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24.5 km • ~27 mins

How to Get from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Long Island City

JFK is about 24.5 km south-east of Long Island City in Queens. Door-to-door car journeys take around 27-45 minutes, while the budget AirTrain + LIRR option takes about 40 minutes.

✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026 • 24.5 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Door-to-Door
30 mins •Pre-Booked
€75 - €95 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Ample for Families
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, follow signs for the arrivals hall and booked ground transportation.
  2. Look for your driver holding a name sign at the designated meeting point.
  3. Confirm the vehicle and fixed fare on your booking confirmation.
  4. Board and travel directly to your Long Island City address.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official NYC Yellow Taxi

Metered
45 mins •24/7
€54 - €85 (Metered, Incl. Tip)
Luggage: Depends on Vehicle
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to the official taxi rank; look for the dispatcher in a yellow jacket.
  2. Join the queue and tell the driver your Long Island City address.
  3. Ensure the meter starts at the base rate; the flat fare only applies to Manhattan, not Queens.
  4. Pay by card or cash plus a 15-20% tip.

Uber / Lyft Rideshare

Dynamic Fare
35 mins •On Demand
€50 - €80 (Variable)
Luggage: Depends on Vehicle
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Open the Uber or Lyft app only after collecting baggage.
  2. Select your terminal's designated app pick-up area.
  3. Confirm the car and driver before entering.
  4. Accept the dynamic fare estimate and travel to Long Island City.

AirTrain + LIRR

Budget Train
40 mins •Limited Weekdays (See TrainTime App)
€12.50 - €14.50 / Person
Luggage: No Baggage Fee
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to AirTrain from arrivals at every terminal.
  2. Take AirTrain to Jamaica Station and tap an OMNY card or contactless card at the fare gates (8.75 USD).
  3. Follow signs to the LIRR and buy a CityTicket in the TrainTime app or at machines before boarding.
  4. Board an LIRR train serving Hunterspoint Av or Long Island City (check TrainTime app for limited weekday departures).
  5. Get off at Hunterspoint Av or Long Island City and walk to your hotel.
🏨 Where to stay

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Things to do near Long Island City

Headquarters of the United Nations Headquarters of the United Nations group of buildings in New York City See tours Sunnyside Yard Sunnyside Yard railroad yard in Queens, New York See tours Queensbridge Queensbridge neighborhood of Queens in New York City, New York, USA See tours Queensboro Bridge Queensboro Bridge bridge in New York City See tours Bloomingdale's Bloomingdale's American department store chain See tours Citigroup Center Citigroup Center office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York See tours United Nations General Assembly Building United Nations General Assembly Building assembly hall at the United Nations headquarters See tours Central Synagogue Central Synagogue synagogue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City See tours
Things to Do in New York City
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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi dispatcher outside arrivals; ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
  • Make sure the taxi meter runs for Queens trips; the flat $70 fare only applies to Manhattan, not Long Island City.
  • Buy LIRR CityTickets before boarding via the TrainTime app or machines; on-board purchases cost more.
  • Confirm the fare or use the app estimate before accepting a ride-hailing trip, as surge pricing can exceed a metered taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from JFK to Long Island City?

AirTrain to Jamaica plus LIRR CityTicket to Hunterspoint Av or Long Island City costs about €12.50 off-peak per person. It runs limited weekday service, so check the TrainTime app.

How long does it take to get from JFK to Long Island City?

By car or private transfer about 27-45 minutes depending on traffic. AirTrain + LIRR takes about 40 minutes, including transfer at Jamaica.

Is there a flat taxi fare from JFK to Long Island City?

No, the $70 flat fare only applies to Manhattan. To Long Island City taxis are metered, around $50-$80 plus tip, and traffic can change the total.

Can I pay for public transport with a contactless card?

Yes, AirTrain and subway use OMNY contactless payments. LIRR CityTickets are bought in the TrainTime app or at ticket machines; MetroCard no longer exists.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or official taxi is door-to-door and avoids platform changes. Public transport involves AirTrain and possible stairs at Long Island City stations.

Are there transport options from JFK to Long Island City at night?

Taxis, ride-hailing and AirTrain run 24/7, but LIRR service to Hunterspoint Av or Long Island City is limited weekdays, so confirm night schedules in advance.

Nearby places

More transfers from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

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