The ultimate New York City airport guide

If you’ve ever landed at a New York City airport and spent $50 or more on a rideshare car to take you to your destination, we feel your pain. There’s a price for convenience.

The good news is that you have a budget-friendly option: public transport and shared shuttles. Navigating the subway may seem daunting, but taking the train, subway or bus to and from the airport is doable as long as you don’t have a lot of luggage.

All three of NYC's major airports are accessible by some form of shared shuttle or public transit. If you’re heading to LaGuardia or John F Kennedy, then NYC subways and buses are the cheapest option by far. You can get to Newark Liberty International Airport via public transit, too, but it’s a bit more complicated.

Even if you decide to take a rideshare, here’s all you need to know about transit choices for getting to and from New York City’s three airports. Be sure to check ahead for possible transit changes.

Getting to and from LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Minimum cost: $2.90

Even though it’s in Queens, LaGuardia Airport is the closest to Manhattan at just 8 miles away. LaGuardia is a hub for American Airlines. And with major new investment by Delta Air Lines, it’s become one of the more desirable regional airports.

How to take public transit from Manhattan to LaGuardia

Getting to LaGuardia from Manhattan on public transit takes some know-how. Here are a few route options:

1. Take the 7 train to 111 St, then connect to the Q48 bus.

2. Take the 7, E, F, M and R trains to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74 St. Then connect to the Q47 bus.

3. Pick up the M60 SBS bus in Manhattan, which meets the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C and D subway lines at 125 St, the 1 line at 116 St, and the Metro-North Railroad at Harlem–125 St.

4. If you prefer to travel by bus, the Q70 SBS also stops at LGA, with connections to the 7, E, F, M and R lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Ave and the LIRR’s Woodside station at 61 St/Roosevelt Ave.

How to catch rideshare cars and taxis at LaGuardia

There are designated spots for rideshare pickups and drop-offs at each terminal; just look for signs. There are also spots where yellow cabs line up. Taxi fares are metered to and from LGA, so the total will depend on the distance. A $1 surcharge applies on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, and a $0.50 surcharge weekdays between 8pm and 6am. A $0.50 tax for trips within New York State and a $1.25 fee for pickups also both apply. Tips are additional; 15% to 20% is customary.

Local Lonely Planet staff tips on getting to LGA

“Since I moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn, I've found it's way cheaper and quicker to get to LGA if I do choose to Uber. Even if you're not staying in Brooklyn, take the L train to Williamsburg and order a ride from there. The same applies for JFK – it's just a bit further." 
– Ann Douglas Lott, Digital Editor

“LaGuardia is a car service for me, but I use a local one instead of the big guys. It’s half the price – and if you pay in cash, it can be even cheaper. A popular one is Arecibo. There are others like Carmel and Dial 7 that only old-school New Yorkers like me know about, and while it’s a bit clunkier than Lyft or Uber, it’s so insanely cheap."
– Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content

“I am obsessed with the Q70 SBS (aka the LaGuardia Link). The Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74 St subway station is only 15 or 20 minutes from Midtown on the express subway; you can pick it up from a dedicated bus platform right where you get out. (No need to get a ticket – tap to pay when you board.) The bus then takes a dedicated lane on the freeway to whisk you on to the airport; in good traffic, you’ll be at your terminal in 10 minutes. Oh, and if you have time, grab a bite at a Colombian, Tibetan or Indian restaurant in Jackson Heights en route. It’s really one of New York’s most exciting neighborhoods.”
– Brian Healy, Contributing Editor

"If I were headed to LGA from Manhattan, I'd take advantage of Uber's new shuttle that leaves from Penn Station, Port Authority Terminal and Grand Central Terminal. It costs around $20, which I would gladly pay in exchange for not having to worry about navigating the subway with bulky luggage. They've also launched routes to and from Downtown Brooklyn and Harlem."
– Ann Douglas Lott

Getting to and from John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Minimum cost: $11.40

JFK is a major transit hub for domestic and international flights. It’s in Queens, but it’s 19 miles from Manhattan, so the trip can take an hour or more. Take a subway, shared shuttle bus or commuter train to connect to JFK via the AirTrain JFK, a dedicated airport shuttle train. There are a several ways to get there:

How to take a shuttle from Manhattan to JFK

The easiest route from Manhattan to JFK is taking a shared Airlink NYC shuttle from Port Authority Bus Terminal to JFK. The rate starts at $34 for a one-way trip.

