Transportation from New York JFK Airport to downtown New York
JFK Airport is located approximately 20 km from downtown Manhattan. You have several options for transportation to the city or to your hotel.
Transportation summary
| Cheapest transport | Bus | $2.75 |
| Usual transport | JFK AirTrain + Metro | USD 10.5 |
| Flexible transportation | Car rental | Reserve a car |
| More convenient transport | Taxi | Book a taxi |
JFK AirTrain + Metro
Because JFK Airport in New York has no subway or train station, it's necessary to use the JFK AirTrain (for more information and a schedule click here). The Red Line runs to the Jamaica station north of JFK Airport, and the Green Line runs to the Howard Beach station west of JFK Airport. This service operates year-round, 24/7, at 7-15 minute intervals, and the ride takes 10-15 minutes. Between the terminals and the Federal Circle (car rental) station, the service is free, and the AirTrain ticket that will take you all the way to the metro (Jamaica station) costs $7.75.
If you want to get to downtown Manhattan, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach station. Lower Manhattan is best reached from Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport (E, J, Z metro lines) or Howard Beach (A line). The cost of a subway ticket is $2.75. The New York City subway system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Total fare is $10.50.
Bus
The cheapest transport is the bus combined with metro. The Q10 bus runs every 10 to 20 minutes from Terminal 5 to Kew Gardens, north of the airport. After about half an hour, get off at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard subway station and take the A subway line to downtown Manhattan. It takes longer to get there, but you'll only pay $2.75 total for the trip.
Car rental
The most flexible transportation can be provided by rental car. Compare offers here.
Taxi
The most convenient option is to use a taxi, Uber or Gettransfer. You know the fare in advance and tickets can be booked online.
