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28.9 km • ~32 mins

How to Get from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Penn Station

Penn Station is 28.9 km (18 miles) north-west of New York JFK in Midtown Manhattan. Journey times vary from about 35 minutes by private transfer or taxi to 60-75 minutes by the cheapest AirTrain and subway route.

✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026 • 28.9 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Best Door-to-Door
35 mins •On Demand
€100 - €135 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Large Bags Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After collecting baggage, follow signs to the Ground Transportation welcome area or look for your driver holding a name sign in the arrivals hall.
  2. Confirm your name and destination with the driver before loading luggage.
  3. The driver will take you directly to Penn Station; travel time is about 35 minutes without heavy traffic.
  4. Ask to be dropped at the 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue entrance of Penn Station.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Yellow Taxi

Flat Fare to Manhattan
45 mins •On Demand
€81 - €99 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Large Bags Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and follow signs to the official taxi rank where a dispatcher in a yellow jacket manages the line.
  2. Tell the dispatcher and driver you are going to Penn Station in Manhattan; the fare is a flat $70 plus surcharges, tolls and 15-20% tip.
  3. The journey takes 45-75 minutes depending on traffic; keep the receipt and pay by card or cash.
  4. Ask the driver to drop you at the 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue side of Penn Station.

AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station

Fastest Public Option
35 mins •See TrainTime App Schedule
€12.50 - €14.50 / Person
Luggage: Carry-on + Limited Storage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the AirTrain station from any terminal's arrivals hall and board any train marked Jamaica Station.
  2. At Jamaica, tap out with OMNY to pay the $8.75 AirTrain fare, then follow signs to the LIRR platforms.
  3. Buy a CityTicket in the MTA TrainTime app or at an LIRR ticket machine before boarding (off-peak $5.25, peak $7.25).
  4. Take any westbound LIRR train to Penn Station; the ride is about 20 minutes.
  5. Arrive at Penn Station concourse and follow signs to 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue exits.

AirTrain + E Subway

Cheapest Option
60 mins •See MTA Schedules
€10.50 / Person
Luggage: Carry-on Only
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From arrivals, follow signs to the AirTrain station and board a Jamaica Station train.
  2. At Jamaica, tap out with OMNY to pay the $8.75 AirTrain fare and follow signs to the subway.
  3. Tap again with OMNY at the subway gate to pay the $3.00 fare and enter the E train platform toward World Trade Center.
  4. Ride the E train to 34 St-Penn Station (about 35-45 minutes from Jamaica).
  5. Follow signs to the Penn Station exits on 7th or 8th Avenue.
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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi rank outside arrivals; ignore touts inside terminals who offer flat-rate rides.
  • Taxis from JFK to Manhattan use a flat fare of $70 plus state surcharges and tolls; confirm the flat fare before leaving and refuse a metered run unless your destination is outside Manhattan.
  • For the AirTrain, tap out at Jamaica or Howard Beach; the AirTrain fare is not included in the OMNY weekly cap, so don't assume a free rail transfer.
  • Buy LIRR tickets in the MTA TrainTime app or at machines before boarding; on-board purchases cost more and can lead to fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Penn Station?

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica ($8.75) and transfer to the E subway line ($3.00), about €10.50 total per person. The trip takes about 60-75 minutes with walking and waiting.

What is the fastest way to get from JFK to Penn Station?

A pre-booked private transfer is the fastest door-to-door option at about 35 minutes. The fastest public option is AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station in about 35-45 minutes total.

Is the AirTrain fare included in the OMNY weekly cap?

No, the separate $8.75 AirTrain fare is not part of the $34 OMNY weekly cap, and you must tap out when exiting at Jamaica or Howard Beach.

How much is a taxi from JFK to Penn Station?

Taxis use a flat fare of $70 plus surcharges, tolls and tip, realistically about $90-110 (€81-€99). The journey takes 45-75 minutes depending on traffic.

Can I buy tickets on board the LIRR?

It is not recommended; buy an MTA TrainTime app ticket or machine before boarding. On-board purchases cost more and may be penalised.

Is there a direct bus from JFK to Manhattan?

No verified direct bus exists. City buses from JFK only connect to subway stations in Queens/Brooklyn; the practical public routes are AirTrain + subway or LIRR.

Nearby places

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