July 27 2025

How to Get to Manhattan: All the Ways, Prices & Pitfalls of the Big Apple

Thinking of joining Manhattan? Whether it’s your first time in the city that never sleeps or your tenth nostalgic return for a slice of greasy pizza and street saxophones — this guide is your golden ticket.
We’ll break down every possible way to get to Manhattan (spoiler: teleportation still isn’t an option), plus what it’ll cost you — in dollars and patience.

✈️ Option 1: Fly Me to the Apple

Where you land matters. NYC is served by three main airports:

JFK – Big, international, and full of attitude
Newark (EWR) – Technically in New Jersey, but closer than you think
LaGuardia (LGA) – Closest to Manhattan, but least international

Sample fares from Tel Aviv (or Europe):

Direct flight: $800–$1,200
With layover: $500–$900
In low season (January–March): sometimes even $450

Pro tip:
Be flexible with dates and check flights via Istanbul, London, or Paris for significant savings.

🚖 Getting from the Airport to Manhattan

From JFK:

AirTrain + Subway: $10.75 — cheap, but good luck with your suitcase
Taxi or Uber: Around $70 (flat fare + tolls + tip)
Shared Shuttle: $20–$35

From Newark (EWR):

Train to Penn Station: $15–$20
Taxi/Uber: $80–$100
Shuttle: $25–$40

From LaGuardia:

Bus + Subway: $2.90 (if you’re feeling brave)
Taxi/Uber: $40–$60

Bottom line: Don’t assume “we’ll just figure it out when we land” — NYC airports are built to confuse tired travelers.

🚂 Option 2: Train Into Manhattan

If you’re already in the U.S., Amtrak will drop you straight into Penn Station in midtown.

From DC or Philly: $30–$60
From Boston: $80–$150

Bonus: Great views. No TSA drama.
Warning: Amtrak delays are as American as apple pie.

🚌 Option 3: Intercity Bus (a.k.a. Cheapskate Express)

Companies: Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus
Prices: As low as $5 (seriously) to $50
From: Boston, Philly, Washington, even Toronto
Pros: Ridiculously cheap
Cons: Your knees might never forgive you

🚗 Option 4: Rent a Car – and Then Regret It

Why it sounds like a good idea: Freedom, playlists, your own space
Why it’s not:

Parking in Manhattan: $50–$80 per day
Traffic: Think Ayalon at 8 a.m., with more honking
Recommendation: Ditch the car outside the city and take a train or ferry in.

🦶 Option 5: Just Walk It (Once You’re In)

Once you’re in the city, walk!
Every block is a movie set, every corner a scene. Comfortable shoes are not optional — they’re survival gear.

⚠️ Tourist Traps to Avoid

Unlicensed cabs at the airport: If someone whispers “Private car, cheap price” — run.
Credit card foreign fees: Use travel-friendly cards or apps like Revolut
Times Square restaurants: If the waiter is waving you in off the sidewalk — don’t.

💡 TL;DR

Getting to Manhattan isn’t just logistics — it’s a rite of passage. Plan it right, budget for the ride, and keep your camera ready.
The city won’t wait for you — but it will blow your mind if you show up ready.