From JFK to Manhattan – Full Guide
This guide will help you to find the best, cheapest and fastest ways to go from JFK to Manhattan. We will cover subway, train, shared van and taxi.
| From JFK to Manhattan – How to Choose? |
| Air Train + Subway |
| Air Train + Train |
| Shared Van |
| Taxi |
| Discover NYC Final Considerations |
It is also very important to choose a good area for your hotel. Also read our article on the 3 areas where we recommend reserving a Hotel in NYC.
From JFK to Manhattan – How to choose?
We know it’s not easy to make a choice.
The Subway may be scary for first timers but it is cheap and fast.
The train is faster than the subway but less handy than a cab.
Taxis are user-friendly, but pricey. Keep in mind traffic: it can turn a short ride into 2 hours or more.
Shared vans are cheaper than a cab but traffic is still a problem.
Don’t wait until you arrive in JFK to decide. You will be tired from the trip and maybe also Jet-lagged.
The table below can help you choose the best way for you:
| Time (minutes) | Cost ($) | Best For | |
| Subway | 60 to 90 | 7.75 | Budget |
| Train | 35 | > 15.5 | Rush |
| Shared Van | 90 | > 20 | Balance cost & time |
| Taxi | 45 | > 52 (plus toll and tip) = > 66 | Stress-free |
Option 1: Air train + Subway
This is the fastest and cheapest way to go from JFK to the City: 10.5$ / person.
“Not using the Subway” is one of the top 5 mistakes most tourists make in NYC. Find out the others and make sure you don’t make them too!
How it works
There is no direct subway. You have to take the Air Train to the subway station first and then the subway to Manhattan.
After customs, firstly follow the signs to catch the Air Train. The AirTrain connects the airport terminals. It runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Keep in mind there are Two AirTrain lines.
Price
Travel Time
Travel time varies depending on destination. Allow 60-90 minutes to get to Midtown Manhattan.
Pros and Cons
Pros: By far the cheapest option. Taking the metro during rush hour is faster than a taxi.
Cons: Not all metro stations have elevators. Not the best if you carry a heavy luggage.
Important Info
In the highlighted Stories “Travel Tips” of our Instagram account My Christmas in New York you will find a full summary of the journey from Manhattan to JFK by Subway + Air Train. Have a look here:
We hope that the videos in these stories will help you navigating the Subway + Air Train from Manhattan to JFK
Option 2: Air Train + Train
Are you in a rush? Then using the train is a great choice! In fact, it will take you less than 40 minutes to go from JFK to Manhattan.
How it works
Take firstly the Air Train to Jamaica Station. See “Subway” section for info on the Air Train.
Once you are in Jamaica Station, take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Manhattan.
The LIRR station is right next the Subway in Jamaica.
Price
The total cost is 15.75$. The Air Train costs 5$ e the LIRR Train 10.75$.
Travel Time
Roughly 40 minutes
Pros and Cons
Pros: faster than the metro and still much cheaper than a taxi.
Cons: same problems as the Metro if you have a heavy luggage
Option 3: Shared Van
Great solution if you want to save money on a taxi ride but still get directly to your hotel.
How it works
The most famous ride-sharing vans from JFK to the City are GoAirLink and SuperShuttle
The door-to-door service is comparable to cabs but much cheaper.
We suggest you to purchase tickets online to save time.
Price
The costs (20$ to 40$ / person) depends by your destination in Manhattan.
Travel Time
It depends on two factors: traffic and the number of people in the van.
If you are the last dropped, you will tour first the other people’s hotels.
Pros and Cons
Pros: door-to-door cheaper than a cab
Cons: often required to wait until a van is mostly full, so be prepared to wait.
Option 4: Taxi
The most convenient but also expensive mode to travel from JFK to Manhattan.
Price
JFK Airport taxis charge a flat rate of $52 to get to Manhattan. During peak hours (4-8 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays), there is a $4.50 surcharge.
Add to this a tip of 18% for a total of 67$.
Taxis will accept cash or credit cards as payment.
Travel Time
From 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic
Pros and Cons
Pros: the best choice for tourists with lots of baggage and tired after the flight.
Cons: the most expensive way
Discover NYC Final Considarations
Our recommendation is to take the subway, which is cheap, reliable, and easy to use. The second is the comfortable and safe cab. The train is an option, but we prefer the subway. We recommend the shared van for groups (more than 4 people) as you will take a large portion of the vehicle and be the first to be dropped off in the city.