Introduction
“Landing at JFK or LaGuardia gets you one step closer to the Big Apple, but choosing JFK vs LGA to Manhattan is often the first major decision of your trip. The journey from the terminal to your hotel can be the most confusing part of your arrival, whether you’re trying to decipher the new 2026 transit maps, battling taxi lines, or staring at ride-share surge pricing. Don’t stress—I have the solution. This guide compares every viable option—from the $3.00 public transit routes to private shuttles—breaking down the decision based on cost, time, and ‘baggage difficulty.’ Combine this guide with my 5-day NYC itinerary to start your trip with total confidence!
JFK Airport to Manhattan
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost (Approx. Total) | Time (Approx.) | Best For |
| AirTrain + LIRR | $15 – $22 | 50 – 75 min | Solo travelers, those with a tight budget |
| Yellow Taxi | $90 – $105 | 45 – 90 min | Groups of 3-4, first-time visitors |
| Uber/Lyft | $60 – $120+ | 45 – 90 min | Those who prefer using apps, and to use during off-peak times |
| Uber Shuttle | $25 | 60 – 90 min | Those who prefer using apps and are seeking a cheaper ride-share alternative |
Public Transit: AirTrain to LIRR/Subway ($15–$22)
For the ultimate budget traveler, public transit offers the lowest cash outlay. This route requires taking the AirTrain to a transfer point, typically Jamaica Station. The AirTrain itself costs $8.50 to get you to the station. From there, you’ll transfer and pay either the flat-rate subway fare ($3.00 as of January 2026) for a slower but direct-to-Manhattan route.
Alternatively, you can use the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a significantly faster ride, which costs between $5.00 and $13.50. This wide range in price for the LIRR reflects the difference between cheaper off-peak tickets purchased in advance (via the MTA eTix App or a station machine) and the more expensive peak fare, especially if you are forced to buy the higher-priced ticket on the train from the conductor.
Important Note: While this option is cheap as hell for solo travelers who pack light, the reality of dragging heavy suitcases through subway turnstiles, up and down endless stairs, and along crowded platforms is truly brutal. Seriously, skip this option entirely if you are traveling with small children, have more than one carry-on, or if the weather is anything less than perfect. Your sanity is worth the extra $20.
Taxi vs. Ride-Share (The Flat-Rate Reality)
When you prioritize convenience and speed over cost, especially after a long flight, a dedicated vehicle is the way to go. This choice usually boils down to the classic Yellow Taxi versus a Ride-Share service like Uber or Lyft. The Yellow Taxi offers a semblance of stability: the fare from JFK to anywhere in Manhattan (south of 96th St.) is a flat $70.
However, don’t be fooled by that number; after mandatory tolls (often $6.94 with EZ Pass for the Queens Midtown Tunnel), airport surcharges, and the expected 15-20% tip, your total cost will realistically land closer to $90–$105. This makes it a great option for groups of four, splitting the cost, and you’ll benefit from no surge pricing regardless of the time or weather.
Conversely, Uber and Lyft offer a wider and more unpredictable price range. During normal hours, you might find a bargain between $60 and $120, but watch out. A sudden downpour, a rush hour landing, or a holiday weekend can cause prices to surge wildly to $150 or even more. Always check both the flat-rate taxi line and the ride-share app price before committing! A fantastic middle ground is the Uber Shuttle service from JFK. It offers a flat, fixed rate (usually around $25 per person) to predetermined points in Manhattan, sacrificing the door-to-door service for major cost savings—perfect for solo travelers or light packers. Learn more about the Uber Shuttle from JFK on the official website.
Check the official MTA website for prices of bridges and tunnel tolls by vehicle, so you know ahead of time how much you will pay on your journey to Manhattan.
