JFK Airport Bus

Shuttles and Buses from and to New York Airport

A JFK airport bus is definitely the most affordable option for New York airport transfers. However, it doesn’t offer direct connections from JFK to downtown NYC and is generally the most time-consuming mode of transportation. Below is a summary of its main advantages and disadvantages:

JFK Airport Bus – Advantages	JFK Airport Bus – Disadvantages
It’s the cheapest transportation means.	It makes a lot of intermediate stops.
It operates around the clock.	It is dependent on traffic levels.
It is accessible to passengers with mobility problems.	Its luggage space is limited.
It doesn’t head directly to Manhattan but offers subway connections.

JFK Airport Bus Lines

JFK airport bus lines mainly connect New York Airport to the Queens and Brooklyn areas (though not directly to their touristic parts). Many travelers still choose this option due to its low cost and convenient connections with the subway network leading to Manhattan.

Currently, five bus lines serve the JFK Airport complex:

Q3: Serves the Jamaica district. Operates nearly 24/7 on a 10–15-minute basis during rush hours.
Q6: Runs around the Jamaica area 24/7, every 5–10 minutes.
Q7: Heads to East New York, operating from 05:10 am to 12:45 am, every 10–20 minutes.
Q10: Connects JFK to Ozone Park and Kew Gardens. Runs 24/7 with very frequent routes (every 5 minutes).
B15: Links JFK Airport with Brooklyn, operating around the clock every 8 minutes. Tip: Avoid this bus line late at night, as it passes through less safe areas.

Where is the Bus Station at JFK Airport?

JFK Airport doesn’t have a single central bus station. Instead, bus lines depart from various points within the airport:

Q6: Departs from Eastern Road, near JFK Terminal 5 and the airport’s postal area.
Q7: Stops at the North Cargo Area.
Q3: Stops at Terminal 8.
Q10 and B15: Depart from near the Lefferts Blvd AirTrain Station.

Our Tip: For easy movement between terminals, use the free AirTrain (for in-airport transfers). You can reach any bus stop from your landing terminal using AirTrain.

JFK Airport Bus Ticket Fares and Prices

A standard ticket for any of the JFK airport bus lines costs $3 (3€) and can be purchased on board using coins only (bills are not accepted). The ticket remains valid for another local bus ride within 2 hours — just ask the driver for a printed transfer.

Alternatively, you can use a Metrocard (costing $1/1€) — a rechargeable travel card valid on both buses and the subway. With a Metrocard, a JFK bus ride costs $2.75 (2.75€) and includes a free transfer to the subway. However, Metrocards are available only at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations, which require an AirTrain ride costing $8 (8€).

Our Tip 1: Children under 44 inches (111 cm) travel free.
Our Tip 2: Free transfers using Metrocards do not apply to the Metro-North Railroad or the Long Island Railroad.

Express JFK Airport Bus

The JFK Airport Express Bus ceased operations in 2022. It was the only direct shuttle connecting JFK Airport with Manhattan, stopping three times along the route. The fare was $19 (19€) for a one-way trip, and travel time was approximately one hour under light traffic conditions.

A new express bus service is planned to replace it, but its launch date remains unannounced. For now, no direct bus connection operates between JFK Airport and Manhattan.

FAQ

Is there a shuttle bus at JFK?

The JFK Airport Express Bus that provided direct shuttle services from New York Airport to Manhattan no longer exists. Though it is planned to be replaced, for the time being, no express shuttle bus serves JFK.

Are there buses at JFK Airport?

MTA bus lines handle transfers from JFK to Queens and Brooklyn Districts. Hence, Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, Q10 LTD and B15 call at New York Airport. These local bus lines may not reach the New York city center, but they offer adequate subway connections to every part of the city.