How to get from JFK Airport to New York City Centre
New York is hands down one of the most exciting cities in the world, so there are always plenty of reasons to visit. John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport is the main and biggest airport servicing the city. There are numerous methods of transportation from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan or Times Square, in the heart of New York. The most convenient travel option is taking a JFK Airport taxi. Alternatively, you can utilise the efficient NYC subway system, or take a bus.
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|
| Taxi | €44 | 45min | 24/7 | |
| Train | €13.34 | 60min | 24/7 | |
| Bus | €15.90 | 90min | 07:40–04:00 | |
How to get from JFK Airport to city centre by taxi
A taxi from JFK airport is by far the most comfortable option to get to downtown Manhattan. Taxis in NYC are traditionally yellow with a "TAXI" roof-sign and are numerous. There will be attendants available to assist you at all taxi ranks outside the arrivals terminal. The journey will take around 45 minutes into the city centre, however be warned that in peak traffic it can be very slow, taking up to two hours. The ride will also include tolls, payable by the customer.
Taxi fare from JFK Airport to city centre
Taxis between JFK Airport and the Manhattan area operate on a fixed rate (excluding tolls) of $52USD (€44). There is no additional charge for luggage and the cost is per car.
There is a $1.00USD Peak-Hour Surcharge between 16:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday.
Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM JFK - TO MANHATTAN
€ 44
€ 44
45 min
FROM JFK - TO HOTELS DOWNTOWN
€ 44
€ 44
45 min
FROM JFK - TO TIMES SQUARE
€ 44
€ 44
40 min
FROM JFK - TO LGA
€ 34.30
€ 34.30
19 min
FROM JFK - TO EWK
€ 59.50
€ 59.50
60 min
FROM JFK - TO YANKEE STADIUM
€ 45.40
€ 45.40
40 min
FROM JFK - TO BROOKLYN
€ 32.50
€ 32.50
30 min
FROM JFK - TO LIBERTY ISLAND
€ 63.50
€ 63.50
60 min
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Convenience
NYC Taxis are controlled by law and therefore you can be ensured that any taxi taking from a designated rank is reliable and safe. As well as this, taxis provide door-to-door service and are the most comfortable option for those travelling with luggage. It is always best to avoid rush hour if you wish to make it to the city centre in reasonable time, as traffic can be extremely bad.
Editor’s Note
Trips beyond the city limits are either charged below the flat rate or have the portion of the trip beyond the city limit doubled!
Useful Tips
NYC Taxis are able to accept credit/debit/prepaid cards, but do not have to accept individual bills over $20.
You will be expected to pay any tolls along the road from the airport to the city centre.
Any return transfers from the city to JFK Airport are not charged at the flat rate, but are metered instead.
You cannot call and book a city cab. They must be flagged down or taken from the ranks.
A 20% tip is expected for taxis in NYC. How to get from JFK Airport to city centre by train
For a quick (especially during rush hours) and cheap option, there is a subway service that runs from JFK Airport into Midtown Manhattan. For this option, you will need to first take the JFK 'Airtrain', the internal train system that links the airport to the closest major subway station. The Airtrain runs between all the terminals and then to Jamaica Station, where you will be able to take the MTA E Subway line to Midtown, Penn Station, which is located within walking distance from Times Square, on W34th Street.
How much is the subway from JFK Airport to city centre?
The standard one way ticket for a subway in NYC is $2.25USD, however in order to reach the station from the airport you will need to take AirTrain, which costs an additional $5.00USD. In total, the journey will cost $7.25USD (€6.67).
You can pay in cash at the ticket machines and offices in the station.
Cost
€6.67
Trip Duration
60 Min
There can be up to a 20 minute wait for the train.
The MTA Subway and AirTrain JFK operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The trains run more frequently during peak hours (every 3-5 or 6-8 minutes) but can be longer at other times.
Where do I get it from?
The subway into Midtown is taken from Jamaica Station. In order to get there, you will need to take the JFK AirTrain, which goes between all terminals at the station. It is easy to catch, just follow the signs in any terminal building to the AirTrain station.
Convenience
Despite its good price and running hours, the metro can be a hassle for those short on time or with lots of luggage as there are multiple transfers involved with taking this method of transport. Most importantly, the subway will only take you to the central Manhattan stations and not to your end destination.
Editor’s Note
The best method of purchasing bus and/or subway tickets in NYC is with a rechargeable MetroCard. You can get them from the vending machines at the stations (for $1USD) and they can provide bonuses on your rides with certain top ups. They can be time based, ride based or value based. They can be purchased with cash, credit or debit.
Useful Tips
Aside from vending machines, merchants are available in the airport to sell you MetroCards. They will be wearing a red "METROCARD AGENT" vest and can assist you with any questions.
You can also take the Long Island Rail (LIRR) from Jamaica Station to Manhattan Midtown. The cost is higher ($15USD) but the journey only takes 35-40 minutes.
The AirTrain is free to take between the terminals at JFK, you only need to pay when you leave the airport complex on the train. How to get the bus from JFK to city centre
The bus routes from JFK are numerous, however transit time is longer due to the stops along the way. In order to get to Midtown you have to take the bus Q3 from Terminal 5 at JFK to Jamaica Station. From there you can take any of the marked 'QM' Express buses into Manhattan. Each of these services takes the same route out of Queens but varies slightly in the route that they take throughout Manhattan, so you are able to check which one goes closest to your destination.
How much is the bus from JFK to city centre?
The bus from the airport will only set you back a very reasonable $2.75USD (€2.40). However if you take the express bus service into Manhattan, you will need to pay an additional $6.50USD, so the whole trip costs $9.25USD (€7.95). Tickets are purchasable from the machines at the stations, either individually or with a MetroCard.
Cost
€7.95
Trip Duration
90 Min
There can be up to a 15 minute wait for the bus.
Buses run on their own timetables and are not 24/7. It is always best to check the timetables on the MTA website before relying on a bus.
Where do I get it from?
The express bus services leave from Jamaica Station, so in order to catch one you will need to take the Q3 bus which leaves from Terminal 5 at JFK to reach Jamaica Station.
Convenience
Although it is cheap, the bus is a very long transit for those who have just had a long flight. As well as this, the express bus service is not always reliable and times are different for every bus which can cause extra stress and time.
Editor’s Note
Standard MetroCards allow free transfers between subways and buses within a 2-hour period, as do normal tickets. However, the express bus routes are not included. Be prepared to pay and have exact change.
Useful Tips
Many New Yorkers consider the express bus to be a safer option than the subway.
If the express bus timetable isn't suitable for you, Jamaica Station offers alternative transport options, such as the subway. 
