The Comprehensive Guide to New York City Airports

If you've ever arrived at a New York City airport and spent over $50 on a rideshare to reach your destination, we understand your frustration. There's a cost for convenience, but knowing the answers to your New York travel questions in advance is beneficial.

We suggest some more economical alternatives: public transportation and shared shuttles. While navigating the subway may seem intimidating, taking the train, subway, or bus to and from the airport is manageable, especially if you travel light.

Regardless of when you visit New York, utilizing shared transit can get you to your destination faster, allowing you to start enjoying New York's top attractions in various neighborhoods sooner.

All of New York's international airports can be reached through some form of shared shuttle or public transit. For LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy, NYC subways and buses are the most affordable options. Newark Liberty International Airport is also accessible via public transit, though it can be a bit more complex. Since there’s no straightforward public transit route to the city center, a little research will greatly enhance your travel experience.

Whether you choose a rideshare or not, here’s everything you need to know about transit options for traveling to and from New York City’s three airports.

Explore our complete guide to NYC transportation

Traveling to and from LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Starting fare: $2.90

Though located in Queens, LaGuardia Airport is the nearest airport to Manhattan, just 8 miles away. It serves as a hub for American Airlines, and with significant new investments from Delta Airlines, it has become a popular regional airport.

How to use public transit from Manhattan to LaGuardia

Navigating public transit from Manhattan to LaGuardia requires some tips. Here are a few options you can consider:

1. Take the 7 train to 111 St/Roosevelt Ave, then transfer to the Q48 bus.
2. Ride the 7, E, F, M, or R trains to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74 St, then switch to the Q47 bus.
3. Catch the M60 SBS bus in Manhattan, connecting with the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D subway lines at 125 St, the 1 line at 116 St, and the Metro-North Railroad at Harlem–125 St.
4. If you prefer buses, the Q70 SBS also serves LGA, connecting to the 7, E, F, M, and R lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Ave and the LIRR at Woodside station on 61 St/Roosevelt Ave.

How to hail rideshare vehicles and taxis at LaGuardia

Each terminal has designated areas for rideshare pickups and drop-offs—just follow the signs. There are also spots for yellow cabs to queue up. Taxi fares to and from LGA are metered, so the total cost will vary based on distance. A $1 surcharge is added on weekdays from 4 PM to 8 PM, and a $0.50 surcharge is in effect on weekdays from 8 PM to 6 AM. Additionally, there’s a $0.50 tax for trips within New York State and a $1.25 fee for pickups. Tips are extra; 15% to 20% is standard.

Local tips from Dinogo Planet staff on reaching LGA

“When heading to LGA from lower Manhattan, I often take the L train to Williamsburg and then use Uber from there. It’s usually faster and more economical. The same goes for JFK, though it’s a bit farther.” – Katharine Leitch, Director

“If you need to get to an airport early, make it LGA—not because security is a hassle (it’s the quickest of the three airports, in my opinion), but because it’s sleek, new, and pleasant to be in. The bathrooms are also impressive.” – Ann Douglas Lott, Associate Editor

“For me, LaGuardia is best accessed via a local car service rather than the big names. It’s half the cost—pay in cash for even more savings. A popular choice is Arecibo, but there are also Carmel and Dial 7, which only longtime New Yorkers like me seem to know about. While it may be a bit less polished than Lyft or Uber, the price is unbeatable.” – Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content

“I’m a huge fan of the Q70 SBS, also known as the ‘LaGuardia Link.’ The Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74 St subway station is just 15 or 20 minutes from Midtown on the express subway, and you can catch it from a dedicated bus platform right where you exit. (No ticket needed—just tap to pay as you board.) The bus then takes a special lane on the freeway, getting you to the airport in about 10 minutes during good traffic. And if you have time, consider grabbing a meal at one of the Colombian, Tibetan, or Indian restaurants in Jackson Heights on your way. It’s truly one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods.” – Brian Healy, Contributing Editor

Traveling to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Starting cost: $11.40

JFK serves as a significant transit hub for both domestic and international flights. Located in Queens, it’s 19 miles from Manhattan, meaning the journey can take an hour or more. You can connect to JFK via a subway, shared shuttle bus, or commuter train using the AirTrain JFK, which is a dedicated airport shuttle train. There are multiple ways to reach it:

How to catch a shuttle from Manhattan to JFK

The simplest way to travel from Manhattan to JFK is by taking a shared Airlink NYC shuttle from the Port Authority Bus Terminal directly to JFK. One-way fares start at $34.

