Landing at JFK and need to get to Manhattan? You have six main options, each with different trade-offs between cost, convenience, and travel time. This guide breaks down every option so you can make the best choice for your situation.
Quick Comparison: All Options
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + Subway | $10.75 | 60-75 min | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| AirTrain + LIRR | $15.75-18.50 | 45-60 min | Penn Station destination |
| NYC Airporter Bus | $19-35 | 60-90 min | Grand Central/Port Authority |
| Yellow Taxi | $85-95 | 45-75 min | Direct, no booking needed |
| Uber/Lyft | $70-120+ | 45-75 min | App convenience (watch surge) |
| Car Service | $185 | 45-60 min | Premium, meet & greet, fixed rate |
1AirTrain + Subway ($10.75)
$10.75
Total Cost
60-75 min
Travel Time
24/7
Availability
How It Works:
- Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station or Howard Beach ($8.25)
- At Jamaica: Transfer to E train to Midtown (53rd/Lex, 5th Ave)
- At Howard Beach: Take A train to Manhattan (direct to Penn Station area)
- Tap with OMNY or use MetroCard ($2.90 subway fare)
✓ Pros
- • Cheapest option by far
- • No traffic delays underground
- • Runs 24 hours (limited overnight)
- • Good for solo travelers
✗ Cons
- • Difficult with heavy luggage
- • Multiple transfers required
- • Can be confusing for first-timers
- • Limited overnight E train service
Best for: Budget-conscious solo travelers with light luggage arriving during daytime hours.
2AirTrain + LIRR ($15.75-18.50)
$15.75-18.50
Total Cost
45-60 min
Travel Time
5am-12am
Service Hours
How It Works:
- Take AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8.25)
- Buy LIRR ticket to Penn Station ($7.50-10.25 depending on time)
- Board LIRR train (runs every 15-20 minutes)
- Arrive at Penn Station in ~25 minutes
Pro tip: Buy tickets via the MTA TrainTime app to avoid lines. Off-peak fares (weekends, 9am-4pm, after 8pm weekdays) are cheaper.
Best for: Travelers heading to Midtown West, Penn Station area, or connecting to NJ Transit/Amtrak.
3Yellow Taxi ($85-95 total)
$70 flat
Base Fare
+$15-25
Tolls, Tip, Fees
45-75 min
Travel Time
Cost Breakdown:
- • Flat fare: $70 (any Manhattan destination south of 96th St)
- • Tolls: $6.55 (via Midtown Tunnel)
- • NY State surcharge: $0.50
- • Congestion surcharge: $2.50
- • Peak hour surcharge: $5 (4-8pm weekdays)
- • Tip: 15-20% ($11-14)
Where to find taxis: Follow signs to the official taxi stand outside arrivals. Use ONLY yellow cabs from the queue - avoid anyone approaching you inside the terminal.
Best for: Travelers who want direct service without pre-booking, especially during non-surge times.
4Car Service ($185 all-inclusive) ⭐ Recommended
$185
Sedan (all-in)
$235
SUV (all-in)
45-60 min
Travel Time
24/7
Availability
What's Included:
- Meet & greet inside terminal
- Real-time flight tracking
- 60 min free wait time
- Luggage assistance
- All tolls included
- No surge pricing ever
- Luxury vehicle (Mercedes, BMW)
- Child seats available free
Why It's Worth the Premium:
After a long flight, the last thing you want is to figure out the subway system with heavy bags, wait in a taxi line, or deal with Uber surge pricing. Car service meets you inside the terminal with your name on a sign, handles your luggage, and delivers you door-to-door in a clean luxury vehicle. The $185 price is fixed—no surprises, no math, no tipping decisions.
5Uber/Lyft ($70-120+)
$70-120+
Variable Price
2-3x surge
Peak Times
45-75 min
Travel Time
⚠️ Watch Out For:
- • Surge pricing during peak hours (can reach $150+)
- • Long wait times at JFK pickup areas
- • Drivers canceling rides
- • Confusing pickup locations at terminals
Pickup location: Uber and Lyft pick up at designated rideshare areas outside each terminal. You must walk to the pickup zone and request your ride from there.
Best for: Travelers who prefer app-based booking and are flexible with pricing. Check the price before you book!
Our Recommendations
💰 Best for Budget
AirTrain + Subway ($10.75)
If you're traveling light and don't mind the extra time, this is unbeatable value.
⚡ Best for Speed
Car Service or Taxi
Direct door-to-door service with no transfers. Car service wins for predictable pricing.
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families
Car Service ($185-235)
Free car seats, meet & greet, luggage help. No juggling kids and bags on the subway.
💼 Best for Business
Car Service ($185)
Professional appearance, reliable, receipt for expenses. No surge pricing surprises.