How to get from JFK to Manhattan

John F. Kennedy Airport is a leading international gateway serving NYC and its metropolitan area. Located in Queens, the distance from JFK Airport to Manhattan is approximately 17.5 mi (28 km) and you have four main transportation options to leave the airport; taxi, private transfer, train, and airport shuttle.

A JFK Airport taxi from JFK to Manhattan or a JFK Airport transfer are the most convenient transportation options to reach your accommodation in Manhattan. They are available 24/7 and offer door-to-door services, meaning you can relax and avoid the hassle of public transport.

A more budget-friendly option is to travel from JFK to Manhattan by train. Depending on your destination, you can reach Midtown or Lower Manhattan by taking the AirTrain JFK, which can connect you to the subway or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Finally, the JFK Airport shuttle to Manhattan is a convenient solution for direct transportation at a lower fare. It’s a good value-for-money option for small groups if you don’t mind sharing the ride with other travelers.

5 ways to get from JFK to Manhattan

PRICE FOR 1 Passenger2 Passengers3 Passengers4 Passengers5 Passengers6 Passengers7 Passengers8 Passengers9 Passengers10 Passengers11 Passengers12 Passengers

OPTION	PRICE	TIME	AVAILABILITY	CONVENIENCE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer	€89	35min	24/7	Convenience	Book
	Ideal for families and business travelers after a seamless arrival experience.
Taxi	€63	35min	24/7	Convenience	Book
	Good for families or groups after a quick, door-to-door ride.
AirTrain JFK & Subway	€20.40	50min	24/7	Convenience	Read more
	Perfect for budget-conscious travelers with some time to spare.
AirTrain JFK & LIRR	€30	35min	24/7	Convenience	Read more
	Great for experienced or solo travelers seeking the fastest public transport option available.
Shared Shuttle	€52	45min	24/7	Convenience	Read more
	Suitable for solo travelers or up to two passengers looking for an affordable door-to-door alternative.

Video Guide: Getting from JFK to Manhattan

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How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by taxi

A JFK Airport taxi is one of the best ways to get from JFK to Manhattan. Yellow taxis are available around the clock, offering on-demand services directly from the airport to the door of your hotel or apartment. There can be a queue at the rank but an airport taxi is still one of the fastest options to reach downtown Manhattan.

How much is a taxi from JFK to Manhattan?

For a ride from JFK to Manhattan the taxi fare is fixed at $70 (€63) for a sedan vehicle that can accommodate up to 4 passengers. There is a $5 (€4.50) surcharge during peak hours from 16:00 to 20:00 on weekdays, excluding public holidays.

The taximeter and receipt should reflect that the trip is a flat fare. Note that tolls and tips aren’t included in the fare, so you can expect the total fare to be slightly higher.

Most taxis operating at JFK Airport accept card payments but it’s always best to confirm with the driver upfront. If you wish to pay in cash, you can visit an ATM or a currency exchange office inside the terminal.

Where do I get a taxi from?

An official airport taxi rank is located outside each terminal at JFK. Simply follow the sign towards the exit and you should see yellow taxis lined up by the sidewalk.

Convenience

An airport taxi is one of the most convenient options to cover the distance from JFK Airport to Manhattan. It’s available 24/7 and offers door-to-door service. However, JFK Airport is very busy all year long, meaning you can expect a long queue at the taxi rank, especially during peak hours. To save time, consider pre-booking a private airport transfer.

Useful Tips

You can visit the Port Authority Welcome Center located in the arrivals area of each terminal for ground transportation information.

Ignore solicitors in the terminal offering transportation as they're often unlicensed and uninsured and non-uniformed people offering to assist with baggage.

Head directly to the official airport taxi rank and get in the first taxi in line or stand at the end of the queue if there is one.

Tipping your driver is customary for good service; 15% to 20% of the total fare is usually enough.

It's advised to ask for a receipt at the end of the ride in case you want to file a complaint or claim a lost item.

Wheelchair-accessible taxis aren't readily available at the taxi rank so you need to make arrangements with a specialized operator in advance.

