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.

Comparing travel times from JFK to Manhattan

Travel time is a major factor when choosing how to get from JFK to Manhattan. While the AirTrain and subway can take up to 75 minutes and taxis may stretch beyond an hour depending on traffic, Blade completes the trip in just 5 minutes. This makes Blade the fastest option by far, helping travelers maximize their time in New York City, whether for business meetings or leisure activities.

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.

Cost comparison of Newark to Manhattan options

The cost of traveling from Newark to Manhattan varies widely depending on the method chosen. NJ Transit and PATH trains average $15, express buses are about $18, and taxis often start around $50 with surge pricing pushing costs higher. Blade, at $195 per seat, may seem premium but is competitively priced compared to luxury SUVs during rush hours while delivering unmatched speed and comfort. For those valuing reliability and time savings, Blade provides the best overall value.

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.

Choosing the best NYC airport transfer for your needs

Each NYC airport offers multiple transfer options, but the best choice depends on your priorities. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer buses or subways, while those seeking convenience might opt for taxis or ride-shares. For professionals, frequent flyers, or anyone on a tight schedule, Blade is the clear winner, offering luxury, reliability, and the shortest travel time from any of the three major airports to Manhattan.

Why choose Blade for airport transfers in NYC

Blade offers the fastest and most reliable way to travel between JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, and Manhattan. With flights that take just 5 minutes, Blade eliminates the stress of traffic delays and unpredictable ground transport costs. Travelers can relax in private lounges, enjoy seamless connections to their flights, and take advantage of included ground transfers to ensure a door-to-door experience. Starting at $195 per seat, Blade is not only a time-saver but also a premium travel experience that sets it apart from taxis, rideshares, and trains.


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