New York Airport Transfer

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

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Airport Transfer from JFK, Newark & LaGuardia to Manhattan

How to Get from New York Airports to Manhattan: A Comprehensive Guide!

New York is a very convenient city, especially when it comes to transportation and airport transfers. We all know that airports are usually far from the central areas of cities. Fortunately, when you visit New York, there are options for every budget. It doesn't matter which of the three airports you land at. Check out this article for all the options and tips on how to get from JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports to Manhattan. Click on your arrival airport in the menu to learn about your options for getting from the airport to Manhattan.

The city of New York has three airports. It doesn't really matter which one you land at. All airports are well connected to the public transportation network. You have several options to get from the airport to New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn).

General Information on Airport Transfers in New York

The New York City metropolitan area has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Each of these airports offers a variety of transportation options for travelers:

  • Taxi services and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft: These are widely available at all three airports. Prices vary significantly, especially during peak hours. The cost can also vary depending on your exact destination in the city. From our experience, these rides continue to get more expensive each year (inflation).
  • Public Transport: All three airports are connected to New York City's public transportation system. JFK is connected to the New York Subway and the AirTrain JFK. LaGuardia is mainly served by local and express bus lines. Newark is connected via the AirTrain Newark with NJ Transit and Amtrak.
  • Shuttle services: There are various companies that offer shuttle services to and from the airports. These are often less costly than a taxi or private car service, especially if you're traveling alone or with just one other person.
  • Car rentals: All three airports have car rental centers. It's important to note that driving in New York City (especially in Manhattan) can be difficult due to heavy traffic and often complicated parking situations. We advise against renting a car.
  • Private limousine service: For a more luxurious experience, several companies offer private limousine services. However, these can be quite expensive.

The best transportation choice depends on various factors such as your budget, the number of people in your group, the amount of luggage, and the specific location you are traveling to in New York City. It's also important to consider the traffic situation and the time you have available.

Note: A taxi is referred to as a cab in the U.S. Be sure to use legal, yellow taxis, which line up outside each airport terminal. If you can't find them, look for signs that say 'Ground Transportation' and follow them.

Be careful not to get into a so-called gypsy cab. Drivers often approach you at the exit and try to recruit you for a ride. They are known to overcharge tourists considerably. A gypsy cab driver will always claim to be the cheapest, but don't believe them.

Which Airport Should I Fly Into?

JFK Airport to Manhattan
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

This question answers itself: use the flight search engine Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best deals for your flight. Then book directly with the airline. I live in southern Germany, so Frankfurt (best served by Lufthansa and United) has direct flights. In most cases, these flights land at Newark Airport (which can often be cheaper). Dom lives in Berlin and booked a cheap flight with Norse Atlantic Airways.

This airline only flies into JFK Airport from Berlin. The price was so good that it didn't matter at which airport the flight lands.

Check out our tips on how we book flights here

JFK Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy Airport (or simply: JFK Airport) is located in the southeastern part of Queens, 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. You have the following transfer options from JFK Airport to Manhattan:

AirTrain and Subway

In every respect, the best and cheapest way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan is by taking the AirTrain and subway. The AirTrain connects all terminal buildings and is also connected to the subway lines A (Howard Beach Station) and E, J, and Z (Jamaica Station). When you arrive in the JFK Airport arrival area, simply follow the signs to the AirTrain and get off at one of the stops connected to the subway.

Here's what you need to know about the transfer:

  • The E line (E-Train) is best for those heading to Manhattan. It is an express line that arrives in Manhattan in about 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to simulate the ride on Google Maps to find out which subway line is closest to your destination.
  • You do not need to pay anything to use the AirTrain within the airport, that is, between terminals. You only pay when you leave the airport and travel to one of the subway stations - payment is made at the exit.
  • The AirTrain fare is $8. You must use the MetroCard, which you can buy when you leave the airport. Important: You pay at the exit. One important detail: if your stay in the city is longer, it is worth paying $31 for an unlimited 7-day MetroCard. However, this amount does not cover AirTrain costs. Remember to load your card with an additional $8 to pay for the ticket at the turnstile.
  • After exiting the AirTrain station, follow the subway signs.
  • Disadvantages: In my opinion, the AirTrain and subway are only worthwhile if each person has just one suitcase. If you have two, it gets complicated.