How to travel by train from Manhattan to JFK 

Taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station takes about 36 minutes, and it’s just 9 minutes to JFK from there. The LIRR departs from Penn Station and Grand Central in Manhattan, as well as from Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. You'll arrive at Terminal 4. 

From Jamaica Station, the AirTrain JFK will connect you to the passenger terminals, airport parking lots, hotel shuttle areas, and rental car centers. The fare is $8.50 (it’s $4.25 until Labor Day) from Howard Beach and Jamaica station, and you can pay using a contactless method.

How to use the subway to reach JFK from Manhattan

The subway journey takes roughly 90 minutes and costs around $12. Here are three routes you can choose from:

1. Take the MTA train from 86th Street to Terminal 4, then hop on the AirTrain as described above. 
2. Catch the A train heading to Far Rockaway, getting off at the Howard Beach-JFK stop. Then, board any AirTrain to the airport.
3. Alternatively, take the E, J, or Z trains towards Jamaica Center to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Avenue. Go upstairs to find Jamaica Station, then board an AirTrain to your terminal.

How to catch a bus from Manhattan to JFK

You can also take a city bus to JFK: the Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, Q10 LTD, and B15 lines all serve the airport. 

How to use a rideshare service at JFK Airport 

At JFK, each terminal has specific areas for rideshare pickups and drop-offs, along with designated taxi queues. (Be aware that due to extensive construction, these spots may be quite a distance from the terminals.) Taxis charge a flat fare of $70 – excluding tip and tolls – for trips between JFK and Manhattan, plus a $5 surcharge during weekday peak hours from 4pm to 8pm, a $0.50 tax for New York State trips, and a $1.25 fee for pickups.

Local Dinogo Planet staff tips for getting to JFK

“Whenever I ride the AirTrain to JFK, I make it a point to stop at the TWA Hotel for a drink or a snack, no matter which terminal I'm flying from. You can’t really do that when using an Uber.” – Laura Motta, Senior Director of Content

“If speed is your priority, cars are not the quickest option. From my place in Brooklyn, I enjoy taking the LIRR to Jamaica and then the AirTrain. (It's closer than Penn Station.) Another solid choice is the A train to Howard Beach, but that can be trickier since you need to board the right A train, which doesn’t always run.” – Brekke Fletcher

“Some terminals at JFK are currently under construction, which means not all terminals can accommodate Ubers. By the time you hop on the AirTrain to switch terminals, you might as well just take the subway.” – Serina Patel

Getting to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Minimum fare: $6.25

Although Newark Liberty Airport is situated in New Jersey, it’s just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Sometimes, the trip from Newark can be quicker than from JFK. Here are various options to travel from EWR: 

Essential information about taxis at Newark Liberty Airport   

The quickest way to get between Manhattan and Newark—located just across the river in New Jersey—is by taxi or rideshare. Depending on traffic, this ride can take approximately 25 minutes. 

Taxis to and from EWR can be quite expensive. If you take a taxi from EWR, expect a $10 surcharge on weekends (12pm to 8pm) and during weekday rush hours (6am to 9am; 4pm to 7pm) for trips to any destination in New York State. Additional fees include a $1.25 pickup charge, a fee for each piece of luggage over 24 inches, and a $5.50 surcharge for credit card payments. Yellow New York City taxi fares to EWR also include a flat $20 surcharge.

Don’t forget about the tolls: whether you’re driving yourself or taking a cab, the Port Authority imposes a fee for entering New York via bridge or tunnel, starting at $12.75 per vehicle during off-peak hours. (Traveling into New Jersey is always toll-free.) Many toll plazas have recently gone cashless, so you or your driver will need an E-Z Pass unless you want to receive a bill later.

How to request a rideshare at Newark Airport

Both major rideshare services, Lyft and Uber, operate at Newark Airport. To meet your driver, head to the baggage claim area, then exit on the arrivals level. Look for signs indicating ground transportation and rideshare pickup. For instance, an Uber ride from Newark to Times Square will cost around $70.

