Located in Queens, JFK is fifteen miles from midtown Manhattan and located on Jamaica Bay. Over 29 million passengers pass through JFK annually.
Getting from JFK to Manhattan (& back):
- Public Transit:
- Take the quick and easy AirTrain. Consult the New York City Subway Map to determine the best connections to take to get to your destination. $2 subway fare (available 24 hours). If you return to JFK via subway, make sure to take the A train marked Far Rockaway or Rockaway Park, NOT Lefferts Blvd.
- For other public transit options, including suburban areas and the five boroughs, consult JFK Transportation Options or the MTA's Airport Service information.
- Taxis: $45 flat fare (plus tolls) to any Manhattan location. Taxis are available outside of every terminal and there is typically a taxi stand where you will be directed to a taxi. For destinations outside of Manhattan, consult the TLC Fare Guide. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the Taxi Rider's Bill of Rights. There is no additional charge for luggage and rates are based per car, not per passenger (up to four passengers). To return to JFK from Manhattan, taxis will charge you the metered rate, plus any applicable tolls.
- Car Services: Prearrange for a car service to meet you at the airport, or call one when your flight touches down. This is a great option if you want to avoid waiting in line for a taxi or if you have a group larger than four people and want to arrange for a van or limousine.
- Private Shuttles: Several companies offer shuttles to Manhattan, including:
- New York Airport Service Express Bus: Available from 6:30 a.m. - 11:10 p.m., these shuttles leave every 15-30 minutes. Fare is $13 ($15 if you want to be dropped off at your midtown hotel), but you can save by buying round trip tickets online, as they are $22 (you can also buy discounted one way tickets online). One free child under 12 is included in the fare. You can choose to disembark at Grand Central, Port Authority or Penn Station, in addition to hotels between 31st Street and 60th Street. The ride takes about an hour. Return schedules and more information are available on their website.
- Super Shuttle: Available 24 hours a day, this shuttle provides door to door service for your party. Fares are $15 - $19, depending on destination. No reservations are required to get from the airport to your destination, but they are required for your return trip to the airport. Consult their website or call 1-800-258-3826 for more information. Book your SuperShuttle Transfer through Viator.
- Rental Cars: Consult this list of rental car companies serving JFK if you need to rent a car. I discourage visitors to New York City from renting cars, unless they're planning extensive travel outside of the major metropolitan area. Parking is both expensive and difficult to find, and you will find your money better spent on mass transit and taxis.
For other transit options, including suburban areas, inter-airport transfers and the five boroughs, consult JFK Transportation Options.
For more complete information about JFK airport, consult the official JFK Airport website
