New York City is served by three major airports, each with a very different transfer experience. JFK is the main international gateway; Newark (technically in New Jersey) handles a large share of transatlantic traffic; and LaGuardia is primarily domestic. Getting into Manhattan from any of them is manageable once you know the options — and your choice can make a real difference to your journey time and wallet.
From JFK: AirTrain plus subway or LIRR
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) sits about 25 km southeast of Midtown Manhattan in the borough of Queens. There is no direct rail link to Manhattan, but the two-step AirTrain plus subway combination is the standard affordable option, and a faster rail link via the Long Island Rail Road is also available.
AirTrain to Jamaica, then subway or LIRR
The AirTrain is a light rail shuttle that loops around all JFK terminals and connects to two rail hubs: Jamaica Station and Howard Beach.
- Via Jamaica Station: from Jamaica you can continue into Manhattan on the A train (the cheapest option, taking around 45–60 minutes into central Manhattan depending on your final stop) or on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station in about 10–12 minutes — fast, comfortable, and reliable. The LIRR fare is higher than the subway but dramatically faster, and Penn Station is a very central arrival point.
- Via Howard Beach: connects to the A train directly. Useful if your destination is downtown or the West Side, but involves a slightly longer AirTrain leg first.
The AirTrain itself carries a fee (paid at the Jamaica or Howard Beach exit gates, not on board). Subway and LIRR fares are on top of that. The combined AirTrain plus A train is the most affordable way to get to Manhattan. The AirTrain plus LIRR is faster and often the better value when you factor in travel time.
Journey times from JFK to Midtown on the combined service vary: roughly 60–75 minutes via the subway, or around 35–45 minutes via the LIRR, excluding time to reach the platform after landing.
Taxi and rideshare from JFK
Yellow cabs from JFK to Manhattan operate on a flat rate to destinations within Manhattan — a set fare established by the Taxi and Limousine Commission, plus tolls and tip. Journey times vary enormously with traffic: budget 45 minutes in light conditions, but rush hour can push this to 90 minutes or more, particularly crossing Queens. Rideshare apps are also widely used and sometimes cheaper outside peak hours.
A private car or shared shuttle from JFK is practical if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling to the outer boroughs or an area poorly served by the A train.
From Newark: AirTrain and NJ Transit to Penn Station
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is in New Jersey, roughly 25–30 km from Midtown Manhattan, but its rail connection is impressively direct. Many travellers who arrive at Newark find the transfer into the city surprisingly smooth.
AirTrain to Newark Airport station, then NJ Transit
Newark has its own AirTrain (distinct from JFK's, confusingly), a short monorail linking the terminals to Newark Airport Rail Station. From there, NJ Transit trains run non-stop to New York Penn Station in about 24–30 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day and into the late evening.
The AirTrain fare is modest and paid at the station exit. NJ Transit fares are reasonable, though slightly higher than the NYC subway. Combined, this is one of the faster and more civilised airport-to-city connections serving New York. Penn Station puts you in Midtown Manhattan with access to the subway, Amtrak long-distance trains and the subway network.
Amtrak trains also call at Newark Airport station — useful if you are continuing directly to another city — but NJ Transit is usually the better option for the New York transfer itself.
Taxi and rideshare from Newark
Taxis and rideshares from Newark to Manhattan charge a metered fare plus tolls (notably the tunnel or bridge fee, which is substantial). Total costs are typically higher than from JFK and journey times are similarly traffic-dependent. If you are travelling to the west side of Manhattan or beyond Penn Station, a car may save you a change of transport; otherwise the rail option is hard to beat.
From LaGuardia: buses and taxis
LaGuardia (LGA) is the awkward one. Despite being the closest airport to Manhattan — roughly 12 km from Midtown — it has no direct rail connection, and getting into the city depends on buses or road. A new terminal opened in recent years, but the rail link that was discussed for years remains unbuilt.
Q70 bus to Jackson Heights, then subway
The Q70 Select Bus Service (LaGuardia Link) runs from all LaGuardia terminals to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, where you can connect to the E, F, M, R or 7 subway lines. The Q70 is a free bus service — fares are paid on the subway, not the bus — and runs frequently throughout the day and into the evening.
Total journey time from LaGuardia to Midtown Manhattan via the Q70 and subway is roughly 40–60 minutes depending on connections and traffic. It is unglamorous but it works, and the price is hard to argue with.
Other bus options include the M60 SBS to the Upper West Side (connecting to the 1, 2, 3, A, C and D lines) and various local bus routes. The M60 is particularly useful if your destination is the Upper West Side or you are connecting to Grand Central.
Taxi and rideshare from LaGuardia
Taxis and rideshares from LaGuardia operate on a metered fare. Distances are short but the road corridors are among the most congested in the city — a 12 km journey can easily take 45 minutes or more at peak times. In light traffic, a taxi from LaGuardia to Midtown is quick and affordable. In rush hour, the bus and subway combination may be faster.
Navigating Penn Station on arrival
Both NJ Transit from Newark and the LIRR from JFK terminate at New York Penn Station in Midtown. Penn Station is large and can be confusing on arrival — signs for the exit and for subway connections are not always obvious. The subway entrance at Penn Station is on 7th and 8th Avenues. If you are heading uptown, the 1/2/3 trains at Penn Station are your fastest option.
For comparisons with international transfers, see our guide to London airports to city centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from JFK to Manhattan?
The AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica or Howard Beach, followed by the New York City subway (A train), is the cheapest option. You pay the AirTrain fee at the exit gate and a standard subway fare on the train.
How long does it take from Newark Airport to Midtown Manhattan by train?
The AirTrain from the terminal to Newark Airport Rail Station takes about 3–4 minutes, and NJ Transit trains then run non-stop to New York Penn Station in around 24–30 minutes. Total time from terminal to Midtown is typically 35–45 minutes.
Is there a direct train from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
No. LaGuardia has no rail connection. The standard public transport option is the Q70 free bus to Jackson Heights, then the subway into Manhattan — roughly 40–60 minutes total.
Which New York airport is easiest to get into the city from?
Newark offers the smoothest rail connection to Midtown via NJ Transit to Penn Station. JFK's AirTrain plus LIRR is also fast. LaGuardia is closest in distance but has no rail link, making it the most awkward for ground transport.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transfer routes: JFK International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport official sites.
- Rail schedules and fares: Long Island Rail Road (MTA), NJ Transit.
- Bus routes: MTA New York City Transit (Q70 LaGuardia Link, M60 SBS).