The New York City area has three major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark), and all are located outside of Manhattan. Each airport has multiple transportation options for getting to Manhattan.
Follow these directions to get from any New York City airport to Manhattan by taking public transportation, a taxi, or an express bus.
- Kennedy (JFK) to Manhattan
- LaGuardia (LGA) to Manhattan
- Newark (EWR) to Manhattan
Kennedy (JFK) to Manhattan
Contents
Public Transportation
The AirTrain connects JFK Airport to the New York City subway system and the Long Island Railroad, both of which go to Manhattan.
Follow the AirTrain signs to the AirTrain Station located outside of each terminal. Take the elevator or escalator to the main level of the station. If you get confused with the AirTrain, ask an agent wearing a red coat for assistance.
You will pay for the AirTrain after your ride ends. When you get off, follow the signs to go to either the subway or the Long Island Railroad (LIRR).
Taxi
Exit the airport and go to the taxi stand located outside the arrivals level of every terminal. As a safety precaution, do not accept offers from solicitors inside the airport. Such soliciting is illegal and many solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured.
NYC Airporter Express Bus
NYC Airporter buses stop outside of each JFK Airport terminal and leave approximately every half hour. When you land at JFK Airport, look for the NYC Airporter agents wearing green near the Ground Transportation Welcome Center and outside the baggage claim area.
The buses go from JFK to Midtown Manhattan, with a complimentary shuttle from Bryant Park to Times Square and all Midtown hotels. The buses have free WIFI and reclining seats.
Return service to JFK Airport and round trip tickets are also available.
Buy your ride on NYC Airporter
LaGuardia (LGA) to Manhattan
Public Transportation
Public Transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan requires taking a bus the whole way or taking a combination of bus + subway. Either way, you will have to catch a bus at the airport because the subway does not go all the way to the airport.
Each terminal has a bus station outside near the baggage claim area.
Public bus options from the Main Terminals at LGA:
- M60 Select Bus to Upper Manhattan
- Q70 Bus to Jackson Heights subway station in Queens, and transfer to the E, F, or 7 train to Manhattan
Public bus options from the Marine Air Terminal at LGA:
- M60 Select Bus to Upper Manhattan
- Q47 Bus to Jackson Heights subway station in Queens, and transferring to the E, F, or 7 train to Manhattan
Bus Fare:
For the M60 Bus, you must pay your fare at the Fare Collector machine before boarding. Your receipt is proof of purchase for fare inspectors who randomly check.
For other buses, you pay for your ride by either purchasing a MetroCard at a vending machine (located at most terminals) or paying in coins on the bus. Note that machines on buses do not accept dollar bills or credit cards.
Taxi
Exit the airport and go to the taxi stand located outside the arrivals level of each terminal. As a safety precaution, do not accept offers from solicitors inside the airport. Such soliciting is illegal and many solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured.
NYC Airporter Express Bus
NYC Airporter buses stop outside of each LaGuardia Airport terminal and leave approximately every half hour. When you land at LaGuardia Airport, look for the NYC Airporter agents wearing green near the Ground Transportation Welcome Center and outside the baggage claim area.
The buses go from LaGuardia to Midtown Manhattan, with a complimentary shuttle from Bryant Park to Times Square and all Midtown hotels. The buses have free WIFI and reclining seats.
Return service to LaGuardia Airport and round trip tickets are also available.
Newark (EWR) to Manhattan
Public Transportation
The AirTrain connects Newark Airport to New York Penn Station. Use the New York City subway system to access other points in Manhattan from Penn Station.
Purchase a ticket from a NJ Transit vending machine in the airport or at the AirTrain Station. Take the Airtrain to the “Airport Station.” Take a connecting NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station.
Taxi
Exit the airport and go to the taxi stand located outside the arrivals level. As a safety precaution, do not accept offers from solicitors inside the airport. Such soliciting is illegal and many solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured.
For more information on transportation from a New York City airport to Manhattan, as well as return trips, visit the Port Authority website.