If you add tolls, taxes, and the peak hour surcharge, the fare of a taxi can end up the same as that of a private transfer so you might as well choose a private transfer to begin with; the fare will be pre-paid and you won't have to wait at the taxi rank.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi

Learn more

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by train (Subway)

Taking the JFK Airport train to Manhattan is a cheap and quick option to reach your destination. To leave the airport, you need to take the AirTrain JFK; it runs between all the terminals and can take you to Jamaica Station, where you can switch to Subway line E. This option is ideal if you’re headed to Midtown Manhattan; subway line E will take you to 50 St station, which is within walking distance from Times Square, the Rockefeller Center, and the Plaza.

Alternatively, you can take the AirTrain to Howard Beach and take subway line A, which can take you to Lower Manhattan, near Union Square and Washington Square Park.

How much is the subway from JFK Airport to Manhattan?

The journey from JFK Airport to Manhattan by subway will cost $11.40 (€10.20) in total. This includes a ticket for the AirTrain JFK, which costs $8.50 (€7.60), and a single ticket for the subway, which costs $2.90 (€2.60).

For the AirTrain, you may use contactless fare payment with any credit/debit card or mobile device with contactless payments enabled. The same goes for subway fares.

A more convenient option is to purchase a MetroCard at Hudson News stands in Terminals 1, 4, 7, and 8, before and after security. It costs $1 (€0.90) and you can load it with the amount of your choice depending on how you wish to use it.

Cost

$11.40 (€10.20)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

The subway runs more frequently during peak hours (every 3-5 or 6-8 minutes) but can be longer at other times.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and the MTA Subway operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the train from?

You can catch the AirTrain JFK from any terminal building. Just follow the signs to the nearest AirTrain station and pay attention to the direction of the train depending on the subway line you wish to use. If you head to Jamaica Station, you can take subway line E to Midtown Manhattan, while if you head to Howard Beach Station, you can take subway line A to Lower Manhattan.

Convenience

Using the JFK Airport train to Manhattan is a good value-for-money option for budget-conscious travelers and it can be faster than taking a taxi or private transfer during rush hour. However, this option doesn’t take you directly to your end destination; you may need to walk carrying your luggage or take additional transportation to your hotel or apartment. This can be inconvenient after a long flight, especially if you’re traveling with young children.

Timetables

AirTrain JFK

MTA Subway Schedules

MTA Subway Maps

Useful Tips

Children under 5 years of age ride the AirTrain for free.

The AirTrain is free to take between JFK terminals; you only need to pay a ticket when you leave the airport complex on the train.

If you need any assistance, you can approach a customer service agent at the airport wearing a red coat; they also sell MetroCards.

Children under 44 inches tall ride the subway for free.

The subway can get very crowded during peak hours so it's not recommended if you're carrying many pieces of luggage.

Make sure to keep an eye on your personal belongings when riding the subway.

Be extra cautious when using the subway late at night or avoid it altogether, especially when traveling alone or with children.

Keep in mind that most subway stations aren't fully accessible to wheelchair users.

If you plan to use the subway or local buses during your stay, it's worth purchasing a 7-day MetroCard for $34 (€30.50), which grants unlimited access to both.

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by train (LIRR)

The Long Island Rail Road is another good option to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan. You will need to take the AirTrain JFK to reach Jamaica Station and then take any of the Babylon/Port Jefferson/Long Beach/Ronkonkoma Westbound branches heading to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. After disembarking at Penn Station, you’ll be within walking distance of the Empire State Building and Bryant Park; from there you can continue on foot or walk to a nearby subway station to reach your end destination.

How much is the train fare from JFK Airport to Manhattan?

The LIRR calculates the fare based on distance and whether you’re traveling off-peak or peak. Peak fares are charged during weekday rush hours on trains scheduled to arrive in NYC terminals between 06:00 and 10:00. Off-peak fares are charged all other times on weekdays, all day Saturday and Sunday, and on public holidays.

