John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to New York
The cheapest way is AirTrain JFK to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the subway, about 60–75 minutes to Midtown. AirTrain plus the LIRR from Jamaica is faster, around 45–50 minutes.
New York has three major airports: JFK and LaGuardia in Queens, and Newark in New Jersey.
Best for most people: Train. AirTrain plus subway or LIRR avoids traffic on the expressways, which can make a taxi take well over an hour.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train AirTrain JFK to Jamaica, then LIRR to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison | about 45–55 min to Midtown | AirTrain every few minutes; LIRR frequent | about $8.50 AirTrain + about $5–11 LIRR | 24 h (less frequent at night) | Pay AirTrain with contactless (OMNY) or MetroCard; buy LIRR tickets via the TrainTime app or machines. |
| subway AirTrain JFK to Jamaica (E, J, Z trains) or Howard Beach (A train), then subway into Manhattan | about 60–75 min to Midtown | every few minutes | about $8.50 AirTrain + $2.90 subway | 24 h | Tap a contactless card or phone on OMNY readers; the E train is the most direct for Midtown. |
| taxi Yellow cab from the official taxi line at each terminal | about 45–75 min, longer at rush hour | flat fare about $70 to Manhattan plus tolls, surcharges and tip (often $90–110 total) | 24 h | Use only the official dispatcher line; ignore people offering rides inside the terminal. | |
| ride-hailing Uber or Lyft from the signposted app pickup area | similar to taxi | variable; often similar to or more than a taxi | 24 h | Surge pricing is common at busy times. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Other airports
- Newark Liberty International Airport — EWR — AirTrain Newark to Newark Airport rail station, then NJ Transit or Amtrak to New York Penn Station, about 30–45 min total (about $15–20 combined). A taxi or car to Manhattan costs roughly $70–100+.
- LaGuardia Airport — LGA — No rail link. The free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus connects to the subway at Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave and Woodside (LIRR); the M60 SBS bus goes to upper Manhattan. A taxi to Midtown is roughly $40–60 plus tolls and tip.
Tips
- Ignore anyone in the arrivals hall offering a ride — use the official taxi line or an app.
- With lots of luggage the subway can be hard (stairs, crowds); the LIRR or a taxi is easier.
- One contactless card can be used for AirTrain and subway via OMNY; each person needs their own card.
- Allow extra time on weekday evenings when expressway traffic is heavy.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from JFK to Manhattan?
Yellow cabs charge a flat fare of about $70 to anywhere in Manhattan, plus tolls, surcharges and a 15–20% tip, so many people end up paying around $90–110. The trip takes 45–75 minutes or more. Join the official taxi line outside each terminal.
Does the subway run at night?
Yes. AirTrain JFK and the New York subway run 24 hours, though trains are less frequent late at night. The LIRR also runs overnight with reduced service. Late at night, many visitors with luggage prefer a taxi for safety and convenience.
What is the fastest way from JFK to Midtown?
AirTrain to Jamaica and then the LIRR to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison usually takes about 45–55 minutes and does not depend on road traffic. A taxi can be faster late at night but much slower at rush hour.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. Tap a contactless card or phone on OMNY readers for AirTrain and the subway. LIRR tickets can be bought by card at machines or in the TrainTime app. Yellow cabs must accept cards. Each traveller needs their own card on OMNY.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.