Airport Express Bus Transfer from Airport to Manhattan
Getting from your arrival airport to Manhattan? The Airport Express Bus offers great value for money. Here's how it works and why you should consider it.
To get from the airports to Manhattan, you have several options detailed on our page about airport transfers to New York.
Here’s a closer look at one practical and affordable option you can now book in advance from home: the Airport Express Bus.
What is the Airport Express Bus?
Airport Express buses are large coaches that run regular service between New York’s three airports (JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia) and Manhattan.
The advantage? The price is much lower than a taxi or shuttle, and far more comfortable than the subway: the driver loads your luggage and you simply relax until you reach Manhattan.
For this low price, the buses don’t drop you at your hotel like shuttles and taxis do, but at three locations on 42nd Street, the main avenue through Midtown:
- Grand Central Terminal, at the corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue.
- Bryant Park, at the corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue.
- Port Authority Bus Terminal, on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
If you’re staying in Midtown, you’ll be just steps from your hotel. If your hotel is elsewhere in New York, you can continue by subway or bus. On one trip, I took a taxi from Grand Central to my hotel—a great way to keep costs down!
How does the Airport Express Bus work?
- Once you’ve booked your transfer on the NYC Airport Express Bus page to Manhattan, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a voucher. Print this voucher and keep it in your carry-on bag.
- When you arrive in New York, go to the Ground Transportation Welcome Center counter in every terminal at New York’s airports. Present your voucher and you’ll be registered for the next bus.
- Buses depart from each airport every 30 minutes, on the hour and on the half-hour.
What about the return trip?
- Buses also run between Manhattan and New York’s airports. Departures leave from the same locations as the outbound trip.
- To book your return, visit the Airport Express Bus return transfer page.
Good to know
- Each passenger is allowed 2 suitcases and one carry-on bag. Extra luggage may be charged to the driver.
- Airport Express Bus transfers are accessible to passengers using wheelchairs.
- Children 3 years old and under travel free.