JFK Airport to Manhattan transfer

Transfer from JFK Airport to Manhattan is best arranged before you travel to New York. You can travel from JFK Airport to Manhattan by taxi, shuttle, subway or train. There are many options so you’ll always find one that suits your needs and budget whether you’re travelling alone or in a group.

Taxi from JFK to Manhattan

Legal yellow cabs (taxis) can be found at every terminal. In total, a taxi ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan costs approximately $100. This is composed of a flat fare of $70, tolls up to $6.94, and other charges. These include Airport Access Fee $1.25 and $1.50 in state taxes, plus a New York State Congestion Surcharge of $2.50 for all trips that pass through or end in Manhattan south of 96th Street. On weekdays between 16:00 and 20:00, a rush-hour surcharge of $5 is calculated. Also, it is customary to tip the driver $12 to $15. You can pay with cash or credit card. One yellow cab fits three people with luggage. If you’re travelling with four people or more, you can book your transfer here.

Beware of taking an illegal cab. Illegal cab drivers sometimes wait for passengers in the Arrivals Hall, don’t use them!

Private Transfers

Do you want to travel from the airport to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven car with just yourself and friends or family? And would you prefer to arrange your transport before you depart? Then book a private transfer in advance. There are various options for private transport available.

Value private transfer

Choose the value private transfer and have everything organised before your departure to New York. After booking the transfer you will receive a voucher with a link to confirm your flight details and preferred pickup time. The day before you leave New York you’ll just have to call the car service company to confirm the transfer and you’re all set. This transfer does not include tolls and tip.

Book your value private transfer here

Private transfer with meet-and-greet service

If you would prefer to be collected by your driver in the arrivals hall, you can book this transfer. You give all your flight details before you travel and so there is no need to call when you arrive in New York. Your chauffeur will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a board with your name on it.

Book your private transfer with meet and greet service here

Limousine

Book an airport transfer by Limousine to arrive in New York City in style. You can take a limo transfer from the airport to your hotel for a maximum of 7 people.

Book your transfer by Limousine here

Shared Small Shuttle Buses

These shared shuttle buses take you to the hotel in Manhattan where you are staying. These shuttles are very easy to use, but not as fast as a taxi as they have to drop off several people. So take your time and enjoy the ride, it’s vacation! If you are in an apartment, please choose a hotel near where you want to be dropped off. It’s good to know that most buses only go up to 125th Street in Manhattan. Currently, only the small shuttle buses are running, the large express buses are not in service.

Book your Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer here

Subway

The JFK AirTrain runs in both directions from JFK Airport to either the Howard Beach or Jamaica subway stations for $8.50. From there, you can transfer to either the A or E subway line to reach Manhattan for just $2.90. This connection takes about 1.5 hours and if you are travelling with a lot of luggage after your long flight, then travelling this way is not recommended. Total cost is $11.40 + $1 for the MetroCard.

Buy your AirTrain and MetroCards before you travel here

Long Island Railroad Train (LIRR)

The train connects the JFK AirTrain with Penn Station and Grand Central. The total ride costs around $10. To get to the train you will need to take the AirTrain first (cost $8.50). The AirTrain will take between 15 and 25 minutes to get to the train station. The train ride to Manhattan takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Eric’s Tip: “I have lived in Manhattan for years and I always recommend people travelling to New York for the first time to take a yellow cab (taxi). The cheapest way to get from JFK to Manhattan is by taking the AirTrain and the subway. Buy your AirTrain and MetroCard in advance, so it will be a quick transfer. Though the subway is cheap, taking a taxi is my preferred way. It’s easy, and there is nothing more beautiful than seeing the skyline from a yellow cab.”

Helicopter Transfer

Travel in luxury during a helicopter transfer from JFK Airport to Manhattan. You will fly into the city within 10 minutes, taking in the scenery along the way.

Lyft or Uber from JFK to Manhattan

You can also use Lyft or Uber to get from JFK to Manhattan. My personal experience though is that taking one of these services is always more expensive than a yellow cab. As taxis have a fixed fee, it doesn’t matter if you get stuck in traffic or if the taxi needs to take a detour. You know in advance what price you’re going to pay. Within Manhattan, I do like to use Lyft or Uber, but for an airport transfer, I prefer to take a yellow cab.

Get more information about your return transfer from Manhattan to JFK Airport

JFK Airport Transfer – Other Boroughs

Are you looking for a JFK airport transfer to other boroughs or other states such as New Jersey? I have created specific information for each of these options:

Are you travelling from a different airport?

What is the best way to get from JFK to Manhattan?

Which transfer option is best depends on your budget and how many people you’re travelling with. Read all my tips on transfer from JFK Airport to Manhattan here.

How much does it cost to get from JFK to Manhattan?

The cost depends on which type of transfer you select. Read about the options and prices here.

What is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Manhattan?

Taking the JFK AirTrain and subway is the cheapest way to travel from JFK to Manhattan.

How much is a yellow cab from JFK to Manhattan?

About $85 + tip is the total price for taking a yellow cab from JFK to Manhattan.

Is it cheaper to take a taxi or Uber from JFK to Manhattan?

In most cases, taking a taxi from JFK airport to Manhattan will be cheaper than using Uber or other ride service. Read here why.

How long is taxi ride from JFK to Manhattan?

Travel time from JFK Airport to Manhattan is heavily influenced by traffic. The ride usually takes around an hour. Prepare for extra during rush hour.

What is the taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan in 2024?

Taxis from JFK to Manhattan have a fixed rate of $70, but there are other costs to consider. Pricing can be found here.