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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.
Michael (not verified)

So, I hope I have read this correctly. If I get a taxi from JFK Airport to the Empire State Building, it should cost $45. Plus tolls?

Sat, 01/31/2009 - 07:20 Permalink
arsi (not verified)

hello.please can you tell me haw to arrive in Midland ave, in Garfield NJ from J.F.Kennedy.For example haw much is in taxi (about 35 mil, time 15:00), or if i can take any bus or train.
thank you

Fri, 01/30/2009 - 14:50 Permalink
martone (not verified)

i need to transport 9 people (cheapest way first please) from jfk international airport to the hudson hotel at columbus circle in april - i would be grateful for any other hints and tips - thanks martone

Mon, 01/26/2009 - 14:19 Permalink
Michala (not verified)

Hoping to visit New York 1st time, How much would the fare be to Midtown from JFK, I know about the tolls etc.

Sat, 01/24/2009 - 23:09 Permalink
Dar (not verified)

After my redeye that I took a sleeping pill for, I got into a taxi cab and was driven to my place of residence. The driver told me the price, and in my sleeping pill induced stupor I thought that I did not have enough cash, even though he could plainly see that I did. He told me to give him the cash, and he would charge the rest on my credit card. I complied. Hours later, I realized that I paid him thirty dollars more than I should have. Is there any way I could track this guy down and get his license revoked, or at least get my money back?

Tue, 01/20/2009 - 01:50 Permalink
Corinne (not verified)

In reply to by stacey (not verified)

If you are not carrying too much luggage then you can take the Airtrain to the subway's A Train into Manhattan. It is $7. A great deal if you have the time and aren't lugging around too much. If you want the ease of taking a taxi it is a flat fee of $45 plus toll & tip. If you decide to take the Midtown Tunnel (most direct) it is an additional $5 toll (I believe). Otherwise the driver would take one of the free bridges.

If you take the A train into Manhattan you can buy a Metrocard at the station (a good thing to have in the city anyways) and put at least $7 on it to get into the city. The same card can be used for the air train and the subway. When you get to the Times Square station get off and wait for one of the local trains to take you to the 50th street station. It is on the same platform and is the E or C train. There's no elevator or escalator at that station therefore I advise this scenario if you are comfortable lifting whatever luggage you bring. The Novotel Hotel is very close to this station.

Have fun!

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 02:15 Permalink
cda (not verified)

In reply to by Corinne (not verified)

actually you are better off taking the airtrain to Jamaica station and getting the E. it is a much faster ride to midtown and stops directly at 50th st.

Fri, 01/30/2009 - 21:28 Permalink
Brenda (not verified)

In reply to by Corinne (not verified)

how long will the subway take from jfk to Manhattan? The taxi flat fee of $45,00 is that per person if 2 people are traviling or is it just $45.00?

Sat, 02/07/2009 - 23:54 Permalink
Joanna (not verified)

I was looking at the flat fare from JFK to Manhatten..
So, if I travel from JFK to Broadway Hostel n Hotel (Address: 230 W 101st St, New York, NY 10025), approximate how much will I be charged (including tolls) Thanks so much!

Wed, 12/31/2008 - 18:51 Permalink
Phil (not verified)

What is the fare from JFK to Cranford, NJ (07016) after 8PM at night?

Tue, 12/30/2008 - 20:42 Permalink

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