How to take the train from Manhattan to JFK

It’s a 36-minute journey to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station, just 9 minutes from JFK. LIRR departs from Penn Station and Grand Central in Manhattan, and from Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. The train leaves you at Terminal 4.

From there, the AirTrain JFK will take you to the passenger terminals, airport parking lots, hotel shuttle pick-up areas and rental car centers. The ride costs $8.50 to or from Howard Beach and Jamaica station. You can use a contactless method to pay.

How to take the subway from Manhattan to JFK

It’s about a 90-minute journey, but the subway costs just about $12. Here are three routes to consider:

1. Take the MTA train from 86th Street to Terminal 4. Then take the AirTrain as described above.

2. Catch the A train bound for Far Rockaway to the Howard Beach-JFK stop. Then take any AirTrain to the airport.

3. Or take the E, J or Z trains (heading to Jamaica Center) to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Avenue. Go upstairs and you’ll see Jamaica Station. Then hop an AirTrain to your terminal.

How to take the bus from Manhattan to JFK

You can also take a city bus to JFK: the Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, Q10 LTD and B15 lines all go to JFK.

How to take a rideshare car at JFK Airport

Each terminal at JFK has designated spots for rideshare pickups and drop-offs, as well as queues for yellow cabs. (Note that due to major ongoing construction, these designated areas can be quite far from the terminals themselves.) Taxis charge a flat rate of $70 – not including tip or tolls – for trips between JFK and Manhattan, plus a $5 surcharge on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, a $0.50 tax for trips within New York State and a $1.25 fee for pickups.

Local Lonely Planet staff tips on getting to JFK

“If time is your main concern, cars are not faster. From my apartment in Brooklyn, I love taking the LIRR to Jamaica and the AirTrain. (It’s closer than Penn Station.) Another great option is the A train to Howard Beach. It’s trickier because you need to get on the correct A train, and sometimes it doesn’t run.”
– Brekke Fletcher

“Certain terminals at JFK are undergoing construction for the foreseeable future, which means not all terminals are open for Ubers. By the time you get on the AirTrain to change terminals, you may as well just take the subway.”
– Serina Patel, Senior Marketing Manager

Getting to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Minimum cost: $6.25

Although Newark Liberty Airport is in New Jersey, it lies just over the Hudson River from Manhattan. Sometimes it takes less time to reach the city from Newark than from JFK. Here are several ways to make that journey from EWR:

What to know about taxis at Newark Liberty Airport

The fastest route between Manhattan and Newark is riding in a taxi or catching a rideshare car. Depending on the time of day, this journey can take about 25 minutes.

However, taxis to and from EWR are pricey. If you take a taxi from EWR, there’s a $10 surcharge from the airport to all destinations in New York State on weekends (noon to 8pm) and during weekday rush hours (6am to 9am; 4pm to 7pm). There’s also a $1.25 fee for pickups, a charge for each piece of luggage 24 inches or bigger, and a $5.50 surcharge for all credit card transactions. Yellow New York City taxi fares to EWR are subject to a flat $20 surcharge.

And don't forget about the tolls: whether you're driving yourself or taking a cab, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey charges a fee to enter New York by bridge or tunnel, starting at $12.75 per car at off-peak hours. (Traveling into New Jersey is always toll-free.) Many toll plazas recently have stopped cash payments or have gone fully cashless permanently, so you – or your driver – will need an E-Z Pass, unless you want to get hit with the bill later.

How to catch a rideshare car at Newark Airport

Major rideshare companies Lyft and Uber both operate at Newark Airport. To find your driver, go to the baggage claim area, then exit on the arrivals level. Look for the signs for ground transportation and ride app pickup. An Uber ride from Newark to Times Square, for example, will run about $70.

