How to Get from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Manhattan NYC

Quick Answer

The best way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan for budget travelers is the AirTrain + NYC Subway (60-90 minutes total, $11.15 with MetroCard). Take the free AirTrain to Jamaica Station, transfer to the E, J, or Z train to Manhattan. For direct door-to-door service: Yellow Taxi (45-90 minutes, $52-70 flat rate plus tolls and tip). For convenience and predictable pricing: Uber/Lyft (45-90 minutes, $55-85). For groups of 3-4, splitting a taxi or UberXL often makes financial sense. Avoid driving yourself unless you're prepared for $40+ in tolls and expensive Manhattan parking.

AirTrain & NYC Subway from JFK to Manhattan

Taking the AirTrain and NYC Subway from JFK to Manhattan is the most economical public transit option. The AirTrain is a free people mover that connects all JFK terminals to subway stations. You'll take it to either Jamaica Station (for E, J, Z trains) or Howard Beach (for A train), then pay $8.25 to exit plus $2.90 for the subway ($11.15 total). The entire journey takes 60-90 minutes depending on your Manhattan destination. For solo travelers or couples with manageable luggage, this is the best value. During NYC's infamous rush hour traffic (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM), the subway is consistently more reliable than any road-based transportation.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Notes
AirTrain + Subway	60-90 minutes	$11.15 per person	Solo travelers, couples, budget travelers	Includes $8.25 AirTrain fee + $2.90 subway
Uber/Lyft (Standard)	45-90 minutes	$55-85 total	Groups of 2-3, those with luggage	Price shown in app, surge pricing during peaks
Yellow Taxi (Flat Rate)	45-90 minutes	$52-70 + tolls + tip	Late night arrivals, those wanting simplicity	Fixed Manhattan rate, available 24/7 at taxi stands

Step-by-Step: How to Take the Subway from JFK

When you exit baggage claim at JFK Airport, follow the signs for "AirTrain" (look for the orange and blue signs). The AirTrain is free to ride between JFK terminals. You need to decide: Jamaica Station (for E, J, Z trains to Manhattan) or Howard Beach (for A train). Jamaica is usually faster for most of Manhattan. Board the AirTrain (they run every 5-10 minutes 24/7). At Jamaica or Howard Beach, exit the AirTrain and follow signs to subway. You'll pay $8.25 to exit the AirTrain station plus $2.90 for the subway fare. Buy a MetroCard at the vending machine or use OMNY contactless payment. The internet says it's straightforward, but I've seen confused travelers get on the wrong AirTrain line—make sure it's going to Jamaica or Howard Beach, not just looping between terminals.

Subway Ticket Options and Payment

Single ride with MetroCard: $11.15 total ($8.25 AirTrain + $2.90 subway). OMNY contactless payment: Tap your credit card or phone at readers, same price. 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard: $34 (worth it if you'll take 12+ subway rides). Important: The $8.25 AirTrain fee is charged when you exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach. If you're using a MetroCard, you need at least $11.15 on it. The vending machines can be confusing when you're tired. I've seen tourists buy the wrong amount and get stuck at the exit gate. When in doubt, ask an MTA employee for help.

Late Night Subway from JFK

For late night arrivals (after 1:00 AM), the subway still runs but with reduced frequency. The AirTrain runs 24/7. The last subway trains from Jamaica to Manhattan typically depart around 1:30-2:00 AM, with night trains every 20-30 minutes after that. If your flight arrives after midnight, you'll need to be efficient. The AirTrain still runs, but if you miss the last frequent subway, you'll wait longer. The internet says the subway runs 24/7, but "runs" and "runs frequently" are different. Always check the MTA website for current schedules, especially on weekends when there may be service changes.

Subway Accessibility and Luggage

The NYC Subway is not particularly luggage-friendly. Most stations have stairs, not elevators. The E train from Jamaica has more accessible stations than the A train from Howard Beach. If you have multiple large suitcases, you'll be that person struggling on stairs that New Yorkers will either help or glare at. I've been both the tourist with luggage and the commuter—one large bag and a carry-on is manageable; more than that and you're better off with a taxi or rideshare, especially during rush hour when trains are packed.

