Transportation options from JFK Airport to Boston
You have five practical ways to get from JFK to Boston:
- Fly. Connect to a flight from JFK to Boston Logan, or charter a private aircraft through BLADE.
- Take the train. Ride the AirTrain and the LIRR or subway into Manhattan, then take Amtrak from New York Penn Station to Boston.
- Take a bus. Ride into Manhattan, then take an intercity coach to Boston.
- Drive or rent a car. Pick up a rental at JFK and drive yourself.
- Hire a private car. A car service or rideshare takes you door to door, at a much higher price.
Schedules change for every mode, so check current times before you book.
How far is Boston from JFK Airport
JFK and Boston Logan International Airport are about 186 miles apart in a straight line. Driving distance is longer, because the highways do not run in a straight line. How long the trip takes depends mostly on which mode you choose, and for road travel, on traffic.
Helicopter charter from JFK to Boston for time-sensitive travel
BLADE arranges private charters from New York to destinations across the Northeast, including Boston. You can depart from a BLADE lounge in Manhattan or Westchester or from one of New York's major airports, so a JFK departure works.
You choose the aircraft (helicopter, turboprop or jet), the date and the time, and BLADE books the flight with a licensed operator. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers. A charter suits executives, urgent trips and small groups for whom timing matters more than price. Prices depend on the aircraft, the date and the time, so check current options when you book.
If you do not need every seat, you can crowdsource the flight. BLADE sells your unused seats in the BLADE app and credits sold seats back to you as BLADE credits toward future flights.
Public Transportation
Rail is the most reliable public option between JFK and Boston. It takes three legs: AirTrain, then the LIRR or subway into Manhattan, then Amtrak.
Using the subway
- AirTrain JFK to Jamaica. Ride the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station. Rides between terminals are free, and you pay $8.75 when you exit at Jamaica.
- Into Manhattan. At Jamaica, take the LIRR to Penn Station for $5.25 off-peak or $7.25 peak. That makes $14 or $16 with the AirTrain. Or take the subway (the E stops at Jamaica) for a combined fare of $11.75. The LIRR is the more direct choice with luggage.
- Amtrak to Boston. From New York Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall), Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional trains run to Boston's Back Bay Station and South Station.
Acela is Amtrak's high-speed service, with Business and First Class seating, free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat. The Northeast Regional makes more stops along the way. Amtrak lets each passenger bring one personal item and two carry-ons, and checked bags are available on some trains.
Amtrak has posted reduced weekend service between New York and Boston during infrastructure work, so check the schedule for your travel date.
Taking a bus
Intercity buses to Boston depart from Manhattan rather than from JFK. Greyhound's New York station is the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 625 8th Avenue. Other operators use Port Authority or their own curbside stops.
To reach a Manhattan bus departure from JFK, take the AirTrain and the subway or LIRR into the city, or a taxi. The $70 taxi flat fare applies to trips between JFK and Manhattan, plus surcharges, tolls and tip.
Bus fares and schedules vary by operator and by how far ahead you book. Arrive early at the boarding point, since boarding can take time at busy periods.
Private Transportation
A taxi or rideshare to Boston goes door to door, which helps with heavy luggage or a group. It is also the most expensive way to make the trip by road.
Hiring a taxi
Yellow taxis wait at the official taxi stands at JFK. Use only the official stands and decline offers from people soliciting rides inside the terminal. A trip outside New York City, such as to Boston, is not on the regular meter. The driver may choose whether to take it, and the fare must be agreed before the trip begins. Tolls are extra.
Using a Rideshare Service
Uber and Lyft show an upfront price estimate before you book. For a trip as long as JFK to Boston, compare the estimate with the cost of a rental car or a train ticket. Prices change with demand, and tolls and airport fees are added.
Best option from JFK to Boston based on travel priorities
| Priority | Best option |
|---|---|
| Speed and your own schedule | BLADE helicopter or jet charter |
| Comfort without driving | Amtrak Acela from Penn Station |
| Lowest fare | Intercity bus from Manhattan |
| Flexibility at your destination | Rental car from JFK |
| Door to door with luggage | Private car service |
Shuttle Services
Some shuttle and private car companies run long-distance airport transfers in the Northeast. They are usually booked in advance as a private van or car.
Booking a shuttle in advance
- Compare companies online by price, vehicle and luggage allowance.
- Book in advance and confirm the pickup point at your JFK terminal.
- Reconfirm the booking the day before you travel.
Rental cars at JFK Airport
Major rental companies serve JFK, and a rental gives you a car to use in Boston. Most companies require drivers to be at least 25, and some charge an extra fee for younger drivers. Taxes and fees are added to the base rate, so compare the total price, including any charge for dropping the car in Boston.
Tips for choosing the best transportation option.
- Time. A charter is the fastest door to door. On the ground, Acela is the quickest train.
- Budget. The bus is usually the lowest fare. Compare Acela and Northeast Regional fares for your date.
- Luggage. A car, rental or charter is easiest with several bags. Rail involves transfers at Jamaica and Penn Station.
- Destination in Boston. Amtrak stops at both Back Bay Station and South Station, so pick the one closer to where you are going.
- Day of travel. Check for weekend service changes on Amtrak and for highway traffic on Friday afternoons and holidays.
FAQs about How To Get From Jfk Airport To Boston
What are the different modes of transportation available for How to Get from JFK Airport to Boston?
You can fly (commercial or a BLADE charter), take the AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station and then Amtrak, take a bus from Manhattan, rent a car, or hire a private car.
Which is the fastest way to travel from JFK Airport to Boston?
Flying. A private charter through BLADE leaves on your schedule. On the ground, Amtrak's Acela is the fastest train.
Are there any direct buses from JFK Airport to Boston?
Intercity buses to Boston leave from Manhattan, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Ride into the city from JFK first.
How far is Boston from JFK Airport?
About 186 miles in a straight line between JFK and Boston Logan. The road distance is longer.
What is the approximate cost of traveling from JFK Airport to Boston?
It depends on the mode and how far ahead you book. Getting from JFK to Penn Station costs $14 to $16 by AirTrain and LIRR, or $11.75 by AirTrain and subway. Amtrak, bus and charter prices vary, so check current fares when you book.