How to take a shuttle bus from Manhattan to Newark

One of the easiest options for traveling between Manhattan and Newark Airport is the Coach USA shuttle bus. The bus picks up at Grand Central, Port Authority Bus Terminal or Bryant Park every 45 minutes and stops at all Newark terminals. The shuttle buses depart Newark every 15 minutes. The 50-minute journey costs $22.50 one way for adults, or $38.50 round trip. Children are $6.50 and seniors are $11.50. We found this shuttle to be a good choice if you want to spend less than a rideshare and avoid figuring out the transit system.

How to take the subway to Newark Liberty Airport

If you want to brave the subway system, it will take about 45 to 50 minutes. Starting from 72nd St, take a $3 ride on the 2, 3 or 1 train to New York Penn Station. From there, take the NJ Transit train ($13-16) to the Newark Airport Railroad Station. Hop the AirTrain monorail (your NJ Transit fare will include the $8.25 AirTrain access fee) to Newark’s Terminal B. If you’re coming from points farther afield, Amtrak also serves the Newark Airport station, which is along its busy Northeast Corridor line.

How to take the train from Manhattan to Newark Airport

If you have time, take the Port Authority’s PATH train from lower Manhattan to the end of the line, at Newark Penn Station. From there, switch to an NJ Transit train (this is a separate fare; purchase your ticket in advance with the app, or buy from a kiosk on the station platform), then transfer to the AirTrain (as described above). You could also take a rideshare car from the station to the airport. Just note that schedules are different on the weekends.

You can also take the PATH to a local or express NJ Transit bus – a longer but cheaper option, as well as an accessible one. NJ Transit trains only run between 5 and 1am, so you should plan to use the PATH or the #62 bus if you’re traveling outside those hours.

Local Lonely Planet staff tips on getting to EWR

“I go through Penn Station, where I love the new Moynihan Train Hall food court. I especially love Irish Exit. It’s by the same people as The Dead Rabbit, and I seriously go out of my way to stop there – they have great cocktails (also lots of beer, of course). And Pastrami Queen or Alidoro for sandwiches to go.”
– Caroline Trefler, Destination Editor

“If I have to go to Newark, it’s only because the flight is cheaper and in a terminal that has a lounge (big win). Living in Williamsburg, sometimes it takes two hours and $100 to get to EWR in an Uber – and if you know driving in NYC, it means a 100% chance of getting carsick. If I have the time, I’ll take the M or F to the city and transfer to the PATH to Jersey City – then call an Uber from there.”
– Serina Patel

“I actually really like the NJ Transit route to Newark, especially from Midtown. I used to plan all my flights to leave post-work so I could commute in and head to the airport afterward. I also would try to red-eye back and go straight into work to maximize travel time as much as I could...but that part’s not for everyone. That bit was always rough.”
– Pia Peterson Haggarty, Photo Director

More New York City Airport tips for your journey

“I pick my flight based on the cost of travel to the airport and safety – because I don’t want to take my usual and very inexpensive AirTrain to the A train at 1am. So if I have to take a $100 Uber to get home on a cheaper flight because it’s super late or early, maybe it makes more sense to take the slightly more expensive flight during daylight.”
– Deepa Lakshmin, Social Media Director

“For all of these, the Transit app is the most reliable when you’re not doing the usual routing. Also, stay away from yellow cabs. They charge lots of extra fees.”
– Brekke Fletcher

“If you’re coming from Brooklyn, the best case is to fly out of LGA or JFK and take the A, C or J train and transfer to the AirTrain. It’s even nicer now that they take Apple Pay.”
– Serina Patel

“I’ve saved so much money scheduling Ubers and Lyfts a day in advance, but it really depends on the time of day you will be en route to the airport. Rule of thumb: if it’s going to be rush hour, book ahead of time.”
– Ann Douglas Lott

“I always take the train to the airport – since you always know how long it will take, even if that’s longer than by car (though with NYC’s horrendous traffic, that’s hardly a given). Then, after a long day of flying, I always splurge on a rideshare or taxi back home.”
– Brian Healy