Which Buses Go to JFK Airport? (Routes, Options, and Fastest Ways to Reach JFK)

If you want to reach JFK Airport by bus, several NYC public routes connect nearby subway hubs and neighborhoods to the airport area. The most commonly used bus routes include the Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, and B15. These buses typically connect to subway or rail stations such as Jamaica Center, Kew Gardens, or Brooklyn transit hubs, where travelers can transfer to the AirTrain JFK for terminal access.

However, buses are usually the slowest way to reach JFK. Travel time often exceeds 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, stops, and transfers. Many travelers compare buses with taxis, trains, or helicopter transfers when deciding how to get to the airport.

Quick comparison: JFK transport options from NYC

What is the fastest way to get to JFK Airport?

The fastest way to reach JFK from Manhattan is a scheduled helicopter transfer with Blade. Flights between Manhattan heliports and JFK typically take about 5 to 10 minutes in the air and operate on fixed per-seat pricing.

Unlike buses, taxis, or rideshare vehicles, helicopter transfers avoid NYC road congestion entirely. This makes them one of the most time-predictable options for travelers with early departures, international flights, or tight schedules.

Public buses remain the cheapest option but also the least reliable for timing because they depend heavily on traffic and multiple stops.

Which NYC buses go to JFK Airport?

Several MTA bus routes serve areas directly connected to JFK Airport or nearby transit stations.

Q3 bus to JFK

• Runs between Jamaica Center subway station and JFK Airport area
  
• Connects to subway lines for Manhattan access
  
• Operates daily with frequent service
  

Q6 bus to JFK

• Connects Jamaica transit hub with airport-adjacent stops
  
• Useful for travelers transferring from subway or LIRR
  

Q7 bus to JFK area

• Runs between East New York and JFK cargo/airport zone
  
• Mainly used by airport workers but available to passengers
  

Q10 bus to JFK

• One of the most commonly used airport buses
  
• Connects Kew Gardens Union Turnpike subway station to JFK
  
• Popular for travelers coming from central Queens or Manhattan via subway
  

B15 bus from Brooklyn to JFK

• Connects Brooklyn neighborhoods including Bedford-Stuyvesant and East New York to JFK
  
• One of the main public transit options from Brooklyn
  

Most passengers using these buses will still need to transfer to the AirTrain JFK to reach their specific terminal.

Using the AirTrain with buses

The AirTrain JFK is the automated airport rail system connecting:

• Jamaica Station (subway + LIRR)
• Howard Beach Station (subway)
• All JFK terminals

Travelers commonly combine:

• Bus → subway or Jamaica Station → AirTrain
  or
  
• Subway → AirTrain
  

The AirTrain runs 24 hours per day and is the standard final connection into the airport terminals.

When should you avoid taking a bus to JFK?

Bus travel to JFK is usually not ideal when:

• You have an early morning flight
  
• You are traveling during NYC rush hour
  
• You have heavy luggage
  
• You need predictable arrival timing
  
• You are traveling internationally
  

In these situations, slower public transport can create missed flights or stressful airport arrivals.

Faster alternatives to buses for JFK transfers

Subway and AirTrain

This is the most common public transit route from Manhattan. It is affordable but still vulnerable to delays, transfers, and crowded trains.

Taxi or rideshare

Provides door-to-door service but is heavily affected by NYC congestion. Travel times can vary dramatically depending on traffic.

Helicopter transfer between Manhattan and JFK

For travelers prioritizing speed and certainty, scheduled helicopter transfers provide a direct airport connection from Manhattan.

Flights operate year-round between Manhattan heliports and JFK. Instead of budgeting one to two hours for road travel, passengers typically reach the airport airside within minutes of departure.

This option is often used by:

• business travelers
  
• families on tight schedules
  
• passengers connecting to long-haul international flights
  
• travelers during peak NYC congestion periods
  

Best time of day to travel to JFK using public transit

If using buses or trains, the most predictable travel windows are:

• Late morning (around 10 AM to 3 PM)
• Late evening after peak commuting hours
  

Rush hour in NYC can double travel time to the airport, especially from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or western Queens.

Always allow extra buffer time when relying on bus routes.

Tips for choosing the best way to reach JFK

Consider total travel time, not just ticket price

The cheapest option is not always the safest choice when flight timing matters. Missing a flight costs far more than saving a few dollars on transport.

Check live route updates before leaving

NYC buses and trains may change schedules, reroute, or delay service. Always check official MTA trip planners before departure.

Know your JFK terminal in advance

JFK is a large airport with multiple terminals. Confirm your airline terminal early so you can choose the best drop-off point or AirTrain stop.

Frequently asked questions

Which bus goes directly to JFK Airport?

The main NYC bus routes serving JFK or nearby airport transit hubs include Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, and B15. Most travelers will still transfer to the AirTrain for terminal access.

Is there a bus from Manhattan straight to JFK?

There is no standard public city bus running directly from Manhattan to JFK terminals. Travelers typically take subway or rail to Queens and then transfer to a bus or AirTrain.

What is the cheapest way to get to JFK?

Public transit using subway plus AirTrain or bus plus AirTrain is usually the lowest-cost option.

What is the most reliable way to reach JFK on time?

For timing certainty, options that avoid NYC road traffic such as rail connections or scheduled helicopter transfers between Manhattan and JFK provide the most predictable arrival times.

Final takeaway

Multiple NYC bus routes connect to JFK Airport, particularly from Queens and Brooklyn, but most journeys require transfers and longer travel times. While buses are the lowest-cost option, they are rarely the fastest or most predictable.

Travelers should balance price, timing, luggage needs, and flight schedule when choosing their airport transport method.