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There are several ways to get to Manhattan from JFK Airport. You can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the subway or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which costs $8.50. Alternatively, you can take the AirTrain to Howard Beach Station and transfer to the A subway train to get to Lower Manhattan. If you prefer a taxi, a yellow cab has a flat fare of $70 plus tolls, or you can use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft, which will cost between $60 and $100. For a more affordable option, you can take the Q10 bus from Terminal 5 and transfer to the subway at Lefferts Blvd.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel options | Subway, commuter train, taxi, shuttle, or car |
| Subway lines | A train (downtown), E train (uptown), J or Z train (Brooklyn or Downtown Manhattan) |
| Commute time | 35 minutes (commuter train), 1 hour (early morning) |
| Cost | $70 (taxi flat fare), $8.25 (AirTrain), $5-$7 (CityTicket), $11.40 (most riders), $13.50-$15.50 (most riders from Manhattan or Brooklyn) |
| Additional costs | $2.50 (New York State Congestion Surcharge for Yellow Taxi), $2.75 (for Green Taxi and FHV), $0.75 (any shared ride) |
| Luggage | Carry-on luggage for AirTrain/LIRR, bigger luggage for taxi |
| Travel apps | MTA app, Google Maps, Uber |
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What You'll Learn
By subway
To get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by subway, you'll first need to take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. The AirTrain connects to all airport terminals, and you can board any AirTrain that arrives. The AirTrain fare is $$8.50, and you can pay using your MetroCard or OMNY.
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport subway station. Take the elevator, escalator, or stairs down one level, then walk outside and follow the signs to the subway. You can use the same MetroCard or OMNY card to pay the subway fare, which is $$2.90.
From Jamaica Station, you can take the E train uptown or the A train downtown to get to Manhattan. The closest stops to popular destinations in Manhattan include:
- World Trade Center: For the Financial District and other Downtown spots.
- 34 St-Penn Station: For Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, Hudson Yards, and Midtown spots like the Empire State Building.
- Times Sq-42 St: For Times Square, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and other Midtown locations.
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By commuter train
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a commuter train that connects Long Island, where JFK Airport is located, to Manhattan. It is faster than the subway but more expensive. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting to Manhattan from JFK Airport by commuter train:
Step 1: Take the AirTrain
Take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station. The AirTrain connects to all airport terminals and costs $8.50. You can pay using OMNY or a MetroCard.
Step 2: Transfer to the LIRR at Jamaica Station
At Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the LIRR. You can buy tickets from the ticket office, at a machine, or on your phone using the MTA eTix app or TrainTime app. As of May 2024, a one-way off-peak ticket is $8.25, and a one-way peak ticket is $11.25.
Step 3: Take the LIRR to Manhattan
Take a westbound LIRR train to Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. If you are going to Midtown West, get off at Penn Station. If you are going to Midtown East, get off at Grand Central Terminal.
Step 4: Transfer to the subway (optional)
If you are going somewhere else in Manhattan, you may need to transfer to the subway at Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to determine the best route with the fewest transfers.
Other Tips:
- If you are taking an eastbound LIRR train, sit near the front of the train to be closer to the AirTrain when you disembark at Jamaica Station.
- If you are travelling with luggage, consider taking a taxi or ride-share service like Uber or Lyft, as the train may be uncomfortable with large suitcases.
- If you are arriving at an off-peak time and want to save money, consider taking the subway instead of the LIRR. The subway costs $2.90 and goes directly to different parts of Manhattan, but it takes longer.
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By taxi
If you're looking for a direct and comfortable way to get to Manhattan from JFK Airport, taking a taxi is a good option. Here's everything you need to know about taking a taxi from JFK to Manhattan:
Finding a Taxi at JFK Airport:
Taxis are readily available at JFK Airport. They are located outside the terminals, with taxi stands or lines where you can join a queue for the next available cab. At most terminals, the taxi line is right outside the curbside, but for Terminal 8, the taxi line is across the street. Look for the official taxi dispatcher, who will assist you in finding a taxi and provide an estimated price for your trip.
