The Ultimate Guide to the 35-Mile Driving Distance from Newark Airport to JFK

The driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK is about 35 miles, and NYC’s traffic can make it a wild ride. This guide covers routes, costs, and hacks for business folks, families, budget travelers, and internationals. Let’s get your airport transfer sorted!

Meta Description: Learn the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK (35 miles) with routes, costs, and tips for a smooth NYC trip. Perfect for business, families, and budget travelers!

Driving Distance from Newark Airport to JFK

The driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK is roughly 35 miles (56 km), connecting Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, NY. In normal traffic, it’s a 60–90 min drive, but rush hours (7–10 AM, 4–7 PM) can push it to 2 hrs. Tolls, up 3% in 2025 per Port Authority, range from $15–$30. EWR’s a hub for United, while JFK’s big for Delta and international flights.

Crossing from NJ to NY means dealing with busy areas like Manhattan or Brooklyn. A smart plan helps you avoid the worst of it.

Travel Options

Need to cover the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK? You can drive, take public transit, book a shuttle, grab a rideshare or taxi, or splurge on a helicopter. Each has its own vibe—cost, time, ease. Let’s break down your options.

Driving Routes

Driving the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK gives you control, but tolls and traffic can be a pain. Options include I-95 (NJ Turnpike), I-678 (Van Wyck), or Belt Parkway. Each route has its perks and quirks.

I-95 (NJ Turnpike) Route

The I-95 route for the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK is 35 miles. From EWR, take I-95 North, cross Manhattan via Holland or Lincoln Tunnel (tolls ~$15), then I-495 to I-678 for JFK. Takes 60–75 min off-peak (10 AM–3 PM). Rush hour stretches to 90–120 min with tunnel jams. Tolls run $15–$20. E-ZPass saves time. Use Waze for real-time traffic updates.

This route’s fast but tunnels can clog. It’s a solid pick for business travelers needing speed when timed right.

I-678 (Van Wyck Expressway) Route

I-678 covers the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK in 36 miles. Take I-78 East to I-95, then I-678 South to JFK. Skips Manhattan but hits bottlenecks at George Washington or Triborough Bridge (tolls $10–$15). Normal time’s 65–80 min, peak’s 100–130 min.

Good for a straightforward drive with less city chaos. Use traffic apps to avoid bridge delays.

Belt Parkway Route

Belt Parkway’s 38 miles with Brooklyn waterfront views. From EWR, take I-78 East, merge to Belt Parkway, and head to JFK. Verrazzano Bridge toll’s $19 (eastbound). Takes 70–85 min in light traffic, 110–140 min in rush hour.

This route’s scenic but slow when packed. Great for relaxed drivers who want NYC views. Time it with Waze.

Car Rentals for the Driving Distance from Newark Airport to JFK

Renting a car for the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK? Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget are at EWR’s P3 lot, reachable by AirTrain. Rates start at $50–$100/day, plus gas and tolls ($15–$30). Takes 60–90 min. JFK parking’s $20/day. Drop off at JFK’s Federal Circle lot.

Car rentals offer flexibility, especially if you’re exploring NYC after. Factor in parking and toll costs.

Route	Miles	Time (Normal)	Time (Peak)	Tolls
I-95 (NJ Turnpike)	35	60–75 min	90–120 min	$15–$20
I-678 (Van Wyck)	36	65–80 min	100–130 min	$10–$15
Belt Parkway	38	70–85 min	110–140 min	$19 (Verrazzano)

Public Transit Options

Budget traveler? Public transit’s the cheapest way to cover the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK. Take AirTrain Newark from EWR to Newark Penn Station ($8.50). Then NJ Transit train to NY Penn Station ($5–$7). Grab LIRR to Jamaica Station ($5–$10, off-peak/peak). Finish with AirTrain JFK ($8.50). Total’s $15–$25, 90–120 min.

Elevators help with wheelchairs, but big bags are tough in crowds. Use NJ Transit or MTA apps for tickets. Great for saving cash but requires patience for transfers.

Another option is NJ Transit bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal, then subway (A or E train) to Jamaica for AirTrain JFK. Costs $18–$22, takes 100–130 min. Buses run every 15–30 min, but subways can be packed.

• Tip: Buy round-trip tickets to save time.
• Hack: Pack light for easier station switches.
• Pro Move: Use MTA’s OMNY for quick fares.

Shuttle Services

Shuttles are awesome for covering the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK with groups or luggage. ETS Airport Shuttle or Go Airlink offer shared rides ($25–$40/person) or private ($100–$150 for 4–6 people). Takes 60–100 min, depending on stops. Book early, especialy holidays.

Pick-up’s at EWR’s Ground Transportation Desk, drop-off at JFK terminals. Some shuttles have Wi-Fi, charging ports. ETS offers eco vans, Go Airlink runs 24/7. Check Yelp for reviews.

Rideshares & Taxi’s

For the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK, Uber or Lyft run $85–$165, depending on demand or car type (UberX vs. XL). Taxis from EWR’s official stands cost $125–$150, plus tolls and tips. Both take 60–90 min, 120 min in rush hour.

