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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.
Anonymous (not verified)

I shall go to State university of New York at Stony Brook. I have the following questions:
How long does it take to wait for a taxi?
How much does it take from JFK airport to SUNY Stony Brook?
Do I need to reserve a taxi in advanced?
Thank you very much!
You can answer my mail to the following address:
jianggf@mail.buct.edu.cn

Sun, 08/10/2008 - 12:23 Permalink
Manish (not verified)

Hi I am going on a vacation, flying from JFK in first week of Aug and back in last week of aug, need parking for 25 days, looking out for best and cheap way.
Thanks
Manish

Wed, 07/30/2008 - 14:51 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Is the flat rate fare of $45 from JFK to Manhatten per person? There are 3 of us traveling and we are trying to figure out the most economical way to get to our hotel (other than walking). Thanks.

Wed, 07/30/2008 - 00:56 Permalink
frances (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Sorry, I can't answer that...would you mind passing on the answer to me though? I'll be doing the same with 2 friends in October.

I do know that from La Guardia the taxi fare for 3 was about $45. in Dec 2006.

Sat, 08/09/2008 - 19:52 Permalink
Anonymous2 (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

No, fare is always per vehicle, not per person. Licensed NYC cabs are not supposed to carry more than 4 passengers (even if they are minivans) so plan accordingly.

Fri, 08/29/2008 - 18:55 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I'm wondering how much it would be for a taxi to/from ossining, ny (in white planes) and jfk international airport. Thanks!

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 02:07 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I'll get US (Airport JFK) around the 20 of august with my family after 8:00 p.m. and it's the first time for me.
What do you recommend, in terms of safety and comfortable, to take (taxi, limo etc..) if I need to get Morristown in NJ? If it's possible, can you give me some practical indications?

Thank you
Francesco

Wed, 07/23/2008 - 10:39 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I am flying in from Buffalo,NY and i need a cab from JFK to springvalley,Ny which is right next to nanuet,ny. how much will this fare cost me? Thanks please reply via e-mail ASAP.

Tue, 07/22/2008 - 23:54 Permalink
Camaney (not verified)

I am arriving to JFK with my family next Wednesday at 9:30 PM. I understand that yellow taxis carry 4 persons only. What to do if we are a family of FIVE and want to travel in the same cab to Manhattan?

Sun, 07/20/2008 - 22:40 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

We're a group of four traveling from St. James, Long Island to JFK on Saturday July 12 for a 8 am flight. How much would the total cost be?

Fri, 07/11/2008 - 03:00 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

im goin from jfk to 1050 King Georges Post Road
Fords, NJ 08863 US, how much dos its cost me i will like to know the charge of the taxi, thanks and best regards

Thu, 07/10/2008 - 20:41 Permalink
Silvia (not verified)

how much does it cost from JFK airport to 230 E 51st St. NYC, NY ?

Tue, 07/08/2008 - 12:30 Permalink
korpiklaani (not verified)

In reply to by Silvia (not verified)

It will cost above 50$ + tips.

(the pod hotel? I'm also going there tomorrow =) )

Fri, 07/18/2008 - 15:54 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Hi how much would it cost to get from JFK to Days Inn (144-26 153rd Court)? It will be mid evening, mid week, 1 passengar with luggage. Does it cost extra if the driver handles your luggage into the back rather than the passenger? And based on your estimate how much should I tip on top of that? Thanks.

Sun, 07/06/2008 - 08:57 Permalink

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