A single ticket from Jamaica Station to Penn Station costs 8.25 off-peak and 11.25 peak. You will also need to add the ticket for the AirTrain JFK, which costs $8.50 (€7.60).

This brings the total train fare from JFK Airport to Manhattan to $16.75 (€15) or $19.75 (€17.70) depending if you’re traveling off-peak or peak.

For the AirTrain, you may use contactless fare payment with any credit/debit card or mobile device with contactless payments enabled or use a MetroCard. For the LIRR, you can purchase your ticket from the machines at Jamaica Station, pre-book your ticket via the TrainTime App, or onboard the train.

Cost

$16.75 (€15)

Trip Duration

35 Min.

The subway runs more frequently during peak hours (every 10-15 minutes) but can be longer at other times. Late at night waiting times can be over 1 hour.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and the MTA LIRR operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I take the train from?

You can catch the AirTrain JFK from any terminal building. Just follow the signs to the nearest AirTrain station and pay attention to the direction of the train. To catch the LIRR, you need to head to Jamaica Station, where you can take any Westbound branch heading to Penn Station.

Convenience

Although combining the AirTrain JFK and the LIRR is more expensive than the subway, it’s an overall better value-for-money option. It’s faster, it’s less crowded, and it has more luggage space than the subway. You can also pre-book your ticket, securing a seat onboard. The downside is having to walk or arrange further transportation to your destination after you disembark.

Timetables

AirTrain JFK

MTA LIRR Schedules

Babylon/Port Jefferson/Long Beach/Ronkonkoma branch

MTA LIRR Fares

Long Island Rail Road fares

MTA LIRR TrainTime App

Online ticket purchase

Useful Tips

The AirTrain is free to take between JFK terminals; you only need to pay a ticket when you leave the airport complex on the train.

Children under 5 years of age ride the AirTrain and the MTA LIRR for free.

Up to four children aged 5 to 11 may ride the LIRR for $1 (€0.90) each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, except on morning rush hour trains toward Manhattan.

Purchasing your ticket on board will cost more. To save money, buy before boarding at ticket offices and machines.

Regardless of which LIRR branch you take, make sure it's the Westbound line, headed to Penn Station.

Westbound trains displaying white and red headlights simultaneously indicate they are short of cars during peak hours. If red lights appear, it means the train is crowded and you may need to reposition yourself on the platform to board.

Most LIRR trains have restrooms in every other car.

Luggage should be stored in overhead racks and not take up seat space or block the aisles or doorways of trains.

Station platforms are accessible to mobility-impaired customers. You can inform the conductor if you need assistance on and off trains.

The LIRR is considered safer than the subway, especially late at night, so that's something to consider when you decide your mode of transport.

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by shared airport shuttle

A JFK Airport shuttle to Manhattan is another available option to leave the airport. GO Airlink NYC is a private operator offering shared shuttle rides from JFK to Manhattan. It’s a cost-effective solution for direct transportation at a lower price and it’s available 24/7.

How much does the shared shuttle from JFK Airport to Manhattan cost?

The fare for the shared shuttle from JFK to Manhattan is $29 (€26) per passenger. The initial quote doesn’t include taxes and fees, which amount to $4.90 (€4.40) per passenger.

You can pre-book your seat online or head to the Welcome Center in Arrivals to see if there are any available seats. You can pay in cash or by credit/debit card.

Cost

$29 (€26)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

If you don't pre-book your seat, you may end up waiting for the next available shuttle.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Shared shuttle services by GO Airlink NYC are available 24/7.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

After landing at JFK, you will receive a text message. Click the link in the text message to receive instructions on meeting your driver. Once you have collected your luggage, follow the signs to the Welcome Center located in each JFK terminal and press the ‘Ready Now’ button to be connected with your vehicle.

Convenience

The airport shuttle from JFK to Manhattan is a good value-for-money option for solo travelers or up to two passengers who wish to keep expenses lower but also ensure door-to-door transportation. However, sharing the shuttle with other passengers means a longer trip duration. The shuttle needs to stop at all terminals to pick up passengers and then drop them off in order of the closest destination point to the furthest. If you’re in a hurry, this isn’t the best option.

