Getting to Manhattan From JFK, Newark, or LaGuardia: Your NYC Airport Transfer Guide

Landing in New York City is exciting — until you remember the “getting to Manhattan” part. This guide breaks down the main ways to get from JFK, Newark (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA) to Manhattan, with a quick comparison table near the top so you can pick the option that matches your time, budget, and comfort level.

Quick comparison: NYC airports → Manhattan (time, cost, best use)

*Times and costs vary based on traffic, time of day, and exact Manhattan drop-off.

What is the closest airport to Manhattan?

LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest major airport to Manhattan, roughly 8 miles away in Queens. It’s typically the most convenient airport for reaching Midtown and Upper Manhattan quickly (especially by taxi/rideshare during off-peak times).

JFK and Newark (EWR) are both roughly 12 miles from Manhattan (distance-wise), but travel time can swing a lot depending on traffic, rail connections, and the route you choose.

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan

JFK is NYC’s main international gateway and a common arrival point for long-haul travellers. It’s not the closest airport, but it has the most transfer options.

1) Blade helicopter (JFK ↔ Manhattan) — fastest option

If you want to skip traffic completely, Blade is the premium, time-saving choice. You can fly between JFK and Manhattan in about 5 minutes (flight time), starting from around $195 per seat (pricing varies by date/time).

Why it’s worth considering:
- You avoid unpredictable traffic and road delays

- It’s the fastest way to get to/from Manhattan

- It’s ideal for tight schedules (meetings, connections, short stays)

Tip: If you’re unsure which terminal you’re arriving at, check your airline terminal details before booking so your pickup timing and ground transfer planning are smooth.

2) AirTrain + Subway — budget-friendly, slower

JFK doesn’t connect directly to the subway, so you’ll typically:
- Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station or Howard Beach
- Transfer to the subway to reach Manhattan

This is often the cheapest route, but it’s not the quickest, and it can feel like a lot after a long flight (especially with bags).

3) AirTrain + LIRR — faster public transport option

If you want public transport with less travel time than the subway:
- Take AirTrain to Jamaica
- Transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) into Manhattan

This is usually the fastest “public transport” route from JFK, but timing matters (train schedules, waiting time, and platform transfers).

4) Taxi / rideshare — convenient, traffic dependent

A taxi or rideshare is simple and door-to-door, but travel time can blow out in peak traffic. Pricing varies (rideshare surges are common at busy times).

5) Bus / shuttle — variable and least predictable

Buses and shuttles can be fine for budget travellers, but they’re usually the slowest and most affected by traffic and waiting time.

JFK → Manhattan: travel-time reality check

• Public transport can be 60–90+ minutes once you include transfers and wait time
  
• Car trips can be 60–120+ minutes depending on traffic
  
• Blade is the fastest option by far for flight time (about 5 minutes), and it’s the go-to when you want a predictable arrival window.

How to get from Newark Airport (EWR) to Manhattan

Newark (EWR) is in New Jersey, across the Hudson. It can be a great airport, but ground travel time into Manhattan varies heavily.

1) Blade helicopter (Newark ↔ Manhattan) — fastest and most reliable

Blade offers a premium option to bypass traffic entirely. Flight time is roughly 5 minutes, and seats often start from around $195 (pricing varies).

This is especially helpful from Newark because:
- Road traffic and tunnel congestion can be unpredictable

- Surge pricing on rideshares can get expensive fast

- If you’re travelling for business, you can protect your schedule

2) AirTrain + NJ Transit train — best public transport balance

A common public transport route is:
- AirTrain to Newark Liberty Airport Station

- NJ Transit into New York Penn Station

This is often the most efficient public option if you want decent speed without a taxi.

3) Bus to Manhattan — simple, slower in traffic

Buses to Manhattan can be straightforward, but they’re still at the mercy of traffic. Good if you want one ride without train transfers.

4) Taxi / rideshare — convenient, can be expensive

Taxis and rideshares can be comfortable, but costs vary widely with tolls, surge pricing, and time of day. Peak-hour traffic can turn this into a long, pricey ride.

EWR → Manhattan: cost vs value

• Public transport tends to be the most budget-friendly
  
• Car services can get pricey with tolls + surge
  
• Blade costs more than transit, but for time-sensitive trips, it often delivers the best value because it avoids the biggest risk: traffic uncertainty

How to get from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Manhattan

LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan, and for many travellers it’s the easiest.

1) Taxi / rideshare — usually the simplest

Because LGA is so close, taxi/rideshare is often the most convenient option, especially if you’re staying in Midtown or the Upper West/East Side. Travel time can still spike in peak traffic, but it’s generally shorter than JFK or Newark trips.

2) Bus + Subway — cheapest option

You can use a bus connection to reach subway lines into Manhattan. This is budget-friendly, but can take longer if you hit waits and transfers.

3) Blade private charter (LGA ↔ Manhattan) — premium private option

For travellers who want a private, premium experience (or who are travelling in a group), Blade can arrange private helicopter charter. Flight time is roughly 5 minutes, with pricing dependent on charter details.

Quick recap: which NYC airport transfer is “best”?

It depends on what you care about most:

• Lowest cost: public transport (AirTrain + subway/train routes)
  
• Simplest door-to-door: taxi/rideshare (traffic dependent)
  
• Fastest + most reliable timing: Blade (avoids traffic, short flight time)

If you’re coming to NYC for a short trip, have meetings, or just don’t want your first memory of New York to be sitting in traffic, Blade is the clear upgrade — especially for JFK ↔ Manhattan and Newark ↔ Manhattan routes.

Why choose Blade for NYC airport transfers?

Blade is built for travellers who value time certainty and comfort. Instead of rolling the dice on traffic, you get a short flight time (about 5 minutes) and a smoother airport-to-Manhattan experience.

Blade is a strong fit if:
- You’re travelling for business and need to protect your schedule

- You have a tight connection or a same-day return

- You’re arriving during peak traffic windows

- You want a premium experience that feels like a real upgrade

Bottom line: If your priority is arriving in Manhattan fast — and on time — Blade is the easiest way to skip the chaos on the ground.