Skip to main content

JFK Airport Taxi

JFK Airport Taxi Service

Taking a taxi is one of the simplest ways to travel between JFK Airport and New York City. Licensed yellow taxis serve JFK and can take passengers to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and other destinations in the New York metropolitan area.

Taxis are available at the official taxi stands at JFK terminals. Follow airport signs for the taxi area after collecting your baggage. Because construction at JFK can affect ground transportation and traffic patterns, allow additional travel time and follow current airport signs when leaving the terminal. 

JFK Airport Taxi Fare to Manhattan

A taxi trip between JFK Airport and Manhattan has a $70 flat fare. The $70 fare is the base JFK-Manhattan flat fare and additional applicable charges can be added, including required surcharges, tolls, and the driver's tip.

Charge JFK-Manhattan taxi
Base flat fare $70
MTA State Surcharge $0.50
Improvement Surcharge $1.00
Weekday rush-hour surcharge $5.00, from 4 PM to 8 PM on weekdays, excluding holidays
NY State congestion surcharge Applicable when the trip begins, ends, or passes through Manhattan south of 96th Street
Congestion Relief Zone toll Applicable when the taxi enters the designated congestion pricing zone
Tolls Additional tolls may apply depending on the route
Tip Not included in the fare

If you are comparing a taxi with public transportation, our JFK AirTrain guide explains how the AirTrain connects JFK's terminals with Jamaica and Howard Beach, where travelers can continue by subway or Long Island Rail Road.

JFK Taxi Fare to Other New York City Destinations

Trips between JFK and destinations outside Manhattan generally use the standard metered taxi rate rather than the $70 JFK-Manhattan flat fare. The final fare depends on the destination, route, traffic, and applicable surcharges and tolls.

Destination Estimated JFK Taxi Fare
Brooklyn — Coney Island About $70
Brooklyn — Downtown Brooklyn About $90
Brooklyn — East New York About $40
Brooklyn — Williamsburg About $80
Queens — Ozone Park About $30
Queens — Corona / Forest Hills About $40
Queens — Flushing About $60
Queens — Long Island City / Astoria About $70
Bronx — South Bronx About $80
Bronx — Riverdale About $110
Staten Island — Saint George / New Brighton About $100
Staten Island — Eltingville / Annadale / Prince's Bay About $130

These are estimated fares, not guaranteed prices. Actual fares can vary depending on the route, traffic, tolls, and applicable charges.

JFK Airport Taxi to LaGuardia Airport

A taxi between JFK Airport and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is available. The estimated fare is approximately $60, although additional applicable charges and tolls may affect the final amount.

JFK to LaGuardia by Taxi
  • Estimated fare: about $60
  • Estimated travel time: approximately 30–60 minutes
  • Fare type: metered
  • Extra charges: applicable surcharges and tolls may apply

JFK Airport Taxi to Newark Airport

Taxis also operate between JFK Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The estimated fare is approximately $160, with the final cost affected by applicable surcharges, tolls, and tip.

JFK to Newark by Taxi
  • Estimated fare: about $160
  • Estimated travel time: approximately 60–100 minutes
  • Fare: standard metered fare plus the applicable Newark surcharge
  • Tolls and tip: additional

Where to Get a Taxi at JFK Airport

Licensed taxis are available at the official taxi stands serving JFK's passenger terminals. After collecting your baggage, follow the airport signs directing you to the authorized taxi area.

Terminal 5 Taxi Stand

The taxi stand serving JFK Terminal 5 is currently located at the Terminal 5 Yellow Parking Garage on the ground level, near the AirTrain station. Follow the airport's pedestrian signs to the taxi stand.

Taxi locations can change during JFK construction projects, so passengers should always follow the current airport signs when leaving a terminal.

JFK Taxi Rules and What Passengers Should Know

Question Answer
Are JFK taxis licensed? Use the official taxi stands for licensed yellow taxis serving JFK.
Can I be charged for luggage? No separate charge is added for ordinary luggage or bags.
Is there an extra charge for multiple passengers? No. One fare applies to passengers traveling to the same destination, subject to the vehicle's passenger limit.
Can I pay by credit card? NYC taxis accept credit and debit card payments.
Should I take my receipt? Yes. Always take your taxi receipt before leaving the vehicle.
Is tipping required? Tipping is optional, but appreciated and encouraged.
Can taxis take several passengers? Standard NYC cabs can carry up to four passengers; minivans can carry up to five.

How Many Passengers Can Ride in a JFK Taxi?

A standard New York City taxi can carry up to four passengers. Certain taxi minivans can carry up to five passengers.

The fare is not charged separately for each passenger when everyone is traveling to the same destination. This makes a yellow taxi a practical option for small groups traveling together.

JFK Taxi and Luggage

Ordinary luggage and bags do not incur a separate taxi charge. Passengers should make sure that their luggage fits safely inside the vehicle and does not exceed the vehicle's capacity.

If you have a large amount of luggage or require a larger accessible vehicle, consider requesting an appropriate vehicle before starting your trip. Travelers who need to store bags before or after a flight can also see our JFK luggage storage information.

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis at JFK

Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available through New York City's accessible taxi services. Accessible taxis cost the same as regular taxis. Passengers can request an accessible vehicle through the Accessible Dispatch program or supported taxi applications such as Curb and Arro.

