Navigating Jfk Airport By Bus: Which Route To Take?

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers annually. If you're looking for an affordable and convenient way to get to JFK Airport, there are several bus options available. Depending on your departure location, you can choose from various public and private bus services, each offering its own advantages in terms of travel time and cost. From public buses in Queens and Brooklyn to express buses and shuttle services, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to reaching the airport by bus.

Bus routes from NYC to JFK

There are several bus routes from New York City (NYC) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The specific bus you take will depend on where in NYC you are travelling from.

From Manhattan or Brooklyn

If you're travelling from Manhattan or Brooklyn, the best option is to take the subway or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station and then transfer to the AirTrain, which will take you to the airport.

The subway option is the best choice if you want to save on fares, whereas the LIRR is a better option if you want to save time. The subway fare is $2.90, and the AirTrain fare is $8.50, so the total cost of this journey is $11.40 for most riders.

The LIRR fare depends on whether you are travelling during peak hours and whether you are eligible for a reduced fare. From Manhattan or Brooklyn, the total cost of the LIRR and AirTrain journey is $13.50 or $15.50 for most riders.

From Queens

If you're travelling from Queens, you can take the Q3 or Q10 bus, which provide express service to JFK's terminals. These buses run seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with peak-hour frequency. The fare for these buses is $2.75, and you can pay using a MetroCard.

From Brooklyn

If you're travelling from Brooklyn, you can take the B15 or B20 bus to the airport.

From Other Locations

There are also bus routes to JFK from other locations in New York State and beyond, including:

• Albany
• Allentown
• Amsterdam
• Atlantic City
• Bethesda
• Binghamton
• Brampton
• Buffalo
• Harrisburg
• Hartford
• Ithaca
• King of Prussia
• Montreal
• New Brunswick
• Newark
• Newton
• Philadelphia
• Portland
• Providence
• Rockville
• Silver Spring
• Springfield
• State College
• Syracuse
• Toronto
• Washington, DC

Bus fares and tickets

• NYC Public Buses (Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, B15, B20): The standard bus fare for the Q3 and Q10 buses, which operate in Queens, is $2.75, and payment can be made using a MetroCard. For other public buses, such as the Q6, Q7, B15, and B20, the regular city bus fare applies.
• MTA Bus Service: The MTA Bus Service offers affordable transportation options to JFK Airport, with standard bus fares applying. The exact fare depends on whether you are travelling during peak hours and if you are eligible for a reduced fare.
• New York City Express Bus: This service offers express bus services between Grand Central Station, Penn Station, and JFK Airport. While the exact fare is not specified, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues at stations.
• NYC Airporter: This service provides shared ride van services to and from JFK Airport. The fare information is not explicitly mentioned, but they offer deals and discounts of up to 70%.
• AirTrain JFK: The AirTrain is not a bus service but is worth mentioning as it connects the airport to Subway and Long Island Railroad stations. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and you cannot use unlimited passes on it. Children under 5 ride for free.

When planning your trip to JFK Airport, it is recommended to check the latest information on fares and ticketing options for your chosen bus service. Additionally, consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and availability of transfers when making your decision.

Bus schedules and timetables

There are several bus options for getting to JFK Airport, and the schedules and timetables will vary depending on the specific bus route and company. Here are the key details you need to know:

NYC Public Bus Options

If you're travelling from Queens, you can take the Q3 or Q10 bus, which provide express service to JFK's terminals. These buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with more frequent service during peak hours. The fare is $2.75, payable by MetroCard.

For those travelling from Brooklyn, the B15 and B20 bus routes provide convenient access to JFK Airport. You can find the nearest bus stop and check the bus timetable online or through the MTA trip planner. The fare for these buses is also $2.75, payable by cash or MetroCard.

New York City Express Bus

The New York City Express Bus offers a frequent, non-stop express service between Grand Central Station, Penn Station, and JFK Airport. This is a direct bus service, and you can find the departure and arrival times on the bus company's website or through a travel planner app.

MTA Bus

The MTA Bus service operates 7 days a week and connects JFK Airport to various neighbourhoods in Queens, such as Kew Gardens, Jackson Heights, and Flushing. You can find the schedules and timetables for the MTA Bus on their website or through travel planner apps.

Airport Shuttle Buses

Several hotels provide shuttle bus services to and from JFK Airport. However, it's important to check the operating hours and confirm that the shuttle bus is running when you need it. You can usually find this information on the hotel's website or by contacting their customer service.

AirTrain JFK

The AirTrain is not exactly a bus, but it's worth mentioning as it provides free shuttle service within JFK Airport. It connects the airport terminals to rental car facilities, hotel shuttle buses, and parking lots. The AirTrain also connects to the Long Island Railroad and Subway stations, allowing for easy transfers to and from the airport. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and you can use OMNY or a MetroCard to pay.

When planning your trip to JFK Airport, it's always a good idea to check the schedules and route details online beforehand. This will help you choose the best bus option for your specific travel needs and ensure a smooth journey.

Bus stations and stops

John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport has several bus stations and stops across its terminals. These include:

• John F. Kennedy Airport - Terminal 1
• John F. Kennedy Airport - Terminal 4
• John F. Kennedy Airport - Terminal 7
• John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal T-7

The specific bus station or stop you need will depend on your bus route and the terminal you are travelling to or from.

When travelling to JFK Airport by bus, it is important to plan your journey in advance. This includes checking the bus schedules, timetables, and routes, as well as the locations of the bus stops. You should also be aware of any additional fees that may apply when using express buses or airport services.

In addition to the bus stations at JFK Airport, there are several bus stops and stations in the surrounding area that provide connections to the airport. These include:

• The Q3 and Q10 bus stops in Queens, which provide express service to JFK Airport's terminals.
• The B15 and B20 bus routes in Brooklyn, which also provide access to the airport.
• The Q70 SBS bus route, which offers a faster connection to JFK Airport from Manhattan, with stops at Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station.

Bus companies and providers

There are several bus options for getting to JFK Airport, including public and private transportation services.

Public Bus Services

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus service operates seven days a week and offers riders an affordable and sustainable way to get to and from JFK Airport. The Q3 and Q10 buses run from Queens, and the B15 and B20 buses operate from Brooklyn. These buses provide express service to the airport's terminals and run 24 hours a day, with more frequent service during peak hours. The fare for these buses is $2.75, and payment can be made using a MetroCard. It's important to note that passengers travelling from Nassau County or Southeast Queens will need to take the N4 or N6 bus to connect with the Q3 or Q10 bus routes.

In addition to the MTA bus service, the New York City Express Bus offers non-stop express service between Grand Central Station, Penn Station, and JFK Airport. This is a convenient option for those travelling to and from Manhattan.

Private Transportation Services

For those seeking more convenience and comfort, private transportation options are also available. This includes hiring a taxi or ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, or booking a shuttle or limousine service. These options can be more expensive, but they offer door-to-door service and can accommodate specific travel needs. Additionally, some shared-ride services provide affordable, route-based transfers to and from the airport.

When choosing a private transportation service, it is recommended to book with licensed and top-rated providers to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.

AirTrain JFK

While not a traditional bus service, the AirTrain JFK is another important transportation option to consider. It is an elevated train that connects JFK Airport to both the Subway and Long Island Railroad stations. The AirTrain also provides a free shuttle service to rental car companies, hotel shuttle buses, and parking lots. The fare for the AirTrain is $8.50, and it cannot be used with unlimited passes.

Frequently asked questions