The best route depends on where in Manhattan you’re going, how much luggage you have, and whether you prioritize cost or convenience. For most travelers, the AirTrain plus LIRR offers the best balance of speed and price.
Best overall: AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road
- From any JFK terminal, follow signs for AirTrain.
- Take the AirTrain toward Jamaica Station.
- At Jamaica, transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
- Choose a train to:
- Penn Station for Midtown West, Times Square, or connections downtown
- Grand Central Madison for Midtown East
The trip usually takes about 35–55 minutes, depending on your terminal and connection. You’ll pay the AirTrain exit fare plus an LIRR ticket; total pricing varies by peak/off-peak travel. Buy the LIRR ticket before boarding using a ticket machine or the MTA TrainTime app.
This is generally easier with luggage than the subway because the train is faster, has more space, and makes fewer stops.
Cheapest: AirTrain + subway
Expect to pay the AirTrain fare plus the standard subway fare.
For Midtown Manhattan
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the E train toward Manhattan. The E serves areas near Midtown East, Times Square, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Allow roughly 60–75 minutes.
For Lower Manhattan
Take the AirTrain toward Howard Beach, then transfer to the A train toward Manhattan. This is useful for destinations near Fulton Street, the Financial District, or neighborhoods along the west side.
Allow approximately 65–85 minutes. Check the train’s destination carefully: not every A train in Queens follows the JFK/Howard Beach branch.
You can generally use a contactless bank card, phone wallet, or OMNY at subway gates. AirTrain payment arrangements can differ by station gate, so having a payment card available—and checking the signs—is wise.
Easiest door-to-door option: Yellow taxi
Use the official taxi line outside baggage claim. JFK taxis charge a flat Manhattan fare, but tolls, surcharges, and tip are added. The final cost commonly ends up considerably above the posted base fare.
Travel time is typically 45–90 minutes, but heavy traffic can make it longer. Ignore anyone inside the terminal offering an unofficial ride.
Uber, Lyft, or car service
Follow airport signs to the designated app-based ride pickup area for your terminal. Prices vary sharply with demand and traffic, so compare the app’s quoted price with the official taxi rate before booking. This option is convenient for groups, large luggage, or destinations far from subway and rail stations.
Quick recommendation by situation
- Midtown, moderate luggage: AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR
- Lowest cost: AirTrain plus E or A subway
- Lower Manhattan: AirTrain to Howard Beach plus A, or LIRR followed by subway
- Several people or lots of luggage: Taxi or rideshare
- Late at night: Taxi/rideshare is simplest; public transit runs, but service may be slower
- Limited mobility: LIRR is often easier, since not every Manhattan subway station has elevators
Before leaving the terminal, check live service and traffic in Google Maps, Apple Maps, the MTA app, or TrainTime, since construction and overnight changes can affect the best route.