Transportation from New York City Airport is available in several ways. The most convenient and most expensive is a taxi, while Uber is typically somewhat cheaper. Buses are the cheapest but also the slowest. A good compromise is a combination of the subway and train. In this article, I’ll provide advice on the best modes of transport from JFK airport, Newark and LaGuardia.
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How to Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan
JFK is the primary airport in New York City, served by the majority of airlines including Delta, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and Austrian Airlines. The complimentary AirTrain provides 24-hour service between the terminals.
- AirTrain + Metro:$8.75
- Bus + Metro: $3.75
- Shuttle: from $40–$55 per person
- Uber: $75–$125 per full car
- Rideways: from $1.00 per full car
🚇 AirTrain and Metro: The Best Choice
The most practical way to travel from JFK Airport is by using a combination of the JFK AirTrain and the subway, which operate 24 hours a day. The travel time between the airport and Manhattan is about 1 hour, and the cost of an AirTrain ticket is $8.00 + $1.00 per MetroCard. When traveling from the airport, the fare is paid when you alight from the train; when traveling to the airport, it can be purchased from the machine at the station.
In the terminal arrivals hall, first follow the AirTrain signs. The train will take you to one of two subway stations:
- AirTrain to Jamaica Station/Archer Avenue/Sutphin Boulevard
Here, transfer to the E, J, Z subway lines. This option is recommended when traveling to Queens, the Bronx, or central and northern Manhattan. - AirTrain to Howard Beach Station
Here, transfer to the A subway line. Choose this option when traveling to Brooklyn or southern Manhattan.
When transferring to the subway, you must purchase an additional ticket for $2.75, payable via Google Pay, Apple Pay or a contactless card. Alternatively, you can buy a weekly or single-use ticket for $2.75 and load it onto a MetroCard. New York City is transitioning to a different system for paying for public transportation in 2023, and the system may be inconsistent in some places.
I recommend reading the article about the New York City subway and using Google Maps to plan your routes. If you prefer video tutorials, check out how to get from JFK to Manhattan.
🚌 Buses: Cheap but Very Slow
A cheaper alternative to the AirTrain are the slower buses. They depart from Terminal 5, and signs in the lobby will guide you to the right place. The ticket price is $2.75 plus $1.00 for a MetroCard, or you can buy a weekly pass.
- The Q3 Line
It takes 45 minutes to reach the Jamaica-179th Street Station, where the F subway line runs. - Line Q6
In 45 minutes you can reach the Jamaica-179th Street Station, where the F subway line runs. - Line Q10
In 20 minutes: Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd with a transfer to the A subway
In 22 minutes: Jamaica Ave & Lefferts Blvd with transfer to J and Z subway lines
In 30 minutes: Kew Gardens – transfer to Penn Station and Long Island
In 35 minutes: Kew Gardens – 80 Road Union Turnpike, transfer to E and F subway lines - Line B15
In 30 minutes: Ashford Street & New Lots Avenue with the 3 subway station.
In 35 minutes: Van Sinderen Ave & New Lots Avenue with the L subway station.
In 1 hour: Fulton Street & Kingston-Throop Avenues with the C subway station
🚐 Shuttle
A hybrid between public transport and a taxi, the shuttle is a van that will transport you and other passengers to your hotel. The price is higher than the subway, but the convenience is a direct trip without transfers. Buy a ticket in advance online, for example, from GO Airlink NYC, with prices starting from $40 one-way.
🚕 Taxi, Uber, and Lyft
Using a taxi or Uber becomes cost-effective when traveling with multiple people. Never get into unmarked taxis without a lit sign on the roof, and don’t be tempted by anyone who approaches you directly in the terminal. You will end up paying substantially more.
The Uber fare in February 2023 from JFK Airport to Times Square ranged from $75 to $125, depending on current demand and time of day. Its competitor, Lyft, usually costs between $105 and $120. In my experience, both can be more or less expensive depending on the timing.
An alternative is the Rideways service. I recommend it to less experienced travelers and larger groups. You can book a car in advance via their website, and the driver will pick you up directly at the terminal and take you to your specified destination. You don’t have to search for anything and can choose between a more economical car or a luxury limousine. This service is operated by Booking.com, and prices start from $78.
