NYC Travel Tips: How to Get from JFK to Manhattan

So you’ve landed at JFK International Airport… now what? First off, welcome! You’re in New York City!

If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ve most likely booked an accommodation and are planning on spending the majority of your time in Manhattan. New York City is made up of five boroughs. Manhattan (where most of the iconic landmarks are located), Queens (where JFK and LGA airports are), Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.

You have a few options to get from JFK to Manhattan. I’ve listed each option, plus approximate pricing, and the pros and cons to help you decide which one is best for you.

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How to Get from JFK to Manhattan

1. Public Transportation: AirTrain / Subway

It’s convenient to get all over the city with NYC’s public transportation system, including from the airport to Manhattan.

JFK airport terminals are linked by the AirTrain. You can take the AirTrain between terminals for free. But to leave the airport on the AirTrain, you’ll need to pay.

Here’s how to take the AirTrain and subway combination from JFK to Manhattan:

Step One: Land at JFK.

After clearing immigration and customs and getting your bags, look for AirTrain signs and follow the signs.

Step Two: Get on an AirTrain.

Depending on which terminal you’re at, you may have to make several stops to other terminals before making your way to Jamaica Station.

Step Three: Get off at Jamaica Station.

Follow the signs to the exit, which will be around MetroCard vending machines.

Step Four: Purchase a MetroCard.

To exit, go to one of the MetroCard vending machines and purchase a MetroCard.

You can reuse this card during your trip in NYC. It expires after one year. Be sure to put in $7.75 for the cost of the AirTrain plus $2.75 for the cost of the subway ride. Also, add in $1 fee if you’re getting a new MetroCard. You can also put more money into the card so you can use it throughout your stay in NYC.

Every time I’ve used it I’ve seen attendants around the machines if you have any questions.

Step Five: Get on the subway.

Once you’ve scanned your MetroCard at the AirTrain exit, follow signs to the Sutphin Boulevard Station. You can take the E, J and Z trains at this subway station. You’ll most likely take the E train into Manhattan as this line makes stops in Midtown Manhattan and through to the Financial District.

Step Six: Get off the closest subway stop to your accommodation.

Locate which subway station along the E line is closest to your accommodation and get off at that stop.

• Budget friendly.
• Transportation system runs 24/7.

• You may be hesitant if you’re not familiar with taking public transportation (hopefully these steps helped to ease the worry!)
• Subway may be packed during rush hour.
• You’ll need to take your bags up and down the stairs.
• You’ll need to walk to your hotel from the nearest subway station.

• $10.50 per person, one way ($7.75 for AirTrain + $2.75 for subway)

2. Ride Sharing Apps: Uber / Lyft

Uber and Lyft operate all over New York City, which is good news for those familiar with the ride sharing app. There used to be a flat rate of $60 for JFK to Manhattan for Uber users, but that’s no longer the case. So check with Uber’s price estimator calculator to calculate approximately how much you’ll expect to pay. This will change slightly depending on which part of Manhattan you’re going to and the time of day. Expect to pay more during peak hours.

For example, at the time of writing, an UberX (private car) was $69.18 to get from JFK to the Mark Hotel located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Meanwhile, the calculator showed slightly less at $60.21 to get to The Knickerbocker Hotel located in Times Square.

• Get a ride on demand.
• There are specific ride sharing pick up areas at JFK’s arrivals area so Uber is convenient and easy to take.
• Private transfer (unless you opt for an Uber Pool)
• You’ll be dropped off exactly where you need to be.
• Rack up points if you’re part of Uber’s loyalty program or airline miles with Lyft’s airline partners.

• $70 (depends where you’re going) – per car, one way

3. Taxi

Ride in an iconic NYC yellow taxi with a flat fee of $52 for trips from JFK to Manhattan. But don’t get too excited about this flat rate. There are some other costs involved. There’s also a 50 cents NY State tax, $4.50 surcharge if you’re traveling between 4-8 pm on a weekday and the $52 doesn’t include tolls and tips. An appropriate tip is anywhere from 15-20% and is expected. Read more about NYC taxi fare on the official NYC government website and be sure to get a taxi at an official taxi stand at JFK.

• Flat fee (sort of, see above for additional charges)
• Ride in an iconic NYC yellow taxi.
• Get dropped off exactly where you want.
• Private transfer.
• Readily available.

• The price may add up to be more than an Uber. Check how much an Uber will be at the time of your arrival to decide between a taxi or Uber.

• $70 – per car, one way

4. Shared Shuttle Service

Share a ride with other fellow travelers using a shared shuttle. Locate the Ground Transportation Desk at arrivals and an agent will direct you to your shared shuttle. You don’t have to book in advance but it is best to secure your spot. And no need to worry if your plane is late, you can get on the next available shuttle. Though you may have to wait for other passengers to get off their stops, you’re dropped off exactly where you want to be.

When I booked a one way trip for two adults from JFK to the Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square, the share ride price showed $23.65 per person.

And the price remained the same when booking from JFK to Lower Manhattan at Four Seasons Downtown for a one way trip for two adults.

If you’d like to purchase a roundtrip ticket, it appears to be the same amount as purchasing two one way tickets. See below for a roundtrip shuttle from JFK to the Knickerbocker and the Knickerbocker to JFK.

When booking this shared shuttle, I had a popup appear when I was navigating away from the site. They may give you a 5% off code that you can apply right away to your purchase.

• Get dropped off exactly where you want.
• Cheaper than Uber or a taxi.
• No need to worry if the flight is delayed.

• May have to wait for other passengers to be dropped off first.

• $25 per person, one way or $50 per person, roundtrip

5. Private Transfer

Book a private transfer if you don’t want to take a trip into Manhattan with other strangers or if you don’t want to wait at the curbside for a car booked through a ride sharing app. With a pre booked private transfer, follow the signs to the Ground Transportation area and find the attendant who will take you to the car.

• Door to door service.
• Personalized and private service.

• $100 per car (up to three people), one way

6. Coach Bus

On the hour and half hour from 11 AM to 7 PM, the NYC Express Bus operates between JFK and various central drop off and pick up points in Manhattan. Your options are Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal or Times Square (drop off only at Times Square). You don’t need to book the exact time, just the day of your arrival and they offer discounts for families with a buy three get one free family plan.

When you arrive at JFK, follow the red signs for the NYC Express Bus at the Ground Transportation Welcome Centers outside of the baggage claim areas, meet an agent there and they’ll direct you to the bus. Purchase your seat in advance to board first and reserve your spot.