Yellow Taxi from JFK to Manhattan

The taxi stand at JFK Airport is outside each terminal at the ground transportation area. Follow the "Taxi" signs. JFK uses a flat-rate zone system to Manhattan: $52-70 depending on your exact destination, plus tolls and tip. This is not a metered fare—it's a set price. Taxis are available 24/7, making them the most reliable option for very late or early flights. The ride takes 45-60 minutes without traffic, but during NYC's notorious rush hour on the Van Wyck Expressway and Queens-Midtown Tunnel, it can take 90+ minutes.

JFK Taxi Experience: The Reality

Many travel guides present taxis as the "easy" option. The reality at JFK: it's often the most stressful choice due to traffic. The flat rate means no surprises, but it's 5-6 times more expensive than the subway for a solo traveler. For a family of four with luggage, the math changes—$15-20 per person for a taxi versus $45 total for the subway. I've taken taxis from JFK when arriving exhausted with multiple bags or with elderly family—the door-to-door convenience is worth the premium, but for most solo travelers, the subway is the better choice if you can handle your luggage.

Taxi Flat Rate Zones Explained

Manhattan (anywhere below 96th St): Flat rate $52 plus tolls and tip. Additional surcharges: Peak hour (4-8 PM weekdays) +$5, Night surcharge (8 PM-6 AM) +$0.50. Tolls: $6.94-10.17 depending on route (usually included in your fare). Tip: 15-20% expected. The exact rate should be displayed in the taxi. If you're going to a common Manhattan location, the driver will know the exact flat rate. Don't accept a metered fare—insist on the flat rate to Manhattan.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive at JFK with one suitcase and a backpack. It's 5:00 PM on a Tuesday—peak rush hour. You see the taxi line and think, "It's $52, I'll just take a taxi." The ride takes 85 minutes stuck in traffic on the Van Wyck. You arrive at your Midtown hotel $70 poorer (with tolls and tip). Meanwhile, another traveler took the AirTrain+subway, spent $11.15, and arrived in 75 minutes. For a solo traveler, that's $60 extra for saving 10 minutes. I see this happen all the time—the taxi is tempting, but the subway is a much better value if you're traveling light and alone, especially during rush hour.

Uber & Lyft from JFK Airport

Rideshare Pickup at JFK

Uber and Lyft pickup at JFK is at designated zones in the Central Terminal Area parking lots. Follow signs for "App-Based Ride Service" or check your app for specific pickup location. Typical cost to Manhattan: $55-85 depending on vehicle type and demand. During surge pricing (Friday evenings, holidays, bad weather, peak travel times), prices can exceed $100-150. For 2-3 people sharing, this can be cost-competitive with a taxi and more convenient than the subway with luggage.

When Rideshare Makes Sense vs. Taxi

Despite the similar cost, rideshare is worth it when: 1) You want to know the price upfront (taxis are flat rate but tolls vary). 2) You need a larger vehicle (UberXL, UberSUV). 3) You're going to an address above 96th Street (taxi switches to meter). 4) You prefer the app experience. 5) You want to avoid the taxi line (though rideshare can have waits too). The internet often says "just take a taxi," but during high-demand times, the rideshare pickup area might be less crowded than the taxi line.

Understanding Surge Pricing at JFK

Rideshare prices at JFK fluctuate dramatically based on demand. High demand times: Friday evenings (3-9 PM), Sunday evenings (returning travelers), holidays, during bad weather, and peak travel seasons. I've seen UberX prices hit $120 for a Manhattan trip that normally costs $65 during Thanksgiving weekend. If you see surge pricing, consider: 1) Waiting 15-20 minutes (demand often subsides). 2) Taking a taxi instead (flat rate doesn't change). 3) Taking the AirTrain to a nearby subway stop and requesting from there to avoid airport surge pricing.

Airport Shuttle Services from JFK

Shared shuttle vans (like NYC Airporter, Go Airlink) operate from JFK to major Manhattan zones. Cost: $19-35 per person. While it's cheaper than a taxi for solo travelers, I don't actually recommend it for most visitors. The shuttles make multiple stops at different hotels in each zone, so your 45-minute ride could become a 90-120 minute tour of Manhattan hotels. After a long flight, waiting for other passengers and making stops is frustrating. The only exception might be if you're traveling alone to a hotel not near a subway station and want door-to-door service at a lower cost than a taxi.