AirTrain and Train

Map overview for transfers at JFK Airport New York photo by viel-unterwegs.de

If you want more comfort and convenience, you should take the train to the city center instead of the subway. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) can be used to get to Manhattan, with two destination stations to choose from: Penn Station at 34th Street, Corner of Ninth Avenue, or Grand Central Madison at 42nd Street and Lexington/Madison Avenue.

  • The difference between the train and subway is that the train is more comfortable, stops at fewer locations, and is faster. On average, the ride takes about 23 minutes.
  • The ticket price is $7.75 during off-peak times and $10.75 during peak times.
  • To view the train schedule, click here. Enter the subway station Jamaica as the departure point and Penn Station or Grand Central Madison as the destination.
  • To catch the train, follow the same instructions as above: take the AirTrain to Jamaica station, pay at the exit, and follow the LIRR signs. Before the turnstile at the entrance, there are machines to buy the MetroCard ticket.
  • Disadvantages: I think the AirTrain and train are worthwhile only if each person has just one suitcase. If you have two, it also gets complicated.

Shuttle from JFK Airport to Manhattan - Relax with a Minivan Transfer

GoAirlink Shuttle is a van service from your hotel/apartment to the airport and vice versa. This is the cheapest option for those who want a more comfortable ride directly from the airport to their accommodation. Prices start at $40. I recommend making a reservation online in advance. You'll need to provide your flight information (date, time, airline, whether it's an international or domestic flight, and whether you want a one-way or round-trip shuttle). The system will suggest when the van can pick you up from the location you specify.

All this is based on the time you need to be at the airport on time.

  • Don't forget to check the baggage restrictions. Typically, it's one large piece of luggage per person and one carry-on.
  • Keep in mind: The trip may vary in duration depending on the number of people in the van and the number of stops at other hotels.
  • Click here to book the GoAirlink Shuttle

What You Need to Know: Tax

It's certainly the most convenient and easiest way to get from the airport to your accommodation in New York. But it's also one of the most expensive. Speaking of apps: In New York City, there are other options besides Uber - the advantage is that if you haven't used them before, you get a discount on your first ride (see my codes below).

The amount for the rides is charged to your credit card, which you must provide in the app. If you want to pay in cash, use a yellow taxi. Apps do not accept cash!

Regarding yellow taxis, the options are also good. The tip is to ask about the fare beforehand to get an idea of the cost, but as usual, taxis leaving JFK Airport charge a flat rate of $70 for rides between the airport and Manhattan. During peak hours (weekdays from 4 PM to 8 PM, excluding holidays), there's a surcharge of $5.

When taking rides after 8 PM until 6 AM daily, a surcharge of $0.50 is applied. For rides within New York, there's a state tax of $0.50, but not for trips to New Jersey.

Don't forget to factor in the tip for a taxi. The average is 18% of the fare (now even recommended at 20%). Here you can view the prices for transfers from JFK Airport.

Tip: Use the following to calculate the taxi fare: New York City Taxi Fare Finder

Keep in mind: Depending on the time you depart, you must take into account the traffic in New York, which can significantly delay your ride. Especially consider this when you're on your way to the airport.

Transfer from Newark Airport (EWR) to Manhattan

Newark Airport is not in New York but across the Hudson River in the neighboring state of New Jersey. It is 17 miles to Manhattan from Newark.

You have the following transfer options from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan:

AirTrain and Train (The Best Option for Us)

Newark Airport also offers an AirTrain service. What you need to know:

The AirTrain connects the three terminals and the parking lots. Take the AirTrain to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, from where you can catch the train to New York. You can buy your train ticket to New York Penn Station at the airport. The fare is $15.50, including the AirTrain exit fee.

Simply board the train and keep your ticket, as you will need to show it on the train. The train from the airport to Manhattan (Penn Station) stops at only one other stop: Newark Penn Station or Elizabeth. New York's Penn Station is located at 34th St and 8th Ave. To go in the opposite direction (from Manhattan to Newark Airport), you purchase a ticket at Penn Station (look for the NJ Transit sign) for Newark Liberty Airport, which includes access to the AirTrain.

Disadvantages: I think the AirTrain is worthwhile only if each person has just one suitcase. If you have two, it gets complicated managing your luggage.

