Terminal of Airport
JFK

Getting from John F. Kennedy International Airport to New York

New York, United States

John F. Kennedy International Airport is 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. The AirTrain + subway combination is the cheapest route; taxis offer fixed flat rates to Manhattan.

AirTrain + Subway (E/J/Z/A line)

JFK AirTrain connects all terminals to Jamaica (for the E/J/Z subway) and Howard Beach (for the A subway) stations. From Jamaica it's roughly 45 min to Midtown. AirTrain runs 24 h every 10 min.

Journey time

60–75 min to Midtown

Cost

$9.25 AirTrain + $2.90 subway = $12.15 total

Tip: Tap your OMNY card at the exit AirTrain gate, not when boarding.

NYC Yellow Taxi (Flat Rate)

Yellow taxis charge a flat rate of $70 to any point in Manhattan south of 96th Street. Add tolls and tip.

Journey time

35–60 min

Cost

$70 flat + $17–$24 tolls + tip

Tip: Taxi stand is at Arrivals level. Only use licensed yellow/green cabs or pre-arranged black cars.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Pick-up for rideshare apps is from each terminal's designated rideshare zone (usually a short walk from baggage claim).

Journey time

35–60 min

Cost

$45–$85 to Manhattan

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) via AirTrain

Take AirTrain to Jamaica, then switch to LIRR to Penn Station/Grand Central. Faster than the subway at rush hour.

Journey time

35–45 min to Penn Station

Cost

from $13.25 (AirTrain + LIRR off-peak)

Tip: Significantly faster than the subway at rush hour.

Prices and times are estimates and subject to change. Always check official operator websites for the latest information.