JFK Airport: Complete 2026 Guide
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Jamaica, Queens, about 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. It serves as the primary international gateway to New York City and is one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Getting from JFK to Manhattan
AirTrain + Subway (cheapest, ~$10–12 total): The AirTrain connects all JFK terminals to the Jamaica and Howard Beach subway stations. From Jamaica, take the E, J, or Z train into Manhattan. From Howard Beach, take the A train. Total journey to Midtown takes 50–75 minutes. This is the most reliable option during rush hour or bad traffic. Pay the $9.25 AirTrain fare at Jamaica or Howard Beach; the subway fare is additional.
LIRR from Jamaica (~$15–20, ~40 minutes): The Long Island Rail Road stops at Jamaica station, one stop from JFK on the AirTrain. LIRR trains run to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. Faster than the subway during off-peak hours, and the schedule is reliable.
Rideshare/Taxi (~$65–90+, 30–75 minutes depending on traffic): Uber, Lyft, and yellow taxis are available from the designated pick-up zones outside baggage claim in each terminal. Traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway can add significant time during rush hours.
JFK Terminals: Quick Overview
JFK has Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 (Terminal 3 and 6 were demolished). Terminal 4 serves most major international carriers and Delta. Terminal 5 is JetBlue’s home. Terminal 8 is American Airlines. All terminals are connected by the AirTrain loop. A major renovation and new global terminal project is underway; expect construction through the late 2020s.
LaGuardia Airport: Complete 2026 Guide
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in East Elmhurst, Queens, about 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. It primarily serves domestic flights. LaGuardia’s $8 billion renovation is now substantially complete, with modern terminals and significantly improved passenger facilities compared to just a few years ago.
Getting from LaGuardia to Manhattan
Bus (cheapest, ~$3, 30–60 minutes): The Q70 Select Bus Service (free with MetroCard transfer) connects LaGuardia to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave/74 St subway hub in Queens, where you can take the E, F, M, R, or 7 train into Manhattan. The M60 SBS bus connects LaGuardia to Harlem and upper Manhattan via 125th Street. Both buses are reliable but slower in traffic.
Rideshare/Taxi (~$40–65, 20–45 minutes depending on traffic): The LaGuardia Central Terminal Building has designated pick-up areas for rideshares. LaGuardia lacks an AirTrain, so rideshare/taxi remains the fastest non-bus option, but traffic on the Grand Central Parkway and Midtown Tunnel can be brutal.
Upcoming: LaGuardia AirTrain: A new AirTrain connecting LaGuardia to the Willets Point-Mets/Citi Field subway station is under development. Check for updates — it would significantly change the transit calculus for this airport.
Airport Lounge Access
Both JFK and LaGuardia have lounge options. At JFK, the Centurion Lounge (American Express), multiple Delta Sky Clubs, and various Priority Pass lounges offer premium travelers respite from the terminals. The JFK Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Terminal 1 is widely regarded as one of the best in the airport. At LaGuardia, the Delta Sky Club and American Admirals Club are the main options. Priority Pass holders have access to several lounges at both airports.
Practical Tips
Both airports require arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2.5–3 hours before international flights during peak periods. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR significantly speed up security at both airports. Parking at both airports is expensive ($40–65 per day); rideshare or transit is almost always more cost-effective for trips under a week.
