There are several options to travel from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan, each varying in cost, convenience, and travel time. Here are some of the best ways to get from JFK to Midtown:
AirTrain + Subway (Most Affordable Option)
- Cost: $11.40 ($8,5 for AirTrain + $2.90 for subway fare)
- Time: Around 60–75 minutes
- How to Do It:
- Follow signs in JFK to the AirTrain station.
- Take the AirTrain JFK to either the Howard Beach station for the A train or Jamaica Station for the E train.
- At Howard Beach: Transfer to the A subway line heading into Manhattan.
- At Jamaica Station: Transfer to the E subway line for Midtown or downtown.
- The E train goes directly to Midtown, stopping at major stations like 42nd Street-Port Authority and 34th Street-Penn Station.
- Pros: Affordable and runs 24/7.
- Cons: Can be crowded, especially during peak hours, and involves hauling luggage on subway stairs.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) + AirTrain (Fast Public Transit Option)
- Cost: Around $16.25–$19,25 ($8,5 for AirTrain + 10,75 LIRR peak fare, or $7,75 off-peak)
- Time: Around 35–50 minutes
- How to Do It:
- Take the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station.
- At Jamaica Station, transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and board a train heading toward Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan.
- Note: LIRR trains to Penn Station take only about 20 minutes, and Penn Station is conveniently located at 34th Street in Midtown.
- Pros: Fast and more comfortable than the subway.
- Cons: More expensive than the subway option, and the LIRR has peak and off-peak pricing (higher fares during rush hours).
Express Bus Service (NYC Airporter)
- Cost: Around $19 one-way; $35 round-trip
- Time: Approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic
- How to Do It:
- NYC Airporter buses pick up passengers outside the terminals and offer direct service to Midtown Manhattan.
- The bus stops at locations such as Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and Port Authority.
- Pros: Direct service without transfers, space for luggage.
- Cons: Slower during peak traffic hours, especially in Manhattan.
Taxi (Direct but Expensive Option)
- Cost: Flat rate of $70 (plus tolls and tips) to Manhattan.
- Time: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic
- How to Do It:
- Taxis are available at designated taxi stands outside each terminal. Make sure to take an official NYC yellow taxi to avoid unauthorized drivers.
- The fare is a flat rate of $70 from JFK to Manhattan, excluding tolls and tips, and taxis offer direct door-to-door service.
- Pros: Direct and convenient, no need to navigate public transit with luggage.
- Cons: More expensive, and travel time can increase significantly with traffic.
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber, Lyft, Via)
- Cost: Around $60–$100, depending on demand, time of day, and route.
- Time: 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic
- How to Do It:
- Open the app of your preferred ride-sharing service, select JFK Airport as your pickup location, and enter your destination in Midtown Manhattan.
- You’ll be directed to a designated ride-share pickup area outside each terminal.
- Pros: Door-to-door service and convenient; often has promotions or discounts.
- Cons: Surge pricing can make it expensive, and travel time can vary with traffic.
Private Car or Shuttle Service
- Cost: Varies (starting at around $75, depending on the service and vehicle type)
- Time: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic
- How to Do It:
- Book a private car or shuttle service in advance with companies such as SuperShuttle, GO Airlink NYC, or Blacklane.
- The driver will pick you up directly at the terminal, often holding a sign with your name.
- Pros: Private and reliable, no need to wait in taxi lines.
- Cons: Can be costly, and travel time varies with traffic.
Summary of Best Options by Priority
- Most Affordable: AirTrain + Subway ($11.40) (60–75 minutes)
- Fastest Option: AirTrain + LIRR ($16.25 – 19,25) (around 35 minutes)
- Most Convenient: Taxi or Ride-Share (direct to your destination)
- Best for Comfort: Private Car Service (especially if you have lots of luggage)
Each method offers a different balance of price, speed, and convenience, so choose based on what best fits your schedule, budget, and preference for comfort.
