How to get from JFK to Manhattan

John F. Kennedy Airport is located in the New York borough of Queens and is one of three major airports in and around New York. In addition to JFK, New York is served by LaGuardia Airport in Queens and Newark Airport in New Jersey. Most international travelers, however, arrive either at JFK or Newark.

JFK is also the busiest airport in New York. Around 1,200 flights land here every day, so it is no surprise that there are so many transfer options to Manhattan.

Manhattan is only about 17 miles from JFK and can be reached in about an hour starting at $11.75.

The number of transfer options from JFK Airport to Manhattan can feel overwhelming. That is why I put together this overview comparing cost, travel time, comfort, and whether the transfer takes you door to door. You can use it to quickly find the right option for your trip and then read the details below.

At the airport, you may be approached by people offering you a ride. These are not official taxis, but private drivers who may try to overcharge you. It is best to ignore them and go straight to the official taxi stand.

A yellow cab fits up to four passengers. For taxi rides from JFK to Manhattan, there is a flat fare of $70, known as Taximeter Rate #2. However, extra charges are added, so you should expect to pay around $100 in total.

These are the main additional costs to keep in mind:

Even with the flat fare, I recommend confirming the approximate total price with the driver before you get in.

There are three major rideshare companies for private transfers from JFK to Manhattan: Uber, Lyft, and Revel. They are popular in New York because they can be cheaper than a taxi and everything is handled through the app.

Uber is the best-known rideshare company, followed by Lyft. Revel is a newer company that specializes in electric vehicles.

To book a rideshare transfer, you need the respective app. The apps are free to download. Once you are signed in, you can enter your destination and see the price before you book. Depending on the app and car type, vehicles usually fit four to six passengers.

Prices are similar across the apps and change based on demand. In general, a ride from JFK to Manhattan costs around $60 to $90. You see the price in the app before booking, and there are no surprise costs except the usual tip of around 20%. Payment is handled directly in the app.

You do need an internet connection to use the apps. I recommend getting a SIM card or eSIM for your New York trip anyway, because having internet makes the whole trip much easier.

With Uber, you can even reserve your ride up to 90 days in advance. In my opinion, that is usually not necessary. It is enough to book in the app once you arrive at the airport and have picked up your luggage. The car is usually ready within a few minutes.

Public transportation is usually the cheapest transfer option. The subway is the city’s backbone and the most popular way New Yorkers get around.

To get from JFK to Manhattan, you first take the AirTrain at the airport and then transfer to the subway.

There are three AirTrain lines in total. The yellow line only runs within the airport. The red and green lines connect you to public transportation, giving you two main options:

Depending on exactly where your hotel is, you can also transfer to another subway line for free. To find the best route, I recommend using Google Maps. It shows all the details, and you do not need a separate app to use the subway.

The total cost is $11.75: $8.75 for the AirTrain and $3 for the subway ride. You can pay for both with contactless payment through OMNY or with a physical OMNY card. You pay after using the AirTrain and before entering the subway.

As an alternative to the subway, you can also transfer to the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica. Trains go directly to Penn Station on 34th Street and Grand Central Madison on 42nd Street. The ride itself is faster, around 20 minutes, but it costs more than the subway: $5.25 off-peak and $7.25 during peak hours.

A shared shuttle also takes you directly to your accommodation. However, it is not private. You share a van with other travelers.

The advantage is that you are dropped off at your hotel. Because it is a shared transfer, though, the ride can take longer depending on where your hotel is and how many other passengers need to be dropped off before you.

If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared shuttle can be cheaper than a taxi or Uber. It can also be a good option for larger groups because you can travel together. Shuttles are usually suitable for up to 12 passengers.

Check shuttle availability before you rely on this option.

Yes, you read that correctly. In New York, almost nothing is impossible.

You can fly from JFK to Manhattan by helicopter. It is without question the fastest and most extravagant airport transfer, and traffic is definitely not something you need to worry about.

The company Blade advertises a flight time of about five minutes. After arriving at one of Manhattan’s heliports, you are then driven to your accommodation.

The price is about $195 / person. It is certainly a special experience with unbeatable views, but there is one big catch for many international travelers: luggage. You are usually only allowed to bring one carry-on and one personal item with a combined weight under 25 pounds. Large suitcases are not allowed because of strict weight restrictions.

Instead of using a helicopter as your airport transfer, I would rather recommend taking a proper helicopter tour during your New York trip. It is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have here.

Yes, several buses leave from JFK Airport. However, there is no direct bus line to Manhattan, and you would need to transfer multiple times. Overall, getting from JFK to Manhattan by bus is very impractical.

In New York, the subway is almost always the better option. I barely use buses within Manhattan myself because the subway network is usually enough.