This post can help you figure out which is the best choice of transport to JFK Airport from various points in Manhattan.
Keep in mind that what is the best choice for you may be different from someone else.
We can say for certain that the cheapest way to JFK is to ride the subway to the JFK AirTrain which takes you to your terminal. The easiest way is to take a taxi, but this will be the most expensive way.
This post goes over all the ways to travel from Manhattan to JFK.
If not flying out of JFK, read our posts on traveling between Manhattan and Newark Airport and LaGuardia Airports.
We also have a post that details how to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan.
- Subway + AirTrain
- Long Island Rail Road + AirTrain
- Airport Shuttle
- Bus Shuttle
- Private Car
- Taxis
- Cheaper Airport Transfers
Manhattan to JFK Airport by Subway and JFK AirTrain
There is no subway line that goes straight to JFK from Manhattan. But you can take the subway to the JFK AirTrain which takes yo to the terminals.
The travel time will vary depending on your point if departure but from Times Square, it takes just over one hour to reach the terminals.
From Downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn, take the A Train toward Howard Beach Station.
From Midtown Manhattan, you'll be taking the subway and connecting with the AirTrain at Jamaica Station.
Follow these instructions:
- Take a Jamaica Center-bound train to Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport.
- Follow signs to the AirTrain after you get off the subway.
- Look for elevators, an escalator, and stairs to the upper level.
- Once you're on the upper level, Jamaica Station is straight ahead.
- From Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the Air Train, which will take you directly to JFK Airport.
TIP: Always leave yourself enough time in case there are any subway service changes or disruptions.
If you are new to riding the subway, check out our posts on how to purchase a MetroCard or use OMNY Contactless Payment and how to navigate the NYC subway system.
Click on the image to make it larger
- Total Cost: $11.15 ($8.25 for the Air Train and $2.90 for a single subway ride). If you are buying a new MetroCard, there is a $1 charge.
- Note that you cannot use an Unlimited MetroCard or the new OMNY contactless payment for the Air Train.
- Travel Time: The time it takes to get to JFK by subway will vary depending on your starting point. But plan on 40-60 minutes if traveling from Midtown Manhattan.
- Pros: The cheapest option by quite a bit. Also, during rush hour traveling by subway can be faster than being on the roads in a taxi.
- Cons: If you have a lot of luggage you will have to maneuver it around quite a bit more than you would with a cab
Manhattan to JFK Airport by Long Island Rail Road and Air Train
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is used mostly by commuters, but you can take an LIRR train to the JFK AirTrain which takes you to your terminal.
For those staying in Midtown Manhattan, this is the easiest way to get to JFK from Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, and thanks to the new CityTicket flat rate fares, it can cost as little as $13.25 one-way.
Something to bear in mind when calculating cost, however, is that you will need to still pay to get to Penn Station or Grand Central from wherever you are staying in Manhattan.
First, you'll take a Long Island Rail Road train from either Penn Station or Grand Central Madison Station (lower level of the terminal) to the "Jamaica Station" stop.
From Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the AirTrain.
- Total Cost: $15.25 during peak hours and $13.25 off-peak (the price includes the Air Train cost of $8.25 and a flat rate CityTicket of $7 during peak hours and $5 off-peak hours).
- Total Travel Time: approximately 35 minutes
- Pros: Quicker than the subway and still significantly cheaper than a taxi, Uber or Lyft.
- Cons: Same issues with large amounts of luggage as with the subway.
TIP: Be sure to take a Long Island Rail Road at Penn Station, and not Amtrak which does not go to JFK.
Shared Shuttle Services from Manhattan to JFK
Go AirLink offers shared shuttle services in which you share a small van that holds 12 people, all going to JFK.
You can opt for the Express Shuttle from Grand Central Station to JFK or a door
This is only slightly more expensive than the other options above. For those who prefer to travel by car, this is a great price.
- One-way ticket: $20
- Hours of Operation: Every hour on the hour between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm daily.
- Total Travel Time: Depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, approximately.
- Pros: Quicker than the subway and cheaper than a taxi, Uber or Lyft. More comfortable than public transportation.