Shuttle Experience: What to Really Expect

The shuttle counters are in the baggage claim areas. You purchase a ticket, then wait for the next van. The van loads 10-15 passengers with luggage, then begins the circuit of Manhattan hotels by zone (Midtown, Downtown, Uptown). If you're the first stop in your zone: 60-75 minutes. If you're the last stop: 90-120 minutes. The drivers are professional and help with luggage, but the multiple stops test your patience. Some travel blogs say "shuttles are fine," but they're usually written by people with unlimited time or those who got lucky with their stop order.

Who Should Take the Shuttle?

The shuttle is suitable for: 1) Solo travelers wanting door-to-door service at lower cost than taxi. 2) Those going to hotels not near subway stations. 3) People who aren't in a hurry. Not suitable for: Families (cost adds up quickly), those with tight schedules, anyone arriving exhausted, or travelers with lots of luggage (space is limited).

Shuttle vs Subway vs Taxi: A Reality Check

Shuttle advantages: Door-to-door, cheaper than taxi for solo travelers. Shuttle disadvantages: Multiple stops, unpredictable timing, shared with strangers. Subway advantages: Predictable timing, cheapest option, avoids traffic. Subway disadvantages: Transfers required, stairs with luggage, can be crowded. Taxi advantages: Direct, available 24/7, flat rate. Taxi disadvantages: Most expensive for solo travelers, subject to traffic. For just $11.15, the subway gives you predictability the shuttle can't match.

Private Transfer & Limousine Services

Private transfer services can be pre-booked online. Cost: $100-200+ depending on vehicle type. A driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign, helps with luggage, and drives directly to your destination. While expensive, it's completely stress-free. Luxury sedan: $100-140. SUV for 6 passengers: $140-180. Limousine: $180-250+. This option makes sense for corporate travel, special occasions, or groups wanting luxury service.

When Private Transfer Makes Sense

Despite the high cost, a private transfer is worth it when: 1) You're traveling for business on an expense account. 2) You're a group of 4+ people (splitting makes it reasonable). 3) You're celebrating a special occasion (honeymoon, anniversary). 4) You have mobility issues requiring special assistance. 5) You want absolute certainty and luxury service. The internet often says "just take the subway or a taxi," but for corporate travelers or those celebrating, the $120 sedan transfer is a worthwhile splurge.

Hotel Airport Shuttle Services

Very few Manhattan hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles. Some airport-area hotels do, but Manhattan hotels generally don't. Always confirm when booking. Some luxury hotels (Waldorf Astoria, Plaza, etc.) can arrange paid private transfers starting around $100+. Budget and mid-range hotels rarely offer this service.

Public Bus Options from JFK Airport

MTA buses serve JFK Airport but I don't actually recommend them for airport arrivals with luggage. The Q10, Q3, and B15 buses connect to subway stations, but they're slow, make many local stops, and aren't designed for luggage. Travel time to subway connections: 30-50 minutes. Fare: $2.90 (same as subway). The AirTrain is faster and more comfortable for the same price when you factor in the AirTrain fee. The only advantage of buses is they run 24/7 when the AirTrain might have delays.

Bus vs AirTrain: The Real Comparison

Q10 bus to Kew Gardens-Union Tpke (E, F trains): 40-60 minutes, $2.90. AirTrain to Jamaica (E, J, Z trains): 10 minutes + $8.25. For the extra $5.35, you save 30-50 minutes and get a more comfortable ride. I've taken the Q10 when the AirTrain was down for maintenance—it was fine, but I wouldn't choose it over the AirTrain. The internet might list buses as an option, but in practice, only the most budget-conscious travelers with unlimited time should consider them.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Option

The LIRR from Jamaica Station to Penn Station is faster but more expensive. Take AirTrain to Jamaica ($8.25), then LIRR to Penn Station ($10.75 peak, $7.75 off-peak). Total: $19 peak, $16 off-peak. Travel time: 35-40 minutes total. This is a good option if you're going to Penn Station area and value speed over cost. It's not widely known by tourists but is popular with commuters. I recommend it for business travelers or those with heavy luggage who don't want to deal with subway stairs.

