How to get from New York JFK Airport to Brooklyn?

You’ve arrived at New York’s JFK Airport and need to get to your hotel or accommodation in Brooklyn. Here are your three main transportation options:

1/ AirTrain and Subway

• The most affordable option is the AirTrain, an elevated automated people mover that connects JFK’s terminals to two subway stations in Queens. Depending on where you’re headed, you have two choices: take the AirTrain to Howard Beach JFK Airport station on the A line, or to Jamaica Center station on the E, J, and Z lines. A single AirTrain ride costs $5 and you can buy your ticket at automated machines.
• Keep in mind you’ll also need to buy a subway fare to continue from Howard Beach JFK Airport or Jamaica Center stations. That’s $2.75 per ride. Total cost: $7.75 per person.
• Here’s the catch: while the subway is the cheapest option, it’s not the most convenient. Many Brooklyn subway stations lack elevators or escalators. You’ll be hauling your luggage up and down stairs—quite the workout.

2/ Taxi or Rideshare

• More comfortable than the subway and much faster, but also more expensive.
• Unlike rides to Manhattan, taxi fares from JFK to Brooklyn aren’t fixed—the meter determines the price. Depending on traffic and your exact destination, expect to pay around $60 to $70, including tip.
• Rideshare prices are similar. For the same cost, we recommend taking an official yellow taxi instead. They’re better regulated, which protects you from drivers who might take a longer route to inflate the fare.

3/ Private Car Service with Driver

• Your third option: a private car service. The advantage over taxis or rideshare: it’s fully customized and you can book in advance. Visit the page for private car transfers from JFK to Brooklyn. For the return trip, check the private car return transfers page.
• You can choose your vehicle based on group size and needs. Book a sedan for three people, a minivan for up to six, or a minibus for groups up to 14. Want to feel like a movie star? Go for a seven-seat limousine. Your choice.
• Your driver will meet you at baggage claim with a nameplate and take you directly to your vehicle.

What About Shared Shuttles?

• Our guide to airport transfers in New York also covers shared shuttles, which operate between JFK and Manhattan. Important: shared shuttles don’t serve Brooklyn. You can’t use them for a direct trip from JFK to a Brooklyn address.
• You could book a shared shuttle to a Manhattan hotel near a subway station, then continue to Brooklyn by subway. This approach isn’t the fastest option, though. Weigh it based on your final destination.