This website is independent and not affiliated with JFK Airport or the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. No fraud or malicious activity is conducted.
This website is independent and not affiliated with JFK Airport or the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. No fraud or malicious activity is conducted.
Passengers arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) have several convenient options to reach Manhattan. The distance from JFK Airport to Manhattan is approximately 15 miles, and the travel time ranges from 35 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions and time of day.
All road-based transportation, like NYC yellow taxis, rideshares, and car rentals from JFK, can be affected by the heavy New York City traffic, especially during peak hours.
In contrast, public transport options like AirTrain and subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) can be affordable and offer a predictable time to reach Manhattan.
Cost for public transportation options can be affordable and start as low as 11.50 USD, while private car limousine service may cost several hundred dollars.
The best option depends on passengers’ budget, how much luggage they carry, the size of the group traveling, and the landing time at JFK Airport.
Taxi cost from JFK to Manhattan is decided on the flat system that starts at a fixed fare of 70 USD plus other charges such as tolls (10-15 USD), New York State tax (0.50 USD), airport congestion surcharge (2.50 USD), and peak hour surcharge between 4–8 p.m. weekdays (5 USD).
There are designated points at the curbside of each terminal where uniformed dispatchers will direct travelers to the next available NYC Yellow Taxi.
This option works well with heavy luggage, red-eye departures, or late-night arrivals.
Cost per person: 70 USD + taxes (each ride). Accommodate up to 4 passengers.
Travel time:
Uber or Lyft to Manhattan from JFK Airport offers door-to-door service through the app. There are designated curbside pick-up points at each terminal.
For JFK Terminal 5, there is no curbside pickup spot available. Passengers have to board AirTran to reach a designated spot.
Cost per person: Cost range from 60 - 120 USD per ride. Peak hour surcharge may apply. The shared-pool option may reduce fares.
Travel time: 35 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic and the time of day.
From JFK Airport, travelers can take the AirTran and then change to either the subway to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) networks.
Option 1: AirTrain + Subway: Travelers need to follow the signs to AirTrain from the baggage claim area at JFK. The monorail runs every 5 minutes between terminals and reaches Jamaica Station in about 10 minutes.
In Jamaica, exit and pay a fixed fare of 8.50 USD for using AirTran.
Then, transfer to the MTA subway line commonly known as the E Train, into Manhattan
Children under 5 years of age ride free.
Cost per person: The subway from JFK to Manhattan costs 11.50 USD.
Travel time: The AirTran from the arrival terminal to the subway connection (usually Jamaica) takes around 10 - 15 minutes. The subway portion from Jamaica to Manhattan takes around 45- 60 minutes.
Option 2: AirTrain + LIRR: The train from JFK to Manhattan via Long Island Rail Road is the fattest train option. Passengers need to use the same AirTran to Jamaica and pay 8.50 USD on exit.
But LIRR train ticket at the machines or the TrainTime app.
LIRR stops at Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in 20 minutes.
Penn Station serves Midtown West, which includes iconic landmarks like Madison Square Garden and Hudson Yards.
Grand Central Madison serves Midtown East near Rockefeller Center.
This option works well for light luggage and a tight schedule.
Cost per person: One-way fare for AirTrain to Jamaica Station comes to about 8.50 USD. After transferring to the LIRR, the fare depends on traveling during peak or off-peak times. Peak hour fare is 18-19 USD. Off-peak hour fare is 15.50 - 16.00 USD. In total, AirTrain + LIRR comes to around 24 USD.
Travel time: Total travel time stays under 40 minutes.
Companies like GO Airlink NYC offer shared shuttle service from JFK to Manhattan and offer curbside pickup from the terminal.
Cost per person: Fares start at 30-35 USD per passenger to Midtown or downtown hotels. Shuttle vehicles can accommodate 8- 12 passengers with luggage space.
Travel time: Expect a door-to-door ride in about 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Express bus services operate from select JFK terminals (1, 4, 7, 8). Routes offer direct services to Grand Central, Times Square, or Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. The bus departs every 30 minutes from JFK Airport.
Cost per person: Tickets cost 19 USD each way.
Travel time: Travel time runs 60–120 minutes, depending on NYC traffic from JFK Airport.
Helicopter transfers offer the fastest trip to Manhattan from JFK Airport. Companies like Blade fly from JFK to Manhattan via heliports (Hudson Yards or East 34th Street) in about 5 minutes.
Cost per person: Seats start at 195 USD per passenger.
Travel time: Total door-to-heliport time runs around 15–30 minutes
Pre-book limo option from JFK comes with a guaranteed driver waiting at the arrivals with name signs. The JFK Limo Service in NYC suits families, business executives, or travelers with a lot of luggage. The driver assists with luggage, and bottled water is provided in many vehicles. Travelers must book 24–48 hours ahead for the best deals.
Cost per person: Sedan price starts at 65 - 90 USD. Vans cost 120 - 150 USD for each group.
Travel time: Limousine takes about 45-60 minutes in normal traffic conditions. It takes up to 75 - 90 minutes during peak rush hours.
To conclude, the best way to get from JFK to Manhattan depends on your budget, luggage, group size, and what time travelers land at JFK. Public transit options like subways and LIRR deliver a cost-effective option alongwith predictable travel time. In contrast, the taxis and rideshares offer door-to-door service.
Shared shuttles and express buses come with moderate budgets, private cars are best for families or business travelers, and helpcopters offers the fastest way to reach Manhattan from JFK Airport.
You can catch the LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Jamaica Station, then switch to AirTrain. Taxis are also available at a flat fare of 70 USD.
Manhattan to JFK is roughly 15 miles to Midtown and 18–20 miles to Lower Manhattan.
No. All Manhattan properties sit 15 miles away from JFK Airport. Some hotels offer free shuttles, but those are located in Queens or Jamaica, not Manhattan.
Many black car companies offer a meet-and-greet with name signs and flight tracking. Drivers wait at the curbside of the terminal at JFK and assist with luggage. This service is well-suited for international arrivals when you want someone holding a name sign right after the baggage claim.
Road traffic eases after 8 p.m. and before 3 p.m. on weekdays. Avoid leaving the airport between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday evening.