How to take a shuttle bus from Manhattan to Newark

One of the most convenient ways to travel between Manhattan and Newark Airport is the Coach USA shuttle bus. The bus picks up passengers at Grand Central, Port Authority of New York, or Bryant Park every 45 minutes and stops at all Newark terminals. From Newark, shuttles leave every 15 minutes. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs $22.50 one way for adults, or $38.50 for a round trip. Children pay $6.50, while seniors are charged $11.50. This shuttle is a great option if you want to save money compared to rideshares and avoid navigating the transit system.

How to navigate the subway to Newark Liberty Airport

If you're up for a challenge, taking the subway will take approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Start at 72nd Street with a $3 ride on lines 1, 2, or 3 to New York Penn Station. From there, board the NJ Transit train ($13-16) to the Newark Airport Railroad Station. You'll then catch the AirTrain monorail (included in your NJ Transit fare, which covers the $8.25 AirTrain access fee) to Newark’s Terminal B. For those traveling from farther away, Amtrak also services the Newark Airport station along its busy Northeast Corridor line.

How to travel by train from Manhattan to Newark Airport

If you have some time, consider taking the Port Authority’s PATH train from lower Manhattan to Newark Penn Station, the final stop on the line. From there, switch to an NJ Transit train (this requires a separate fare; buy your ticket in advance via the app or at a kiosk on the platform), then transfer to the AirTrain (as previously mentioned). You could also opt for a rideshare from the station to the airport. Keep in mind that weekend schedules may differ.

You can also opt for the PATH train to connect with a local or express NJ Transit bus—this is a longer yet more budget-friendly and accessible alternative. NJ Transit trains operate only from 5 AM to 1 AM, so if you're traveling outside of these hours, consider using the PATH or the #62 bus instead.

Local Dinogo Planet staff recommendations on reaching EWR

'I usually pass through Penn Station, where I love the new Moynihan Train Hall food court. My favorite spot is Irish Exit, from the same team behind The Dead Rabbit. I always make a point to stop there—they have fantastic cocktails and a great selection of beer. For sandwiches to go, I recommend either Pastrami Queen or Alidoro.' – Caroline Trefler, Destination Editor

'If I have to fly out of Newark, it's only because the fare is lower and the terminal has a lounge (a big win for me). Living in Williamsburg, it can take up to two hours and cost $100 for an Uber to EWR—and if you know NYC traffic, it’s a sure bet for carsickness. When I have the time, I prefer to take the M or F train to the city, then switch to the PATH to Jersey City before ordering an Uber from there.' – Serina Patel

'I genuinely enjoy taking the NJ Transit route to Newark, especially from Midtown. I used to schedule my flights for after work so I could commute directly to the airport. I also attempted to take red-eye flights and go straight to work afterward to maximize my travel time—though that may not be for everyone. That part was definitely challenging.' – Pia Peterson Haggarty, Photo Director

More tips for navigating New York City airports on your journey

'I choose my flights based on travel costs to the airport and safety—especially since I prefer not to take the inexpensive AirTrain to the A train at 1 AM. If it means shelling out $100 for an Uber to return home after a late or early flight, it might be wiser to book a slightly pricier flight during the day.' – Deepa Lakshmin, Social Media Director

'For these trips, the Transit app is your best bet when your route isn’t typical. Also, avoid yellow cabs as they often come with extra fees.' – Brekke Fletcher

'If you're coming from Brooklyn, the optimal choice is to fly out of LGA or JFK and take the A, C, or J train, then transfer to the AirTrain. It’s even better now since they accept Apple Pay.' – Serina Patel

'I've saved a lot by scheduling Ubers and Lyfts a day in advance, but it really hinges on what time you're heading to the airport. A good rule of thumb is to book ahead if you're traveling during rush hour.' – Ann Douglas Lott

'I prefer taking the train to the airport because it gives a reliable estimate of travel time, even if it’s longer than driving (which is uncertain due to NYC's awful traffic). After a long day of flying, I always treat myself to a rideshare or taxi back home.' – Brian Healy 

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