Subway Lines: All Stops from JFK to Manhattan

From JFK, you have two main subway routes via AirTrain: Jamaica Station (E, J, Z trains) or Howard Beach (A train). Here are the key stations and travel times to Manhattan:

From Jamaica Station (E Train - Most Popular)

1. Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer - AirTrain connection (0 minutes)
2. Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av - LIRR connection (2 minutes)
3. Jamaica-Van Wyck - (4 minutes)
4. Briarwood - (7 minutes)
5. Kew Gardens-Union Tpke - (9 minutes)
6. 75 Av - (11 minutes)
7. Forest Hills-71 Av - (13 minutes)
8. Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av - Transfer to 7, E, F, M, R trains (18 minutes)
9. Queens Plaza - (23 minutes)
10. Court Sq-23 St - Transfer to G, 7 trains (25 minutes)
11. Lexington Av/53 St - Transfer to 6 train, near MoMA, Rockefeller Center (28 minutes)
12. 5 Av/53 St - Near St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saks (29 minutes)
13. 7 Av - Times Square, Broadway theaters (31 minutes)
14. 50 St - Radio City Music Hall (33 minutes)
15. 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal - Times Square, bus station (35 minutes)
16. 34 St-Penn Station - Amtrak, NJ Transit, LIRR (37 minutes)
17. 23 St - Flatiron District (39 minutes)
18. 14 St - Union Square (41 minutes)
19. W 4 St - West Village, NYU (44 minutes)
20. Spring St - Soho (46 minutes)
21. Canal St - Chinatown (48 minutes)
22. World Trade Center - 9/11 Memorial, Oculus (50 minutes)

From Jamaica Station (J/Z Trains - To Lower Manhattan)

1. Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer - AirTrain connection (0 minutes)
2. Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av - (2 minutes)
3. 121 St - (5 minutes)
4. 111 St - (7 minutes)
5. 104 St - (9 minutes)
6. Woodhaven Blvd - (12 minutes)
7. 85 St-Forest Pkwy - (14 minutes)
8. 75 St - (16 minutes)
9. Cypress Hills - (19 minutes)
10. Crescent St - (21 minutes)
11. Norwood Av - (23 minutes)
12. Cleveland St - (25 minutes)
13. Van Siclen Av - (27 minutes)
14. Alabama Av - (30 minutes)
15. Broadway Junction - Transfer to A, C, L trains (33 minutes)
16. Chauncey St - (36 minutes)
17. Halsey St - (38 minutes)
18. Gates Av - (40 minutes)
19. Kosciuszko St - (42 minutes)
20. Myrtle Av - (44 minutes)
21. Flushing Av - (46 minutes)
22. Lorimer St - Transfer to G train (48 minutes)
23. Hewes St - (50 minutes)
24. Marcy Av - Transfer to J, M, Z trains (52 minutes)
25. Essex St - Lower East Side (55 minutes)
26. Bowery - Chinatown (57 minutes)
27. Canal St - Chinatown, Little Italy (59 minutes)
28. Chambers St - City Hall, Brooklyn Bridge (61 minutes)
29. Fulton St - Financial District, 9/11 Memorial (63 minutes)
30. Broad St - Wall Street (65 minutes)

From Howard Beach (A Train - 24/7 Service)

1. Howard Beach-JFK Airport - AirTrain connection (0 minutes)
2. Aqueduct Racetrack - (4 minutes)
3. Aqueduct-N Conduit Av - (6 minutes)
4. Rockaway Blvd - Transfer to S train (9 minutes)
5. 111 St - (12 minutes)
6. 104 St - (14 minutes)
7. Woodhaven Blvd - (16 minutes)
8. 88 St - (19 minutes)
9. 80 St - (21 minutes)
10. Grant Av - (24 minutes)
11. Liberty Av - (26 minutes)
12. Cross Bay Blvd - (29 minutes)
13. Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd - (32 minutes)
14. Rockaway Blvd - (35 minutes, reenters subway system)
15. Broadway Junction - Transfer to J, Z, L trains (45 minutes)
16. Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts - Transfer to G train (55 minutes)
17. Jay St-MetroTech - Transfer to A, C, F, R trains (60 minutes)
18. High St - Brooklyn Bridge (63 minutes)
19. Fulton St - Financial District (66 minutes)
20. Chambers St - (68 minutes)
21. Canal St - (71 minutes)
22. West 4 St - West Village (74 minutes)
23. 14 St - Chelsea (76 minutes)
24. 34 St-Penn Station - (79 minutes)
25. 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal - Times Square (81 minutes)
26. 59 St-Columbus Circle - Central Park South (84 minutes)
27. 125 St - Harlem (90+ minutes)

