Getting From JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Into Manhattan: Every Option Compared

Your New York trip really begins the moment you step off the plane, and the first decision you'll make is how to get into the city. New York is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens, and Newark Liberty (EWR) across the Hudson in New Jersey. Each has its own mix of trains, buses, taxis and car services, and the best choice depends on your luggage, your budget, the time of day and where in Manhattan you're staying.

Here's every option compared. We've deliberately left out exact prices, because fares, tolls and surcharges change regularly: always check current fares with the operator before you travel.

Busy Grand Central Station, New York — Grand Central Terminal: LIRR trains from JFK's Jamaica connection arrive at Grand Central Madison, directly beneath it

The quick answer

JFK, fastest by rail: AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison
JFK, cheapest: AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the subway
LaGuardia: Taxi or ride-hail, or a bus to connect with the subway
Newark: AirTrain Newark, then NJ Transit or Amtrak to Penn Station
Lots of luggage or kids: Taxi, ride-hail or a pre-booked car service

From JFK Airport

JFK is the largest of the three and sits in southeastern Queens, roughly 15 miles from Midtown. You have more choices here than at any other New York airport.

AirTrain plus Long Island Rail Road

The AirTrain JFK links every terminal to two transit hubs. Ride it to Jamaica Station, then catch a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison. The LIRR leg is usually around 20 minutes, making this the fastest reliable route to Midtown at most times of day, and it avoids traffic entirely. You pay for the AirTrain separately from the LIRR ticket; check current fares, and note that LIRR fares are higher at peak times.

AirTrain plus subway

The budget option. From Jamaica Station, the E train runs to Midtown and the J and Z serve Lower Manhattan; from Howard Beach, the A train runs through Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan and up the West Side. It's the cheapest way in, but it's slow, often an hour or more to Midtown, and hauling big suitcases through turnstiles and up subway stairs is hard work.

Yellow taxi

Taxis wait at official ranks outside each terminal. Trips between JFK and Manhattan are charged a flat fare set by the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission, plus tolls, surcharges and tip. Travel time depends heavily on traffic: it can be well under an hour late at night and much longer at rush hour. Only use the official taxi line, and politely ignore anyone offering you a ride inside the terminal.

Empty Subway Carriage in New York City — The subway is the cheapest way in, if you're traveling light

Ride-hail and car services

Uber and Lyft pick up at designated areas at each terminal; follow the signs. Prices rise and fall with demand, so they can be cheaper or much more expensive than a taxi. A pre-booked car service, with a driver meeting you in arrivals, costs more but removes all the guesswork after a long flight.

Shuttles and express buses

Shared-ride vans and express coach services also run between JFK and Midtown. They can be good value for solo travelers but may make several stops. Check current operators, routes and schedules before you fly.

Good to know

Taxi and ride-hail trips that enter Manhattan's congestion relief zone, at or below 60th Street, carry an extra per-trip congestion charge on top of the fare. Check current rules and totals when comparing options.

Yellow cabs on a Manhattan street: a taxi is still the simplest way out of LaGuardia

From LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia, in northern Queens, is the closest airport to Manhattan and handles mostly domestic flights. Its rebuilt terminals are a huge improvement on the old ones, but it still has no direct rail link.

Taxi or ride-hail

For most visitors, this is the easiest choice. Taxis are metered from LaGuardia, with tolls and surcharges on top, and the ride to Midtown can be quick outside rush hour. Expect delays on the highways and bridges at busy times.

Bus and subway

MTA buses link the terminals to the subway. The fare-free Q70 LaGuardia Link runs to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, where you can connect to the E, F, M, R and 7 trains, and to Woodside for the LIRR. The M60 Select Bus Service crosses into Manhattan along 125th Street in Harlem, meeting several subway lines, which suits travelers heading to the Upper West Side or Upper Manhattan. Check current routes and fares with the MTA.

OMNY enabled turnstiles at Atlantic Terminal NYC — OMNY turnstiles: tap a contactless card or phone to ride the subway and buses

From Newark Liberty Airport

Newark is in New Jersey, but it's a major gateway for international flights and often convenient for the West Side of Manhattan.

AirTrain Newark plus NJ Transit or Amtrak

The AirTrain Newark connects the terminals to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where NJ Transit and Amtrak trains run to Penn Station New York in Midtown. The NJ Transit ride is typically around half an hour, and it's usually the fastest and most predictable way into the city. Buy a ticket to New York Penn Station that includes the AirTrain connection; check current fares and schedules before you travel, especially late at night.

Express bus

Express coach services run from Newark's terminals to Midtown stops such as Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park and Grand Central. They're a handy option if your hotel is near a stop, but they're subject to tunnel traffic. Check current operators and schedules.

Taxi, ride-hail or car service

Taxis are dispatched from official stands outside each terminal, and fares to Manhattan include tolls for the Hudson River crossings, so the total can be significant. Ride-hail pickup areas are signposted. As at JFK, a pre-booked car is the most relaxed choice if you have lots of bags.

Arrival tips from our team

Match the route to your hotel. Penn Station suits the West Side and Midtown South; Grand Central Madison suits the East Side; the subway suits hotels near a direct line.
Think about your bags. Rail links are great with a carry-on. With several large suitcases, a taxi or car service is worth it.
Watch the clock. Rush hour, roughly 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, can double road journey times.
Late arrivals. Trains run less often late at night. A taxi or pre-booked car is often simplest after midnight.
Only use official ranks. Never accept a ride from someone soliciting in the terminal.

Seeing the city from the comfort of a private vehicle

Once you've arrived

Dropped your bags? The best cure for jet lag is fresh air and a gentle introduction to the city. Many visitors book a guided walk for their first full day to get their bearings, while travelers with limited mobility or young children often prefer to see the highlights from a vehicle.

Our Manhattan by Private Luxury Car tour pairs a guide with a comfortable car, and the Private Luxury Tour of NYC With Transportation is ideal for families and groups. For an on-foot orientation, the NYC in a Day Walking Tour is a first-timer favorite. Once you're settled, our guide to riding the subway like a local will get you around town.

Before you land

Check which airport and terminal you're arriving at
Look up current fares for the AirTrain, LIRR, NJ Transit and taxis
Set up a contactless card or phone wallet for OMNY and train tickets
Note the nearest station to your hotel
Decide on a late-night backup if your flight is delayed
Pre-book a car service if you'll have lots of luggage or young children
Save your hotel address offline in case your phone has no signal

Start your trip the easy way

Getting in is the hard part. Once you've arrived, let us show you the city. Browse our walking tours, relax on one of our driving tours, book attraction tickets like Top of the Rock, or treat yourself to one of our premium experiences.

New York Experience is run by ExperienceFirst, a New York tour company founded in 2009.

Airport transfer FAQs

At most times of day, the AirTrain to Jamaica followed by a Long Island Rail Road train to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison is the fastest and most predictable route, because it avoids road traffic.

The AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the subway, is the cheapest option. It's slower and harder with big luggage. Check current AirTrain and subway fares.

No. LaGuardia has no direct rail link. Take a taxi or ride-hail, or an MTA bus such as the free Q70 or the M60 to connect with the subway.

Take the AirTrain Newark to the airport's rail station, then an NJ Transit or Amtrak train to Penn Station New York. Express buses, taxis and ride-hail are also available.

Yes. Yellow taxis between JFK and Manhattan charge a flat fare set by the Taxi and Limousine Commission, plus tolls, surcharges and tip. Check the current fare before you travel.

LaGuardia is the closest by distance, though travel time depends heavily on traffic. Newark can be quicker to the West Side by train.