Flights, trains and ways to arrive
1. JFK Airport (John F. Kennedy)
The main international airport. It is quite far out in Queens, but it has several decent transport options.
- 🚕 COMFORT OPTION (Yellow Taxi):
There is a set flat fare between JFK and anywhere in Manhattan.
Base fare is $70, plus tolls, surcharges and tip – expect a total around $100–$110 USD for a typical journey.[web:36][web:39]
Make sure the driver uses the flat fare, not the regular meter, for rides to or from Manhattan. - 🚆 FAST OPTION (LIRR Train):
Take the AirTrain to "Jamaica Station" and transfer to the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) towards Penn Station or Grand Central.
Time: roughly 35–45 minutes. Cost: about $19 USD in total (around $8.50 for AirTrain plus the train ticket).[web:39] - 🚇 BUDGET OPTION (Subway):
Take the AirTrain to "Jamaica" (E line) or "Howard Beach" (A line). It is slower but cheaper.
Time: around 60–90 minutes. Cost: about $11.40 (AirTrain plus one subway fare).
2. Newark Airport (EWR)
Located in New Jersey (a different state). Crossing the tunnel or bridge into Manhattan can mean heavy traffic.
💡 Golden tip: Avoid taxis or Uber in rush hour (7–10 am and 4–7 pm). Traffic through the Lincoln Tunnel can be very slow and expensive. The train is usually the safest choice for both time and money.[web:39]
- 🚆 SMART OPTION (NJ Transit Train):
This is often the best balance. Take the AirTrain to the rail station, then any "NJ Transit" train to New York Penn Station.
Time: about 30 minutes. Cost: roughly $16 USD. - 🚕 COMFORT OPTION (with Some Risk):
Taxi or Uber. Because you cross from New Jersey to New York, the fares are higher.
Cost: around $90–$120+ USD. Time: from 40 minutes up to 2 hours depending on traffic. - 🚌 BUS OPTION (Newark Airport Express):
Direct coach to Port Authority, close to Times Square. Handy if you have large suitcases and want to avoid stairs.
Cost: about $18.50 USD.
3. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
The closest airport to Manhattan, but still the most awkward: there is no direct train or subway.
- 🚕 QUICK OPTION (Uber / Lyft / Taxi):
Because LaGuardia is nearby, taxi fares are usually lower than from JFK or Newark (assuming no major traffic).
Price: around $40–$60 USD. Time: 20–40 minutes. - 🚌 CHEAP OPTION (Free Bus + Subway):
Look for the Q70-SBS "LaGuardia Link" bus. It is free and takes about 10 minutes to "Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av" subway station. From there, pay a regular subway fare ($2.90) to reach Manhattan.
Total cost: $2.90 USD. Time: roughly 45–60 minutes.
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