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Follow the Signs
Look for official signs directing passengers to taxis or ground transportation.
Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs at John F. Kennedy International Airport — understand taxi pickup arrangements, fare rules and how to plan your journey into New York City.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is a major gateway to New York City. Licensed taxis offer a convenient transportation option between the airport and destinations across the city.
Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are part of New York City's regulated taxi system, but their pickup permissions and fare arrangements differ. Understanding these differences can help you choose an appropriate option for your journey.
Follow airport signs to the designated taxi pickup area. Avoid unsolicited offers from drivers approaching passengers inside the terminal.
Follow the airport's current ground transportation signs and instructions to reach an authorized taxi pickup point.
Look for official signs directing passengers to taxis or ground transportation.
Follow airport instructions to the designated taxi pickup location for your terminal.
Where a dispatcher or airport attendant is present, follow their instructions for joining the queue and boarding an authorized taxi.
Yellow Cabs are the familiar New York City taxis associated with the city's official taxi system. Passengers arriving at JFK can use designated airport taxi facilities and follow the applicable pickup procedures.
Qualifying Yellow Cab trips between JFK Airport and Manhattan are subject to a special flat-fare arrangement. Other destinations and journey types may follow different fare rules.
Read the NYC Taxi Fares & Pricing guide for more information.
Green Cabs, also known as Boro Taxis, serve designated pickup areas in the outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan. They may be an option for journeys from eligible pickup locations to JFK, subject to the applicable rules.
Green Cab pickup permissions differ from those of Yellow Cabs. Do not assume that a taxi authorized for a neighborhood pickup can also accept passengers at an airport taxi stand.
Compare both taxi types in our Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs guide .
The cost of a taxi journey from JFK depends on the destination and the applicable fare arrangement. Tolls, surcharges and other permitted charges may also affect the total.
Qualifying Yellow Cab journeys use the applicable flat-fare arrangement. Confirm the current terms and any permitted additional charges before traveling.
Trips to destinations outside the flat-fare area may follow different pricing rules. The route, tolls and applicable surcharges can affect the total.
Licensed taxi services operate under applicable payment requirements. Before your trip, check the current payment options and any instructions provided by the airport or taxi operator.
Keep your receipt and trip details if you need to query a charge or raise a complaint.
Travel time varies according to your destination, traffic conditions, time of day and road conditions. Allow extra time during busy travel periods.
If you have a flight to catch, consider traffic uncertainty when planning your departure.
Identify your destination before joining the taxi queue and allow sufficient time for the road journey.
Read How to Ride a Taxi in NYCPassengers using licensed taxis are covered by applicable regulations governing taxi service, fares and driver conduct.
Use authorized taxi facilities and licensed services rather than accepting unsolicited rides.
Understand the applicable fare rules and keep your trip details if you need to raise a question.
Consult official passenger guidance if you need help understanding your rights or reporting an issue.
The key distinction is not simply the color of the taxi: pickup permissions and applicable fare arrangements determine which service is appropriate for a journey.
Use designated airport taxi facilities and check the special fare provisions for qualifying trips between JFK and Manhattan.
Yellow Cab GuideConsider Green Cabs for eligible neighborhood pickups and check the applicable restrictions before arranging an airport journey.
Green Cab GuideRead the complete comparison: Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs in NYC .
Explore taxi pickup and travel information for LaGuardia Airport.
LGA Taxi GuideFind taxi information for Newark Liberty International Airport.
EWR Taxi GuideLicensed taxis provide a practical transportation option between JFK Airport and destinations across New York City.
Follow the official airport pickup instructions, understand the applicable fare arrangement and check the rules relevant to your taxi type and destination. A little preparation can make your arrival in New York more straightforward.