How to get from JFK to Grand Central

Fern Coll

Travel Writer/World Explorer

June 7, 2023

The epic Grand Central Terminal is one of the most famous transportation hubs in the world. This commuter train station is located in the sought-after area of 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and has access to the entire New York metropolitan area. Aside from being the gateway to New York City, Grand Central Station is also a historical landmark that has been featured in countless movies since its opening in 1913.

To reach this iconic train station, you have two transfer options from JFK Airport to Grand Central; taxi or subway. Taking a JFK Airport taxi is the most comfortable transfer option, with a journey time of 55 minutes and a cost of around $75 (€70). Taking the subway is a much cheaper option, with a total cost of $11.75 (€10.50) per person, but it will take closer to 1 hour to reach Grand Central.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to New York at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€122	55min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€70	55min	24/7
Subway	€21	60min	24/7

How to get from JFK to Grand Central by taxi

The taxis at JFK provide the quickest and most convenient transfer to Grand Central Station. The journey time in a JFK to Grand Central shuttle will be just 55 minutes and will cost around $75 (€70) including all tolls and tips.

How much is a JFK to Grand Central shuttle?

The cost of a taxi from JFK to Grand Central Station will be around $75 (€70). There’s a fixed cost of $52 (€50) for a taxi from JFK Airport to Grand Central, but you will need to add toll costs and a tip of around 15-20% on top of this price.

Cost

$75 (€70)

Trip Duration

55 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24 hours a day from JFK Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at JFK Airport?

Taxis are located outside of all terminals at JFK Airport. As you exit the main building, you will see a line of taxi cabs waiting in front of you.

Convenience

The most relaxing and only direct way to get from JFK to Grand Central is to take a taxi. You will be able to relax the entire way, knowing your loved ones and personal belongings are safe and secure. Plus, your private car will drop you off directly at the door of your hotel.

Editor’s Note

There's a fixed fare of $52 (€50) for a JFK to Grand Central shuttle. However, you will also need to add on tolls and tips, which will change this price to around $75 (€70). For a fixed all-inclusive fare, you can pre-book with Welcome Pickups instead.

Useful Tips

Some JFK taxi drivers accept card payments, but not all.

Tipping your driver around 15-20% is customary.

If you leave any belongings behind in the taxi, you can call 311.

How to get from JFK to Grand Central Station by subway

The subway does run from JFK to Grand Central, but it isn’t direct. You will first need to take the AirTrain Red Jamaica Line to Jamaica Station then transfer to the Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport Subway Station. From here, take the Subway Line E towards the World Trade Centre and get off at Lexington Av. Finally, you will transfer to Subway Line 6, which will take you to Grand Central Station. The total journey time will be around 60 minutes and the cost will be $11.75 (€10.50) per person.

How much is the subway from JFK to Grand Central?

The cost of the AirTrain is $8 (€7) and the cost of the subway is $2.75 (€2.50). However, you will also need to purchase and top up a rechargeable Metrocard, which costs a one-off fee of $1 (€1). That brings the total journey cost on the subway from JFK to Grand Central Station to $11.75 (€10.50).

Cost

$11.75 (€10.50)

Trip Duration

60 Min.

*There's a waiting time of 15 minutes for the AirTrain and 10 minutes for the subway.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain and subway both run 24 hours a day.

Where do I find the subway at JFK Airport?

The AirTrain leaves from all terminals at JFK Airport. The AirTrain will be clearly marked from the moment you exit the baggage claim and can be found underground via stairs, escalators and an elevator.

Convenience

As the bus from JFK to Grand Central no long runs, your only public transfer option is the subway. Although a cheap transfer option, it’s not very convenient. You will need to make multiple changes and navigate your way through busy subway stations with your luggage. During peak travel times, you may also have to stand for the majority of your transfer as seats will be limited.

Timetables

AirTrain

New York Subway

Editor’s Note

It's very important to be aware of pickpockets while riding the New York Subway. Keep all personal belongings close to you and try not to leave your phone or wallet in your back pocket.

Useful Tips

You must purchase and pre-load a Metrocard before riding the subway.

The wait time for the subway is 10 minutes during the day and 20 minutes at night.

You will need to make three train transfers before reaching Grand Central Station.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in New york. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€130.0

NIGHTTIME

€130.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from JFK to Grand Central?

There are two ways to get from JFK to Grand Central; taxi or the subway. Taking an airport taxi will take around 55 minutes to reach Grand Central and will cost around $75 (€70). The subway will be much cheaper, at $11.75 (€10.50) per person, but it will take 60 minutes and have many transfers.

Is there a direct bus from JFK to Grand Central?

No, there’s no bus from JFK to Grand Central, the service was terminated. You will need to take either a local taxi, book a private transfer or take the subway to get from JFK to Grand Central Station.

What’s the cost of a cab from JFK to Grand Central?

The cost of a JFK to Grand Central shuttle will be around $75 (€70), which includes the fixed fare of $52 (€50), the cost of the main toll charges and a customary tip of around 15 to 20%.

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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 to Grand Central by taxi

How much is a JFK to Grand Central shuttle?

Cost

$75 (€70)

Trip Duration

55 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24 hours a day from JFK Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at JFK Airport?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from JFK to Grand Central Station by subway

How much is the subway from JFK to Grand Central?

Cost

$11.75 (€10.50)

Trip Duration

60 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain and subway both run 24 hours a day.

Where do I find the subway at JFK Airport?

Convenience

Timetables

AirTrain

New York Subway

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from JFK to Grand Central?

Is there a direct bus from JFK to Grand Central?

What’s the cost of a cab from JFK to Grand Central?

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