Intro
Hey everyone! Planning a trip to NYC? First up: choosing your airport. You’ve got JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. Each one offers something different, so picking the right one can really kick off your trip on a high note. Let’s dive in?
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
1. Location and Basic Overview
Located in Queens about 15 miles from Manhattan, JFK is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. It has several terminals packed with shops and places to eat. Now, the big question: What’s the quickest way to get from JFK to the heart of Manhattan?
2. Options for Reaching Manhattan
- Taxi
Perhaps the most effortless choice, a New York City yellow cab can be hailed from the official taxi queue outside each terminal. The flat fare to Manhattan sits at $70 (excluding tolls and tips), and depending on traffic, your journey may last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour—sometimes longer in rush-hour pandemonium.
Insider’s Note: Do not accept rides from people loitering in the arrivals hall. Official taxi stands are the only safe bet. - Subway
For the budget-conscious or adventurous spirit, the subway is an economical alternative. First, catch the AirTrain to either Howard Beach (A line) or Jamaica Station (E, J, Z lines), which costs $8.50. From there, hop on the MTA subway for $2.90, totaling $11.40 for the entire trip. Time-wise, plan for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your final destination and potential service delays. - Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
Craving a quicker train ride into the city? Depart from Jamaica Station on the LIRR to Penn Station in Midtown. Expect to pay around $16 and arrive in about 35 minutes—an enticing option if your priority is speed. As of January 2025, the total cost for traveling from JFK Airport to Manhattan via the AirTrain and LIRR ranges from $16.50 during off-peak hours to $19.50 during peak hours. AirTrain fare: $8.25
LIRR fare:
– Off-peak hours: $8.25
– Peak hours: $11.25
It’s important to note that these prices may be subject to change, especially during summer months or due to ongoing construction projects. For instance, in the summer of 2024, there was a temporary 50% reduction in the AirTrain fare to encourage public transit use during peak travel season and airport construction
- Shuttles and Ride-Sharing
Shuttle services, whether shared vans or private minibuses, can range from $25 to $40 per person, albeit with multiple stops. Ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft generally charge $80–$100, depending on surge pricing and traffic conditions.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
1. Location and Basic Overview
Also in Queens, LaGuardia is a mere 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. This shorter distance can be a blessing, yet ongoing construction and limited public transit connections have occasionally earned LGA some criticism. Even so, there are reliable ways to venture into the city.
2. Options for Reaching Manhattann
- Taxi
Expect a $40–$70 meter fare plus tolls and gratuity. Your travel time could be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, influenced heavily by the perpetual hustle of NYC traffic.
Pro Tip: Always confirm that the meter starts at the base fare, and never be lured by unsolicited “special deals” from unlicensed drivers. - Bus + Subway
One of the cheapest routes.
Option 1: Q70 SBS
The Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service) whisks you to subway lines at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue (7, E, F, M, R) or Woodside. The Q70 itself is free; the subway ride costs $2.90, bringing total transit expenses to a sweet minimum. Anticipate 45 to 75 minutes, depending on wait times and train frequency.
Option 2: M60 Bus
The M60 Bus is a $2.90 paid service, perfect for uptown Manhattan routes, and offers a similar travel time and cost to the Q70 option. - Shuttles and Ride-Sharing
Shared shuttles can run between $20 and $35 per passenger, though the ride may be extended by multiple drop-offs. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft typically cost $50–$70, subject to demand-based price surges.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
1. Location and Basic Overview
Located in New Jersey, Newark sits about 16 miles from Manhattan. Despite crossing state lines, the airport is renowned for convenient connections to New York City—if you pick the right mode of transport.
2. Options for Reaching Manhattan
- Taxi
Fares range from $60–$80, i not including tolls, surcharges, and tip, with travel durations fluctuating between 40 minutes and over an hour. Before You Go: Stick to the official taxi queue and always request a fare estimate, plus a printed receipt when you arrive. - Train
Often lauded as one of the fastest and most wallet-friendly methods, the Newark AirTrain links seamlessly with NJ Transit trains bound for Penn Station. Plan to spend $21.25 for the combined ticket, and roughly 30 minutes on the rails. Total cost: $21.25
Breakdown: AirTrain fee $5.50 + NJ Transit train $15.75
- Shuttles and Ride-Sharing
Shared shuttle prices hover around $25–$40 per individual. Alternatively, ride-share services usually cost $60–$80, with total cost influenced by traffic patterns and time of day.
Additional Insights and Considerations
1. Congestion Fees
If your taxi or ride-share crosses into Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours, prepare for a $9 congestion fee added to your tab.
2. Upcoming Fare Changes
Beginning in August 2025, standard subway and bus fares will rise to $3 per ride. If your trip falls after this date, account for the slight bump in public transit costs.
3. Taxi Safety Essentials
- Always join the official taxi line.
- Never accept rides from individuals wandering the airport making unsolicited offers.
- If you opt for Uber or Lyft, confirm the driver’s information and license plate before hopping in.
- Ask for a printed receipt, which includes details of your journey and cost.
Making the Right Choice
- If your schedule is tight and convenience tops your priorities, a taxi or ride-share can provide a swift escape from airport chaos.
- For the frugal traveler, buses, subways, and regional trains are the cheapest paths to Manhattan’s skyscrapers and streets.
- Groups of friends or family often find that splitting an Uber or Lyft hits the sweet spot between cost efficiency and comfort.
No matter which airport or transportation method you choose, navigating from runway to Times Square need not be an ordeal. Just gather a bit of knowledge, plan accordingly, and soon you’ll be immersing yourself in the dazzling allure that is New York City. Safe travels and savor every moment!
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