How to get from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Manhattan

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the primary international gateway to New York City, welcoming millions of travelers from around the world each year. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, JFK serves as a global hub connecting travelers to and from major destinations worldwide.

There are four main transportation options to reach the heart of Manhattan from JFK Airport, each offering different travel times and costs. These include the AirTrain combined with subway, airport shuttle services, taxis or ride-hailing apps, and private car services.

In this guide, we’ll explain in detail how to travel smoothly and efficiently from JFK Airport to Manhattan. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, planning ahead will help ensure a stress-free start to your New York adventure. Be sure to review the available options before your arrival to choose the one that best fits your needs.

1. What is John F. Kennedy International Airport?

Located in the southeastern part of New York City in the borough of Queens, John F. Kennedy International Airport is a massive hub served by around 100 airlines from approximately 50 countries. In the United States, it is commonly referred to as "JFK Airport," but "Kennedy Airport" is also widely understood.

In addition to JFK, New York City is also home to LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. However, most direct flights to New York arrive and depart from JFK Airport.

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2. Terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport currently operates six terminals, each used by different airlines.

Each terminal is well-equipped with amenities such as duty-free shops, airline lounges, information counters, cafés, restaurants, ATMs, and currency exchange counters, offering services that enhance convenience for travelers.

Here are some of the airlines operating direct flights to JFK Airport and their respective terminals:
• Terminal 7: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Terminal 8: Japan Airlines (JAL), American Airlines

Note: All Nippon Airways (ANA), which currently uses Terminal 7, is scheduled to move to the newly planned Terminal 6 set to open in 2026.

3. From John F. Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan

AirTrain, taxi, and bus boarding areas are located on the 1st floor of each terminal.
There are several ways to get from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan, and the time and cost vary depending on the transportation method.

The "AirTrain" includes a "circulator line" that loops through all airport terminals, as well as lines going to "Jamaica" and "Howard Beach."

Destination
Fare
Terminal Circulator
Free
Jamaica
$8.50
Howard Beach
$8.50

Travel between terminals is free.
When heading to Manhattan, take either the "Jamaica-bound" or "Howard Beach-bound" AirTrain.

① AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)

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Transfer Station / Stop
Travel Time
Fare
AirTrain
Jamaica Station
Approx. 10 min
LIRR
Grand Central Station or Penn Station
Approx. 20 min

If you're heading to Manhattan from JFK Airport, the AirTrain + LIRR combo is a fast, affordable, and convenient option. From the airport terminal, you can easily transfer using elevators and escalators, making it suitable for travelers with large luggage.

◆ JFK AirTrain?

The AirTrain at John F. Kennedy International Airport (Terminal 7) connects the terminals to Jamaica Station in about 10 minutes.
• A free circular loop allows movement between terminals.
• You pay the fare only when exiting at Jamaica Station.
• The AirTrain gate supports OMNY, a contactless payment system, so you can use your tap-enabled credit card to enter without hassle.
This is the best public transit route from JFK to Manhattan—ideal for tourists and business travelers alike.

◆ Long Island Rail Road

Follow the signs and proceed to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) platform.
A characteristic of the Long Island Rail Road is that there are no ticket gates; instead, ticket inspections are conducted on board.
If you download the “MTA app,” you can conveniently purchase tickets through the app.

Buy your ticket from Jamaica Station to your desired destination either at a ticket machine or via the MTA app before boarding.
• Grand Central Station
• Penn Station


The fare varies depending on whether it’s rush hour or not. Off-peak fares are cheaper than peak fares.

② AirTrain + Subway

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Route
Transfer Station
Approx. Travel Time
Fare
AirTrain + Subway A Line
Howard Beach Station
About 1 hour
$8.50 (AirTrain) + $2.90 (Subway)
AirTrain + Subway E, J, Z Lines
Jamaica Station
About 1 hour
$8.50 (AirTrain) + $2.90 (Subway)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly and efficient way to reach Manhattan from JFK Airport, the AirTrain and New York City Subway combination is one of the most popular routes for travelers.

This option offers great cost-performance and direct access to major Manhattan areas.
Both AirTrain and the NYC Subway accept OMNY contactless payments, so you can easily tap your credit card to enter—no need for a MetroCard.
While the total travel time is slightly longer than taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), this method allows flexible route planning based on your final destination, especially if your accommodation is near a subway station.

③ Taxi (Yellow Cab)

Transportation Method
Destination
Estimated Travel Time
Estimated Fare
Taxi
Desired location within Manhattan
Around 1 to 1.5 hours
Flat rate of $70 + tip (15–20%) + extras

Taxis are recommended for travelers with a lot of luggage, those unfamiliar with public transportation, or those traveling late at night since they offer door-to-door convenience. However, be aware that traffic congestion can significantly increase travel time.
After exiting the arrival lobby, follow the “Taxi” signs. At the taxi stand, staff will assign you a sedan or minivan depending on the number of passengers and amount of luggage.

④ Shuttle Bus

Transportation Method
Destination
Estimated Travel Time
Estimated Fare
Go Airlink, SuperShuttle
Desired location within Manhattan
Around 1.5 to 2 hours
About $35 and up (tax included)

Shuttle buses operate on a ride-sharing basis, meaning you’ll share the ride with other travelers. Like taxis, they’re recommended for those with lots of luggage or who find it difficult to navigate subway stairs.
While cheaper than taxis, travel time may increase depending on where other passengers are dropped off. If you're traveling with a group, taxis might be more cost-effective. Choose according to your situation.
Currently, two companies, "GO Airlink" and "Super Shuttle", operate the shuttle.
※ NYC Airporter ended service in 2020.
Please note: Additional charges may apply (airport access fees, rush hour fees, improvement charges, transfer surcharges, etc.), so it’s best to check ahead of time.

How to Get Around Manhattan

After arriving at Manhattan from John F. Kennedy International Airport, there are several convenient and budget-friendly ways to explore the city. Choose the best method depending on your destination, budget, and weather.
◆ Subway (New York Subway System)
The subway covers almost all areas of Manhattan and is the most commonly used transportation method in New York City. Fares are flat-rate, and you can simply tap your credit card at OMNY-enabled gates for seamless access.
◆ Bus (MTA Bus)
Buses are ideal for areas not serviced by the subway, especially when traveling east-west across Manhattan. Many routes serve popular tourist attractions. Payment is accepted via OMNY, just like the subway.
◆ Citi Bike (Bike Share Service)
Citi Bike is a quick and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. With numerous stations throughout Manhattan, it’s easy to rent a bike and return it to another station within 30 minutes. Both standard bikes and e-bikes are available.
◆ Yellow Cabs (Taxi)
Taxis can be hailed easily on the street and provide convenient door-to-door service—perfect for rainy days or direct travel needs.
◆ Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft offer direct routes to your destination with variable pricing depending on demand and time of day. Booking is done through the app with upfront fare estimates.

Whether by subway, bus, bike, or car, combining these options will help you navigate Manhattan efficiently and make the most of your NYC adventure!