Rideshares offer app convenience, while taxis avoid surge pricing. Stick to official taxi ranks to dodge scams. For luxury, Blade’s helicopter transfer is $195+/seat, 30 min. Book via Blade’s app.

Option	Cost	Time	Best For
Public Transit	$15–$25	90–120 min	Budget
Shuttle	$25–$150	60–100 min	Families, Groups
Rideshare/Taxi	$85–$165	60–90 min	Business
Helicopter	$195+	30 min	Luxury

Traveler Tips

Business Travelers

Need speed for the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK? Grab a rideshare or private shuttle. EWR’s Terminal C United Polaris Lounge offers fast Wi-Fi, showers, and work desks. JFK’s Terminal 4 Delta Sky Club has outlets and quiet zones.

Avoid 7–10 AM or 4–7 PM traffic. Pre-book Uber Reserve. Check FlightAware for flight status. JFK’s Terminal 8 has Priority Pass lounges if you have access.

Families Traveling

Shuttles are great for covering the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK with strollers or bags. ETS has vans for car seats. JFK’s Terminal 5 has play areas near Gate 12. EWR’s Terminal A offers family restrooms and changing tables.

Public transit’s tough with kids—2 hrs with multiple switches. Pack snacks and toys. JFK’s T5 JetBlue terminal has kid-friendly eats like Shake Shack. Book shuttles early for holidays.

Budget Travelers

Public transit’s the cheapest way to cover the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK. AirTrain Newark ($8.50), NJ Transit ($5–$7), LIRR ($5–$10), AirTrain JFK ($8.50)—total $15–$25. Use MTA’s OMNY for quick payments.

LIRR’s $5 CityTicket saves off-peak. Check Uber/Lyft for surge prices—skip if high. NYC Penn Station has cheap eats like Pret A Manger.

International Visitors

Airports can be overwhelming for the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK. EWR’s Terminal B and JFK’s Terminal 1 have staff speaking Spanish, Mandarin, and French. Signs are multilingual. Shuttles or taxis are the easiest options.

Customs can take 1–2 hrs. Use Google Translate for signs. Carry cash for taxis or NJ Transit ($100 bills work). Check the U.S. Embassy site for visa rules before your trip.

Pro Travel Hacks

Want a smooth trip for the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK? Here’s some insider tips.

• Skip Rush Hour: Travel 10 AM–3 PM or after 8 PM to avoid traffic.
• E-ZPass: Speeds up tolls on I-95 or Verrazzano.
• Terminal Trick: JFK Terminal 4 lounges are chill; EWR Terminal C food court’s quiet.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair services—call airline 48 hrs ahead.
• Big Luggage: Shuttles or SUVs beat transit for heavy bags.
• Weather Check: Rain or snow slows travel; check AccuWeather.
• Apps: Waze, Google Maps for traffic; NJ Transit/MTA for transit.

Cool Stops Along the Way

Got time during the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK? Check Liberty State Park (600 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City) near EWR—killer Manhattan views and Statue of Liberty ferries. Free, open 6 AM–10 PM, kid-friendly.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St, Brooklyn) by Belt Parkway has picnic spots and playgrounds. Free, 24/7, great for photos.

• Liberty State Park: Free, open 6 AM–10 PM, great for families.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park: Free, 24/7, perfect for pics.

Common Roadblocks

Traffic Jams: NYC’s bridges and tunnels can be a nightmare. Use Waze and travel off-peak. Transit Switches: 3–4 changes can confuse; check MTA site for maps.

Tolls: $15–$30 can hurt. Have E-ZPass or cash ready. Luggage: Trains lack space; shuttles or taxis are better for big bags.

Weather: Rain or snow can slow the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK. Check AccuWeather and add 30–60 min. Customs: 1–2 hrs at EWR or JFK; book shuttles post-customs.

Airport Crowds: EWR’s Terminal C and JFK’s Terminal 4 get packed. Arrive early and use airline apps for check-in.

Seasonal Travel Tips

Summer (June–August): NYC’s hot and tourist-heavy. Traffic’s bad, transit’s crowded. Book shuttles early and use A/C rideshares.

Winter (December–February): Snow or ice can slow the driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK. Check AccuWeather, add 1 hr buffer, and dress warm for station waits.

Holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas pack routes. Book shuttles or taxis 1–2 weeks ahead. Transit’s cheaper but busy—use OMNY.

Spring/Fall: Mild weather, fewer crowds. Best for Belt Parkway views or Liberty State Park stops. Check traffic—NYC’s unpredictable.

Wrap-Up

The 35-mile driving distance from Newark Airport to JFK doesn’t have to suck. Drive ($15–$30 tolls), take transit ($15–$25), grab a shuttle ($25–$150), or rideshare/taxi ($85–$165). Business travelers, taxis are quick. Families, shuttles have space. Budget folks, trains save cash. Internationals, shuttles are easy. Use Waze, avoid rush hours, and hit lounges or play areas.

FAQs

Sources

Port Authority, MTA, NJ Transit, AccuWeather.