Getting to Manhattan from JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia
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Three airports serve New York City, all are a few miles from Manhattan, and there are a number of alternative ways to get from the airport.
New York, the city that never sleeps, attracts millions of visitors every year. Many arrive at one of the three airports that serve the city; getting from the airport can be an intimidating prospect for the first time visitor. There are a number of alternatives from each airport for travelers going to Midtown Manhattan.
JFK International Airport
The easiest way from JFK by public transport is to take the Airtrain to either Jamaica or Howard Beach, where connections are available. The Airtrain provides a 24-hour service linking terminals, car hire, hotel shuttles, and parking lots, as well as providing links with the subway, Long Island Railroad, and local buses.
Jamaica is the changing point for the Long Island Railroad and subways E and J/Z. To catch subway A take the Airtrain to Howard Beach. Bus connections are available at both stations.
Taxis from JFK are plentiful; there is a taxi stand outside each terminal. Trips to Manhattan are charged at a $45 flat fare, plus tolls. The meter rate applies to return journeys. There is a taxi stand outside of every terminal and the Taxi and Limousine Commission govern fares to other destinations.
Newark International Airport
A taxi to Midtown Manhattan takes from 20 to 45 minutes and costs roughly $50, including tolls, and accept cash only.
The Olympia Airport Express leaves every 20 minutes between 6am and midnight and provides a connection with Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, and Grand Central Station. A one-way ticket costs $11. For more information, call +1 (718) 622-7700
Express Shuttle USA links Newark with major hotels between 23rd and 63rd Streets, a one-way ticket costs $14
The Airtrain links the terminals with Newark International Airport Station, from where the New Jersey Transit and Amtrak run services. Both provide connections with Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, but the Transit is a more regular and less expensive option.
LaGuardia Airport
Taxis, which only accept cash, take between 20 and 40 minutes to Manhattan and cost between $20 and $30, including tolls.
The New York Airport Service Express Bus runs about every 30 minutes from 6:45am to Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, and Grand Central Station. The cash fare of $10 is paid to the driver. For schedules 1 (212) 875-8200
Express Shuttle USA runs to Manhattan between 23rd and 96th Streets and costs $13 one-way. For details phone +1 (800) 451-0455
The M60 and Q33 buses also run from the airport and connect with the subway, but if you have lots of luggage, or have not visited New York before, these are not recommended options.
Generally, taxis provide good value, especially if there are a few traveling together. As in the rest of America, tipping for good service is a tradition and a gratuity of between 10% and 15% would be reasonable.
All the airports provide chauffeur driven limousines and sedans, at reasonable rates, if you want to travel in style.