The Ultimate Guide to Getting to and from JFK
Did You Know? JFK Airport spans over 4,930 acres, larger than some NYC neighborhoods! It serves over 62 million passengers annually with over 1,200 flights every day.
Travelers are facing a challenge because of the massive scale of JFK Airport, it’s finding out the best way to travel to and from JFK with all the traffic and crowded situations, thanks to the high level of NYC population. There are a lot of travel options, like JFK Airport Car Service and more, with their own levels of comfort, luggage, traffic, and budget, playing an essential role in your decision. This guide is designed to assist you in selecting the best NYC Car Service while also helping you understand your routes and top attractions to maximize your trip to and from JFK Airport. Learn about the top attractions, routes, and travel comparisons so you can easily navigate NYC’s roads, ferries, and rails.
Travel Modes | Cost | Time | Best for | Pros | Cons |
Taxi | $$ | 30 min-1.5 hrs | no pre-booking | Quick access | Metered fare |
Private Car Service | $$$$ | 30 min-1.5 hrs | Chauffeured luxury+comfort | Amenities, private, luxury | costly |
AirTrain, Subway, Buses, LIRR | $ | 40 min-2 hrs | Budget travelers | Cheapest mode | Transfers and crowded |
Rideshare | $$$ | 30 min-1.5 hrs | App-based booking | convenient | Wait times + increased pricing |
JFK to Manhattan (and Manhattan to JFK)
The distance from Manhattan to JFK (JFK to Manhattan) is about 15 miles, and the travel time can be from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and the mode of travel.
Attractions Along the Way:
- Times Square: Times Square is known as the heart of Manhattan, with its bright nightlife, lights, and Broadway theatres.
- Central Park: Central Park is a highly famous and important park for New Yorkers. It’s an urban oasis with lakes, walking paths, and a lot of greenery.
- Rockefeller Center: This is a historic complex that includes shopping stores, restaurants, cafes, and the famous Top of the Rock observation deck.
Travel Mode | Details |
Private Car Service | Luxurious, therapeutic, and door-to-door car service for people looking for comfort and smoothness. |
Taxi | Metered fares, unhygienic vehicles, and uncomfortable seats. |
Public Transport | Economical option: AirTrain + E subway or AirTrain + LIRR, but uncomfortable as it requires station transfers. |
Rideshare | It is convenient because of the app-based service, but long wait times and surprise charges make it a weaker option. |
JFK to Brooklyn (and Brooklyn to JFK)
The approximate distance from Brooklyn to JFK (JFK to Brooklyn) is 10 miles with a travel time of 30 to 45 minutes depending on factors like your travel mode and time.
Attractions Along the Way:
- Brooklyn Bridge: Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge with pedestrian walkways and gorgeous city views.
- DUMBO: DUMBO is known for its artistic vibes. It’s a quite trendy location known for its amazing art galleries, waterfront parks, and cobblestone streets.
- Prospect Park: Prospect Park was designed by designers of the famous Central Park, with 585 acres of natural greenery.
Travel Mode | Details |
Private Car Service | It is best for travelers looking for a fast ride with comfort and a hygienic ambiance. |
Taxi | Metered fare with direct service but can add surprise charges with no amenities or value for money. |
Public Transport | An affordable option for travelers on a budget; AirTrain + A subway but it requires station transfers. |
Rideshare | It’s a flexible travel option, but fares are not stable during peak hours due to the limited availability of drivers. |
JFK to Queens (and Queens to JFK)
The distance from Queens to JFK (JFK to Queens) is approximately 7 miles, with 20 to 30 minutes of travel time depending on the travel mode, traffic, and other factors.
Attractions Along the Way:
- Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: This park features the legendary Unisphere and the Queens Museum.
- Queens Botanical Garden: This is a 39-acre garden, an urban oasis with a huge variety of plants.
Mode | Details |
Private Car Service | A perfect option for people on a tight schedule looking for a guaranteed and punctual ride. |
Taxi | It’s a convenient option if you want to book a ride without any pre-bookings, but unsafe for VIPs, health-conscious people, families with kids, and elderly people. |
Public Transport | A budget-friendly option for people with no tight schedules as it can take hours due to crowds and delays. |
Rideshare | An option for travelers looking for easy-to-book rides but not so reliable for those covering short distances (due to high pricing and no value for money) |
JFK to the Bronx (and the Bronx to JFK)
The distance from the Bronx to JFK (JFK to the Bronx) is about 20 miles, with a travel time of 1 to 1.5 hours.
Attractions Along the Way:
- Yankee Stadium: It is the legendary home of the New York Yankees.
- Bronx Zoo: Bronx Zoo is known as one of the largest zoos in the U.S., with more than 6000 animals.
- New York Botanical Garden: It is a 250-acre garden with a variety of plants, offering seasonal plant exhibitions for nature lovers.
Mode | Details |
Private Car Service | Perfect for travelers looking for comfort, luxury and customizable rides. |
Taxi | Not customer-oriented and punctual due to zero amenities and no luggage assistance, no chauffeur service, and more. |
Public Transport | The cheapest option, but it needs multiple connections for station or subway transfers. |
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | A quick ride for people with no pre-bookings, but requires longer wait times and offers limited availability during peak hours. |
JFK to Staten Island (and Staten Island to JFK)
The approximate distance from Staten Island to JFK (JFK to Staten Island) is 25 miles, with 1 to 1.5 hours of travel time.
Attractions Along the Way:
- Staten Island Ferry: Want to enjoy gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of Manhattan? Don’t forget to try the Staten Island Ferry ride for a wholesome experience.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center: It is known for its uniqueness, cultural festivities, events, and botanical gardens.
- Staten Island Zoo: It is a must-see spot if you are traveling with kids. It’s known for its diverse range of animals and interactive exhibits.
Mode | Details |
Private Car Service | The most convenient option for a premium and comfortable ride. |
Taxi | Offers metered fare of around $70–$90 but is unsafe for travelers new to the area with no knowledge. |
Public Transport | An economical option but comes with the longest route, requiring transfers for AirTrain + subway + Staten Island Ferry. |
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | You might have to face limited availability, low comfort level and increased costs, thanks to peak hours. |
Which Travel Mode is Best for You?
Preferences | Best Option |
Comfortable & Stress-Free | Private Car Service |
Budget-friendly | AirTrain & subway |
No Pre-Bookings | Taxi |
App-Based | Uber/Lyft |
