budget.
- This survival guide helps travelers flying into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark choose the fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable way to get into Manhattan based on real NYC local experience.
- Best for first-time or budget-conscious visitors who want reliable, step-by-step advice on NYC airport transfers.
- Public transit (AirTrains, LIRR, subway or NJ Transit) is often the most efficient and cost-effective; private transfers are more comfortable but can be slow and expensive due to traffic.
- Public transit may be impractical if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or during peak rush hours.
- Public transit is the most time-efficient, money-saving method, though for comfort or convenience, pre-booking a fixed-rate ride may be worth it.
What You’ll Miss if You Read Only This Summary
- Local tips on the specific transportation options that work best for JFK, LGA, and EWR based on time, comfort, and cost.
- The best specific routes for each airport, e.g., step-by-step public transit directions.
- Tips for choosing the most cost-effective choice when traveling with others.
- Local mistakes to avoid.
Drafted by AI. Rewritten & edited by a human.
Getting to Manhattan: Your Options
Each airport has multiple ways to get to Manhattan, and the best one depends on your budget, schedule, timing, luggage, and who (if anyone) you’re traveling with.
Generally speaking, public transportation options are the most affordable and quickest, while private car transfers are smooth and comfortable but also the most expensive.
If you’ve never been to New York City before, you may be unsure about using public transportation. You’re also likely underestimating the amount of traffic there could be and how long it could take by car even though the airport is just a few miles from the heart of Manhattan.
Take it from me, it’s absolutely maddening to sit in a taxi or car that is not moving especially when all you want to do is get to your hotel so you can settle in and start your NYC trip. It’s even worse when you’re paying for each minute that ticks away.
That being said, in some situations, transferring by taxi or car from an NYC Airport to the city center makes the best sense.
Have a look at the details about each airport and their transfer options. I’ve also written more detailed guides about each NYC airport once you decide what to do and the specific transfer details you’ll need.
JFK Airport to Manhattan
John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), NYC’s main international airport, is located in southeast Queens, about 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. While JFK isn’t the closest airport to Manhattan, it’s one of the easiest to transfer from and back when your trip is over. As a local, I prefer to fly to and from JFK in large part because of the seamless transfer options that allow me to skip the frustration of NYC’s thick traffic.
Depending on the time of day you arrive and your transportation choice, getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan can take anywhere from 30 minutes to well over an hour. (Be sure to keep this in mind, especially when it’s time to return to the airport.)
JFK is one of the busiest airports in the country, and luckily, there are plenty of transportation options. You can take the JFK AirTrain to a train or subway, hop in a taxi, grab a rideshare, or use an airport shuttle. Some options take longer but cost less, while others are pricey and more comfortable. Just remember, though, paying more doesn’t always translate into getting you there faster.
- Best Money and Time-Saving Choice: Take the AirTrain to either the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the subway. The LIRR is faster but just a bit more expensive than the subway. It’s totally worth it, though, to spend a little more for a quicker ride. Either way, you dodge traffic and save money.
- Most Comfortable: A taxi, ride share, or car service takes you straight to your destination. Just know that NYC traffic can turn what should be a quick ride into an hour(s)-long crawl. Taxis have a flat rate of $70 + tolls + tip, while Uber/Lyft prices fluctuate depending on demand and the day and time you arrive. To avoid these price increases, consider pre-booking a car for a fixed rate.
For all the specific details, click here to see my complete JFK Airport to Manhattan guide!
LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan, just 8 miles from Times Square. Although that should mean a quick trip, that is not always the case. Unlike JFK and Newark, there’s no train connecting LaGuardia to Manhattan, so your options are a bit more limited.
The good news though is that LaGuardia’s $8 billion makeover is finally done, so at least the airport itself isn’t the nightmare it used to be.
The bad news? Traffic in this part of Queens can still be unbearable. Your transportation choices from the airport only include buses, taxis, rideshares, or an airport shuttle. The new makeover included improvements to the public transportation options at LGA but still, it can be a bit of a hassle to transfer to the city center.
- Best Money-Saving Choice: Take the bus to connect to the subway or LIRR train. Two buses run from the airport and help you connect to subways, trains, or even upper Manhattan. One of the buses is even free!
- Most Comfortable: A taxi or rideshare like Uber or Lyft is the easiest because you’ll get in your own car directly at the airport and go straight to your hotel. But prices vary and you can still sit in a lot of traffic.
- Middle Ground: There are shared shuttles from LaGuardia to Manhattan. They’re cheaper than taking a taxi or rideshare and avoid the hassle of transferring from a bus to a train. But it can be slow due to traffic and multiple stops to drop off other passengers.
Click here to get all the info in my detailed LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan guide!
