How to get to Manhattan from JFK airport?

JFK International Airport is New York’s main airport. Located about 30 kilometres from Manhattan, it is accessible by a variety of modes of transport ranging from the most economical to the most luxurious.

How to get to Manhattan from JFK airport?

To reach Manhattan from John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport (JFK), various alternatives are available. These options are offered by public transport companies or by private companies.

The differentiating criteria are the level of comfort, the transfer time and the place where the chosen means of transport will drop you off.

New York’s JFK airport

Opened in 1948, John Fitzerald Kennedy International Airport is the city’s main international airport. It is located in the borough of Queens, about 20 miles southeast of Manhattan.

By AirTrain and by metro

Once you have collected your luggage and exited the arrivals hall, follow the signs to the AirTrain.

This driverless underground passes through all 8 terminals at JFK Airport before heading to one of only two underground stations to which it connects: Howard Beach (Line A) and Jamaica (Line E). The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

Howard Beach is ideal for taking the underground back to Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. Jamaica Station is best for travel to Mid Town Manhattan or Penn Station.

The AirTrain ticket will cost you $5 per person. If you take the underground back to your hotel, you will need to buy a ticket that will cost you at least $2.75. The total cost to travel from JFK Airport to Penn Station by AirTrain is $10.

By bus

The NYC Airport Service bus company connects JFK Airport with Grand Central Station bus and train station. This route includes a stop at Port Authority Bus Terminal (west side) and Penn Station (in midtown Manhattan). You can get off at any of these stops, the fare will still be $15.

When you leave the plane, follow the signs that say “Grand Transportation” to find your bus stop. These buses run from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm and run approximately every 30 minutes. The $15 fare applies to everyone except children under 3, who do not pay.

The Manhattan bus station is located in Grand Central Station on the west side of the borough. If your hotel is far from the two terminal stations, you can take the underground or train to continue to your accommodation.

On most of these buses, passengers can connect to the internet with free WiFi access.

By taxi

The taxi ride will cost you about $70 ($52 on the meter, plus the toll and tip, which is about 15%). This makes economic sense when there are two or three people travelling together. If there are four of you, the taxi driver may refuse to take you. In this case, you should take a van taxi.

When you arrive, follow the signs to where the taxis are waiting and do not follow touts who direct you to fake taxis. You may end up paying much more for your ride. Real taxis can be recognised by their yellow colour (the famous Yellow Cabs) and the licence on the vehicle..

By private transfert (small group)

This is an option that offers a very good compromise between comfort and speed, sedan or van depending on the size of your group. A shuttle can be shared by several people, which allows you to obtain an economical rate of about 50€ per passenger. Ideal for a family of 4 people by opting for an SUV, or a minivan for a group of 10 people. In addition, the shuttle drops off each traveller in front of their hotel in Manhattan, book your private transfer.

By limousine

This may seem like the most luxurious option, but when travelling as a group, it can be a great value for the extreme comfort offered.

For a group of 7 people, it costs about $300 all-inclusive to get from JFK airport to your place of residence in Manhattan. Each passenger will be charged approximately $40 for a limousine transfer.

Rent a car

If you have chosen to rent a car, you simply collect your vehicle on arrival and programme the GPS, which is fitted as standard, to direct you to your place of residence. It’s a 45-60 minute drive.

Be aware that New York is considered one of the most expensive cities in terms of car rental and that parking is charged almost everywhere in the city.

If you have a lot of luggage or are tired, we recommend taking a yellow taxi. It’s more expensive than the AirTrain and underground but it’s more relaxing and you’ll get a great view of the skyline.

If you’re on a tight schedule or in rush hour traffic, the AirTrain and underground are a great alternative and can save you 2 hours in traffic.

NYC team