Your Complete Guide to Transportation at John F. Kennedy International Airport

Arriving at JFK Airport means figuring out the quickest, easiest way to get where you are going. With several terminals, constant crowds, and plenty of transportation options at JFK Airport, it really helps to know your options ahead of time. This updated guide breaks down every transportation service available, from AirTrain, subways, and LIRR, to taxis, ride apps, hotel shuttles, buses, and airport-to-airport transfers.

Here is a breakdown of the official JFK Airport transportation guide.

Summary of Transportation Options at JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport):

JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) is a key travel hub offering multiple options for terminal transfers. The AirTrain is the primary system connecting all terminals, parking, and transit links (subway/LIRR). 

While taxis, ride-shares, and shuttles connect JFK to NYC, ongoing construction slows traffic and makes it unpredictable. Therefore, using public transit (AirTrain combined with LIRR or MTA subway) remains the most reliable option for consistent travel to Manhattan and other boroughs.

AirTrain JFK:

AirTrain is the real MVP of JFK transportation. It’s fast, easy, and runs 24/7, 365 days a year.

1. What AirTrain Connects To:

• All passenger terminals (free within the airport!)
  
• Short-term parking lots at each terminal
  
• Long-term parking at Lefferts Boulevard
  
• Hotel shuttles and rental cars at Federal Circle
  
• NYC transit at Jamaica & Howard Beach Stations
  
  • LIRR
    
  • NYC Subway
    
  • NYC buses.

2. Getting to JFK from NYC:

Here are the major connection points:

LIRR: This is the Fastest option from Manhattan. 20 minutes from Penn Station or Grand Central to Jamaica Station. You can switch to AirTrain for another 10-15 minutes to your terminal.

NYC Subway:

• A Line–  Howard Beach Station
  
• E/J/Z Lines– Jamaica Station
  From either station, AirTrain whisks you directly into the airport.
  

3. NYC Buses:

Local buses also connect to Jamaica and Howard Beach. Great if you are coming from Queens or Brooklyn.

4.  AirTrain Tickets: Pricing and Payment Options:

Inside JFK Airport’s terminals, AirTrain rides are free. You only pay when entering or exiting at Jamaica or Howard Beach.

Standard Fare: $8.50 per ride, and Kids under 5 ride free.

Free AirTrain Use Includes:

• All terminal-to-terminal travel
  
• Exiting at Howard Beach for Ride App Pick-up Lot
  
• Travel to the Long-Term Parking Lot
  

Payment Options:

• Tap-to-pay (credit/debit)
• Apple Pay / Google Pay
• OMNY card
• MetroCard (sold at terminals 1, 4, 7, 8) which can be purchased at $1; you may even refill your existing metro card through cash or even by using a debit or credit card; the ticket vending machines are at Jamaica Stations and Howard Beach. 

Contactless payment is found at the Jamaica Stations and Howard Beach. You may use your credit or debit card or any mobile device which has been enabled for making contactless payments. If you need help to access the fare gates you may get in touch with a customer service agent in red coats for assistance.For assistance with OMNY you may call 877-789-6669. 

5. Connections Beyond the JFK Airport:

Parking Lots: Short-term parking at JFK is located beside each terminal’s AirTrain station, while long-term parking is accessible via the Howard Beach line at Lefferts Boulevard Station.

Hotel Shuttles & Rental Cars: All shuttles and rental car centers are at Federal Circle Station.

NYC Transit: Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations connect you to the city through the subway, LIRR, and buses.

6. AirTrain at JFK’s Rules You Should Know:

AirTrain keeps things clean and safe with a few simple rules:

• No eating, drinking, or smoking
  
• Strollers, luggage carts, and small caged pets are allowed
  
• Up to 4 bicycles per car
  
• Questions about bikes? Call (718) 570-1048
  

7.  Accessibility Features of AirTrain at JFK:

AirTrain is fully ADA-friendly:

• Elevators, escalators, ramps
  
• Two wheelchair spots per car
  
• Tactile platform strips
  
• Raised-letter & Braille signage
  
• Audio announcements onboard, to particularly help those with visual impairment
  
• Visual screens for the hearing-impaired
  

At Jamaica and Howard Beach, accessible pathways connect to subway/LIRR platforms. Plus, you can use TrainTime to buy/manage LIRR or Metro-North tickets easily.

2. NYC Subway System at JFK:

• The AirTrain at JFK Airport connects every passenger straight to the NYC Subway at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station, making it super easy to hop into the city.
  