LGA Airport to Manhattan
Note: LGA is closer to Manhattan, but has no direct train line.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost (Approx. Total) | Time (Approx.) | Best For |
| Bus (Q70/M60) + Subway | $3.00 | 45 – 80 min | The ultimate budget traveler, those with light luggage |
| Taxi (Metered) | $40 – $70 | 25 – 45 min | Those who want a fast, predictable ride (no flat rate like JFK) |
| Uber Shuttle | $20+ | 25 – 45 min | Those who prefer using apps and are seeking a cheaper ride-share alternative |
The Ultimate Budget Hack: The Free Q70 Bus ($2.90 Total)
For travelers arriving at LaGuardia (LGA), there’s a unique and exceptionally cheap option often overlooked: the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. This bus is specifically designed to be an express, non-stop connection from all LGA terminals to the subway station at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street. Best of all, the ride on the Q70 bus itself is completely free! Once you arrive at the station, you simply transfer onto the subway and pay the standard $2.90 subway fare to complete your journey into Manhattan. This makes it hands-down the cheapest route available, often saving you over $80 compared to a cab.
Important Note: While it is the cheapest way to get to Manhattan from LGA, it is only a viable option if you have light luggage and are comfortable with a transfer. You’ll still have to deal with navigating a busy subway station and the potentially cramped subway cars. If you’re laden with bags or traveling with a large group, you’ll want to choose a more direct (and more expensive) route.
Taxi vs. Uber (No Flat Rate)
Unlike JFK, LaGuardia (LGA) does NOT have a flat-rate fare to Manhattan. When you hop into a classic yellow taxi from LGA, the fare will be metered. However, because the airport is significantly closer to Manhattan than JFK, the total cost is usually much cheaper, typically falling in the range of $40–$70 before tolls and tips. This makes the taxi line a very competitive option.
For ride-share users from LGA, Uber and Lyft prices will vary, but if you’re looking for an even better deal than a standard ride-share, you should consider the rising popularity of the Uber Shuttle service from LGA. This option groups you with other riders heading in the same general direction and offers a substantially cheaper alternative to a private standard Uber ride, making it a great middle ground between the full public transit experience and the full-price taxi fare. Learn more about the Uber Shuttle from LGA on the official website.
Can I take the AirTrain from LGA to Manhattan?
The short answer is no, you cannot take the AirTrain from LaGuardia (LGA) to Jamaica Station. The AirTrain is exclusively for JFK Airport. As stated above, the fastest way to get from LGA to Manhattan is to first take the free LaGuardia Link Q70 Bus (which runs nonstop from all terminals) to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue subway station. From there, you pay the regular subway fare and take the E, F, M, or R lines directly into Manhattan. This is a crucial distinction: only JFK utilizes Jamaica Station for LIRR/Subway transfers.
First-Time Visitor Anxiety Relief Tips
Regardless of which option you choose, a few essential New York City ground rules will save you time and stress. First and foremost: Avoid the scammers! Never, under any circumstances, accept a ride from a random person inside the terminal or baggage claim who approaches you offering a “cheap” lift. These drivers are unregulated and known for overcharging or operating unsafely.
For taxis, only use the official taxi queues (follow the prominent signs outside the terminal), or pre-book your ride through a regulated app like Uber or Lyft. Second, for those opting for public transit, save yourself a headache by skipping the traditional MetroCard. Remember to use OMNY: simply use a contactless credit/debit card or your phone’s digital wallet directly on the subway turnstile or bus reader for a much faster transaction than a MetroCard (MetroCards will be discontinued from December 2025 onwards).
Finally, to manage expectations and ensure a stress-free start to your trip, always build in buffer time. Even on the best day, you should always assume a minimum of 90 minutes from the moment your plane lands to the moment you step inside your hotel room in Manhattan.
Conclusions
Ultimately, the best way to get from JFK or LGA to Manhattan depends entirely on your specific priorities. If budget is your only concern, you can’t beat the free Q70 bus from LGA or the AirTrain/Subway combo from JFK, provided you can handle the baggage struggle. If speed and convenience are paramount, the flat-rate taxi from JFK (worth the $90+ for four people) or a standard taxi from LGA is your answer.
For the savvy solo traveler seeking a perfect middle ground, the Uber Shuttle offers the ideal balance of cost savings and relative comfort. Now that you’ve mastered the logistics of the airport transfer, you’ve conquered the biggest travel hurdle. Get ready to drop your bags, step out into the electric energy of New York, and truly start your trip!
