Taxicabs New York City

JFK Airport Taxis

JFK Airport Taxis

Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs at John F. Kennedy International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major gateway to New York City. Licensed taxis provide a convenient, regulated, and widely used transportation option between JFK and destinations across the city.

Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are part of the official NYC taxi system, but their airport pickup rights and fare structures differ. This guide explains how taxi service works at JFK and what passengers should expect.

Where to Find Taxis at JFK

At JFK Airport, licensed taxis are available at official taxi stands located outside each terminal.

To take a taxi:

  1. Follow the signs for “Taxi” or “Ground Transportation.”

  2. Proceed to the official taxi stand.

  3. An airport dispatcher will direct you to the next available taxi.

  4. Enter the vehicle and begin your trip.

Passengers should avoid unlicensed drivers who approach them inside the terminal.

Yellow Cabs at JFK Airport

Yellow Cabs are the primary taxis available at official JFK taxi stands.

Key Advantages

  • Official airport taxi service

  • No pre-booking required

  • Regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission

  • Accept cash and card payments

  • Citywide drop-off permitted

Flat Fare Between JFK and Manhattan

Yellow Cabs offer the official flat fare for trips between:

  • JFK Airport

  • Any destination in Manhattan

This flat fare:

  • Replaces the metered rate

  • Applies only to JFK–Manhattan trips

  • May include additional tolls and surcharges

This system provides predictable pricing for one of the most common airport routes.

Green Cabs and JFK Airport

Green Cabs also provide airport transportation, but with different rules.

Green Cab Rules at JFK

  • May take passengers to JFK Airport

  • Cannot pick up passengers at JFK taxi stands

  • Use metered fares for all trips

  • Accept cash and card payments

Green Cabs are often used for trips to JFK from:

  • Brooklyn

  • Queens

  • Bronx

  • Staten Island

  • Upper Manhattan

Typical Taxi Fares from JFK

Taxi fares depend on:

  • Destination

  • Traffic conditions

  • Time of day

  • Tolls and surcharges

Common Fare Types

  • Flat fare: JFK to/from Manhattan (Yellow Cabs only)

  • Metered fares: All other destinations

Passengers can always request a receipt at the end of the trip.

Payment Options

All licensed taxis at JFK must accept:

  • Cash

  • Credit cards

  • Debit cards

  • Contactless payments

Drivers may not require cash-only payment.

Travel Time from JFK

Approximate travel times (depending on traffic):

  • Manhattan: 35–60 minutes

  • Brooklyn: 25–50 minutes

  • Queens: 20–40 minutes

  • Bronx: 45–75 minutes

  • Staten Island: 60–90 minutes

Travel times vary widely based on traffic and route.

Luggage and Passenger Capacity

Taxi rules at JFK include:

  • Standard luggage included in the fare

  • No extra charge for normal suitcases

  • Passenger limits based on vehicle capacity

If traveling with large groups or oversized luggage, consider requesting a larger taxi at the stand.

Passenger Rights at JFK

Passengers using taxis at JFK have the right to:

  • A regulated fare

  • A licensed driver

  • Card or cash payment options

  • A receipt upon request

  • Service without discrimination

Drivers must follow all NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission rules.

Choosing Between Yellow and Green Cabs at JFK

Choose a Yellow Cab if you:

  • Are at the airport taxi stand

  • Are traveling to Manhattan

  • Want the official flat fare

  • Need a citywide drop-off option

Choose a Green Cab if you:

  • Are traveling to JFK from a borough or Upper Manhattan

  • Prefer a neighborhood street-hail taxi

  • Do not need a flat fare

Learn More About NYC Airport Taxis

For additional information, see:

  • Airport Taxis in NYC (Hub Page)

  • LaGuardia Airport Taxis

  • Newark Airport Taxis

  • Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs

  • Taxi Fares & Pricing

Summary: Taxis at JFK Airport

JFK Airport offers a simple and reliable taxi system:

  • Yellow Cabs are available at official taxi stands

  • Flat fare applies between JFK and Manhattan

  • Green Cabs may take passengers to the airport

  • All taxis are licensed, regulated, and metered

For many travelers, taxis remain one of the most convenient ways to travel between JFK and New York City.