How to Get from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Upper West Side
JFK is about 32 km south-east of Manhattan in Queens, while the Upper West Side sits on Manhattan's West Side. Door to door, the trip takes roughly 75–85 minutes by AirTrain + subway, 65–75 by LIRR, and 37–75 minutes by taxi or private transfer depending on traffic.
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Things to do near Upper West Side
Central Park
public park at the center of Manhattan in New York City, New York, United States
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The Dakota
co-op apartment building in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, USA
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Metropolitan Museum of Art
art museum in New York City, United States
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American Museum of Natural History
natural history museum in Manhattan, New York
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Barney Greengrass
deli in New York City
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Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
art museum in New York, New York
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The Belnord
apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City
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Zabar's
specialty food store in New York City
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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips
- Only join the official yellow taxi rank outside arrivals; ignore touts inside the terminal who offer 'cheap' rides.
- For Manhattan-bound taxis the meter should NOT run on the $70 flat fare; you pay the flat fare plus official surcharges and tip.
- The AirTrain fare is separate from the subway and is not included in the OMNY weekly cap; tap out at Jamaica or Howard Beach.
- Check that your pre-booked driver has your name and booking reference before getting in; official meet-and-greet is in arrivals, not a remote car park.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest route is the AirTrain to Howard Beach plus the A train: €10.50 per person. It takes about 75–85 minutes, plus a short walk or city bus from Columbus Circle.
A taxi usually takes 45–75 minutes, often longer at rush hour. The Manhattan flat fare plus surcharges and tip totals about €81–99.
Yes, AirTrain JFK runs 24 hours, but trains are less frequent late at night. The connecting A train and LIRR also run at night, though LIRR service is limited.
Yes, you can tap OMNY or a contactless card/phone for AirTrain and subway. LIRR tickets can be bought in the TrainTime app or at machines, and taxis accept card payments.
Usually yes. A pre-booked private transfer meets you in arrivals with a name sign, takes you door-to-door, and is the most comfortable option for families with luggage.
LIRR via Jamaica is faster than the Howard Beach A train, but it costs more. Take the LIRR to Penn Station and change to the A train to Columbus Circle.
Nearby places
More transfers from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
