New York John F Kennedy International Airport - JFK Transportation

Car Rental

All rental cars are located at Station C on Federal Circle. Passengers can take the AirTrain to Station C to pick up their rental car. Car rentals are affordable and fast options, but driving in and around New York City can be tricky for those not used to city traffic. Those who take this option should have directions on hand and watch closely for signs. Car rental companies who have desks at JFK's arrivals include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Public/Ground Transfer

Public bus service is often the least expensive option, but the buses are not equipped to handle large pieces of luggage. The New York Airport Express Bus takes passengers from their terminal to Grand Central or Penn Station. These buses run every half hour. The trip costs a flat fare of $15 making it extremely affordable. Public buses are far less expensive, usually $2, but they are much longer with many stops on the way to Manhattan.

The AirTrain service will take passengers to two of the large stations outside of New York City for a fee of $5. From either Howard Beach Subway or Jamaica Station passengers can catch subways into the city or other outlying suburbs. Subway fares are generally only a few dollars. Those who plan to sightsee in Manhattan should look into a Metrocard. For a set number of days, the Metrocard will cover all subway or bus travel without paying any additional fares. A one-day Metrocard costs $7 and a seven-day Metrocard costs $24. Handicapped passengers and senior citizens receive half off the price of the Metrocards.

Airport Shuttles

AirTrain runs throughout the airport and to nearby Howard Beach and Jamaica Stations. The comfortable trains run 24/7 and is free to anywhere within the airport making it easy for passengers to get from one terminal to another. Those wishing to travel to Howard Beach or Jamaica Station pay a meager $5 one-way. Those who parked their vehicle in the long-term parking area at Howard Beach Station do not need to pay the $5 fee.

Limousine Services

Large groups needing car or van service and those looking for more private vehicle arrangements can visit the Ground Service Reservation counters found in each terminal's arrivals area. Here vans and limousines can be booked. These transportation methods are usually the most expensive, but luggage is not an issue, nor is the number of people traveling together. This is especially helpful for large families who do not want to get separated. Fees vary depending on the type of vehicle that is booked.

Taxi Services

Passengers must be careful to make sure they are using a licensed cab driver. Others will charge outrageous fares. There are taxi dispatching booths at each JFK terminal. There is a limit of four passengers in any New York City taxi and most taxis charge extra for large pieces of luggage. The meter starts at $2.50 and then tolls, tips, and mileage fees are accrued. Those traveling to areas other than Manhattan must pay a 50¢ surcharge from 8am to 6pm or $1 for trips made between 4pm and 8pm. An average taxi ride into Manhattan costs $50.