Visitors intending to reach the official site should visit jfkairport.com
Guide to Buses at JFK Airport
Although they are often the least considered transportation option, buses at JFK can be an extremely economical alternative for getting to nearby neighborhoods or a direct solution for connecting with other area airports. There are two main types of service: the MTA city buses, integrated into New York's public transport network, and private shuttles that connect airports. This guide will help you understand when the bus is your best ally and when it's better to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buses at JFK
Is the MTA bus a good option for a tourist?
Generally no, unless your budget is extremely limited and you are traveling with very little luggage (a backpack). They are slow, make many stops, and are not designed for large suitcases.
Where do the MTA buses depart from?
The main stops are located near Terminal 5 and in the area of the AirTrain's Lefferts Boulevard station, which is a major bus connection hub.
How do I pay for the MTA bus?
The easiest way is to use OMNY, New York's contactless payment system. Simply tap your credit/debit card or your phone on the reader when you board. The fare is only USD 2.90.
How do I get from JFK to LaGuardia or Newark?
The most direct option is an inter-airport shuttle service. Companies like ETS Air Shuttle offer direct routes, although the travel time is entirely dependent on traffic.
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Critical Points / Traveler's Manual
The Luggage Obstacle
MTA public buses are standard city vehicles. They do not have compartments for suitcases, and aisle space is very limited, especially during peak hours.
Strategy: If you are traveling with more than a backpack or a small carry-on, rule out the MTA bus. The discomfort and difficulty of moving around will far outweigh the cost savings.
The Time Factor: A Naturally Slow Option
Both MTA buses and private shuttles are slaves to New York's legendary traffic. A journey that looks short on the map can double or triple in duration.
Strategy: Never choose the bus if you are in a hurry. If you are taking a shuttle for a connection at another airport, allow for an extremely generous time buffer, adding at least 1-2 extra hours to what the estimates suggest.
Traveling at Night: Reduced Frequency
Although many MTA routes operate 24 hours, the frequency drops drastically during the night and early morning. You might find yourself waiting a long time at a deserted stop.
Strategy: If you are arriving or departing on a night flight, check the real-time schedules on the MTA app. Often, a taxi or ride-hailing service, though more expensive, will be a safer and more reliable option at those hours.
Public Buses (MTA)
This is the cheapest transportation option to leave the airport, connecting you mainly with the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. From there, you can transfer to the subway to reach Manhattan.
Main Lines and Stops
- Q3: Connects JFK with Jamaica. Main stop near Terminal 5 (accessible via AirTrain at Lefferts Blvd). Operates 24 hours.
- Q10: Connects JFK with Kew Gardens and Ozone Park. Main stop near Terminal 5 (Lefferts Blvd). Operates 24 hours.
- B15: Connects JFK with East New York in Brooklyn. Main stop near Terminal 5 (Lefferts Blvd). Operates 24 hours.
- Q6: Connects the JFK cargo area with Jamaica. Stop on Eastern Road. Operates 24 hours.
- Q7: Connects the JFK cargo area with East New York. Stop on South Cargo Road. Operates from 5:10 am to 12:45 am.
User Experience:
Travelers who use MTA buses do so almost exclusively for the price. It is a valued option for backpackers or people staying in areas of Queens or Brooklyn well-connected by these lines. However, the general opinion is that it is not a practical option for the average tourist due to the slowness, lack of space for luggage, and the need for transfers to reach major points of interest.
Inter-Airport Shuttles
These private van or bus services are the most direct way to travel between JFK and the other two main airports in the New York area: LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR).
Connection JFK ↔ LaGuardia (LGA)
The estimated travel time is 45 to 60 minutes, but it can be much longer with traffic.
- All County Express: 📞 +1 800 914 4223
- ETS Air Shuttle: 📞 +1 718 221 5341
- NYC Airporter: 📞 +1 718 777 5111
Connection JFK ↔ Newark (EWR)
The estimated travel time is 60 to 90 minutes, highly variable depending on traffic.
- ETS Air Shuttle: 📞 +1 718 221 5341
User Experience:
Shuttles are seen as a necessary evil for connections between airports. They are more comfortable and direct than public transport, especially with luggage. However, travelers warn that it is crucial to book in advance and not to rely on the estimated travel times. Delays due to traffic are the norm, and the wait for the van can be long if not well-coordinated.
Final Recommendations: Which Bus to Choose?
- 🔹 For the traveler on a minimal budget with a backpack: Choose an MTA bus (Q3, Q10, or B15) to connect to the subway. It's the cheapest way to get to the city.
- 🔹 To connect to another flight at LaGuardia or Newark: A private shuttle is your most logical and direct option, but book online and allow double the estimated travel time.
- 🔹 For families or travelers with large suitcases: Neither bus option is ideal. It is much more advisable to use the LIRR train, a taxi, or a ride-hailing service.
- 🔹 To explore Queens or Brooklyn: If your accommodation is near one of the MTA bus routes, it can be an authentic and economical way to get there.
Remember to always check schedules and possible service alerts on the official MTA website before traveling.