Shuttle from Newark Airport to Manhattan - Relax with a Minivan Transfer

GoAirlink Shuttle is a van shuttle service from your hotel/apartment to the airport and back. It is the cheapest option for those who want a more comfortable ride directly from the airport to their accommodation. Prices start at $40.

I recommend making a reservation online in advance. You need to provide your flight information (date, time, airline, whether it's an international or domestic flight, and whether you want a one-way or round-trip shuttle). The system will suggest when the van can pick you up from the specified location.

All this is based on how much time you need to get to the airport on time.

  • Don't forget to check the baggage restrictions. Typically, it's one large piece of luggage per person and one carry-on.
  • Keep in mind: The trip may vary in duration depending on the number of people in the van and the number of stops at other hotels.
  • Click here to book the GoAirlink Shuttle

Taking the Shuttle Bus to Manhattan

If you land at Newark Airport, you can also use the shuttle bus service to Manhattan. Coach USA offers this service, and the buses stop at Grand Central (42nd St and Lexington Av), Bryant Park (42nd St and 5th Av), and Port Authority (42nd St and 8 and 9 Av). The buses run from 5 AM to 11 PM. You can buy the ticket online (see also the schedule). The fare is $18.70.

On your way back to the airport, you can visit any of the three stops to take the bus again.

Disadvantages: Depending on your hotel's location, you may need to spend a few extra dollars on a taxi or subway upon arriving in Manhattan. Moreover, the bus takes much longer than the train, as there is always heavy traffic going from New Jersey to New York.

  • Travel time depending on traffic is about 1 - 1.5 hours.

At the airport, you can board the Airport Express Bus at the following stops:

  • Terminal A: Arrival level - Courtyard A
  • Terminal B: Arrival level - Lane 2
  • Terminal C Arrival level - Bus stop 5+6

Ride-Sharing Apps like UBER and Lyft or Taxi (Yellow Cab/Green Taxi)

It's certainly the most convenient and easiest way to get from the airport to the center of New York. But it's also one of the most expensive. Speaking of apps: In New York City, there are other options besides UBER - the advantage is that if you haven't used them before, you'll receive a discount on your first ride (see my codes below).

The amount for the rides is deducted from your credit card, which you must provide in the app. If you want to pay cash, use a yellow taxi. Apps do not accept cash!

Regarding yellow taxis, the options are also good. The tip is to ask for the fare beforehand to get an idea of the cost, but as usual, taxis at LaGuardia Airport charge a flat rate of around $35 for rides between the airport and Manhattan. Rides starting from 4 PM to 8 PM on weekdays incur a peak surcharge of $1. For rides from 8 PM to 6 AM daily, a surcharge of $0.50 is applied. For rides within New York, a state tax of $0.50 is charged but not for trips to New Jersey.

Don't forget to factor tips for taxi drivers into your calculation, averaging 18% of the fare (now even suggested at 20%). View prices for transfers from the airport here.

What You Need to Know: Tax

Airport New York Taxi ride
Airport New York: Taking a taxi in New York often only makes sense if you are traveling with multiple people. photo by viel-unterwegs.de

For travel within New York (but not to New Jersey), a New York State tax of 50 cents is charged. Additionally, for all rides that begin, end, or go through Manhattan south of 96th Street, there is a New York State Congestion Surcharge of $2.50 (yellow taxi), $2.75 (green taxi and FHV), and $0.75 (all ridesharing services). Don't forget that you still need to calculate tip when taking a taxi. The average is 18% of the fare (now even recommended at 20%). Here you can view the prices for transfers from JFK Airport.

Tip: Use this to calculate your taxi fare: New York City Taxi Fare Finder

What Are Your Experiences with New York Airports and Transfers to the City?

Thank you for reading the article to the end. Did this article about the airports of New York and the various means of transport help you in your planning? What has your experience been with airport transfers? Do you prefer yellow cabs, shuttle buses, or subways?

More Tips and Info for a New York Trip:

  • New York Pass - Review - Which pass can save you money?
  • Attractions in New York and Manhattan
  • New York Travel Report - 1 week in the city that never sleeps
  • Guidebook Test for New York
  • Travel Tips for New York - with Travel Checklist
  • Step-by-step guide for the ESTA form
  • My Tip: The best free credit card for the USA

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