• From Jamaica Station, you can avail of thje E Line or switch to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a faster ride into Manhattan.
  
• From Howard Beach Station, the A Line is your go-to subway connection, running straight into Brooklyn and Manhattan.
  
• Paying is simple. NYC subways accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google/Wallet Pay, OMNY cards, and MetroCards. Just tap and go.
  
• Your AirTrain fare can also be paid with the same contactless methods or with a MetroCard, so no need to scramble for separate payment systems.
  
• All three major NYC airports, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, are reachable via public transit, so if you are airport hopping or comparing options, subway + connection is usually the cheapest combo.
  
• You can also load your MetroCard or set up OMNY before you travel. It saves time and helps you avoid lines at busy stations and airport areas.
  
• Keep your luggage situation in mind; NYC subways can get crowded, and some stations still have staircases instead of elevators.
  
• For smooth travel, use the MTA app for directions, live subway updates, maps, and service changes. It’s basically your subway lifesaver.
  

3. Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at JFK:

The LIRR at JFK is a faster travel option from Jamaica Station. It connects Jamaica Station to Penn Station (West Midtown Manhattan), Grand Central Madison (East Midtown), Atlantic Terminal (Downtown Brooklyn), and destinations across Long Island. Fares and schedules change based on the time and day. Travel time is usually much quicker than the subway.

LIRR Peak Fares:

• Charged on weekdays during rush hours.
  
• Applies to trains arriving at NYC terminals from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
  
• Applies to trains departing NYC terminals between 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
  
• On Metro-North, peak fares also apply to trains leaving Grand Central Madison between 6:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
  

LIRR Off-Peak Fares:

• Charged on weekdays outside rush hours.
  
• Also applies all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
  
• Exact fares depend on your route—use the schedule or TrainTime app to check.
  

CityTicket:

• For travel within NYC on LIRR or Metro-North.
  
• Costs $5.00 during off-peak hours.
  
• Costs $7.00 during peak hours.
  

Combo Ticket (LIRR- Metro-North Transfer):

• For trips requiring a transfer between the two railroads at Grand Central.
  
• You can start on one railroad and switch to the other for a flat $8.00 fee.
  

TrainTime App:

• The easiest way to buy LIRR or Metro-North tickets.
  
• Available directly on your smartphone.
  

Visit the MTA Long Island Rail Road Official Website:

• For full schedules, fares, and updates.
  

4. Transportation Options to Manhattan from JFK:

If you wonder how to get from JFK to Manhattan, you can use this quick guide to compare public transportation options, including routes, estimated costs, and travel times. Prices listed are standard and do not include temporary promotions.

Midtown Manhattan- Penn Station (W. 34 St.):

• Take the E subway from Jamaica Station via AirTrain.
  
• Cost: $11.40 (AirTrain + subway).
  
• Travel time: ~50 minutes.
  

Lower Manhattan- below W. 14 St.

• Take the A subway from Howard Beach Station.
  
• Cost: $11.40.
  
• Travel time: ~60 minutes.
  

Midtown Manhattan: Penn Station (W. 34 St.):

• Take the LIRR from Jamaica Station.
  
• Cost: $13-$19 (peak/off-peak).
  
• Travel time: ~30 minutes.
  

Grand Central:

• Take the LIRR from Jamaica Station.
  
• Cost: $13–$19.
  
• Travel time: ~30 minutes.
  

Upper Manhattan- W. 125 St.

• Take the E subway from Jamaica, then transfer in Manhattan.
  
• Cost: $11.40.
  
• Travel time: ~75 minutes.
  

Southern Queens / Northern Brooklyn:

• Take the J or Z subway from Jamaica Station.
  
• Cost: $11.40.
  
• Travel time: ~50 minutes.

5. Taxi, Ride App, and Car Services at JFK: 

After a long flight, finding ground transportation at JFK is difficult due to the huge, $19 billion construction project. You must be aware that pickup spots for taxis, rideshares, and car services are constantly shifting, depending on which terminal you arrive at and the type of transport you need.

1. Ride App & Car Services (Uber, Lyft, etc.):

If you are grabbing an Uber, Lyft, or any app-based ride, be prepared for a few pickup changes depending on which terminal you are in. Your app will give real-time instructions, so always double-check them before heading out.

ADA-Accessible Ride App Pickups:

Passengers needing ADA-accessible rides can relax; these pickups always happen right in front of the terminal, no matter what construction is going on. Just use your app for the exact spot.

