John F. Kennedy International Airport

JFK is located in Queens at the south end of the Van Wyck Expressway. This airport primarily handles international flights; it has a one mile long "international zone", which is run not by the U.S. Government, but by the United Nations. The airport has a Ground Transportation Desk where you can get information when you arrive.

  • Port Authority of NY & NJ
  • General Information: 718-244-4444
  • Parking Info: 718-244-4168
  • Ground Transit: 800-AIR-RIDE or 800-247-7433

Driving

Driving takes 30-60 minutes and there are tolls depending on your route. For information on renting a car, click here.

Taxi Cabs

Taxis into the city take anywhere from 30-60 minutes. They cost $45 "Flat Fare" to Manhattan (as of 2010) NOT including bridge tolls and tip. Taxis are cash only. Make sure to hail a cab in the designated areas or ask a uniformed airport employee to help you. Generally, it's polite to tip at least a dollar per bag if the taxi driver assists you. more about taxis...

Car Services

Gotham Limo: For a little more than a taxi, you can have excellent service in a limo or sedan. Services such as opening doors, helping with luggage, curbside assistance, airport baggage claim greeting, suit & tie attire, and advance reservations are all standard. Visit the website for a special discount coupon and more information or call (888) 446-5466.

Other car services: Dial Car (800) 342-5106, Carmel (800) 924-9954

Bus and Van Services

NYC Airporter Bus:

Departure roughly every 30 minutes - Bus Terminal, Grand Central Station and Penn Station. Fare is $13. Purchase tickets online at www.nycairporter.com. For more information, call (718) 777-5111.

Express Shuttle USA (formerly Gray Line):

One-way fare is $14. The buses run from 7am to 11:30 pm to locations in Manhattan from 23rd to 125th Streets. When you arrive at the airport, go to the ground transportation desk. A shuttle bus will come to pick you up within twenty minutes of your arrival. For exact schedules call (212) 315-3006 or (800) 451-0455.

SuperShuttle: (800) BLUE-VAN (258-3826)

Public Transportation

The New York City subways and buses run to JFK for $2.00. If you have large quantities of luggage, you may find it difficult to manage this long trip.

Take the A train to Howard Beach (not all A trains go here, double check that you aren't headed to Lefferts Blvd). From there take the free shuttle bus to your terminal.

Tip to reach the subway system (from George Rasko):
Take the free JFK parking shuttle to the long term parking lot. This drops you off right at the "JFK" subway station, which takes you through Brooklyn and connects to all major subway routes.

Tip for Queens:
Take the Q10 to Lefferts Blvd. subway stop (A train) or to the Kew Gardens subway stop (E F R); Or the Q3 to the 179 Jamaica (F R).