John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is in southeastern Queens. You can reach it by subway, by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), by bus, by taxi or ride-share, by car, or by helicopter from Manhattan. Every rail route ends on the AirTrain, which connects all of JFK's terminals.
What is the fastest way to get to JFK Airport from Manhattan?
By air. BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat, departing from BLADE lounges at the West 30th Street and East 34th Street heliports. After landing at JFK, a BLADE vehicle takes you to your departure terminal. Flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
On the ground, the fastest choice depends on where you start and when. The Port Authority calls the subway or LIRR to the AirTrain the best option, because it avoids traffic. Road trips are at the mercy of the highways, and JFK's construction can slow taxi drop-offs.
Using Public Transportation to Get to JFK Airport
All public transit routes to JFK end with the AirTrain. It costs $8.75 on top of your subway or rail fare, and you pay with a contactless card, phone, wearable or OMNY card at the AirTrain turnstiles. Unlimited passes are not accepted on the AirTrain. Children under 5 ride free. Rides between terminals are free.
Taking the Subway
There are two subway connections to the AirTrain:
- E, J or Z train to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport (Jamaica). Take a Jamaica Center-bound train, follow the signs to the AirTrain, and board at Jamaica Station.
- A train to Howard Beach-JFK Airport. Take a Far Rockaway-bound train. Lefferts Boulevard-bound A trains do not connect to the airport.
The total is $11.75: a $3 subway fare plus the $8.75 AirTrain fare. Learn more in our guide on how to get to JFK Airport by train, or see the Penn Station to JFK route.
LIRR option. From Penn Station, Grand Central or Atlantic Terminal in Downtown Brooklyn, take the LIRR to Jamaica, then the AirTrain. A ticket to Jamaica costs $5.25 off-peak or $7.25 at peak times, so the full trip is $14 or $16 for most riders. Make sure your train stops at Jamaica. The Port Authority puts the ride from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to the AirTrain at about 20 minutes.
The AirTrain runs every 5 to 15 minutes.
Getting to JFK by Bus
MTA local buses in Queens connect to JFK. The Q3, for example, runs from the Jamaica 168th Street Terminal to the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain station. Buses suit travelers already in Queens rather than Manhattan. See which buses go to JFK Airport for route details.
Shared shuttles also run between Manhattan and JFK. GO Airlink's Grand Central Express lists fares from $25 each way, and Uber Shuttle serves several Manhattan stops, including Grand Central and Chelsea. Book ahead and allow for traffic.
Private Transportation Options
Helicopter Charter to JFK
BLADE offers helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. How it works:
- Before you fly: relax in the BLADE lounge at West 30th Street or East 34th Street.
- At JFK: a BLADE vehicle drives you and other passengers to your departure terminal, with up to two terminal drop-offs per vehicle. Meet & Greet adds a private vehicle and help with your bags.
- Luggage: one carry-on and one personal item per person, with a combined weight of up to 25 lbs. Tote Taxi can pick up and deliver larger bags.
- Timing: you can book in the app up to 30 minutes before takeoff. Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure, or you will be considered to have missed the flight.
Scheduled service runs during published windows that vary by lounge and day. Service from East 34th Street runs on weekday afternoons. Private charters are available 24/7/365 between New York area airports and heliports.
Can you get to JFK Airport by helicopter from Manhattan?
Yes. BLADE's scheduled flights take about 5 minutes, and ground transportation between your helicopter and your terminal is included.
Hiring a Taxi or Car Service
Taxis between Manhattan and JFK charge a $70 flat fare in either direction, plus surcharges, tolls and tip. A $5.00 rush-hour surcharge applies from 4pm to 8pm on weekdays. Trips between JFK and other New York City neighborhoods are charged the standard metered fare.
A pre-booked car service is useful for early flights, groups and heavy luggage. Choose a company licensed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC).
Renting a Car
If you are returning a rental car, drop it at the JFK rental car center and take the AirTrain to your terminal. If you are driving yourself and leaving the car at the airport, reserve parking ahead. JFK asks you to prebook at least three hours before you arrive. Check jfkairport.com for the lot that serves your terminal, since some lots have closed.
Best time to leave for JFK Airport
Peak road traffic typically hits on weekday late afternoons and evenings and on Sunday afternoons. Leave extra time if you are driving or taking a cab then, and check your airline's recommended arrival time. Rail routes and BLADE flights avoid most of the road traffic.
Comparing costs of JFK transportation options
| Option | Fare (one way) |
|---|---|
| Subway + AirTrain | $11.75 |
| LIRR + AirTrain | $14 or $16 |
| Shared shuttle (Grand Central Express) | From $25 |
| Taxi from Manhattan | $70 flat fare + surcharges, tolls and tip |
| BLADE helicopter from Manhattan | From $195 per seat |
Other Transportation Methods
Using Ride-Sharing Services
Uber and Lyft both serve JFK. At the airport, go to the official pick-up areas for authorized vehicles. When you book a ride to the airport, enter your terminal so the driver drops you at the right door.
Taking a Shuttle Bus or Airport Express Train
- AirTrain JFK connects all passenger terminals, plus parking, the hotel shuttle area, the rental car center and public transit at Jamaica and Howard Beach. It is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
- Shared shuttles take you from Manhattan pick-up points to your terminal, with stops for other riders.
Traveling between airports? See our guide on how to get to the train station from Newark Airport for the Newark side.
Tips for stress-free travel to JFK
- Check your terminal. JFK has five terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
- Watch for construction. The Port Authority recommends public transit during construction periods, because taxi pick-ups and drop-offs may take longer.
- Buy rail tickets ahead. The TrainTime app sells LIRR tickets.
- Check accessibility. All AirTrain stations are fully accessible, as are the Howard Beach-JFK Airport subway station and the Jamaica LIRR station.
FAQs about How To Get To Jfk Airport In Nyc
How do I get to JFK airport in NYC?
By subway or LIRR plus the AirTrain, bus, shuttle, taxi, ride-share, car, or BLADE helicopter from Manhattan.
What is the best way to get to JFK airport from Manhattan?
For speed, BLADE's flight takes about 5 minutes. For value and predictability, the LIRR or subway plus the AirTrain avoids road traffic. Visitors heading the other way can read the easiest route from JFK to Times Square for first-time visitors.
What public transportation options are available to get to JFK airport?
The E, J and Z trains to Jamaica, the A train to Howard Beach, the LIRR to Jamaica, and local Queens buses. All rail routes connect to the AirTrain.
How long does it take to get to JFK airport from Times Square?
It depends on your route and the time of day. By LIRR, the ride from Penn Station to the AirTrain is about 20 minutes, plus the AirTrain to your terminal. By road, allow extra time at rush hour.
Can I park my car at JFK airport?
Yes. JFK has parking lots for each terminal area. Prebook at least three hours ahead, and check jfkairport.com for current rates and lot assignments.
Is there a shuttle service from JFK airport to Manhattan?
Yes. Shared shuttles such as GO Airlink NYC's Grand Central Express and Uber Shuttle serve Manhattan. They cost less than a taxi but stop for other passengers.