Penn Station to JFK, LaGuardia & Newark Airports
Every realistic way to get from NYC Penn Station to each of the three New York airports — with real times, real 2026 fares, and which option is best for your situation. Spoiler: the “best way” depends on which airport you're flying out of, and most travelers pick the wrong one.
The 30-Second Answer
| Airport | Fastest | Cheapest | With heavy luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
JFK International JFK | LIRR → AirTrain · 45–55 min | Subway E → AirTrain · ~$11.40 | Taxi flat rate · $70 + tolls & tip |
Newark Liberty EWR | Amtrak → AirTrain · 25–30 min | NJ Transit + AirTrain rail-link · ~$16 | Rideshare · $60–90 |
LaGuardia LGA | Taxi or rideshare · 25–55 min | Subway + Q70 LGA Link bus · $2.90 | Rideshare · $40–80 |
JFK International
Most travelers — LIRR is hands-down the best balance of speed, cost, and comfort.
Newark Liberty
Travelers from west of Manhattan, or anyone wanting the shortest train ride.
LaGuardia
Frustrating by transit — budget time, or just take a cab if you have bags.
Penn Station to JFK Airport
JFK is the easiest of the three NYC airports to reach by transit from Penn Station. The LIRR + AirTrain combo is reliably the best option — it's 20+ minutes faster than the subway, free of Van Wyck Expressway traffic risk, and well under half the cost of a taxi.
LIRR + AirTrain JFK
Best overall45–55 min total
~$16–19 peak · ~$14–17 off-peak · ~$14 weekends (LIRR CityTicket $5 + AirTrain $8.50)
How to do it
- Board the LIRR at Penn Station — most eastbound trains stop at Jamaica.
- Get off at Jamaica Station (one stop on many trains, ~20 min).
- Follow signs upstairs to AirTrain JFK ($8.50, paid on exit at the airport).
- AirTrain runs every 4–8 min; ~10–12 min to your terminal.
Pros
- +Fastest reliable transit option — no traffic risk.
- +Trains every ~10 min during peak hours.
- +CityTicket fare ($5) on weekends makes this a steal.
Cons
- −Peak fares add up if you're a group of 3+.
- −You'll need to handle luggage on stairs/escalators at Jamaica.
Subway E train + AirTrain JFK
Cheapest60–75 min total
~$11.40 ($2.90 OMNY + $8.50 AirTrain)
How to do it
- Take the A, C, or E to 34 St–Penn Station — but you want the E for JFK.
- Ride the E to Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av–JFK in Queens (~40–50 min).
- Transfer to AirTrain JFK and pay $8.50 on exit at the airport.
Pros
- +Cheapest train option from Penn Station.
- +Runs 24/7 — only real option for late-night flights via transit.
Cons
- −Significantly slower than LIRR — adds 15–25 minutes.
- −Subway with luggage during rush hour is unpleasant.
Taxi (flat rate)
With luggage / groups35–75 min depending on traffic
$70 flat + tolls + congestion-zone surcharge + 20% tip ≈ $90–100
How to do it
- Exit Penn Station at 8th Avenue or 7th Avenue and hail a yellow cab.
- Confirm "flat rate to JFK" with the driver before starting.
- Yellow-cab flat rate covers the meter portion only; tolls, MTA tax, improvement surcharge, and Manhattan congestion-zone surcharge are all added on top.
Pros
- +Door-to-door, no transfers, no stairs.
- +Flat rate means no meter surprises — only traffic risk.
Cons
- −Easily 2× the cost of rail when you add tolls and tip.
- −Traffic on the Van Wyck can turn this into a 75+ minute trip during rush hour.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Convenience35–75 min depending on traffic
$60–95 standard · $90–140 surge
How to do it
- Request from Penn Station — pickup is typically on 31st or 33rd Street.
- Confirm the driver is heading to your terminal (JFK has 6).
Pros
- +Often cheaper than a yellow cab off-peak.
- +Easier than flagging down a taxi during MSG event nights.
Cons
- −Surge pricing hits hard at peak commute hours and bad weather.
- −Yellow-cab flat rate is more predictable for budget planning.
Hotels Near JFK Airport
Pre-flight stays minutes from JFK terminals — early flights without the morning rush from Manhattan.
Penn Station to Newark Liberty (EWR)
Newark Liberty is the most underrated airport for Penn Station travelers. It's on the same Northeast Corridor used by NJ Transit and Amtrak, which means a single one-seat ride and no Queens-bound detour. From Penn Station, EWR is often faster than JFK and easier than LGA.
NJ Transit + AirTrain Newark
Best value30–40 min total
~$16 (buy the combined "Rail Link" ticket; price changes periodically — check NJT)
How to do it
- Board any NJ Transit train at Penn Station that stops at Newark Liberty International Airport (most NEC trains and many North Jersey Coast trains do — check the board).