- Cons: Limit of one piece of luggage per person. Only runs from 6 am to 6 pm, so if your flight time is outside these hours, this service is not available to you.
GoAirlink also offers shared shuttle vans that will pick you up at a location of your choice, rather than Grand Central Station, and take you to JFK.
You will be picked up by a van that will be shared with other passengers departing from the same general area as you.
- One-way: At least $40 and can be a lot more, depending on your pick-up location.
- Total Travel Time: Depending on the time of day, and traffic conditions, approximately.
- Pros: Has the convenience of a taxi and is much cheaper. More comfortable than public transportation.
- Cons: Your ride will be longer than a taxi ride since the other passengers must be picked up (unless you are the last pick-up). Limit of one piece of luggage per person.
If you want to shop around, there is another company, SuperShuttle, that offers similar services.
Cheaper Airport Transfers
If you're looking for an easy way to save money on an airport transfer to JFK, we recommend considering a New York tourist pass.
Currently, the New York Turbopass is the only one providing a free airport transfer. They also include admission to popular attractions like these:
- Radio City Music Hall Tour
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- One World Observatory
- Liberty Helicopter Tour
- Madame Tussauds
- Speed Boat Tour
- And more!
If you're already interested in any of these services and you also want a free airport transfer, this concession pass can help you save money on everything.
For more details, check our post covering New York tourist passes.
Private Car Service
Hoping to avoid the hassle of taking public transportation? Consider using a private car service.
GroundLink is a black car service that specializes in airport transfer. They'll take you to the airport from anywhere in the city.
Guests are also able to see the cost of the service before requesting it, so there are no surprises when the bill rolls around.
They're also incredibly dedicated to timeliness. If a driver is more than 5 minutes late in picking you up from your destination, then a $75 credit is added to your account.
- Pros: Very reliable and easy. If you're already looking into taking a taxi out to the airport, it may be smarter to use a private car service instead as costs are competitive.
- Cons: More costly than many of the other options. Also, as with all driving options, there's a chance that you'll run into traffic on your way out of Manhattan, so be sure to evaluate whether your desired departure time coincides with rush hour.
Taxi, Uber, and Lyft from Manhattan to JFK
Taking a taxi or using a ride-share service is definitely the most hassle-free option, but it is also by far the most expensive.
By Taxi
You can hail a yellow cab from anywhere in Manhattan and go straight to JFK. (read our post on How to Get a Taxi in NYC).
There is a limit of four passengers per taxi (or 5 in a minivan), so if you have a larger party you may need to split up into different cabs.
Check out promo sites, such as Groupon and Living Social, for cheaper rides to JFK airport.
- Cost: There is a flat fare of $70 from Manhattan to JFK
- This does not include tip or bridge tolls, which should also be calculated into your fare.
- There are additional surcharges that will cost between $5-$10 depending on the time of day and where in Manhattan you are picked up.
- Travel Time: Travel time can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the traffic. Though the airport is only about 15 miles from Manhattan, the trip can be 30 minutes or more.
- Pros: The most direct door-to-door trip. This is an easier option for travelers with a lot of luggage.
- Cons: More expensive than the other options listed. After tip and bridge tolls you could end up paying close to $90 to get to Manhattan
By Uber or Lyft
The cost to take an Uber or Lyft from Manhattan to JFK can vary drastically depending on the time of day/night. An Uber/Lyft may cost as little as $50-60 or as high as $150.
The average trip price to get from Times Square to JFK is between $78 to $121.
Check your app to see what prices are listed before deciding if a taxi would be cheaper.
Stay Near JFK Airport
If you have an early morning flight and don't want to worry about the hassle of getting out to JFK in the middle of the night, World Airport Codes JFK Airport Hotels lists a few of the hotels near the airport.
- Total Cost: Prices vary depending on the hotel. You can choose from budget to the most luxurious options, according to your needs and taste.
- Travel Time: There are no hotels at the airport at the moment, but the closest is only two miles walking from the airport.
- Pros: Relax and start your journey with a fresh feeling!
- Cons: Will take a bit longer than going into town straight away, and it’s definitely more expensive than sleeping at at the airport