Newark Airport to Manhattan
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is about 17 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan, making it the farthest of the three major NYC-area airports. But distance doesn’t always equal travel time as I’ve highlighted with LaGuardia. Yet, as with all NYC airports, traffic can make getting into Manhattan from Newark Airport just as slow (or even slower).
If you’re not familiar with the area, Newark Airport is actually in New Jersey, which means you’re crossing state lines to get to Manhattan. This isn’t as bad as it might sound. Millions of commuters do it every day. But therein also is the problem. The traffic can be absolutely dreadful.
The good news is that EWR has solid transfer options. You can take the AirTrain plus an NJ Transit train into Midtown Manhattan, a taxi, a rideshare, or an airport shuttle. Like JFK, the most expensive options don’t always get you there faster.
- Best Money and Time Saving Choice: Take the Newark Airport AirTrain, and connect to New Jersey Transit to New York Penn Station on W.34th Street in Manhattan.
- Most Comfortable: Unsurprisingly, taxis and private car services, as well as rideshares like Uber and Lyft are easy and direct. Expect to pay $70+ before tolls and tips. Surge pricing can make rideshares even more expensive.
- Middle Ground: If you want the best of both worlds, consider a shared airport shuttle from Newark Airport to your hotel. Shared shuttles stop at multiple locations but offer a comfortable ride at a more affordable price than a private car.
Find all the detailed information in my complete Newark Airport to Manhattan guide!
What NYC Locals Like Me Actually Do
If I never have to sit in another minute of New York City traffic, it’ll be too soon! In all seriousness, though, as a local, I prefer and use public transportation for my airport transfers in NYC.
It saves me money and time. And believe it or not, it’s actually less stressful overall compared to sitting in standstill traffic. Here are my top airport transfer choices when using each of these NYC airports.
- JFK: The AirTrain to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is my go-to move. It’s much cheaper than a taxi and avoids the legendary NYC traffic. The LIRR is faster than the subway because it makes fewer stops along the way. Plus, I can decide if I want to arrive at Penn Station on the west side of Manhattan or at Grand Central Station on the east side of Manhattan.
- LGA: For me, my transfer choice from LGA depends on the day and time more than anything else. Since there’s no direct train to or from the airport, I use the subway to connect to one of the buses during the busiest times of the day. But because LaGuardia is so close to Manhattan, I’ll also use rideshares, shuttles, or a pre-booked car service for a fixed-rate ride if I’m traveling early in the morning, later at night, or at other off-peak times.
- EWR: When I fly to or from Newark Airport, I always take the AirTrain to the NJ Transit trains that take you straight into Manhattan’s Penn Station. It’s affordable and keeps you off the roads, where traffic can be brutal.
Avoid These NYC Airport Transfer Mistakes
NYC travel mistakes can be costly and stressful. I’ve listed my top ones below.
I’m confident the advice in these NYC airport guides will help the majority of travelers visiting New York City. But, there are some considerations to think about depending on your itinerary and personal travel plans.
1. Skip overpriced rideshares at peak times.
If you’re arriving at one of New York City’s airports during peak rush hours, holiday weekends, or on Friday or Saturday evenings, Uber and Lyft surge pricing can be outrageously high. If you want to take a private car transfer from one of the airports, the better plan is to pre-book a car service so that you know the price ahead of time regardless of the traffic.
2. Public transportation isn’t always the cheapest way to go.
If you’re traveling with 4+ people, splitting a taxi or pre-booking a ride can cost the same or even less than buying multiple train or bus tickets. Do some rough math to get an idea of the cost difference so you can make the smartest choice.
3. Only take public transportation if you can manage your luggage.
If you’ve got really heavy bags or multiple suitcases, public transportation could be difficult. Make sure you can lift your bags and carry them up and down stairs, especially when trains, buses, and subway stations are crowded at peak times. Otherwise, spend the money on a taxi, rideshare, car service, or shared airport shuttle.
4. Don’t arrive (or depart) during rush hour.
I know this one might be easier said than done, especially when you’re trying to find the cheapest flights. But, if you can, choose a flight itinerary outside of these busy hours of the morning and late afternoon/evening.
5. Pre-book a ride if you want to transfer to Manhattan in a private ride.
Whether you choose a car service or pre-book through a rideshare app, it’s better to lock in a price. No one wants to start their long-awaited NYC trip with an unpleasant surprise.
NYC Airport Survival Guide Wrap-Up
As a long-time New York City local, I use public transportation to and from the airports 99% of the time and suggest that you do the same if it works for you. If you need or prefer a private ride, pre-book it so you have a plan on arrival at a price you expect.
I hope this guide and whichever detailed airport guide you need helps you plan an amazing trip to the Big Apple!
Have questions about transferring from one of New York City airports? Let me know!
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