- Ride ~20 min to Newark Liberty International Airport station.
- Transfer to AirTrain Newark, included with the fare — runs every 3 minutes, ~8 minutes to your terminal.
Pros
- +Trains every 10–20 minutes from Penn Station.
- +AirTrain is included in the fare from Penn — don't pay separately.
- +Often faster end-to-end than getting to JFK by any method.
Cons
- −Newark AirTrain monorail is aging — service can be slow or replaced by shuttle buses during maintenance.
- −Not all NJT trains stop at the airport — confirm before boarding.
Amtrak + AirTrain Newark
Fastest25–35 min total
$25–60 depending on train and how far in advance you book
How to do it
- Board an Amtrak Northeast Regional or Acela from Moynihan Train Hall.
- Ride one stop (~15–20 min) to Newark Liberty International Airport.
- Transfer to AirTrain Newark.
Pros
- +Fastest option overall to any NYC-area airport.
- +Roomy seats, no stairs, less luggage hassle than NJT.
- +If you booked Amtrak from out of town anyway, just stay on through Newark Airport.
Cons
- −Easily 3–6× the cost of NJ Transit for the same trip.
- −Not every Amtrak train stops at EWR — check the schedule.
Newark Airport Express bus
Cheap with luggage45–75 min depending on traffic
Roughly $18–20 one-way · check current fare with Newark Airport Express (Coach USA)
How to do it
- Walk to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (8th Ave & 42nd St) — about 10–12 min from Penn Station, or one stop on the A/C/E.
- Board the Newark Airport Express at the dedicated stand inside PABT.
- Buses run every 15–30 min; stops at all EWR terminals.
Pros
- +No transfers once you're on the bus.
- +Luggage compartments under the bus — easier than rail with big bags.
Cons
- −Slower than rail and subject to Lincoln Tunnel traffic.
- −Departs from Port Authority, not Penn Station — adds a walk.
Taxi or rideshare
Door-to-door30–60 min depending on traffic
$60–90 standard · $80–140 with surge or tolls
How to do it
- Hail at Penn Station or request via app.
- Yellow cabs add a $17.50 Newark Airport surcharge plus tolls.
Pros
- +Direct, no transfers.
- +Good option after midnight when AirTrain runs limited service.
Cons
- −Lincoln or Holland tunnel traffic is unpredictable.
- −Bridge/tunnel tolls + Newark airport surcharge can easily push this past $100.
Heads up: The aging Newark AirTrain monorail is being replaced. Service is occasionally substituted with shuttle buses during construction windows. Check PANYNJ AirTrain status before relying on it for a tight connection.
Penn Station to LaGuardia (LGA)
LaGuardia is the painful one. There's no rail link — the proposed AirTrain LaGuardia was cancelled in 2023 — so every option is either a long multi-segment transit trip or a taxi fighting bridge traffic. For most travelers from Penn Station, a rideshare is the honest right answerunless you're trying to spend nothing.
Subway + Q70 LGA Link bus (free transfer)
Cheapest55–75 min total
$2.90 with OMNY (free transfer to Q70)
How to do it
- Take the E or F (or 1/2/3 + 7) to 74 St–Broadway / Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av.
- Exit and follow signs to the Q70 LGA Link Select Bus Service stand.
- Q70 runs every 8–10 min and stops at all LGA terminals; ~15 min ride.
Pros
- +Cheapest option to any NYC airport by far.
- +Q70 has luggage racks and is a limited-stop bus.
Cons
- −Long, multi-segment trip — easily over an hour with luggage.
- −If you miss the Q70, the wait can ruin a tight schedule.
M60 SBS bus (with one subway transfer)
Alternate65–90 min total
$2.90 with OMNY (free transfer)
How to do it
- Take the A/C/E one stop to 125th St (or 1/2/3 to 125th), or walk up if you have time.
- Board the M60 SBS at 125th St — runs across upper Manhattan and over the Triboro to LGA.
- Stops at all LGA terminals.
Pros
- +Useful if you're north of Penn Station or staying in Harlem.
- +Single bus ride once you're on it.
Cons
- −Long — the M60 hits a lot of stops before crossing into Queens.
- −Subject to Manhattan traffic, especially on 125th St.
Taxi or rideshare
Practical default25–55 min depending on traffic
$40–75 standard · $60–100 surge
How to do it
- Hail at Penn Station or request via app.
- Confirm which terminal — LGA has Terminal B (most airlines), Terminal C (Delta), and Terminal A (Marine Air, regional).
Pros
- +Fastest reasonable option to LGA.
- +No good rail alternative — for LGA, this is what most travelers should default to.