Timetables

GO Airlink NYC

Official website

Useful Tips

Each paying adult can accompany a child under 3 years old free of charge.

Each shared ride can accommodate up to 14 passengers with their luggage.

One checked bag and one carry-on item are allowed per passenger. Additional fees may apply for excess luggage.

You can request a wheelchair-accessible ride by pre-booking online.

If you have any issues, you can head to the Welcome Center in your arriving terminal and call extension #18 using one of the courtesy phones to connect directly with Go Airlink NYC.

Pre-booking your seat is highly recommended as passengers with a reservation are given priority over walk-up guests. If there are any seats available, the driver may wait until the vehicle is full.

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by private transfer

A private transfer from JFK Airport to Manhattan is the best transportation option to reach your accommodation directly. With a trusted operator like Welcome Pickups, you can save time by skipping the queue at the taxi rank and enjoy personalized services and perks like:

• Meet and greets
• Trained professional drivers
• Flight monitoring
• Guaranteed fixed fares
• 24/7 customer support
• Flexible cancellation policy

 

The best part of a JFK Airport transfer is that you can arrange everything before your trip and ensure a seamless arrival at JFK after a long flight. Your driver will provide a relaxing ride and can even recommend places to eat to help you make the most of your stay.

What's the cost of an airport transfer from JFK to Manhattan?

One of the perks of pre-booking your airport transfer from JFK to Manhattan with Welcome is the competitive fixed fare. You will pay securely online after completing your booking, which helps you budget your trip beforehand and avoid surprises on the day of your arrival.

A transfer from JFK Airport to Manhattan costs $99 (€89) with a sedan, $132 (€118) with a minivan, and $340 (€305) with a minibus. The booking flow will help you select the best vehicle type after selecting the number of passengers and luggage.

These fares are final and include all tolls, taxes, and any airport fees. Even if you get stuck in traffic during rush hour, the fare is fixed so you have nothing to worry about after leaving the airport.

@welcomepickups

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Cost

$99 (€89)

Trip Duration

35 Min.

Pre-booking your private transfer ensures zero waiting time after landing.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can pre-book a private transfer from JFK to Manhattan 24/7.

Where do I get a transfer from?

JFK is a big and busy airport but your Welcome driver will have your flight information after you submit it during the booking. Knowing at which terminal your flight lands, they will be waiting inside the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name.

If you have trouble spotting your driver, you can contact them via WhatsApp or the Welcome Travel App. The latter also shows a photo of the exact meeting point so consider downloading it before you arrive at JFK Airport.

Convenience

Despite the slightly higher fare, a private transfer is probably the best way to get from JFK to Manhattan in terms of convenience. Whether you’re traveling on business, with your family, or simply want to avoid the crowds and hassle of public transport, Welcome Pickups is your best bet for a seamless travel experience. Everything is taken care of in advance and you can simply sit back and relax until you reach your hotel or apartment in Manhattan.

Useful Tips

It's recommended to set the pickup time 20-30 minutes after your flight arrival; this will allow enough time to go through passport control and baggage claim without rushing to the exit.

Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 5, and minibusses up to 12.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one free of charge during the booking process or later using the Welcome Pickups App.

You will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.

Your driver will monitor your flight and adjust the pickup time in case of a delay.

You don't have to tip your driver but you're welcome to do so if you really appreciate the service. You can tip in cash or add a tip via the Welcome Pickups App.

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles aren't available so you need to make arrangements with a specialized operator in advance.

New York Airport private transfers

Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.

Sedan up to 3 passengers

€51Starting from 17 EUR / passenger

Tesla Model Y, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry

SUV up to 5 passengers

€76Starting from 15.2 EUR / passenger

Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna

Minibus up to 12 passengers

€127Starting from 10.6 EUR / passenger

Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

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Maria Papakonstantinou

Maria is a seasoned travel writer and avid traveler with a knack for research and itinerary planning. Specializing in airport transport and destination guides, she blends personal experience with local insights to help make every journey seamless.

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