New York airport to city centre: JFK, Newark and LaGuardia

In short: From JFK, the AirTrain and the LIRR reach Penn Station in about 50 minutes; the AirTrain plus subway is cheaper but slower. Newark, in New Jersey, is linked to Manhattan by train. LaGuardia is reached by bus and taxi. Yellow cabs charge a flat fare between JFK and Manhattan.

Your options

JFK: AirTrain + LIRR or subway

The AirTrain links the terminals to Jamaica, where the LIRR reaches Penn Station in about 50 minutes in total; with the subway, it’s cheaper but longer.

Newark

Newark’s AirTrain runs to a station served by trains to Penn Station in Manhattan.

LaGuardia

No train: buses link the airport to the subway, and taxis and ride-hailing cars are plentiful.

Yellow cab and transfer

Official yellow cabs charge a flat fare between JFK and Manhattan (tolls and tip extra). A booked transfer is handy with kids or at night.

Our tips

1. Check your arrival airport and terminal: some cities have several, far apart.
2. Plan the journey before you leave: offline route, hotel address in local script if needed.
3. Have data from touchdown (eSIM or a suitable plan) to follow your route or call a ride.
4. Late arrival, kids or big bags: a booked transfer avoids waiting and haggling.
5. Beware of unofficial drivers approaching travellers in the arrivals hall.

What next?

To choose your area, see Where to stay in New York; for sightseeing, Things to do in New York. All our tips for the country: Travel in the United States.