John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest and most important international airport of New York City and is located about 24 km southeast of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown New York City by Subway, Public train, Taxi, Welcome Pickups (Private Transfer), Uber, Lyft or Carsharing.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison from JFK airport to downtown
Overview of all airport transfers from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the City Center (Lower & Midtown Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn)
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Subway (via Queens) | 90 Min. | 10.75 $ | Details |
|
Subway (via Brooklyn) | 90 Min. | 10.75 $ | Details |
 |
Public train (LIRR) | 60 Min. | 18.75 $ | Details |
 |
Taxi | 45‑60 Min. | 60‑80 $ | Details |
 |
Private Transfer |
45‑60 Min. | 110 $ | Details |
 |
Uber | 45‑60 Min. | 80‑200 $ | Details |
|
Lyft | 45‑60 Min. | 90‑200 $ | Details |
 |
Carsharing | 45‑60 Min. | 11 $/hr | Details |
Notices:
• The ‘AirTrain’ at JFK is a mini-train that connects all passenger terminals with public transportation at “Jamaica” and “Howard Beach” station. A MetroCard for AirTrain & Subway tickets can be purchased/loaded at the ticket machines in the stations “Jamaica” and “Howard Beach”.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
90 minutesCost:
10.75 $ pp (AirTrain $8 + Subway $2.75)Description:
AirTrain line ‘Red’ from John F. Kennedy Airport to “Jamaica” station, change here to Subway line ‘E’ to “Penn Station” or “Port Authority Bus Terminal”, both destinations are in Midtown Manhattan
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
90 minutesCost:
10.75 $ pp (AirTrain $8 + Subway $2.75)Description:
AirTrain line ‘Green’ from John F. Kennedy Airport to “Howard Beach” station, change here to Subway line ‘A’ to “World Trade Center” (Lower Manhattan), this Subway line runs through Brooklyn
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
18.75 $ pp (AirTrain $8 + LIRR $10.75)Description:
AirTrain line ‘Red’ from John F. Kennedy Airport to “Jamaica” station, change here to ‘Long Island Rail Road’ (train) to “Penn Station” (Midtown); the train is faster than Subway, but $8 more expensive
Official local taxis
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
60-80 $Description:
Taxi from John F. Kennedy Airport (Cab stands at all terminals) to central NYC, to Manhattan (Grand Central Terminal), to Brooklyn, to Queens or directly to your accommodation in the city
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
110 $Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from John F. Kennedy Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central NYC, to Manhattan or directly to your accommodation in New York
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
80-200 $Description:
Uber from John F. Kennedy Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central NYC, to Manhattan or directly to your accommodation in New York
Order a Lyft ride ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
90-200 $Description:
Lyft from John F. Kennedy Airport (pick-up location according to Lyft App) to central NYC, to Manhattan or directly to your accommodation in New York
Infos about the provider ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
11 $/hrDescription:
Car sharing ‘zipcar’ from John F. Kennedy Airport (Zipcar parking spaces at the Avis Car Rental pick-up facility) to central NYC, to Manhattan or directly to your accommodation in the cityNew York City Travel Tips (AD)
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