Getting around New York City is fast, affordable and surprisingly easy thanks to its extensive public transportation network. With subways, buses, ferries and trains running around the clock, most visitors can explore the city without ever needing a car. The system connects all five boroughs, making it simple to move between major attractions and neighborhoods.
Getting Around New York City
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New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
John F. Kennedy (JFK):
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the subway (E line) or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
Taxi or rideshare to Manhattan takes ~45–60 minutes.
LaGuardia (LGA):
Bus (M60, Q70) to subway stations or taxi/rideshare; ~30–50 minutes to Manhattan depending on traffic.
Newark (EWR):
AirTrain to NJ Transit trains to Penn Station (~40–50 minutes), or taxi/rideshare (~45–60 minutes).
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Subway: Extensive 24/7 system connecting all boroughs; single ride costs $2.90 (MetroCard or OMNY tap).
Buses: Complement the subway; fares are the same.
MetroCard/OMNY: Rechargeable cards for easy access to subway and bus.
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Yellow cabs: Metered fares, easy to hail in Manhattan.
Rideshares: Uber, Lyft, and Via widely available; may surge during peak hours.
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Manhattan is highly walkable, especially Midtown, Downtown, and the Upper East/West Sides.
Streets are mostly on a grid system, making navigation easy.
Some neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are walkable, but public transport may be needed for longer distances.