Cons
- −Traffic across the RFK/Triboro Bridge or BQE can be brutal.
- −Surge pricing on weekday evenings.
Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
If you have a choice of arrival airport and you're staying near Penn Station, the ranking is unambiguous:
- 1
Newark Liberty (EWR) — best for Penn Station
Single train ride. 25–40 minutes door-to-airport. Often $16 by NJ Transit. If your fare options are similar across NYC airports, EWR wins from Penn Station almost every time.
- 2
JFK International (JFK) — best for east-Manhattan or Queens-bound trips
LIRR + AirTrain is excellent. Slightly longer than EWR from Penn but more flight options, more international carriers, and easier connections to Brooklyn or Queens on the way in.
- 3
LaGuardia (LGA) — only if it's your only choice
Closest to Manhattan by air distance but the worst ground connection from Penn Station. No rail. Plan for a taxi or rideshare and budget extra time for bridge traffic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Taking the subway to JFK because it's "cheaper"
The E train + AirTrain is about $11.40 and the LIRR + AirTrain is roughly $14–17 depending on whether you ride peak, off-peak, or CityTicket weekend fares. You save a few dollars to spend an extra 20–25 minutes on a crowded subway with your luggage. For most travelers it's not worth it. The exception: you're on a tight budget and have a generous time buffer.
✗ Paying for AirTrain Newark separately from NJ Transit
The NJ Transit fare from Penn Station to Newark Liberty Airport station already includes AirTrain Newark — buy the combined "Rail Link" ticket (around $16). If you buy them separately you'll pay more. Use NJT Mobile or the kiosk.
✗ Taking a yellow cab to Newark Liberty without confirming the surcharge
Yellow cabs from Manhattan to EWR add a $17.50 Newark surcharge on top of the meter, plus tolls. The total is often $90–100 before tip. The NJ Transit + AirTrain rail-link ticket is about $16 and 30–40 minutes. Even Amtrak is usually cheaper.
✗ Assuming there's an AirTrain to LaGuardia
There isn't, and there won't be. The AirTrain LaGuardia project was officially cancelled in 2023 after environmental and cost issues. Your options are the Q70 LGA Link bus, the M60 SBS, or a taxi or rideshare. Plan accordingly.
✗ Not checking which NJ Transit trains stop at EWR
Not every NJ Transit train stops at Newark Liberty International Airport station. NEC and North Jersey Coast trains generally do; Midtown Direct branches don't. Check the departure board for trains marked "NWK AIR" or look for explicit airport notation.
✗ Heading to the underground concourse for an Amtrak airport trip
If you're taking Amtrak to Newark Airport, go to Moynihan Train Hall (8th Avenue), not the underground concourse. All Amtrak ticketing, the Metropolitan Lounge, and departure boards are there. See our Moynihan vs Penn Station guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I leave Penn Station for my flight?
For JFK: leave Penn Station 3 hours before a domestic flight or 3.5 hours before an international flight if you're taking transit (LIRR + AirTrain). For Newark: 2.5 hours domestic, 3 hours international by NJ Transit. For LaGuardia: 2.5 hours domestic by rideshare, 3+ hours if relying on the Q70 bus.
Does AirTrain JFK accept OMNY?
Not yet for the full fare — AirTrain JFK has its own $8.50 fare (raised mid-2025) paid at the AirTrain exit gates using contactless cards or AirTrain MetroCards. The MTA has discussed integrating OMNY but it isn't live as of 2026.
Can I check bags at Penn Station for my flight?
No. There is no off-airport bag check at Penn Station for any airline. You'll need to carry your luggage all the way to the airport and check it at the terminal.
Is the LIRR or subway better for JFK with kids?
LIRR. Fewer transfers, more space, luggage racks, and almost always seats. The $4–6 fare difference vs. the subway is well worth it when you're managing kids and bags.
What's the latest train I can take from Penn Station to Newark Airport?
NJ Transit runs trains to Newark Liberty Airport station roughly until 1–2 AM, with reduced frequency overnight. AirTrain Newark runs 24/7 but with reduced frequency overnight. For very early or very late flights, check the NJ Transit schedule the night before — you may need a taxi or rideshare instead.
Are there shuttle services between Penn Station and the airports?
The Newark Airport Express bus runs from Port Authority (a 10-minute walk from Penn) to EWR. There's no equivalent direct shuttle from Penn Station to JFK or LGA — for those, use rail or rideshare.
Can I store luggage at Penn Station before my flight?
Penn Station itself doesn't have luggage lockers. There are third-party luggage storage locations within 2 blocks of the station. See our luggage storage guide for current options and pricing.
For the full picture on getting around the station complex, see our NYC Penn Station master guide, and if you need to stow bags before a flight, check our luggage storage near Penn Station guide.