🚖 Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps at JFK Airport

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. Important:

🚫 Ignore individuals without uniforms offering transportation.
✅ Go to the uniformed taxi dispatchers.
🛎️ If you need assistance, visit the Port Authority Welcome Center inside each terminal.
Taxi service between terminals - USD 6.00-10.00

⚠️ 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

*(Not including tips or tolls). Rates updated as of August 2025. Please confirm fares with your transportation provider at the time of travel.

Connection from JFK to LaGuardia*

Taxi (metered): 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

*(Not including tips or tolls). Rates updated as of August 2025. Please confirm fares with your transportation provider at the time of travel.

Connection from JFK to Newark Liberty*

Taxi (metered): 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 a USD 20.00 surcharge)

*(Not including tips or tolls). Rates updated as of August 2025. Please confirm fares with your transportation provider at the time of travel.

🕒 Wait Times and Availability

📌 During peak hours (4:00 pm - 8:00 pm): Long lines, 20-40 minute wait.
🌙 At night (after midnight): Greater availability, less traffic.
🚗 Quick alternative: Apps like Uber/Lyft are usually faster during high-demand times.
🏙️ Trip from Manhattan to JFK: If you need a taxi, use an app to book in advance and avoid delays.

🚕 Comparison: Taxis vs. Apps (Uber/Lyft)

👉 Swipe right to scroll through the table

Option	Fare*	Wait Time	Pros	Cons
Yellow Taxi	Flat fare USD 70.00 + tolls	15-40 min (depending on time of day)	Fixed fare, no surge pricing	Long wait during peak hours
Uber/Lyft	Variable (USD 110.00-160.00 depending on demand)	5-15 min	Book through the app, premium car options available	Higher fares during peak hours

*(Not including tips or tolls). Rates updated as of August 2025. Please confirm fares with your transportation provider at the time of travel.

📍 Pickup Areas for Uber and Lyft

Terminal 4: From 12:00 pm to 2:00 am, the pickup area is located at Lot 66, connected to the terminal by free shuttle buses running every 1-2 minutes. At other times, vehicles pick up passengers in front of the terminal.
Terminals 5 and 7: Your driver will meet you at Howard Beach Station, accessible via the AirTrain.

🚦 Tips for Choosing the Best Option

✅ If traveling alone: Uber/Lyft may be faster and more comfortable.
✅ If traveling with family or luggage: Taxi is more predictable and has a fixed fare.
✅ If 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 designated areas.
📞 Book in advance at night or during city events.
📊 Check for promotions on Uber and Lyft; sometimes they offer discounts on trips from JFK.

🎯 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 issues with change.
🔹 For long trips, consider ridesharing options to reduce costs.
🔹 If traveling in a group, consider shared van services to save money.