If you need wheelchair assistance at JFK, arrange it through your airline before your flight. This guarantees an attendant will escort you from the gate straight to your pickup location.

2. Terminal 4: Ride App Pickup Changes:

Terminal 4 has special timing rules:

From 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily:

• Ride app pickups move to Lot 66 (Ride App Pickup Lot).
  
• Free shuttle buses run every 1-2 minutes between Terminal 4’s front curb and Lot 66.
  

All other hours:

• You can meet your ride directly in front of Terminal 4.
  

Furthermore, ADA-accessible rides remain at the terminal front at all times. Departing passengers aren’t affected, and drop-offs continue normally at the front curb.

3. Terminals 5 & 7: Ride App Pickup Changes:

Flying into Terminal 5 or 7? Here’s what to do:

• Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach Station.
  
• Follow the signs for the Long Term Lot/Ride App Pickup Lot.
  
• Exit for free and meet your Uber/Lyft there.
  

Again, ADA-accessible rideshares still pick up directly outside both terminals. Check your app if in doubt.

4. Airport Access Fees to Know:

Since the 5th of April 2023,  $1.75 Airport Access Fee applies to taxi pick-ups only. These fees are automatically added to your taxi meter or your ride app.

5. Taxi Services at JFK:

Taxis are still one of the simplest, most reliable ways to get to NYC from JFK Airport. Just follow the signs to the official taxi stand outside your terminal.

Important Taxi Tips:

• Avoid solicitors. Anyone offering you a ride inside the terminal is operating illegally. Stick to the official taxi line or visit the Port Authority Welcome Center for help.
  
• Its customary to tip in return of good service.
  
• Flat Fare to Manhattan:
  
  • $70 between JFK and Manhattan
    
  • +$5 peak-hour surcharge (4-8 p.m. weekdays, holidays excluded)
    
  • +50-cent NY State tax on NY trips, not eligible for New Jersey trips though
    
  • +Congestion surcharge:
    
    • $2.50 (Yellow Taxi)
      
    • $2.75 (Green Taxi & FHVs)
      
    • $0.75 (for all shared rides)
      
• One fare covers all passengers heading towards the same destination.
  
• Passenger limits: 4 people (can accommodate 5 in a minivan).
  
• The meter should start at $3.00, except for the flat-fare Manhattan trips.
  
• Remember to take your receipt.
  
• When you need more info, contact the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission.

5. Car, Van & Scheduled Bus Services at JFK Airport:

When traveling to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you have a wide range of reliable ground transportation options. 

1. Convenient Self-Service Kiosks at Terminals:

Every terminal at JFK Airport features Port Authority Welcome Centers located on the Arrivals Level. These centers include easy-to-use self-service kiosks where you can contact authorized shared-ride and private car services without hassle. The kiosks are placed conveniently near baggage claim, making it simple to arrange transportation as soon as you collect your bags.

2. Authorized Airport Vehicle Services:

Here is what to make note of: 

• Shared Ride Services:

These budget-friendly options allow you to share your ride with other travelers heading in the same direction:

Service	Contact Information
Airlink New York	(212) 812-9000 / (877) 599-8200
ETS Air Shuttle	(718) 221-8344

• Private Car Services

For travelers who prefer door-to-door comfort and privacy:

Service	Contact Information
Carmel Super Saver	(866) 666-6666

6. Car Rentals at JFK Airport:

On the Arrivals Level of each terminal, typically near the baggage carousel at JFK Airport, you will find rental car counters or courtesy telephones with direct instructions for contacting each company.

To pick up your rental car, simply hop on the AirTrain and ride to Federal Circle Station, where all rental car companies have their facilities.

1. Rental Car Companies at JFK:

Company	Contact Information
Alamo	(844) 648-1611
Avis	(718) 244-5400
Budget	718-656-1890 / 800-527-0700
Dollar	(866) 434-2226
Enterprise	(844) 648-1609
Hertz	718-656-7600 / 800-654-3131
National	(844) 648-1610
Payless	(718) 244-8277
SIXT	888-749-8227
Thrifty	(877) 283-0898

2. Paying Tolls When Using a Rental Car:

Toll payment policies vary among rental car agencies, so it’s important to understand how your company handles tolls before you hit the road. Many companies offer E-ZPass® transponder tags, but fees and usage rules differ; always ask for full details at the rental counter.

