Distance between JFK Airport and Cooper Union
Cooper Union is a private college on Cooper Square in Manhattan. Its Foundation Building stands at Cooper Square and Astor Place, between the East Village and NoHo.
In a straight line, the campus is about 13 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). By road, the trip runs across Queens and Brooklyn or through Midtown, so the distance you actually cover is longer, and the time depends on traffic and the hour you travel.
You have three practical ways to make the trip: the subway and the AirTrain, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the AirTrain, or a car.
Public transportation options
Every rail trip to or from JFK uses the AirTrain for the leg between the terminals and the city's train lines. The AirTrain connects all passenger terminals at JFK with Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station. Riding it between terminals is free. Entering or leaving at Jamaica or Howard Beach costs $8.75, and you can't use an unlimited pass on it.
Subway and AirTrain ($11.75 for most riders). This is the lowest fare: a $3 subway fare plus the $8.75 AirTrain fare.
- Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station (for the E, J and Z trains at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport) or to Howard Beach (for the A train). At Howard Beach, board a Manhattan-bound A train.
- Ride into Manhattan and transfer to the 6 train on the Lexington Avenue Line.
- Get off at Astor Place, signed Astor Place-Cooper Union. The station is at Fourth Avenue, Cooper Square and Astor Place, next to the campus.
The 6 serves Astor Place at all times. The 4 also stops there late at night.
LIRR and AirTrain ($14 or $16 for most riders from Manhattan). The LIRR runs between Jamaica and Penn Station or Grand Central. A ticket to Jamaica is $5.25 off-peak or $7.25 peak, plus the $8.75 AirTrain fare. From Penn Station or Grand Central, finish the trip to Astor Place by subway. The MTA suggests this route if you want to save time from Midtown.
Check which terminal your airline uses before you go. Older guides mention a shared airport bus to Grand Central, but that service no longer runs.
Taxi and ride-hailing options
Yellow taxi. Trips between JFK and Manhattan in either direction are a $70 flat fare. On top of it you pay:
- a $0.50 MTA State Surcharge and a $1.00 Improvement Surcharge
- a $5.00 rush-hour surcharge, weekdays from 4 pm to 8 pm
- the New York State Congestion Surcharge for trips in Manhattan south of 96th Street ($2.50 in a yellow taxi)
- the MTA congestion pricing charge of $0.75 for trips in Manhattan at or below 60th Street
- tolls and tip
Cooper Union is south of both lines, so expect those surcharges on this trip.
Ride-hailing apps. Uber and Lyft pick up at JFK. Their prices change with demand and the time of day, so check the fare in the app before you book.
Driving directions and parking availability
If you drive or rent a car at JFK, use a navigation app for the route on the day, since the fastest way into Lower Manhattan changes with traffic. Plan for the congestion pricing toll: passenger cars with E-ZPass pay $9 in the peak period, or $2.25 overnight, to enter Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Cooper Square is inside that zone.
FAQs about How Far Is JFK Airport From Cooper Union?
How far is JFK Airport from Cooper Union?
About 13 miles in a straight line. The road route is longer, and the travel time depends on traffic.
What transportation options are available for traveling between JFK Airport and Cooper Union?
The subway plus the AirTrain, the LIRR plus the AirTrain, a yellow taxi, a ride-hailing app or a rental car.
How much does it cost to travel from JFK Airport to Cooper Union by taxi?
The $70 flat fare for trips between JFK and Manhattan, plus surcharges, tolls and tip.
What is the cheapest way to travel from JFK Airport to Cooper Union?
The subway and the AirTrain, at $11.75 for most riders. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, ride the subway into Manhattan, and transfer to the 6 train to Astor Place.
Is there public transportation available between JFK Airport and Cooper Union?
Yes. The AirTrain connects JFK with the subway at Jamaica and Howard Beach and with the LIRR at Jamaica. The Astor Place station on the 6 line is next to the campus.
Can I rent a car at JFK Airport and drive to Cooper Union?
Yes. Rental cars are available at JFK, and the AirTrain connects the terminals with the rental car center. Allow for the Manhattan congestion pricing toll and for parking once you arrive.