New York JFK: how to navigate arrival in the Big Apple

Customs clearance with CBP

The first step after landing is the interview with the Customs and Border Protection officer: having your passport, the address of your first accommodation and, if requested, the printed ESTA handy cuts down the time of the interview. During peak hours between intercontinental flights, the immigration queue can exceed an hour, so it's worth factoring in this margin when booking your subsequent transfer.

From the airport to Manhattan by train

The AirTrain JFK connects all terminals to Jamaica and Howard Beach stations with a flat fare of 8.50 dollars; as of January 2026, payment is only possible via contactless or OMNY, as the old magnetic-stripe MetroCard is no longer in use. From Howard Beach you continue on subway line A, while from Jamaica you reach lines E, J, Z or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which in about 20 minutes takes you to Penn Station for a total cost just under 17 dollars: it is the fastest option for those staying in Midtown.

Taxis and safety: the official Yellow Cab rank

The flat rate set by the Taxi and Limousine Commission for the trip between JFK and any point in Manhattan is 52 dollars (plus tolls and tip), with a 4.50 dollar surcharge during peak hours on weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m.; a raise of the flat rate to 65 dollars is pending approval in 2026, so it is worth checking the amount posted inside the taxi at the time of the ride. Always take a taxi from the official rank outside the terminal and avoid anyone who offers to guide you inside the terminal building: for more information on this type of scam, see our guide on how to avoid unlicensed taxis.

If your hotel is near Penn Station or Midtown, choose the AirTrain paired with the LIRR instead of the subway alone: the journey requires a few dollars more but, during peak hours, can save up to forty minutes compared to switching with lines E, J or Z.