Key Manhattan Stations for Visitors

• 34 St-Penn Station: Best for Amtrak, NJ Transit, LIRR, Madison Square Garden, and Midtown west.
• 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal: Times Square, Broadway theaters, bus station.
• Times Square-42 St: Heart of Times Square, most subway transfers.
• Lexington Av/53 St: Midtown east, near MoMA, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral.
• 59 St-Columbus Circle: Central Park South, Lincoln Center, Time Warner Center.
• 14 St-Union Square: Union Square, Greenwich Village, NYU.
• West 4 St: West Village, Washington Square Park, NYU.
• Canal St: Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho.
• Fulton St: Financial District, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street.
• Grand Central-42 St: Grand Central Terminal, Midtown east.

How to Navigate from Subway to Your Hotel

From Penn Station (most common for tourists): Most Midtown hotels are within a 5-15 minute walk. The station is at 7th Ave and 31st-33rd St. For hotels near Times Square: Walk north on 7th Ave. For hotels near Herald Square: Walk east on 34th St. For hotels near the Theater District: Walk north on 8th Ave. If you have heavy luggage, consider a taxi from the station to your hotel (short ride, $10-15) or use a rideshare. Many hotels in the Theater District and Times Square are within 2-5 blocks of Penn Station.

Return Trip: Manhattan to JFK by Subway

From Manhattan, take the E train to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer, J/Z to Jamaica Center, or A train to Howard Beach. Travel time to Jamaica/Howard Beach: 45-60 minutes. Transfer to AirTrain (included in your $8.25 fare if you use the same MetroCard within 2 hours). Total travel time: 60-90 minutes. For early morning flights, check the schedule—first trains from Manhattan start around 5:30 AM, arriving at JFK around 6:30-7:00 AM. For flights before 9:00 AM, this may be cutting it close—consider a taxi or car service instead.

JFK Airport to Manhattan NYC Route Map

The map below shows the route from JFK Airport to Manhattan. The AirTrain connects to subway lines that run through Queens into Manhattan, with multiple options depending on your destination.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from JFK Airport to Manhattan on Google Maps

The distance from JFK Airport to Manhattan is approximately 15-20 miles (24-32 km) depending on route. By car, the most direct route is via the Van Wyck Expressway to the Long Island Expressway or Grand Central Parkway, which takes 45-60 minutes without traffic. The subway covers a similar distance in 60-90 minutes but is immune to traffic delays.

JFK to Manhattan: Ticketing & Costs

MetroCard vs. OMNY Contactless

The MetroCard is being phased out but is still available. Cost: $1 for the card plus fare. OMNY is the new contactless system: tap your credit card, phone, or wearable device. Benefits: No card fee, fare capping (never pay more than $34/week), can be used for multiple people (each needs their own payment method). For visitors: OMNY is easier if you have a contactless card. The $1 MetroCard fee is annoying but minimal. The internet says to get a MetroCard, but OMNY is actually simpler for most tourists now.

Cost Comparison: The Real Math

Solo traveler: Subway $11.15 vs. Taxi $70 (save $59). Couple: Subway $22.30 vs. Taxi $70 (save $48). Family of 4: Subway $44.60 vs. Taxi $70 (save $25) but luggage space matters. Group of 4 with lots of luggage: UberXL $85 vs. Taxi $70 (taxi is cheaper). I've done all these calculations many times—the subway almost always wins on pure cost, but convenience and time have value too, especially after a long flight.

Traveler Experience: Getting to Manhattan from JFK

Arriving at JFK Airport can be overwhelming. The airport is large, busy, and has multiple terminals. After collecting your bags, you'll see signs for all ground transportation options. The walk to the AirTrain can be long in some terminals (especially Terminal 4). The whole arrival process is efficient but crowded, and you need to decide which option suits your needs before you exit.

