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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.
E (not verified)

I will be arriving at JFK and taking a taxi to Astoria. How much will that cost?

Wed, 09/22/2010 - 05:15 Permalink
Steensen (not verified)

Hi, i will be travelling via JFK and will be taking a cab from there to Meadowlands,NJ.

Can you telle me, what the price will be include all and how long the trip will take. Many thanks.
Regards

Sun, 09/19/2010 - 19:10 Permalink
Nic (not verified)

My husband and I are travelling to NY in 3 weeks. We will need a taxi from JFK to The Kitano Hotel (66 Park Ave at E.38th Street) - can you tell me how much this would cost please? Can we get a flat rate? And will there be any tolls?
Thanks

Fri, 09/17/2010 - 12:47 Permalink
HJ (not verified)

Hi, i will be travelling via JFK and will be taking a cab from there to Meadowlands,NJ. I will be travelling with my son (8yrs old) who is disabled and restricted to a wheelchair. Can you please advise me if the cabs at JFK will be able to take my son (seated) in his wheelchair or will he have to be removed from the chair. Also, does all the taxis take disabled passengers, and lastly any idea on the fare.

Regards

Wed, 09/15/2010 - 16:09 Permalink
Uli (not verified)

Hi and good evening,
I need to go from brooklyn to JFK/Federal Circle tomorrow morning at 7 am to pick up a rental car. I learnt that Yellow Cab does not accept reservations for Brooklyn...is there any other way to get a taxi for tomorrow? i doubt i will find one on the streets at that time....thx a bunch!

Fri, 09/10/2010 - 02:18 Permalink
BG (not verified)

In reply to by Uli (not verified)

Call one of the local car services in your neighborhood to arrange for a pick-up at your residence to JFK. I regularly use them from downtown Brooklyn to JFK and doesn't cost that much more than a cab.

Mon, 09/13/2010 - 17:05 Permalink
Vicky Maitland (not verified)

Myself sister and mum are arriving at JFK in a few weeks for my mums 60th and would quite like to get a nice town car or limousine to our hotel, the new intercontinental in time square. Can you confirm if we can use the limousine with the flat rate of $45 and do we need to book please.

Thu, 09/09/2010 - 17:39 Permalink
BG (not verified)

In reply to by Vicky Maitland (not verified)

The $45 flat rate to Manhattan is for taxi only. Limo will charge more, $50-70+tolls+tip depending on the type of limo. You would need to book a limo to pick you up, or inquire about a car service (not a limo but a nicer than a taxi) at the Ground Transportation counter. Try Carmel Limo www.carmellimo.com as they do alot of pick-ups at JFK.

Fri, 09/10/2010 - 18:21 Permalink
CL (not verified)

our flight is plan to arrive to JFK airport at 19h40 on 2oct, we are 4 people, could you confirm fare cost and if it's possible to book it?

destination 246E 4th street NYC

thanks in advance

regards cl

Sat, 09/04/2010 - 17:42 Permalink
MS (not verified)

In reply to by CL (not verified)

Take yellow cab which does not need to be booked in advance . There is a taxi stand in front of each terminal. Fare - flat $50.50 + tip.

Mon, 09/06/2010 - 15:53 Permalink

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