Accessible Taxi Dispatch
  • Phone: (646) 599-9999
  • Text: (646) 400-0789
  • Accessible taxis: Same fare as regular taxis

JFK Taxi Safety Tips

  1. Use only official taxi stands. Do not accept unsolicited transportation offers inside the terminal.
  2. Do not follow drivers who approach you in the arrivals area. Legitimate taxi service is available at designated airport taxi areas.
  3. Check the meter and passenger information screen. Make sure the displayed rate corresponds to your trip.
  4. Keep your receipt. Your receipt provides important information about the trip if you need to report a problem or recover lost property.
  5. Take your belongings with you. Check the back seat, trunk, and surrounding area before leaving the taxi.
  6. Ask airport staff if you are unsure. The Port Authority information center can provide official ground transportation assistance.

JFK Taxi vs. Uber and Lyft

Taxis are not the only ground transportation option at JFK. Passengers can also use ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. Ride-app prices vary according to destination, demand, and time of day, while the JFK-Manhattan taxi trip has a regulated $70 flat fare before applicable additional charges.

Feature Yellow Taxi Ride App
Booking Available at official taxi stands Book through the app
JFK to Manhattan $70 flat fare plus applicable charges Variable app price
Price certainty Regulated JFK-Manhattan flat fare Varies with demand and destination
Payment Cash or card Through the app
Official pickup Taxi stand Designated ride-app pickup area

JFK Taxi or AirTrain to Manhattan?

A taxi is generally the more convenient option if you have several bags, are traveling with a small group, or want a direct trip to your hotel or other destination.

The JFK AirTrain and public transportation can be a lower-cost alternative, especially for travelers who are comfortable transferring to the subway or Long Island Rail Road. Your best option depends on your destination, luggage, travel time, and budget. 

When a JFK Taxi Makes Sense
  • Traveling with several pieces of luggage
  • Traveling with children or a small group
  • Going directly to a hotel or private address
  • Arriving late at night
  • Preferring a door-to-door trip without transfers

JFK Airport Taxi During Construction

JFK Airport is undergoing major construction and transportation changes. Ground transportation, taxi pickup areas, and road access can be affected by construction work and temporary traffic arrangements.

Before leaving the terminal, follow the current airport signs rather than relying only on an older map or previous taxi location. Allow additional time for traffic and changes to pickup and drop-off routes.

Frequently Asked Questions About JFK Taxis

The JFK-Manhattan taxi fare has a $70 flat fare. Applicable surcharges, tolls, and tip are additional.

Follow the airport signs to the official taxi stands serving the terminals. Do not accept transportation offers from people who approach you inside the terminal.

Yes. The regulated base flat fare between JFK and Manhattan is $70. Additional applicable surcharges, tolls, and tip can increase the final amount paid.

There is no separate charge for ordinary luggage or bags in NYC taxis.

A standard NYC taxi can carry up to four passengers. Taxi minivans can carry up to five passengers.

Yes. NYC taxis accept credit and debit card payments.

Yes. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available through New York City's Accessible Dispatch program and supported taxi applications.

Tipping is optional, but it is appreciated and encouraged.
crissss (not verified)

in which way I can get the hudson hotel in Manhattan? how much taxi costs ? the flat rates is for each passenger or for the whole taxi ? thakn you

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 09:13 Permalink
Ilyas (not verified)

Could you suggest better way to get to the port authority please?

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 08:11 Permalink
cris (not verified)

How much would it cost to take a taxi from JFK to Washington, DC? My flight to JFK is late and I'll miss my connection. Need to get to DC quickly. thanks

Mon, 05/10/2010 - 04:24 Permalink
BG (not verified)

In reply to by cris (not verified)

fuhgedabouddit!! Would cost you more than round trip air/bus/train combined and no taxi at JFK will take you!! Fastest is to fly from JFK to DCA-Reagan or IAD-Dulles, frequent flights Next would be NYAS bus from terminal or LIRR (Airtrain to Jamaica station) to Penn Station and Amtrak to DC.

Mon, 05/10/2010 - 17:55 Permalink
Geli (not verified)

Hi. I would like to know what the taxi fare from jfk to 3830 Crescent St, Long Island City for 4 people? or is there any shuttle possible?
Thank you

Sun, 05/09/2010 - 10:55 Permalink
Gianpaolo (not verified)

Could someone suggest me what is the better way to go from JFK T1 to Jolly Hotel 22 east 38th street manhattan ? I think it is a taxi but I'm not sure. Thanks

Sun, 05/09/2010 - 09:00 Permalink
Adel (not verified)

Hi
Can someone please suggest the best option of getting from JFK to LGA. Should I take an Airport Shuttle or a Taxi and what are the approximate fares for each mode of transportation.
Thanks.

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 16:45 Permalink
Loyola (not verified)

Does a baby (20 months) can get into a taxi with his parents without a baby chair? In other words, is it possible to take in JFK (or NYC) with the baby on his mother's lap?

Thu, 05/06/2010 - 02:39 Permalink
Ramtahal (not verified)

Hi I would like to know what would the taxi fare from JFK to Norfolk Str NJ cost for 2 people.

Wed, 05/05/2010 - 09:43 Permalink
Neska (not verified)

Could you please advise if it is possible to get a taxi for 4 people + 4 bags in the same taxi or do we have to get a second taxi or take a shuttle or private car.

Thanks

Tue, 05/04/2010 - 03:57 Permalink
Graham (Scotland) (not verified)

We arrive from the UK on 15 May and will be using a yellow cab to take advantage of the flat fare to Manhattan. Can you book a return trip to JFK and take advantage of the flat fare again?

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 20:11 Permalink
Raf (not verified)

We have to get from the american airlines terminal to 215 West 94th Street on may 7th in the afternoon. What would be our fare?

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 11:25 Permalink
TA (not verified)

How much would a taxi ride from JFK to Greenwich, CT cost me?

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 18:33 Permalink

Add new comment

Filtered HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.