Identifying Licensed Taxis:
In New York City, only yellow taxis are licensed to pick up passengers from the street. These taxis are easily identifiable by their yellow colour, "T" markings, and medallion license numbers displayed on the roof and sides of the vehicle. Remember to take your receipt at the end of your trip, as it includes the medallion license number, which can be useful if you encounter any issues.
Taxi Fares and Fees:
The taxi fare from JFK Airport to Manhattan is typically a flat rate. The exact fare can vary, but it generally ranges from $45 to $75, plus any applicable tolls and a tip for the driver. There may also be additional fees, such as a $4.50 to $5.00 surcharge during peak hours (usually weekdays from 4 pm to 8 pm), a $0.50 New York State tax, and a congestion surcharge of $2.50 to $2.75 for trips south of 96th Street.
Alternative Taxi Services:
In addition to traditional taxis, you can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber to request taxi-like services from JFK Airport to Manhattan. With Uber, you can use features like UberX to request rides at any time, view upfront pricing, and access safety tools.
Tips for Taking a Taxi:
- Always use taxis from the official taxi dispatch booth and refuse offers from unauthorised drivers.
- Tipping is customary for good service, typically ranging from 15% to 20% of the fare.
- If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi can be a more convenient option than public transportation.
- Taxis are subject to traffic, especially during peak hours, so plan your trip accordingly.
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By shuttle
There are several shuttle services that can take you from JFK Airport to Manhattan. GO Airlink NYC is an official Port Authority-licensed operator that offers shared and private shuttle services from JFK Airport to Manhattan. Fares for their shared shuttle service start at $35 per person, with curbside pickup at the terminal. They also offer a private shuttle service, which you can book with a 20% discount using the code SUMMER20.
Uber also offers a shuttle service between JFK Airport and Midtown or Downtown Manhattan. You can reserve your seat in advance using the Uber app, and payment must be made through the app as well. Each rider is allowed one piece of luggage weighing up to 45 lbs (20.5 kg) and one personal item. To bring additional luggage, you must book an extra seat.
Both GO Airlink NYC and Uber's shuttle services are safe and reliable options for travelling between JFK Airport and Manhattan.
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By AirTrain
The AirTrain is a fast and efficient way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan. It is an unmanned train that runs 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers two routes into Manhattan: the Howard Beach Route and the Jamaica Station Route.
To board the AirTrain, follow the signs to "AirTrain" or "Kennedy Airport" at your terminal. You can board any AirTrain that arrives, but you will need to check which route you need to take. The Howard Beach Route is generally quieter and offers nice views, but the Jamaica Station Route offers more lines to transfer to.
At Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the Long Island Rail Road and take a westbound train to Penn Station or Grand Central. You can also take a westbound train to Atlantic Terminal if your destination is in Brooklyn. A ticket to Manhattan costs $5 during off-peak periods and $7 during peak periods.
At Howard Beach Station, you can take the A line subway, which runs via Lower Manhattan to Fulton Street, Penn Station, and Times Square. The subway costs $2.90 per ride.
The AirTrain fare is $8.50 one-way, and children under five ride for free. You can purchase your ticket at the AirTrain station, but the lines can be long, so it is recommended to buy your ticket online in advance. You can pay with a MetroCard or OMNY, or with a credit, debit, or prepaid card.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan is by commuter train (around 35 minutes). The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a commuter rail service that goes into Manhattan.
The LIRR costs $5 during off-peak periods or $7 during peak periods. On top of this, you will need to pay the $8.50 AirTrain fare when you exit at Jamaica Station.
The cheapest way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan is by subway.
To get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by subway, you first need to take the AirTrain ($8.50) to Jamaica Station. From there, you can take the E, J, or Z subway lines to various parts of Manhattan.
A taxi from JFK Airport to Manhattan is a flat fare of $70, plus tolls if taking the tunnel.
