How to get from NYC airports to Manhattan: a complete guide!

Undoubtedly, the cheapest way to get from JFK is to use the AirTrain + subway. The AirTrain connects all airport terminals and it is also connected to subway lines A (Howard Beach Station) and E, J and Z (Jamaica station). When you get to the Arrivals area, all you need to do is follow the signs that point to the AirTrain, and you should get off at on of the stops connected with the subway station. What do you need to know:

• The E line is the most convenient for those who want to go to Manhattan. It is an express line and arrives in Manhattan in about 30 minutes. But, obviously, it’s worth simulating the journey on Google Maps to find out which subway line is closest to your destination.
• To use the AirTrain inside the airport, that is, between the terminals, you don’t have to pay anything – you’ll only need to pay if you leave the airport for one of the subway stations – the payment is at the exit.
• AirTrain fare is US$8. You will need to use the MetroCard, which you can buy when leaving the station – yes, you pay at the exit. An important detail: if your stay in the city is going to be long, it’s worth paying $31 and having an unlimited card for seven days. But that amount doesn’t cover the AirTrain expense – so remember to load your card with an extra $8 to pay for the ticket at the turnstile.
• After exiting the Air Train station, follow the subway signs.
• Disadvantages: In my opinion, AirTrain + subway is worth it when each person has only one suitcase. If you have two, it will be more complicated.

AirTrain and train

If you want more comfort and convenience, take a train instead of the subway. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) can be used to get to Manhattan, with two destination stations to choose from: PennStation, at 34th Street and Ninth Avenue, or Grand Central Madison, at 42nd Street and Lexington/Madison Avenue.

• The difference between the train and the subway is that the train is more comfortable, makes fewer stops, and is faster.
• On average, the journey takes about 23 minutes.
• The ticket price is $7.75 for off-peak hours and $10.75 for peak hours.
• To check train schedule, click here. Enter Jamaica as the origin and PennStation or Grand Central Madison as a destination
• To catch the train, you follow the same instructions as before: take the AirTrain to Jamaica station, pay to exit and follow the LIRR signs. There are machines to buy tickets before the turnstile.
• Disadvantages: I think AirTrain + train is worth it when each person has only one suitcase. If you have two, it will be more complicated.

Van service

GoAirlink Shuttle is a van service from the hotel/home to the airport and vice versa. This is the cheapest option for those who want to leave the airport straight to their accommodation more conveniently. Prices start from $40. I suggest making the reservation online in advance – you need to inform your flight details – date, time, airline, whether it is an international or domestic flight, and if you are booking one-way, return, or round-trip). The system will suggest when the van can pick you up at the place you indicated. This is all based on the amount of time you need to be at the airport as early as your type of flight requires + the fact that it is a shared van and there are more people who will be with you.

• Don’t forget to check the limitations on luggage; it’s usually one large per person and one carry-on.
• Remember: the journey can be short or longer, depending on the number of people in the van and the stops.
• Click here to book the GoAirlink Shuttle

Ride share apps/Yellow cabs

Private car service

Newark

AirTrain + Train

Newark Airport also has an AirTrain service. What do you need to know:

• The AirTrain connects the three terminals and the parking lots. Take the AirTrain to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where you can take the train to New York.
• You can buy your train ticket to New York Penn Station at the airport. The fare is US$15.50, including the AirTrain exit fee. Just get on the train – and keep your ticket, as you’ll need to show it on the train;
• From the airport to Manhattan – Penn Station – the train makes only one stop – Newark Penn Station or Elizabeth. New York’s Penn Station is located at 34th St and 8th Ave. To go the other way, you buy a ticket at Penn Station (NJ Transit window!) to Newark Liberty Airport – including access to the AirTrain.
• Disadvantages: In my opinion, the AirTrain is worth it when each person has only one suitcase. If you have two, it will be more complicated.

Van service

GoAirlink Shuttle is a van service from the hotel/home to the airport and vice versa. This is the cheapest option for those who want to leave the airport straight to their accommodation in a more convenient way. Prices start from $40. I suggest making the reservation online in advance – you need to inform your flight details – date, time, airline, whether it is an international or domestic flight, and if you are booking one-way, return, or round-trip). The system will suggest the times when the van can pick you up at the place you indicate. This is all based on the amount of time you need to be at the airport as early as your type of flight requires + the fact that it is a shared van and there are more people who will be with you.

