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.
Eric's Index
Taxi from JFK to Manhattan
Legal yellow cabs (taxis) can be found in long queues 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 for company? 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 organized before your departure to New York. You only need to give them a quick call as soon as you have your bags and the driver will pick you up from outside the terminal.
Book your value private transfer herePrivate 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
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, you’re on vacation! If you are staying in an apartment, please choose a nearby hotel 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 US$8.50. From there, you can transfer to either the A or E subway line to reach Manhattan for just US$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 US$11.40 + $1 for the MetroCard.
Long Island Railroad Train (LIRR)
The train connects the JFK AirTrain with Penn Station and Grand Central. The total ride costs around US$10. To get to the train you will need to take the AirTrain first (cost US$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.
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:
- JFK Airport to New Jersey
- JFK Airport to Queens or Brooklyn
- JFK Airport to the Bronx
- JFK Airport to Long Island City
Are you travelling from a different airport?
Read more about Newark Airport to Manhattan transfer here
Read more about LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan transfer here
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