Midtown Manhattan is the most common destination for travelers arriving at JFK Airport. The area is home to Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and countless hotels and businesses. Multiple transport options connect JFK to Midtown, ranging from the budget-friendly AirTrain-subway combo to taxis and rideshares.

About Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan is the commercial heart of New York City, stretching roughly from 34th Street to 59th Street. It contains some of the world's most recognizable landmarks including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and the Museum of Modern Art. The neighborhood is also NYC's primary business district, housing the offices of major corporations, media companies, and the United Nations headquarters.

Midtown is extremely well connected by public transit, with Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station serving as the two main rail hubs. Nearly every subway line passes through Midtown, making it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the city. Hotels range from budget options near Times Square to luxury properties along Park Avenue and Central Park South.

Nearby Landmarks

Times Square Empire State Building Grand Central Terminal Rockefeller Center Bryant Park

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $70 flat rate + tolls ($7) + tip
Time 45-75 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (AirTrain ($8.25) + LIRR to Penn Station)

Cost $9-13
Time 35-45 minutes
Frequency Every 15-20 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs to the AirTrain at your terminal
2. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8.50, about 12 minutes)
3. Transfer to the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) toward Penn Station ($5.00–$11.00)
4. Arrive at Penn Station (Midtown, 34th St) in approximately 25 minutes
5. Total journey: about 50–60 minutes, costing $13.50–$19.50
6. Budget alternative: AirTrain to Jamaica, then E train subway ($2.90) — takes 60–75 minutes

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $70 flat rate + tolls ($7) + tip 45-75 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train $9-13 35-45 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The AirTrain operates 24/7, and the subway (via the A train from Howard Beach or the E/J/Z from Jamaica) runs all night. Late-night subway service is less frequent (every 20 minutes). Taxis are available 24/7 at the taxi stand outside arrivals, with a flat fare of $70 + tolls and tip to Manhattan. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate around the clock with typical late-night surcharges.

Luggage Tips

The AirTrain has open floor space suitable for luggage. On the LIRR, luggage racks are available near doors. On the subway, avoid rush hour with large bags — the A train in particular gets very crowded. If you have bulky luggage, consider the LIRR to Penn Station for a more comfortable ride.

Accessibility

The AirTrain is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators at all stations. Jamaica station has elevator access to LIRR platforms. However, many NYC subway stations lack elevators — Penn Station (34th St) and Grand Central (42nd St) are accessible. Check the MTA accessibility map before planning a subway route.