Top ways to travel from JFK Airport to Manhattan

You’ve just arrived in New York City, full of excitement for a long weekend getaway. But first, you need to figure out how to get from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan. There are numerous ways to reach your hotel, but which one is the quickest?

The great news is that you have several choices. Your selection may vary based on factors like budget, your destination in the city, or how much luggage you're carrying. Your trip could be as simple as catching a taxi, or it might require one or two transfers on the train or subway. Regardless, reaching your destination can be stress-free with a bit of advance planning.

Here are the quickest routes to travel from JFK to Manhattan and other boroughs.

Subway

Let’s begin with New York's subway system. While no subway lines connect directly from JFK to Manhattan, the AirTrain offers a budget-friendly way to get into the city.

Starting point: Catch the AirTrain from JFK Terminal 1, 4, 5, 7, or 8 to reach either the Jamaica or Howard Beach subway station.

Possible routes: From JFK, you can board the E train heading to midtown Manhattan, or the A, J, or Z trains to reach Brooklyn or lower Manhattan.

Service hours: Both the AirTrain and subway operate around the clock, 24/7.

Travel time: Taking the AirTrain will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your terminal and final destination, to reach either subway station at JFK. If you’re going to Times Square, board the E line from Jamaica Station; the journey will take just over an hour. In total, expect a trip of about 80 to 90 minutes.

Approximate fare: You’ll need to purchase an AirTrain ticket from the airport to the subway station, costing $8.50 one-way (note that you can ride the AirTrain within the airport for free). A subway fare is a flat $2.90, and you can use ApplePay directly at the turnstile. Alternatively, you can buy a Metropolitan Transportation Authority card with credit; this card costs $1, so be sure to keep it for the duration of your travels.

Long Island Rail Road

Besides taking the subway via the AirTrain, you also have the choice to catch the Long Island Rail Road, one of the city's commuter rail options. This train offers a superior experience compared to the MTA, at a higher cost. However, it operates more efficiently, provides more seating, and ensures a more comfortable journey than the subway.

Starting point: Ride the AirTrain to Jamaica station, then switch to the LIRR.

Potential destinations: From Jamaica station, you can catch the LIRR to Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, including Penn Station.

Service hours: The train operates around the clock, 24/7.

Travel time: It’s a direct route from JFK to the city, taking just 35 minutes on the LIRR to reach Penn Station. When you add the 15-minute AirTrain ride, the total journey is about 50 minutes. Depending on where you’re headed next, you can take the subway from Penn Station for $2.90, or grab a cab or walk if your hotel is close by.

Approximate fare: Like the subway, you'll need to pay $8.50 for the AirTrain first. An LIRR ticket to Penn Station (the nearest stop to Times Square) costs $5 during off-peak hours or $7 during peak times (6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.).

Taxi

Taxis are a quintessential mode of transportation in New York City.

Starting point: Taxi stands are located just outside the baggage claim area at each terminal at JFK.

Potential destinations: You can take a cab to any location of your choice.

Service hours: Taxis operate 24 hours a day.

Travel time: Each journey may vary based on traffic, your destination, and other factors. It’s 18 miles from JFK to Times Square, and this ride usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour.

Approximate fare: There’s a flat rate of $70 for all taxi rides starting from JFK, with an extra $5 added on weekdays between 4 and 8 p.m. Additionally, a $1.75 airport pickup fee and a 50-cent New York State tax apply. There’s also a congestion surcharge of $2.50 for yellow taxis, $2.75 for green taxis and for-hire vehicles, or 75 cents for shared rides for trips beginning, ending, or passing through Manhattan south of 96th Street. This can total up to $80 for the most expensive ride, excluding tolls and tips. JFK provides a useful chart for estimating costs to other boroughs as well.

Uber or Lyft

Using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft might exceed $80 (plus tip) based on surge pricing, according to Uber's website. You can lower that cost by choosing a shared vehicle, but this option may significantly extend your travel time. The pool option isn’t widely used enough to be efficient yet.

Pickup point: The app will direct you to your pickup location once your ride is confirmed. Typical pickup spots are as follows:

• For Terminals 1, 4, or 8, exit after baggage claim and follow the signs for "Ride App Pick Up."
• For Terminal 5, use the Skywalk on Level 4 to reach the AirTrain. Take the AirTrain to Terminal 7, then follow the signs to the Orange Lot for ride app pickups.

Potential destinations: You'll have direct access to wherever you want to go, which is especially convenient if you're traveling with luggage and young children.

Service hours: Rides are available 24/7, day or night.

Travel time: Travel time can fluctuate based on traffic, your destination, and other variables (be mindful of rush hour). Generally, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cover the 18 miles from the airport to Times Square by car. However, if you arrive during peak morning hours on weekdays, you could face a ride that lasts between one and two hours. Nonetheless, if you have the time and budget, taking a car is one of the easier options, especially with large luggage and if you’re tired after a long journey — particularly if you can share the fare with a travel companion.

Approximate fare: The cost of an Uber ride varies with traffic and congestion pricing. According to Uber, expect to pay around $75 for a ride from the airport to Penn Station, excluding tips.

Blade

If budget isn't a concern, Blade offers one of the fastest ways to travel from JFK to Manhattan, and it also provides a complimentary sightseeing experience.

Pickup location: You'll be collected by a Blade vehicle at the curbside of JFK's Arrivals Terminal, taking you to the helicopter departure area.

Available destinations: Your two options are West 30th Street on the Hudson River in Midtown West and East 34th Street on the East River in Midtown East.

Service hours: Flights to West 30th Street operate Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Flights to East 34th Street and JFK are available on weekdays from 2:45 to 6 p.m.

Travel time: Enjoy a quick five-minute flight from the airport to the city while waving at those stuck in subway lines or traffic below.

Approximate fare: Unlike taxi fares or ride-hailing costs, Blade prices remain steady at $195 per person one-way, a rate that hasn’t changed in several years.