Getting from JFK, LGA and EWR to Manhattan by Transit (2026)
The current, fact-checked public-transit playbook for all three New York airports — AirTrain fares, the free Q70 bus, NJ Transit timing, and what each route actually costs.
Each New York airport reaches Manhattan differently, and the cheapest route is rarely the fastest. Here is the current picture for 2026, checked against MTA, Port Authority and NJ Transit information. Always confirm live fares and service before you travel.
JFK — AirTrain plus rail
From JFK you take the AirTrain JFK ($8.75 to exit the system) to one of two hubs:
- Jamaica Station — connect to the LIRR (about 35 minutes to Penn Station or Grand Central) or the E, J or Z subway. The LIRR is the fastest public option from JFK.
- Howard Beach — connect to the A train, slower but a low flat subway fare into Manhattan.
Budget the $8.75 AirTrain plus your rail fare. The LIRR route is quickest; the subway route is cheapest.
LaGuardia — buses only
There is no rail link to LGA (the AirTrain project was cancelled in 2023). Your transit options:
- Q70 LaGuardia Link — a free Select Bus that runs to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av (E, F, M, R, 7 subways) and Woodside-61 St (7 subway and the LIRR). This is the standard transit route.
- M60 SBS — runs to Astoria and 125th Street in Manhattan, connecting to several subway lines.
The Q70 is free, but you still pay the subway or LIRR fare for the second leg.
Newark — AirTrain plus NJ Transit
From EWR, the AirTrain Newark connects to the Newark Liberty Airport rail station, where NJ Transit and Amtrak run direct to New York Penn Station in about 30 minutes — the closest thing to a one-ride link of the three airports.
2026 caveat: the AirTrain Newark monorail is running reduced hours during construction of its replacement, with free shuttle buses substituting. Check live NJ Transit and Port Authority advisories before relying on it.
Quick comparison
| Airport | Transit route | Approx. time to Midtown |
|---|---|---|
| JFK | AirTrain + LIRR | ~50-60 min total |
| LGA | Free Q70 + subway | ~45-70 min total |
| EWR | AirTrain + NJ Transit | ~45-60 min total |
Transit is the budget play. If you're carrying bags, traveling at odd hours, or have a tight schedule, a flight-tracked car is the door-to-door alternative — see our airport picker to weigh transit against time and amenities for your specific trip.