JFK Airport taxi service runs 24 hours a day. These taxis are popular yellow cabs in New York, which are licensed by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). In addition, they are daily inspected, and drivers have to pass background checks and training on a frequent basis.
In addition, John F. Kennedy International Airport operates Green Taxi, which operates outside Central Manhattan available for pickup from the airport.
Airport taxis at JFK are the most popular choice for travelers, especially during late-night or bad weather. One of the studies highlights that yellow taxis constitute 20% of all ground transportation trips from JFK.
Taxi Fares From JFK Airport
JFK Airport taxi service charges a flat fare for trips to Manhattan. For other locations, a standard metered fare applies.
Metered fares - From JFK airport to anywhere in New York City, these are called non-flat-fare routes. Every ride starts with a base fare of 3 USD. Gradually, fares increased by 0.70 cents after 1/5th of every mile if the vehicle is moving above 70 mph or during a traffic stop for 60 seconds or more. The additional charges include:
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5 USD peak-hour surcharge (weekdays from 4–8 p.m.).
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1.75 USD Port Authority airport access fee.
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2.50 USD New York State congestion surcharge (for trips to south of 96th Street in Manhattan).
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1 USD taxi maintenance charge.
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0.50 USD MTA State surcharge.
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0.75 USD MTA congestion pricing toll.
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Any applicable bridge or tunnel tolls.
How to Find a Taxi from JFK Airport
JFK taxi stands are located outside the arrivals area of each terminal. There are designated signs that mark “Taxi” and guide travelers to the correct pickup zone.
There are uniformed taxi dispatchers who manage the queues and assign vehicles to passengers.
Here is the step-by-step process to get JFK airport taxi:
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Exit the baggage claim area.
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Follow the signs to the taxi stands.
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Join the passenger line.
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Inform the JFK taxi dispatcher about the destination.
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Wait for the taxi.
Pro tip: Wait times for JFK taxis may range from 10 to 12 minutes. It is not recommended by the JFK Airport Authority to accept the rides from the drivers who approach inside the terminal. These drivers lack a license and are uninsured.
JFK Taxi Wait Times
Taxi wait times at JFK Airport differ across all terminals. On average, the JFK taxi wait time is 3 minutes at Terminal 1, 20 minutes at JFK Terminal 4, 9 minutes at Terminal 5, and 2-3 minutes at Terminal 8.
Wait times are usually higher during the peak travel hours when multiple flights arrive at the same time. In most cases, expect a wait time between 5 and 15 minutes.
JFK Airport taxi services offer the most reliable options for travelers. Operating 24/7, passengers will find yellow and green taxi cabs authorized by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission to ensure safety and transparent fares.
In addition, travelers can easily locate the JFK taxi cab stand outside terminals and are guided by signs and assisted by uniform dispatchers. Expect a JFK taxi wait time between 5-15 minutes, which varies with terminal and peak hours.
Also, fares for JFK airport taxi have remained unchanged since 2023 and are expected to have a hike in airport access fee by 2.5 USD by mid-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensed taxi at JFK Airport accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. There is no additional fee for card payments. Also, these yellow cabs at JFK Airport accept Apple Pay or Google Pay.
If you want to recover a lost baggage item in a JFK taxi, contact the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission at 311 or +1-212-639-9675 if you’re calling from outside NYC.
Yes. Many JFK taxis offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and you can request one from the dispatcher at the stand.
No. Yellow cabs do not require booking and are available from the JFK airport pickup taxi stand.
New York Cabs at JFK limit rides to four passengers. One single ride covers fares for all travelers.