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How to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan
Newark is a secondary airport in New Jersey, serving both domestic and international flights. It is located 14.91 mi southwest of downtown Manhattan.
- Bus and Train PATH: $4.25
- Train: $18.00
- Shuttle: from $40 per person
- Uber: from $60 per car
🚌 Bus and Train PATH
The most cost-effective method to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan is via New Jersey Transit buses. Board bus 62 outside the terminal, get off at Newark Penn Station. A one-way ticket costs $1.60, have change ready. The bus ride is 25 minutes long. At Penn Station, transfer to the PATH train, which will take you to the World Trade Center station in Manhattan for $2.75.
🚆 Train
The most convenient method of transportation to Manhattan is the train. In the terminal, follow the AirTrain Newark signs for a free 10-minute ride to the Newark Airport Rail Station.
From the station, a NJ Transit train departs every 15-30 minutes to Penn Station at the Manhattan intersection of 34th St and 8th Ave. The journey takes 24-26 minutes, with the train stopping first at Penn Station in Newark. Be cautious not to disembark early. Ticket prices are $15.50 per adult and $11.50 per child aged 5 to 11. The adult ticket already includes the $8.00 fee for using AirTrain Newark.
🚐 Shuttle
A compromise between a taxi and public transportation, the shuttle is shared by multiple passengers. The van drops you off right at your hotel. For instance, GO Airlink NYC operates between Newark and Manhattan, with fares per person starting at $40.
🚕 Taxi, Uber, and Lyft
The fare for an Uber from Newark Airport to Manhattan starts roughly from $60 to $70. Prices fluctuate significantly depending on the current demand, and sometimes a competing Lyft can be cheaper. It is highly recommended to avoid unmarked taxis and cabbies who approach potential passengers inside the terminal building, as they tend to overcharge.
For groups of 4 or more, an alternative is the Rideways system, through which you can book a car and driver in advance. The driver will pick you up directly at the terminal and take you to your specified location. You can choose from less expensive car models and luxury limousines. Prices depend on the destination. I recommend checking Rideways for a no-obligation quote. Rideways is operated by Booking.com.
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How to Get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
LaGuardia mainly handles flights within the USA and to Canada and is located in northern Queens.
- Bus: $5.50
- Shuttle: from $40 per person
- Uber: from $45 per car
🚌 Buses
The most economical way to travel from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan is by bus, then transferring to the subway. The fare is $2.75. However, two issues are worth noting: there is limited room for luggage on the buses and you must buy a new ticket for $2.75 when transferring to the subway. A weekly pass can help you save money.
Here are your options:
- M60 line
For 15-25 minutes: Astoria Blvd and transfer to the N and Q subway (Q weekdays only)
In 30 minutes: 125th St. & Lexington Ave and transfer to the 4, 5, 6 subway
In 30 minutes: 125th St. & Lenox Ave. /125th St & 8th Ave./St. Nicholas Ave and transfer to the A, B, C, D subway
The total journey takes about 35 minutes. - Q47 line
This bus runs from Marina Air Terminal to Jackson Height/Roosevelt Ave. Here you can transfer to the E, F, M, R, and 7 subways. - Q48 line
The service takes 30 minutes to Flushing Station, where you can transfer to trains to Long Island, eastern Queens, and northern Nassau County. - Q70 line
In 8-10 minutes: Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave and transfer to E, F, M, R, and 7 subways
In 15-20 minutes: Woodside-61st Street and transfer to trains to Long Island - Q72 line
In 20 minutes to Junction Blvd & Roosevelt Ave with a transfer to the 7 subway.
In 35-40 minutes: Rego Park with M and R subway stations.
🚐 Shuttle
For $40 per person, you can take the GO Airlink Shuttle from the airport to Manhattan. The advantage is a direct transfer from the airport to your hotel.
🚕 Taxi, Uber, and Lyft
The fare for an Uber from LaGuardia to Manhattan starts as low as $45, but this is a rough estimate. As with Lyft, prices can vary greatly based on current demand.
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