How To Get From JFK Airport To Manhattan- Fast & Affordable Options

Passengers can travel from the New York JFK International Airport to Manhattan City through various ground transportation options. Travelers can avail the transport facilities from the arrival level of the terminals and through the assigned pick-up locations. AirTrains from JFK Airport can be taken to reach the pick-up locations or stations directly connected to Manhattan.

Key Modes of JFK Airport Transportation

Travelers can avail John F. Kennedy Airport transportation facilities, which include a combination of AirTrain and Subways, as well as AirTrain and LIRR, to reach Manhattan. Furthermore, Taxi and Car Services are the most convenient options for fliers to get from JFK to Manhattan. Shuttles and buses also operate from the airport to Manhattan. 

Public Transit

Public Transit from the Kennedy Airport to Manhattan includes options like AirTrain, the NYC subway system, and the Long Island Rail Road.

AirTrain JFK- The JFK AirTrain connects the terminals to the airport parking lots, rental car centers, and NYC’s public transportation system. Travelers can take an AirTrain Ride to Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations, which operate 24/7. Then, take the subway or LIRR to reach Manhattan.   

Subways- The AirTrain to Howard Beach Station connects the passengers to the A subway line, which leads to Lower Manhattan. AirTrain to Jamaica Station transfers the traveler to the E subway line, which leads to Midtown Manhattan. The subway system at both stations runs 24/7.

Long Island Rail Road(LIRR)- A significantly faster route than the subway, this commuter rail connects Jamaica Station to Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The fare of the Long Island Rail Road varies, and it operates 24/7, having increased frequency of trains during peak hours.  

Taxi and Car Services (Uber, Lyft)

For door-to-door service and a comfortable travel experience, taxis and ride apps like Uber and Lyft are the best means of transport.  

Taxi- A traditional yellow taxi from JFK to Manhattan can be availed through the taxi stand located outside each terminal of the airport. There is a flat fare for a taxi to Manhattan, which excludes the tolls and tip. Depending on the traffic conditions, it can take approximately an hour to reach the city.

App-Based Services- Ride apps like Uber and Lyft can be utilized to reach Manhattan from the Airport. JFK has several pickup locations for app-based cars at different terminals.

• Terminal 1,4, and 8- Exiting through the baggage claim, travelers can find signs for “Ride App Pick Up” and “Ground Transportation. 

From 12:00 pm to 2:00 am daily, the ride pick-up is located at Lot 66 for Terminal 4. A shuttle service runs from Terminal 4 to the lot every 1-2 minutes.

• Terminal 5 and 7- Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach Station. At the station, follow the signs to exit for free through the Ride App Pick Up Lot.

Prices and travel time at peak hours may vary.  

Private Car Service- Travelers can book a car or limousine to commute from JFK to Manhattan in a private and comfortable way. It is costlier than the yellow taxi and ride app services, as it also provides ride customization options.

Car Rentals- Passengers can rent cars to drive themselves from the airport to their destination in Manhattan. Take the AirTrain from the airport terminal to reach Federal Circle Station. This station houses counters for renting cars from different rental companies like Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz. Contact the company representative for pickup information.

Shuttle and Shared Van Services

Having curbside pickup services, these shuttles and shared van services provide door-to-door services for travelers to their hotel or residence in Manhattan.

• GoAirLink NYC, SuperShuttle, and AirportShuttles.com provide shared van and shuttle services, which include facilities like luggage assistance, 24/7 service, and a pre-booking option.
• A great choice for individuals or small groups, the shuttle buses from JFK to Manhattan offer multiple stops service as well as private transfers.
• After booking the service in advance, passengers can get information about boarding from the staff counter at the Ground Transportation Area at the respective terminal. 

Bus Facility 

• The NYC Express bus is the shuttle service that directly connects JFK Airport to Grand Central and Times Square and operates all week. Its pickup is from Terminals 1,4, and 8.
• There are no public transit buses that directly connect JFK Airport to Manhattan. A combination of subway/ LIRR and bus is available to reach specific parts of Manhattan.

Best Way to get from JFK to Manhattan

Travelers can decide the best mode of transport for their journey by comparing all the modes, their cost range, travel time, operating time, and features.

Tips While Traveling from JFK Airport to Manhattan

• Check the most prominent transit options from the official John F. Kennedy Airport website.
• Ensure prior booking of private car and shuttle services to have a smooth travel after the flight.
• For a late-night flight, consider checking all the options that provide 24/7 service and whether they are trustworthy.
• Check the facility for luggage storage while deciding the mode of transport.
• Ensure the quality and check the documents of the rental cars for safe travel.
• When getting from JFK to Manhattan, do not engage with non-uniformed taxi drivers or offers from solicitors in the terminal.

Conclusion

There are numerous options to reach Manhattan from John F. Kennedy Airport. Public Transit, providing cheap modes of transport; taxis and ride apps, providing a comfortable experience; and shuttles and buses, providing a sharing option, travelers get the choice to select their preferred mode of transport. 

Frequently Asked Questions