JFK Airport: All Transfer Options to Manhattan & Hotel Tips

Transfer to and from JFK Airport: An Overview

Before we dive into the details of the various transfer options from JFK Airport, here’s a quick overview of the five options and the most important information about each.

AirTrain + Subway from JFK Airport to the City

• Lines: AirTrain JFK (green line to Howard Beach & red line to Jamaica) + Subway line A (from Howard Beach) & E/J/Z (from Jamaica)
• Travel time: approx. 60–75 minutes depending on your destination and time of day
• Hours of operation: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Frequency: AirTrain every 7–15 minutes, Subway every 4–12 minutes depending on the line

What is the AirTrain? The AirTrain is an automated airport rail system that runs in continuous loops connecting the terminals with parking areas and other transportation hubs.

Where does the train stop? At all JFK terminals — you can board directly at your terminal, then transfer at Howard Beach (for line A) or Jamaica Station (for lines E/J/Z).

Where do you board? Board the AirTrain directly at your arrival terminal — all stations are well marked. Depending on your destination, you’ll transfer to the subway at Howard Beach Station (for Brooklyn & Downtown Manhattan) or Jamaica Station (for Midtown & Queens).

What does the AirTrain + Subway cost? A one-way trip costs a total of $11.40 (€10): $8.50 (€7.50) for the AirTrain and $2.90 for the subway.

Where do you buy the ticket? You don’t pay for the AirTrain when you board — you pay when you exit at the transfer station (Howard Beach or Jamaica Station). You can pay for the AirTrain and subway directly with your credit card at the turnstile (OMNY system), or buy an OMNY reload card at the machines on site. You can then continue using it throughout New York. The OMNY card is the successor to the MetroCard.

Find out more about the OMNY system in New York here!
Pros:

• Most affordable way to get from JFK to Manhattan
• Available around the clock
• Fast and direct connection to many neighborhoods
• Easy payment by credit card or OMNY
• No traffic stress — you bypass the often congested streets

Cons:

• Transfer required (AirTrain to subway)
• Navigating the subway with luggage can be a bit awkward
• No guaranteed seating like in a taxi or shuttle

AirTrain + LIRR from JFK Airport to the City

• Lines: AirTrain JFK (red line to Jamaica Station) + LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) toward Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall)
• Travel time: approx. 35–45 minutes to Manhattan
• Hours of operation: 7 days a week, nearly around the clock (depending on time of day)
• Frequency: AirTrain every 7–15 minutes, LIRR every 5–30 minutes depending on time of day

Where does the train stop? The AirTrain stops at all terminals at JFK Airport. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) runs from Jamaica Station — where you arrive — to Moynihan Train Hall / Penn Station, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Where do you board? Board the AirTrain (red line) at your terminal and ride it to Jamaica Station. There, exit the AirTrain area, follow the well-marked signs to the LIRR platform, and board the next train toward Manhattan.

What does the AirTrain + LIRR cost? A one-way trip costs a total of between $13.75 and $17.75, depending on the time of day. The AirTrain costs $8.50 (€7.50). The LIRR ticket costs $5.25 with the CityTicket (valid on weekends and outside of peak hours) or $7.00 to $9.25 (€6–8) during peak hours.

Where do you buy the ticket? You pay for the AirTrain at the turnstile when you exit at Jamaica Station — contactlessly by credit card or at a machine. LIRR tickets are available at the machines at Jamaica Station (cash or card) or through the MTA TrainTime app.

Pros:

• Fastest connection to Midtown Manhattan
• Comfortable trains with plenty of room — even with luggage
• Digital ticket purchase available for the LIRR
• Very frequent service, especially during peak hours
• No risk of traffic delays

Cons:

• Higher price compared to the subway
• Transfer required (AirTrain to LIRR)
• The cheaper CityTicket isn’t available at all times

Taxi from JFK Airport to the City

• Travel time: approx. 45–70 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Availability: available at any time (you’ll need to wait in line)

Where do taxis wait? Official yellow New York City taxis are available at every JFK terminal. You’ll find them right outside the arrivals exit — the taxi stand areas are well marked, so just follow the signs with the taxi symbol.

Where do you board? Once you exit the terminal, head to the official taxi stand and join the line. A dispatcher will direct you to the next available cab.