• Don’t forget to check the limitations on luggage; it’s usually one large per person and one carry-on.
• Remember: the journey can be short or longer, depending on the number of people in the van and the stops.
• Click here to book the GoAirlink Shuttle

If you land in Newark airport, you can also use a bus transportation to Manhattan. Coach USA offers this service, and the buses stop at Grand Central (42th St and Lexington Av), Bryant Park (42th St and 5Av) and Port Authority (42th St and 8 and 9Av.). Buses operate from 5 am to 11 pm. You can buy the ticket online (see the schedule as well). The fare is U$18.70. On the way back, wait for the bus at one of three stops.

Disadvantages: depending on where your hotel is, when you arrive in Manhattan, you will have to pay a few more bucks for a taxi or take the subway.

Ride share apps/Yellow cabs

It will certainly be the most comfortable and convenient way to get from the airport – but it is also among the most expensive. Speaking of apps, in New York City, in addition to the famous Uber, there are other options – the advantage is that if you’ve never used them, you can get a discount on the first ride; see my codes below. The amount is charged to your credit card, which you must include in the app – if you want to pay with cash, use a yellow cab. Apps don’t accept cash!

As for the yellow cabs, the offer is also great – the tip is to ask the fare beforehand to get an idea of the price, but as usual, taxis at Newark Airport charge a flat rate – starting at U$50 – for trips between the airport and Manhattan. There is a $5 surcharge during peak hours. See more prices and info on the website.

• Uber – use my code to get a ride up to $15: hbmmh
• Lyft – use my code and get $10 in credits: PERUCHI93715
• Revel – use my code to earn $20 in credits: cc7mxm
• Curb – use my code to get $5 in credits: 66C80J
• Learn more about these apps

Remember: depending on the time you are leaving, you should consider the traffic, which can delay the trip. Keep this in mind, especially when you are going to the airport!

 Bus

If you land at Laguardia, remember that there is no Airtrain service connecting the airport to a subway station – but there is another public transportation option. Upon disembarking, follow the PUBLIC BUSES signs to the bus stop. You will take the M60 bus to the ASTORIA BLV subway station, where you can take N or W lines – both trains have stops at Times Square.

• Learn more about the bus service.

Van service

GoAirlink Shuttle is a van service from the hotel/home to the airport and vice versa. This is the cheapest option for those who want to leave the airport straight to their accommodation more conveniently. Prices start from $40. I suggest making the reservation online in advance – you need to inform your flight details – date, time, airline, whether it is an international or domestic flight, and if you are booking one-way, return, or round-trip). The system will suggest when the van can pick you up at the place you indicated. This is all based on the amount of time you need to be at the airport as early as your type of flight requires + the fact that it is a shared van and there are more people who will be with you.

• Don’t forget to check the limitations on luggage; it’s usually one large per person and one carry-on.
• Remember: the journey can be short or longer, depending on the number of people in the van and the stops.
• Click here to book the GoAirlink Shuttle

Ride share apps/Yellow cabs

It will certainly be the most comfortable and convenient way to get from the airport – but it is also among the most expensive. Speaking of apps, in New York City, in addition to the famous Uber, there are other options – the advantage is that if you’ve never used them, you can get a discount on the first ride; see my codes below. The amount is charged to your credit card, which you have to include in the app – if you want to pay with cash, use a yellow cab. Apps don’t accept cash!

As for the yellow cabs, the offer is also great – the tip is to ask the fare beforehand to get an idea of the price, but usually, taxis at LaGuardia charge a flat rate of U$35 in average (depending on the destination) for trips between the airport and Manhattan. There is a $1.00 peak-time surcharge for trips from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. There is a $.50 surcharge for trips from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. There is also a NY State tax of $.50 added to trips within New York, but not for trips to New Jersey. Don’t forget that in the case of a cab, you still need to include the tip – 18% of the fare, on average. See more prices and infos on the website.

• Uber – use my code to get a ride up to $15: hbmmh
• Lyft – use my code and get $10 in credits: PERUCHI93715
• Revel – use my code to earn $20 in credits: cc7mxm
• Curb – use my code to get $5 in credits: 66C80J
• Learn more about these apps

Remember: depending on the time you are leaving, you should consider the traffic, which can delay the trip. Keep this in mind, especially when you are going to the airport!

 Private car service

There are some who prefer to hire a private car service to pick them up at the airport – it is very convenient and more comfortable! For some, this brings more security and confidence when arriving at an international destination. In addition, private drivers are already waiting for you at the arrival gate.

If you are looking for a private car service, I recommend Rodrigo Silva, Vip Tours – he has been offering this service in NYC since 2008.

• ✉️vipexecutivetransportation@gmail.com
• 📱WhatsApp: +1 3477022293
• Instagram @rodrigo_vip_newyork
  
• Please mention the blog when you contact him!

I hope you like this post!