A yellow cab from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Times Square costs a $70 flat fare, plus surcharges, tolls and tip. The flat fare is set by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) for every trip between JFK and Manhattan, in either direction. Traffic does not change the base price, but the time of day changes the surcharges.
Cab Fare from JFK Airport to Times Square
Times Square is in Manhattan, so the trip qualifies for the JFK flat fare. The meter screen should read "Rate #2 - JFK Airport." Here is what the TLC adds to the $70 base:
| Charge | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Flat fare | $70.00 | Every JFK to Manhattan trip |
| MTA State Surcharge | $0.50 | Every trip |
| Improvement Surcharge | $1.00 | Every trip |
| Rush-hour surcharge | $5.00 | 4pm to 8pm weekdays, excluding legal holidays |
| New York State Congestion Surcharge | $2.50 (yellow taxi) | Trips that begin, end or pass through Manhattan south of 96th Street |
| MTA Congestion Pricing toll | $0.75 | Trips in Manhattan south of and including 60th Street |
| Tolls and tip | Varies | Added to the fare |
Times Square is south of 60th Street, so both congestion charges apply. Tipping is optional but appreciated.
The flat fare covers your first stop in Manhattan. If you ask the driver to make another stop, the meter starts a new trip and you pay more.
Factors that Affect Cab Fare Charges
- Time of day. The $5.00 rush-hour surcharge is the biggest variable.
- Tolls. Any bridge or tunnel tolls on the route are added to your fare.
- Your tip. Added at the end of the ride.
- Extra stops. Only the first Manhattan stop is included in the flat fare.
What does not change the price: traffic, the number of passengers in your group, or your bags. One fare pays for all passengers going to the same place. A standard cab carries up to four passengers, or five in a minivan.
How can you get from JFK Airport to Times Square faster than a cab?
The drive from JFK into Manhattan is at the mercy of the highways, and the Port Authority notes that taxi pick-ups and drop-offs at JFK may take longer than usual during construction.
BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between JFK and Manhattan in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. After you land, a BLADE vehicle meets you at the arrivals terminal for a short drive to the helicopter. You land at a BLADE lounge at the West 30th Street or East 34th Street heliport, then continue to Times Square by car. BLADE Ground Connect, BLADE's car service in New York City, can be added for that last leg.
Is BLADE a practical alternative to taxis from JFK to Times Square?
It depends on your priorities. A cab is the cheaper choice for a group sharing one fare. BLADE suits travelers who want a predictable airport transfer and are traveling light. Each passenger can bring one carry-on and one personal item, with a combined weight of up to 25 lbs. Service runs during published windows that vary by lounge and day, so check the schedule when you book. Private helicopter charters are also available 24/7/365.
Methods of Paying for Cab Fare
- Credit or debit card. Accepted, with no extra charge for paying by card.
- Cash. Accepted. Small bills help with the tip.
- Receipt. Always take one before you get out. It helps if you leave something behind or need to file a complaint through 311.
Alternative transportation options from JFK Airport
- Subway and AirTrain. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and the E train toward Manhattan. The E stops at 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, connected to the Times Square station complex. The combined fare is $11.75 ($3 subway plus $8.75 AirTrain).
- LIRR and AirTrain. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station, then a short subway or cab ride. The combined fare is $14 or $16 for most riders.
- Ride-share. Uber and Lyft pick up from official areas at each terminal. The app shows a price before you ride.
How to Get a Cab at JFK Airport
- Collect your bags and follow the signs for taxis in the arrivals area.
- Join the line at the official taxi stand and take the next cab.
- Tell the driver you are going to Times Square, and check that the meter shows the JFK flat-fare rate.
- Pay at the end of the ride and take your receipt.
Ignore offers of transportation from people in the terminal. Soliciting rides is illegal at JFK, and many solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured. For official help, go to the Port Authority Welcome Center in the arrivals area of each terminal.
Tips for Safe and Convenient Cab Ride
- Use only the official taxi stand.
- Check the rate shown on the meter screen when the ride starts.
- Keep your phone and bags with you, and take your receipt.
- Need a wheelchair-accessible taxi? Request one through the Accessible Dispatch program or a taxi app such as Curb. Accessible taxis cost the same as regular ones.
Planning your travel time from JFK to Times Square
Road time between JFK and Midtown varies widely with traffic and the time of day. Weekday late afternoons, which also bring the rush-hour surcharge, are among the slowest times on the road. If you land then and want certainty, the AirTrain and subway avoid road traffic for most of the trip, and BLADE's helicopter flight replaces most of the drive.
FAQs about How Much Is A Cab From Jfk Airport To Times Square?
How much does it cost to take a cab from JFK Airport to Times Square?
The base is a $70 flat fare. Add the $0.50 MTA State Surcharge, $1.00 Improvement Surcharge, $2.50 New York State Congestion Surcharge, $0.75 MTA Congestion Pricing toll, a $5.00 rush-hour surcharge on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, tolls and tip.
Are there any additional charges for luggage or extra passengers?
No. The TLC does not charge for extra passengers, luggage or bags.
Is it possible to get a fixed price for the cab ride from JFK Airport to Times Square?
Yes. The $70 flat fare is fixed for the trip to your first Manhattan stop. Only the surcharges, tolls and your tip are added.
What other transportation options are available for travel from JFK Airport to Times Square?
The AirTrain plus the E train, the AirTrain plus the LIRR, ride-share apps, and BLADE's helicopter flights between JFK and Manhattan.
How long does it take to get from JFK Airport to Times Square via cab?
It depends on traffic and the time of day. Allow extra time on weekday afternoons and during airport construction.
Can I pay for my cab ride from JFK Airport to Times Square with a credit card?
Yes. NYC taxis accept cards, and there is no extra charge for paying by card.