Navigating to Manhattan: A Guide from NYC's Three Major Airports

Visiting New York City? Whether you touch down at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, you have several choices for your onward journey to Manhattan.

Each transportation method provides varying levels of convenience and cost. Opt for a luxurious and comfortable ride, or immerse yourself in the local New York experience. Always consult the transportation service websites for up-to-date fare and schedule details. Here's a guide to navigating from the three primary NYC airports to Manhattan.

How To Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan

John F. Kennedy Airport, while not the closest, offers multiple routes to the city.

  • Blade Helicopter: With Blade you can fly between JFK and Manhatthan in 5 minutes from $195 per seat. Unsure about your airline terminal locations at JFK you can learn more.

  • AirTrain/Subway: JFK doesn't have a direct subway to Manhattan. Take the AirTrain for $7.75 to either Jamaica or Howard Beach stations in Queens. Then, for $2.75, board the subway to your desired location.

  • Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): Use the AirTrain to reach Jamaica Station, then board the LIRR. Fares typically range from $12.25 to $18.50. This journey to Manhattan takes around 50 minutes.

  • Taxi or Ride-hailing: A taxi or ride-hailing service might take over an hour. A taxi costs $56.50, which includes a $52 flat fare and a $4.50 peak-time surcharge.

  • Bus: Buses are available, but you might need to wait for a suitable one. Delays are possible during busy hours. The fare starts at $10, but the trip might last up to two hours.

How To Get From Newark Airport to Manhattan

Newark Liberty Airport, located in New Jersey, is less than 20 miles from NYC. Here are your travel options:

  • NJ Transit bus/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH): The PATH connects northeastern New Jersey to Manhattan. From the airport, take a bus to Newark Penn Station, then board the PATH to the World Trade Center. The PATH fare is $2.75 using a MetroCard.

  • AirTrain/NJ Transit train: Combining the AirTrain and NJ Transit is possibly the fastest route, costing around $15. Travel via the AirTrain within Newark Liberty Airport Station, then switch to NJ Transit towards New York Penn Station. This journey typically takes under an hour.

  • Bus: NJ Transit offers a bus to Port Authority for roughly $10. An express bus to Grand Central Terminal costs about $18.

  • Blade Helicopter: With Blade you can fly between Newark Airport and Manhatthan in 5 minutes from $195 per seat. Unsure about your airline terminal locations at EWR airport you can learn more.

  • Taxi and Ride-hailing: Fares start at $50 from Newark to Manhattan. Uber and Lyft prices fluctuate based on demand and travel time, with potential surges during peak hours.

How To Get From LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan

LaGuardia, situated in Queens, is the nearest airport to Midtown Manhattan, offering several transit options:

  • Subway or Bus: Depending on your destination, you can take a subway, bus, or both from LaGuardia to Manhattan. The fare is $2.75 using a MetroCard.

  • Blade Helicopter: With Blade you can hire a private helicopter charter between LaGuardia Airport and Manhatthan in 5 minutes. Unsure about your airline terminal locations at LGA airport you can learn more.

  • Express Shuttle Bus: The express shuttle bus charges around $16 and operates between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The trip duration varies from one to two hours.

  • Taxi and Ride-hailing: While potentially pricier, these options are faster than the express bus. Taxi fares start at $40, excluding bridge tolls and peak-time charges.


Did you know that you can get between NYC and JFK by Helicopter?

Blade offers seamless helicopter transfers between NYC and JFK in under 5 minutes from $195 per seat. Skip the traffic and ditch the stress with Blade's year-round airport service.



helicopter flying by traffic