NYC Airport Transportation Guide

New York City has three major airports serving millions of travelers annually: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Each offers multiple transportation options, but choosing the right one depends on your priorities—cost, time, comfort, and convenience. This comprehensive guide breaks down every option to help you make the best choice.

JFK Airport Transportation

John F. Kennedy International Airport, located in Queens about 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, is NYC's busiest airport. Here are your transportation options:

1. Black Car Service (Recommended)

• Cost: $95-130 flat rate from Manhattan
• Time: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
• Pros: Door-to-door, professional driver, flight tracking, luggage assistance, predictable pricing
• Cons: Higher cost than public transit
• Best For: Business travelers, families with luggage, early morning/late night flights

2. Yellow Taxi

• Cost: $70 flat rate to Manhattan plus tolls and tip ($80-90 total)
• Time: 45-70 minutes
• Pros: Always available at taxi stands, fixed pricing to Manhattan
• Cons: Vehicle quality varies, no advance booking, metered for other destinations

3. Uber/Lyft

• Cost: $50-120 depending on demand and time of day
• Time: 45-60 minutes plus pickup wait
• Pros: App-based convenience, multiple vehicle options
• Cons: Surge pricing can be extreme, pickup location confusion at JFK, driver may cancel

4. AirTrain + Subway

• Cost: $11 ($8.25 AirTrain + $2.75 subway)
• Time: 60-90 minutes total
• Pros: Very inexpensive, no traffic concerns
• Cons: Not practical with heavy luggage, multiple transfers, can be confusing for first-time visitors

LaGuardia Airport Transportation

LaGuardia Airport in Queens is closest to Manhattan (8 miles) but lacks direct rail access, making ground transportation your primary option.

1. Black Car Service (Recommended)

• Cost: $85-120 flat rate from Manhattan
• Time: 25-45 minutes depending on traffic
• Pros: Fastest and most reliable option, professional service
• Cons: Higher cost
• Best For: Anyone prioritizing time and convenience

2. Yellow Taxi

• Cost: $30-45 metered plus tolls and tip
• Time: 25-50 minutes
• Pros: Readily available, metered pricing prevents gouging
• Cons: Price varies with traffic, quality inconsistent

3. M60 Bus + Subway

• Cost: $2.75
• Time: 60-90 minutes
• Pros: Very cheap
• Cons: Slow, crowded, difficult with luggage, requires subway transfer

Newark Airport Transportation

Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is 16 miles from Manhattan. Despite being outside NYC, it offers good rail connections.

1. Black Car Service (Recommended for Groups)

• Cost: $95-130 flat rate from Manhattan
• Time: 40-60 minutes
• Pros: Door-to-door convenience, cost-effective for 2+ people
• Cons: Higher cost for solo travelers

2. NJ Transit Train (Best Budget Option)

• Cost: $15-20 ($7.75 AirTrain + $8-13 NJ Transit to Penn Station)
• Time: 45-60 minutes
• Pros: Reliable, affordable, direct to Penn Station
• Cons: Requires AirTrain transfer, limited luggage space during peak hours

3. Taxi

• Cost: $70-90 metered plus tolls ($15-20) and tip
• Time: 40-70 minutes
• Pros: Available at taxi stand
• Cons: Can be expensive during heavy traffic

Decision Framework: Which Option to Choose?

Choose Black Car Service When:

• You're traveling for business and need reliability
• You have an early morning flight (before 6 AM) or late night arrival
• You're traveling with family or colleagues (2+ people makes it cost-effective)
• You have significant luggage
• You want guaranteed pickup and flight tracking
• Your company covers transportation (corporate account benefits)

Choose Taxi When:

• You need immediate transportation without advance booking
• You're at JFK and want flat-rate pricing to Manhattan
• You prefer the simplicity of standing in the taxi line

Choose Public Transit When:

• You're on a tight budget
• You're traveling alone with minimal luggage
• You have extra time and want to avoid traffic
• You're comfortable navigating NYC transit

Pro Tips for NYC Airport Transportation

Cost Comparison Summary