Visitors intending to reach the official site should visit jfkairport.com
🚖 Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps at JFK Airport
JFK Airport offers different ground transportation options, including traditional taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Here we explain the fares, travel times, advantages, and disadvantages of each option, along with tips to avoid problems.

Photo by Piotr Osmenda - Unsplash
📍 Taxi Stands
Official taxi stands are located outside each terminal. It is important to:
- 🚫 Ignore non-uniformed people offering transportation.
- ✅ Go to the uniformed taxi dispatchers.
- 🛎️ If you need help, go to the Port Authority Welcome Center inside each terminal.
- Taxi service between terminals - USD6.00 - USD10.00
⚠️ Fares and Additional Charges*
- 💵 Flat fare of USD 70.00 from JFK to Manhattan.
- ⏳ Surcharge of USD 5.00 during peak hours (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, weekdays).
- 🏛️ State tax of USD 0.50 for trips within New York (not to New Jersey).
- 🚖 Additional fee of USD 1.75 on all departures from JFK.
- 👥 Capacity: up to 4 passengers (5 in minivans).
- 💳 It is recommended to pay with a card or payment app for greater security and to avoid lack of change.
🏙️ Other Destinations
⚠️ The taximeter should indicate USD 3.00 at the start of the trip (except for JFK-Manhattan trips with a flat rate of USD 70.00).
- To the Bronx - Co-op City: USD73.00 / USD78.00 - The Hub (149th & 3rd Ave.): USD70.00 / USD75.00 - Riverdale: USD97.00 / USD105.00
- To Brooklyn - Downtown: USD73.00 / USD78.00 - Coney Island: USD63.00 - USD68.00
- To Queens - Citi Field: USD38.00 / USD43.00 - Main St. & 60th Ave.: USD30.00 / USD35.00
- To Staten Island - New Dorp Lane: USD95.00 / USD103.00 - Victory Boulevard: USD94.00 / USD102.00
*(Does not include tips or tolls). Rates updated in November 2024. Check fares with your transportation provider at the time of your trip.
JFK to LaGuardia Connection*
Taxi (with meter): go to the uniformed taxi dispatcher. Travel time: 30 minutes.
Limousine / Private Van Service: go to the Welcome Center in the baggage claim area. Travel time: 30 minutes.
Fares to LaGuardia Airport: USD48.00 - USD53.00
*(Does not include tips or tolls). Rates updated in November 2024. Check fares with your transportation provider at the time of your trip.
JFK to Newark Liberty Connection*
Taxi (with meter): go to the uniformed taxi dispatcher. Travel time: 75-90 minutes.
Limousine / Private Van Service: go to the ground transportation information counter in the baggage claim area. Travel time: 75-90 minutes.
Fares to Newark Liberty International Airport: USD157.00 - USD177.00 (plus an additional fee of USD20.00)
*(Does not include tips or tolls). Rates updated in November 2024. Check fares with your transportation provider at the time of your trip.
🕒 Wait Times and Availability
- 📌 During peak hours (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Long lines, wait of 20-40 minutes.
- 🌙 At night (after midnight): Greater availability, less traffic.
- 🚗 Quick alternative: Apps like Uber/Lyft are generally faster during high-demand times.
- 🏙️ Trip from Manhattan to JFK: If you need a taxi, use an app to book in advance to avoid delays.
🚕 Comparison: Taxis vs. Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/Lyft)
Option | Fare* | Wait Time | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yellow Taxi | Flat fare USD 70.00 + tolls | 15-40 min (depending on time) | Flat fare, no surge pricing | Long wait during peak hours |
Uber/Lyft | Variable (USD 65-90 depending on demand) | 5-15 min | Booking via app, premium car options | More expensive fares during peak hours |
*(Does not include tips or tolls). Rates updated in November 2024. Check fares with your transportation provider at the time of your trip.
📍 Pick-Up Areas for Uber and Lyft
- Uber: Terminals 1 and 4 (outside arrivals) / Terminal 7 (roof of the orange parking garage) with access via the AirTrain station.
- Lyft: Airport's Cell Phone Lot area.
🚦 Tips for Choosing the Best Option
- ✅ If you are traveling alone: Uber/Lyft may be faster and more convenient.
- ✅ If you are traveling with family or luggage: A taxi is more predictable and has a fixed fare.
- ✅ If you are in a hurry: Check in the app which option has the shortest wait time.
- 🚫 Avoid unofficial taxis: Use only yellow taxis or Uber/Lyft from their designated areas.
- 📞 Book in advance during nighttime hours or when there are events in the city.
- 📊 Check for promotions on Uber and Lyft, they sometimes offer discounts on JFK transfers.
🎯 Final Recommendations
- 🔹 Check fares in the app before booking.
- 🔹 Ask the driver for the estimated cost before getting into a taxi.
- 🔹 Use card payment in taxis to avoid lack of change.
- 🔹 For long trips, consider shared transportation options to reduce costs.
- 🔹 If you are traveling in a group, consider shared van services to save money.