If Your Rental Includes a Transponder, make sure you know:

• How the device works
  
• What fees apply
  
• Whether daily usage charges are added
  

If Your Rental Does Not Include a Transponder, you have two choices:

• Use cash to pay the toll
  
• Use your personal E-ZPass® transponder
  

If you choose to use your personal E-ZPass® tag, do not add the rental car’s license plate number to your E-ZPass® account. This helps avoid accidental charges long after the rental period ends.

7. A Step-by-Step Guide for Seamless Airport Connections:

Travelers heading between New York City’s major airports, JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport), LGA (LaGuardia Airport), and EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport), have several transportation options.

1. JFK to LaGuardia (LGA):

Several services offer quick transfers between JFK and LGA. Travel times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Available Options:

• ETS Air Shuttle: Contact: (718) 221-8344
  Travel Time: 45-60 minutes
  
• All County Express: Contact: (800) 914-4223
  Travel Time: 45-60 minutes
  
• Taxi (Metered): Where to Find: Uniformed Taxi Dispatcher
  Travel Time: ~30 minutes
  
• Private Limousine/Van Service: Where to Go: Welcome Center in Airport Baggage Claim Area
  Travel Time: ~30 minutes
  

2. JFK to Newark Liberty (EWR):

Connecting between JFK Airport and Newark Liberty usually takes longer due to the distance and roadway conditions.

Available Options:

• ETS Air Shuttle: Contact: (718) 221-8344
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• AirTrain JFK + Mass Transit: Contact: (877) JFK-AIRTrain (535-2478)
  Travel Time: Varies depending on connections
  
• Taxi (Metered): Where to Find: Uniformed Taxi Dispatcher
  Travel Time: 75-90 minutes
  
• Private Limousine/Van Service: Where to Go: Ground Transportation Information Counter in Baggage Claim
  Travel Time: 75-90 minutes
  

C. LaGuardia (LGA) to JFK:

Transfers from LaGuardia to JFK mirror the options available in the opposite direction.

Available Options:

• ETS Air Shuttle: Contact: (718) 221-8344
  Travel Time: 45-60 minutes
  
• All County Express: Contact: (800) 914-4223
  Travel Time: 45-60 minutes
  
• Taxi (Metered): Where to Find: Uniformed Taxi Dispatcher
  Travel Time: ~30 minutes
  
• Private Limousine/Van Service: Where to Go: Ground Transportation Information Counter in Baggage Claim
  Travel Time: ~30 minutes
  

D. Newark Liberty (EWR) to JFK:

Travel times are similar to those from JFK to Newark.

Available Options:

• ETS Air Shuttle: Contact: (718) 221-8344
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• AirTrain Newark + Mass Transit: Contact: (888) 397-4636
  Travel Time: Varies depending on connections
  
• Taxi (Metered): Where to Find: Uniformed Taxi Dispatcher
  Travel Time: 75-90 minutes
  
• Private Limousine/Van Service: Where to Go: Ground Transportation Information Counter in Baggage Claim
  Travel Time: 75-90 minutes
  

E. Newark Liberty (EWR) to LaGuardia (LGA):

Passengers connecting between Newark and LaGuardia have multiple shuttles and public transit options.

Available Options:

• All County Express: Contact: (914) 381-4223 or (800) 914-4223
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• ETS Air Shuttle: Contact: (718) 221-8344
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• AirTrain Newark → NY Penn Station → Express Bus: AirTrain Contact: (888) 397-4636
  Travel Time: 60-105 minutes
  
• Taxi (Metered): Where to Find: Uniformed Taxi Dispatcher
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• Private Limousine/Van Service: Where to Go: Ground Transportation Information Counter in Baggage Claim
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  

F. LaGuardia (LGA) to Newark Liberty (EWR):

Reverse travel between LGA and Newark offers the same set of services.

Available Options:

• All County Express: Contact: (800) 914-4223
  Travel Time: 45-60 minutes
  
• ETS Air Shuttle: Contact: (718) 221-8344
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• Taxi (Metered): Where to Find: Uniformed Taxi Dispatcher
  Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  
• Private Limousine/Van Service: Where to Go: Ground Transportation information counter at the airport baggage claim area; Travel Time: 60-90 minutes
  

Conclusion:

JFK Airport’s transportation network simplifies your journey with a wide range of choices. From the rapid AirTrain connecting terminals, to the subway and LIRR offering speedy access to Manhattan, and the convenience of taxis, ride apps, shuttles, and rental cars, there’s an option for every budget and travel preference. Although construction is ongoing, a little planning guarantees smooth travel in and out.

FAQs: