The New York City Traveler

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York, is one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world.  Over 80 airlines serve the nearly 43 million passengers that pass through JFK each year.  I personally try not to fly out of JFK, however, if your travel plans have your arriving into New York on Uzbekistan Airways, there is no way to avoid JFK.  Fortunately, there is a myriad of transportation choices for every budget to get you from JFK to Manhattan.

Airtran JFK-to-Subway (or LIRR):  Least expensive 

In 2003, travel to and from JFK became much easier with the addition of Airtrain JFK.  Airtrain JFK is comprised of a loop route that connects all terminals as well as two other routes: 

• Howard Beach route ends at the Howard Beach subway station.  From this station you may take the "A" subway which runs through Brooklyn to Downtown then proceeds up the West Side.  Airtran $5 + Subway $2 = $7 total.  
• Jamaica Station route ends at Jamaica Station.  From Jamaica Station you may catch an E, Z, or J subway to Manhattan.  Airtrain $5 + Subway $2 = $7.  Jamaica Station also offers a connection to the Long Island Railroad.  The LIRR stops at Penn Station in Manhattan via Woodside, Queens.  Airtran $5 + LIRR $5 (off-peak) or $7 (peak) = $10-$12 total.

Express Bus from JFK to Manhattan:  Inexpensive

New York Airport Service operates express buses every 30 minutes from JFK to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and Penn Station in Manhattan from 6:15 am to 11:10 pm.  Trips take 60-90 minutes.  $15 one-way, $27 round-trip.       

Shared Ride from JFK to Manhattan: Moderate

There are a number of shared ride services that operate from JFK to Manhattan.  These are on-demand, door-to-door service vans that transport up to 11 people.  Using a shared ride is not the fastest way from the airport because there is always traffic and the driver will make stops for other passengers.  You can expect the trip will take at least 80 minutes.  JFK to Midtown:  Super Shuttle $19 and Airlink New York  $17. 

Taxi:  Expensive

Taxis charge a flat-rate of $45 plus tolls and tips.  This rate is per car, up to 4 passengers and the flat-rate is only for the JFK-to-Manhattan trip– not the reverse Manhattan-to-JFK trip.  The Queens-Midtown Tunnel currently has a toll of $4.50.  Expect it to take 40-60 minutes.

Helicopter:  Most Expensive

In 10 minutes flat you can reach Manhattan from JFK, regardless of traffic.  U.S. Helicopters departs from Terminal 3 at JFK and has service to two Manhattan heliports:  Midtown at East 34th Street and Downtown at 6 East River Piers.  There is no service on weekends or holidays.  Cost from $109.

My Recommendation:  If the helicopter is out of the question, I recommend the Airtran-to-LIRR at Jamaica Station option.  Starting at $10, it is one of the least expensive options and with a travel time of 35-45 minutes, one of the faster options.         

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