In a nutshell
- When flying to New York, international flights almost always land at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – the city’s largest and most important airport.
- There are various ways to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan – from cheap to comfortable.
- We explain each airport transfer option in detail – with all the pros and cons at a glance.
- Our favorite is the AirTrain Subway combination: reliable, unbeatably cheap by New York standards and you just pay on the spot.
Overview of transfers to and from JFK Airport
Before we go into detail about the various transfer options from JFK Airport, we have put together an overview of the 5 options and the most important information about them.
| Price | Duration | Where To Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + Subway Recommendation | approx. $12 | 60-75 min. | on side |
| AirTrain + LIRR | approx. $14-18 | 35-45 min. | on side |
| Taxi | approx. $80-90 | 45-70 min. | on side |
| Shuttle-Bus | approx. $25-40 | 60-90 min. | book online |
| Private Transfer | approx. $80-150 | 45-70 min. | book online |
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 destination and time of day
- Operating hours: 24/7 around the clock, 365 days a year
- Frequency: AirTrain every 7-15 minutes, Subway every 4-12 minutes depending on line
What is the AirTrain? The AirTrain is an automatic airport train that connects the terminals with the parking lots and other transport connections in regular rounds.
Where does the train stop? At all JFK terminals – boarding possible directly at the terminal, then change 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 signposted. Depending on your destination, change to the subway at Howard Beach Station (for Brooklyn & Downtown Manhattan) or Jamaica Station (for Midtown & Queens).
How much does the AirTrain Subway cost? The one-way trip costs a total of 11.40 dollars. 8.50 dollars for the AirTrain and 2.90 dollars for the Subway.
Where do you buy the ticket? The AirTrain is not paid for when boarding, but when leaving at the transfer station (Howard Beach or Jamaica Station). You can pay for AirTrain and Subway directly with your credit card at the turnstile (OMNY system) or buy an OMNY top-up card from the machines on site. You can then also use this card in New York. The OMNY card is the former MetroCard.
You can find more information about the OMNY system in New York here!
Advantages:
- Cheapest transfer option from JFK to Manhattan
- Available around the clock
- Fast and direct connection to many parts of the city
- Convenient payment by credit card or OMNY
- No traffic stress – you avoid the often crowded streets
Disadvantages:
- Transfer necessary (AirTrain to Subway)
- Sometimes a little impractical with suitcases in the subway
- No seat guarantee like in a cab or shuttle
AirTrain LIRR from JFK Airport to the City
- Lines: AirTrain JFK (red line to Jamaica Station) LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) towards Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall)
- Travel time: approx. 35-45 minutes to Manhattan
- Operating hours: 7 days a week, almost around the clock (depending on time of day)
- Frequency: AirTrain every 7-15 minutes, LIRR every 5-30 minutes depending on the time of day
Where does the train stop? The AirTrain stops at all JFK Airport terminals. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) runs from Jamaica Station, where you will arrive, to Moynihan Train Hall / Penn Station, right in the center of Midtown Manhattan.
Where do you get on? You board the AirTrain (red line) at your terminal and travel to Jamaica Station. There you leave the AirTrain area, follow the well-signposted paths to the LIRR platform and board the next train in the direction of Manhattan.
How much does the AirTrain LIRR cost? A single trip costs between 13.75 and 17.75 dollars – depending on the time of day. The AirTrain costs 8.50 dollars. The ticket for the LIRR costs 5.25 dollars with the CityTicket (valid on weekends and during off-peak hours) or 7.00 to 9.25 dollars during peak hours.
Where do you buy the ticket? You pay for the AirTrain ticket at the turnstile when leaving the AirTrain at Jamaica Station – contactless by credit card or at a vending machine. The LIRR ticket can be purchased at the vending machines at Jamaica Station (cash or card) or via the MTA TrainTime app.
Advantages:
- Fastest connection to Midtown Manhattan
- Comfortable trains with plenty of space (even with luggage)
- Digital ticket booking for LIRR possible
- Very good frequency, especially at peak times
- No risk of traffic jams
Disadvantages:
- Higher price compared to the Subway
- Transfer required (AirTrain in LIRR)
- Cheaper CityTicket not available at all times
Taxi from JFK Airport to the city
- Travel time: approx. 45-70 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Operating hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Frequency: available at any time (you have to queue)
Where does the cab stop? The official yellow New York cabs wait at every terminal at JFK Airport. You will find them directly in front of the arrivals level exit. The cab rank areas are well signposted – just follow the signs with the cab symbol.
Where do you get in? As soon as you leave the terminal, go to the official cab rank and join the queue. An employee will direct you to the next available cab.
Important: Never let yourself be approached by “drivers” in the terminal. They are not licensed and are often much more expensive.
How much does a cab cost? There is a fixed flat rate of 70 dollars for journeys from JFK Airport to Manhattan. In addition, there are tolls and tips, so you should expect to pay around 80 to 90 dollars in total.
