To and from JFK Airport
The A or E Train
Catch the A train to Far Rockaway to the Howard Beach/JFK Airport stop, or the E train to Jamaica Station, to connect with the AirTrain monorail, which stops at every terminal.
Or, connect with the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) at Jamaica Station, to Penn Station.
Then, pick up the AirTrain to the airport which stops at every terminal. Budget an additional 15 to 30 minutes to get to your terminal.
- Travel time: The AirTrain runs every few minutes and takes approximately ten minutes from terminal stops to the subway, and about 70 minutes total from Manhattan.
- Total cost: The AirTrain is FREE within JFK, to switch terminals or to connect with airport parking lots.
- Outside of JFK’s bounderies, there’s a $5 fee, plus $2.25 or Metrocard for subway fare.
Airport Express Shuttle Bus
GoAirlink has replaced NYC Airporter as the non-stop shuttle service between Manhattan and JFK.
Express shuttles operate daily only from 11am to 7pm, departing from Grand Central, Penn Station and The Port Authority Bus Terminal every 30 minutes to all the terminals of LaGuardia Airports.
There is also free shuttle van service to hotels in Times Square and mid-town, between 23rd and 63rd Streets, for shuttle bus customers from Grand Central.
The same company also serves LaGuardia Airport.
- Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Total cost: $17 for one way. Purchase tickets online to save time.
- Get 10% off when you book with the app.
NYC Taxi
Licensed NYC taxis, traditional yellow taxis, are available at every JFK terminal.
There is a flat fare of $52 for trips between the airport and Manhattan.
The fare is for one stop only. If more than one stop is required for multiple passengers, standard taxi rates apply after the first drop-off.
Taxis impose a $4.50 surcharge during peak hours (4-8 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays), for a fare of $56.50.
Tolls are additional.
There is also a NY State tax of 50 cents added to trips within New York, but not for trips to NJ.
Car Services
NYC on the Cheap recommends one of these local NYC car services which have been in business for 20+ years with drivers who can find their way around NYC without relying on GPS.
Rates are competitive with the app-based services.
New York City subway and bus fare is now $2.75, as of 2018-12-31.