You’ve landed at JFK. Manhattan is about 25 km (15 miles) away, and you have four realistic options. Here’s how they compare, and which one fits your arrival.
| Option | Time to Midtown (approx.) | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + subway | 60–90 min | $ (cheapest) | Light luggage, budget |
| AirTrain + LIRR | 45–60 min | $$ | Speed without traffic risk |
| Yellow taxi (flat fare) | 45–90 min, depends on traffic | $$$ + tolls & tip | Groups, luggage, families |
| Uber / Lyft | 45–90 min | $$$, varies with demand | Late arrivals, outer boroughs |
Times are typical and depend on traffic, connections and where in Manhattan you’re going. Check the current fares on the official sites: the Port Authority for the AirTrain, the MTA for the subway and LIRR, and the TLC for taxis.
Option 1: AirTrain + subway (cheapest)
Follow the signs to the AirTrain JFK. It connects all terminals for free. You only pay when you exit at Jamaica Station or Howard Beach. From Jamaica, take the E train into Midtown Manhattan. From Howard Beach, the A train goes to Lower Manhattan and the West Side. Tap your contactless card or phone at the subway gate (OMNY).
It’s cheap but not glamorous. Expect stairs and busy trains at rush hour, so it’s not ideal with big suitcases.
Option 2: AirTrain + LIRR (fastest)
From Jamaica Station, the Long Island Rail Road gets you to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in around 20 minutes. Buy a ticket in the MTA TrainTime app or at the machine before you board. Fares depend on peak or off-peak times. Check the MTA site for current payment options.
Option 3: Yellow taxi (flat fare)
Yellow taxis charge a flat fare from JFK to anywhere in Manhattan, plus surcharges, tolls and a tip. Only take a taxi from the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride.
Option 4: Uber / Lyft
Rideshare pickups are in designated zones at each terminal and are signposted. Prices change with demand: right after a big wave of arrivals, a taxi is often cheaper.
Arriving at Newark or LaGuardia instead?
From Newark (EWR), take the AirTrain Newark and an NJ Transit or Amtrak train to Penn Station. From LaGuardia (LGA), the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus connects to the subway (check the MTA site for the current fare). Compare all your flight options for New York here:
Compare flights to New York (affiliate link, opens in new tab)Your next step
Now that you know how to get in, pick your base: see where to stay in New York. Midtown is the easiest from all three airports.