The fixed price applies to all destinations in Manhattan, regardless of the specific address or time of day. For journeys to other parts of the city, the price is calculated by taximeter.
Where do you pay for the cab? You pay the driver directly – either in cash or by credit card. All official Yellow Cabs are equipped with card readers.
Advantages:
- Direct ride without transfer (ideal with a lot of luggage)
- Fixed price for all destinations in Manhattan
- Available around the clock
- Door-to-door service to your accommodation
- Convenient payment by credit card
Disadvantages:
- Higher costs than other types of transfer
- Can take significantly longer in traffic jams
- No fixed schedule (depending on waiting 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)
- Operating times: daily, usually between approx. 5:00 am and 11:00 pm (depending on provider)
- Frequency: usually every 30-60 minutes, reservation recommended
Which providers are there? The best-known providers of shuttle transfers 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? The shuttle buses at JFK depart directly from the arrivals areas of the terminals. Depending on the provider, there are different, signposted stopping zones. You will often also find employees or counters of the respective provider there.
Where do you board? After baggage reclaim, go to the ground transportation area of your terminal. Depending on the provider, you will either find a counter or meeting point where you have to report. The staff on site will coordinate your boarding and direct you to the right shuttle.
How much does the shuttle bus cost? A shared transfer usually costs between 25 and 40 dollars per person, depending on the provider, destination and time of day. Children often pay a reduced price. If you opt for a private shuttle, prices range between 80 and 150 dollars (70-131 euros).
Where do you buy the ticket? The easiest way is to book your ticket online in advance directly with Go AirLink NYC or SuperShuttle. There you can also choose between shared and private transfers.
Book your Go AirLink NYC ticket online
Book your SuperShuttle ticket online
Advantages:
- Convenient transfer directly to the hotel
- Cheaper than a cab for individuals
- Good choice if you have a lot of luggage
- Can be booked online in advance
- Private shuttles available for groups
Disadvantages:
- Shared buses stop at several hotels (longer travel time)
- Fixed departure times and limited operating hours
- Sometimes waiting time at the terminal until departure
- Confusing process for spontaneous bookings on site
Private transfer from JFK Airport to the city
- Travel time: approx. 45-70 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Operating hours: around the clock (depending on provider)
- Frequency: can be scheduled individually and pick-up at your preferred time
Where does the private transfer stop? The booked vehicle will be waiting at a fixed meeting point in the arrivals area of your terminal. You will be informed of the exact location – e.g. at which exit or in which parking zone – when you book.
Where do you board? After baggage reclaim, go to the agreed pick-up zone. If you have 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 as soon as you are ready. You will receive the information in advance by email or text message.
How much does the private transfer cost? The price for a private transfer from JFK is between 80 and 150 dollars per trip, depending on the type of vehicle, provider and destination. The price is always a flat rate, regardless of traffic or tolls.
Where do you book the private transfer? Private transfers are best booked online in advance, e.g. directly with Go AirLink NYC or GetYourGuide. Payment is made directly at the time of booking.
Book a JFK Airport private transfer with GetYourGuide
Book a JFK Airport private transfer with Go AirLink
Hotels at JFK Airport New York: Our Tips
Your flight leaves super early in the morning or you land late at night? Then it may be worth spending a night at the airport. There is a good selection of hotels around JFK Airport. These are our recommendations:
Marriott New York JFK Airport: Top airport hotel directly at the terminal – ideal if you are looking for the shortest possible distances.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott JFK Airport: Modern, comfortable hotel with free 24-hour shuttle – perfect for a relaxing night before your flight.
Hyatt Regency JFK Airport: Stylish hotel with spacious, quiet rooms – ideal if you want to enjoy a little more comfort before or after your flight.
You can find more New York hotels here:
Frequently asked Questions about JFK Airport New York
How big is JFK Airport?
John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the largest airports in the USA.
It covers around 25 square kilometers. That is roughly the size of 3,500 soccer pitches or half the area of Manhattan.
How do you get from JFK to Manhattan for free?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan free of charge. The cheapest transfer option is the AirTrain in combination with the Subway.
If you want to save money in New York, take a look at these articles:
How much is an Uber from JFK to Manhattan?
An Uber from JFK Airport to Manhattan usually costs between 74 and 92 dollars for the standard UberX option, depending on the type of vehicle, time of day, traffic and destination. So about the same as a cab.
Can you buy a MetroCard at JFK?
Yes, you can buy tickets for the New York Subway at JFK Airport. However, not directly in the terminals.
The most common and convenient option is to buy at the Jamaica or Howard Beach AirTrain stations.
Important: The OMNY system will completely replace the MetroCard from the end of 2025! Payment will then be made directly by credit card, smartphone or smartwatch or via an OMNY top-up card.
These were our tips for airport transfers from JFK Airport
What are your experiences with the JFK airport transfer? Or do you still have a question? Then please write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!