Important: Never accept rides from “drivers” who approach you inside the terminal. They are not licensed and often charge significantly more.
How much is a taxi from JFK to Manhattan? A flat rate of $70 (€61) applies for rides from JFK Airport to Manhattan. Add tolls and a tip, and you should expect to pay a total of around $80 to $90 (€70–81).

The flat rate applies to all destinations in Manhattan, regardless of the specific address or time of day. For rides to other boroughs, the price is calculated by the meter.

How do you pay for the taxi? You pay the driver directly — either in cash or by credit card. All official Yellow Cabs are equipped with card readers.

Pros:

• Direct ride with no transfers — ideal with lots of luggage
• Fixed price for all destinations in Manhattan
• Available around the clock
• Door-to-door service to your accommodation
• Easy payment by credit card

Cons:

• Higher cost than other transfer options
• Can take significantly longer in heavy traffic
• No fixed schedule (depends on wait time at the stand)

Shuttle Bus from JFK Airport to the City

• Travel time: approx. 60–90 minutes (depending on traffic and number of stops)
• Hours of operation: daily, generally between approx. 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM (varies by provider)
• Frequency: typically every 30–60 minutes; reservation recommended

Which providers are available? The best-known shuttle services from JFK Airport are Go AirLink NYC and SuperShuttle. Both offer shared transfers with multiple stops as well as private shuttles for individuals or groups.

Where does the shuttle bus stop? Shuttle buses at JFK depart directly from the arrivals areas of the terminals. Depending on the provider, there are different marked pickup zones — you’ll often find staff members or counters for the respective provider there as well.

Where do you board? After collecting your luggage, head to the Ground Transportation area of your terminal. Depending on the provider, you’ll find either a counter or a meeting point where you need to check in. Staff on site will coordinate boarding and point you to the right shuttle.

What does the shuttle bus cost? A shared transfer typically costs between $25 and $40 per person (€22–35), depending on the provider, destination, and time of day. Children often pay a reduced fare. If you opt for a private shuttle, prices range from $80 to $150 (€70–131).

Where do you buy the ticket? The easiest option is to book online in advance directly through Go AirLink NYC or SuperShuttle — you can also choose between a shared and a private transfer right there.

Book Go AirLink NYC ticket online

Book SuperShuttle ticket online
Pros:

• Convenient transfer directly to your hotel
• More affordable than a taxi for solo travelers
• Great option when traveling with a lot of luggage
• Can be booked online in advance
• Private shuttles available for groups

Cons:

• Shared buses stop at multiple hotels — expect a longer ride
• Fixed departure times and limited hours of operation
• Possible wait at the terminal until departure
• Booking on the spot can get confusing

Private Transfer from JFK Airport to the City

• Travel time: approx. 45–70 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Hours of operation: around the clock (depending on provider)
• Availability: flexible scheduling with pickup at your preferred time

Where does the private transfer wait? Your booked vehicle will wait at a designated meeting point in the arrivals area of your terminal. The exact location — such as which exit or parking zone — will be communicated to you at the time of booking.

Where do you board? After collecting your luggage, head to the agreed pickup zone. If you’ve opted for a “Meet & Greet” service, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. Otherwise, contact the driver by phone or app once you’re ready. You’ll receive all the details in advance by email or SMS.

What does the private transfer cost? Depending on the vehicle type, provider, and destination, prices for a private transfer from JFK range from $80 to $150 per ride (€70–131). The price is always a flat rate, regardless of traffic or toll fees.

Where do you book the private transfer? Book in advance online — for example through Go AirLink NYC or GetYourGuide. Payment is made at the time of booking.

Book JFK Airport private transfer on GetYourGuide

Book JFK Airport private transfer with Go AirLink

Hotels near JFK Airport New York: Our Recommendations

Is your flight super early in the morning, or are you landing late at night? It might be worth staying near the airport for a night. There’s a solid selection of hotels around JFK, and here are our top picks:

Marriott New York JFK Airport: Top airport hotel right at the terminal — ideal if you want the shortest possible distances.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott JFK Airport: Modern, comfortable hotel with a free 24-hour shuttle — perfect for a relaxed night before your flight.

Hyatt Regency JFK Airport: Stylish hotel with spacious, quiet rooms — ideal if you want a little extra comfort before or after your flight.

Find more New York hotels here:

Frequently Asked Questions about JFK Airport New York