First-Time Visitor Experience

As a first-timer, it's straightforward but busy: If taking the subway, follow the orange "AirTrain" signs. Don't be confused—the AirTrain is free within the airport. If taking a taxi, follow the "Taxi" signs right outside baggage claim. If using rideshare, check your app for which parking lot to go to. The airport is designed to move people efficiently, but during peak arrival times (11 AM-2 PM, 7-10 PM), there can be long lines for taxis and rideshare.

The Reality of NYC Traffic

NYC traffic is consistently ranked among the worst in the nation. The Van Wyck Expressway to Manhattan is congested most daylight hours. Rush hour (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM) can double or triple travel times. Friday afternoons are particularly bad. The subway avoids this entirely. The internet might say "45-60 minutes by car," but that's only at 3 AM. At 5 PM on a weekday, the same trip can take 90-120 minutes. I've sat in Friday evening traffic for 2 hours from JFK to Midtown—a trip the subway makes in 75 minutes consistently.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive at 5:30 PM on a Friday with one suitcase. To save $45, you choose Uber over the subway. The app says 45 minutes, $65. You request the ride, wait 12 minutes for pickup, then sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Van Wyck. The trip takes 95 minutes and costs $78 with surge pricing. You arrive exhausted and frustrated. Meanwhile, another traveler took the AirTrain+subway, spent $11.15, arrived in 80 minutes, and read a book the whole way. I see this miscalculation daily—during rush hour, the subway is both faster and cheaper.

Practical Tips & Advice for JFK to Manhattan

• With large luggage: Taxi or rideshare if you have more than one bag per person. The subway has stairs and crowded trains.
• First-time visitor tip: Take the subway if you have one bag. It's cheap, reliable, and gives you the NYC experience. Save $50+ for a Broadway show.
• Late night arrival (after 1:00 AM): Taxi is your most reliable option. Rideshare is available but may have surge pricing. Subway frequency drops.
• Early morning flights: First subway from Manhattan starts around 5:30 AM, arriving JFK around 6:30-7:00 AM. For flights before 9:00 AM, consider a taxi to be safe.
• With kids: Rideshare or taxi is easiest. The subway is doable with kids but requires managing them and luggage on stairs.
• Cost-saving tip: Subway for solo travelers. For 2+ people, compare: 2 subway tickets = $22.30 vs. rideshare = $65. The breakeven is around 3 people.
• Time-saving tip: During rush hour (4-7 PM), subway is most reliable. At 10 PM, taxi is fastest if no traffic.
• Group travel: 1-2 people: Subway. 2-3 people: Compare rideshare vs. subway cost. 4+ people: Taxi or UberXL.
• Buying tickets: Subway: MetroCard vending machines at Jamaica/Howard Beach or OMNY contactless. Taxi: Pay driver cash/credit. Rideshare: App.
• Weekend vs weekday: Subway runs same schedule. Traffic is lighter on weekends except near tunnels/bridges. Rideshare may have surge pricing on weekend evenings in Manhattan.
• Hotel location: Most Manhattan hotels are within 5-15 minute walk of a subway station. Check which line is closest to your hotel.
• Return trip: From Manhattan to JFK, allow: Subway+AirTrain 60-90 minutes. Taxi/rideshare 45-90 minutes + traffic buffer.
• Mobile apps: Download: MYmta (for subway), Uber/Lyft, Citymapper, Google Maps.
• Rainy/snowy weather: Subway is best—you're underground. Taxi/rideshare means walking in bad weather to/from vehicle.
• Peak tourist season (June-August, December): All options are busier. Subway can be crowded with tourists. Rideshare may have surge pricing. Book private transfers in advance.
• Holiday travel: Allow extra time. The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year. All options will be overwhelmed.
• Accessibility: Many subway stations are not accessible. AirTrain and LIRR are more accessible. Taxis must accommodate wheelchairs. Notify rideshare in app if you need accessible vehicle.
• Safety: Subway is generally safe. Be aware of surroundings, especially late at night at Jamaica Station. Taxis are safest but most expensive.
• Bargaining: Not applicable. Taxis are flat rate. Subway is fixed fare. Rideshare shows price in app.
• Tipping: Taxi: 15-20%. Rideshare: Optional, 10-15% for good service. Subway: No tipping.

Frequently Asked Questions: JFK to Manhattan