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JFK airport to Manhattan: every option compared

JFK is about 25 km south-east of Midtown, in Queens. There's no direct train: every rail option starts with the AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach.

The subway is cheapest, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is fastest, and a yellow cab is easiest with luggage. Below are journey times to each area we cover.

The options

  1. AirTrain + subway

    AirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train to Midtown (53 St and 5 Av, then 7 Av), the West Village and SoHo. About 60 to 70 minutes to Midtown.

    Tip: Pay the AirTrain fee when you leave at Jamaica, then tap the same contactless card at the subway gate.

    Stay nearby: Midtown · ~$280/night

  2. AirTrain + LIRR

    AirTrain to Jamaica, then the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in about 20 minutes. Around 45 minutes in total.

    Tip: Buy the LIRR ticket in the TrainTime app or at the machines before boarding; off-peak and weekend fares are much cheaper.

    Stay nearby: Midtown · ~$280/night

  3. AirTrain + A train

    AirTrain to Howard Beach, then the A train to Lower Manhattan and the West Side. Slower, but no change at Jamaica for Downtown.

    Stay nearby: Lower East Side · ~$260/night

  4. Yellow cab

    A flat fare to anywhere in Manhattan, plus tolls, the congestion charge and a tip. Allow 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

    Tip: Take a cab only from the official taxi stand, never from people who approach you inside the terminal.

  5. Shared shuttle and ride-hailing

    Uber, Lyft and shared shuttles pick up from marked zones outside each terminal. Prices change with demand.

Before you go

JFK's terminals are being rebuilt, so allow extra time to find the AirTrain and the pick-up zones.

Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) are the city's other airports; the times below are from JFK.

Journey times from JFK by area

AreaFrom JFKFastest route
Midtown~60 minAirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train
Lower East Side~60 minAirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train, changing to the F
Williamsburg~60 minAirTrain and the subway, with one or two changes (a taxi is simpler)
SoHo~65 minAirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train to Spring St
Greenwich Village~65 minAirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train to West 4 St
Upper West Side~70 minAirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train and the 1 train

Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides

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Our top area for this guide. Mid-range doubles cost about $280 a night.

Midtown guide

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The Peninsula New York

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Typical luxury rate in Midtown: ~$650/night

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FAQs

What is the cheapest way from JFK to Manhattan?

The AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the subway. You pay the AirTrain fee plus a normal subway fare, both with the same contactless card.

What is the fastest way from JFK to Manhattan?

The AirTrain to Jamaica and the LIRR to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, about 45 minutes in total. A taxi can be faster late at night but much slower at rush hour.

Is there a flat taxi fare from JFK?

Yes. Yellow cabs charge a flat fare from JFK to anywhere in Manhattan, with tolls, surcharges and the tip on top. Check the current rate on the TLC sign at the taxi stand.

Does the subway run to JFK at night?

Yes, the AirTrain and the subway run 24 hours, but trains are less frequent late at night. A taxi is often simpler after midnight.

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