You just landed. JFK is a circus, your bags feel like they’re filled with lead, and you need to get to Midtown. Specifically, you’re heading from JFK to Madison Square Garden. Maybe you’re catching a Knicks game, or perhaps you’ve got tickets for a concert at "The World’s Most Famous Arena." Whatever the reason, the stretch of miles between Queens and 7th Avenue can be a nightmare if you don't have a plan. Honestly, New York traffic doesn't care about your schedule. It's a living, breathing entity that feeds on your patience.
Most people hop off the plane and immediately look for the taxi stand. It’s the instinctual move. But here’s the thing: depending on the time of day, a yellow cab might be the slowest possible way to reach Penn Station (which sits right underneath the Garden). If you land at 4:30 PM on a Friday, you aren't "driving" to Manhattan. You're participating in a very expensive parking lot.
The Rail Reality: AirTrain, LIRR, and the Subway
If you want speed, you take the train. It’s that simple.
The process starts with the AirTrain. It’s a driverless monorail that loops around the terminals. You don't need a ticket to get on at the terminal, but you’ll pay when you exit at the transit hubs. You have two choices: Howard Beach or Jamaica Station. For anyone going from JFK to Madison Square Garden, Jamaica is the only choice that makes sense. Howard Beach takes you to the A train, which is fine, but it’s a long, local crawl through Brooklyn.
Jamaica Station is where the magic happens. Once you swipe your MetroCard or use OMNY (the tap-to-pay system) to exit the AirTrain, you are standing in a massive transit nexus. Follow the signs for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
The LIRR is the secret weapon for savvy travelers. It is significantly faster than the subway. While the E train (the subway option from Jamaica) might take 45 to 60 minutes to reach Midtown, the LIRR will get you to Penn Station in about 20 minutes. It’s cleaner, there’s more room for luggage, and it drops you literally directly under Madison Square Garden. You walk up the stairs, and you’re there. You don’t even have to go outside if it’s raining.
Tickets for the LIRR vary. If you’re traveling during "Off-Peak" hours, it’s cheaper. If it’s a weekend, look for the "CityTicket." It’s a flat rate—currently around $5.00 to $7.00—that is arguably the best deal in the entire city. Just make sure you buy your ticket on the app (TrainTime) or at a kiosk before you board. If you wait until you're on the train, the conductors will charge you a massive premium that’ll make your eyes water.
Driving from JFK to Madison Square Garden
Sometimes you just can’t deal with trains. I get it. If you have four suitcases and two tired kids, the LIRR is a logistical hurdle you might not want to jump.
Taxis from JFK to Manhattan operate on a flat fare. As of now, that’s $70, but don't get excited. That’s just the base. You’ve also got the $5.00 rush hour surcharge (if it’s between 4 PM and 8 PM on weekdays), the $1.25 Pearl River surcharge, and the tolls. Oh, the tolls. If the driver takes the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, you’re paying for it. By the time you add a 20% tip—which is standard—you are looking at closer to $100 or $110.
Uber and Lyft are different. They aren't flat rate. Their pricing fluctuates wildly based on demand. If there’s a storm or a major event, that $80 ride can turn into $160 in the blink of an eye. Always check both apps. Sometimes one is significantly cheaper because of driver distribution in the area.
The route usually takes you via the Van Wyck Expressway. Fun fact: locals call it the "Van Wyck," but most of the time it's just a place where cars go to die. It’s notoriously congested. From there, you'll likely hit the Long Island Expressway (LIE) and then the tunnel. If your driver suggests the 59th Street Bridge (Queensboro Bridge), it’s free (no toll), but it drops you off much further uptown, meaning you’ll spend more time fighting cross-town traffic to get down to 33rd Street.
The "Budget" Move: The E Train
If you’re a student or just someone who hates spending money on transit, the subway is your friend.
After taking the AirTrain to Jamaica, follow the signs for the "E" train toward Manhattan. It’s a $2.90 fare. This is the ultimate "I have more time than money" play. The E train is an express for part of the way, but "express" in the NYC subway system is a relative term.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Rose Garden Watertown WI is the Best-Kept Secret in Rock River Valley
The E train stops at 7th Avenue and 53rd Street, and then continues down to 34th St–Penn Station. That’s your stop. When you emerge from the 8th Avenue side of the station, Madison Square Garden will be staring you in the face. It’s a gritty ride. You’ll see buskers, people selling churros, and the full spectrum of New York humanity. It’s an experience. Just keep your bags close to you and be aware of your surroundings.
What about the bus?
Honestly? Don’t. There are airport express buses, but they often get stuck in the same traffic as the taxis. Unless you have a very specific reason to take one, the rail options are superior in every measurable way.
Navigating the Penn Station Labyrinth
Getting JFK to Madison Square Garden isn't just about the ride; it's about the arrival. Penn Station is a chaotic, subterranean maze. It’s currently undergoing a lot of renovations to make it less "basement-like," but it’s still confusing.
If you arrive via LIRR, you'll be on the lower levels. Follow signs for "7th Avenue" or "Madison Square Garden." There are multiple exits. If you find yourself on 8th Avenue, you’re on the back side of the Garden. If you’re on 7th, you’re at the main entrance.
If you have tickets to a game or concert, give yourself an extra 30 minutes just to navigate the station and security. The lines at the MSG entrances can wrap around the block, especially for high-profile events like a Rangers playoff game or a Harry Styles residency.
Timing is Everything
Let’s talk numbers.
- The LIRR Play: 50-60 minutes total (including AirTrain). Reliability: High.
- The Taxi/Uber Play: 45 minutes to 2 hours. Reliability: Low.
- The Subway Play: 75-90 minutes. Reliability: Moderate.
If you land at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday and the Knicks tip off at 7:30 PM, do not take a car. You will be sweating bullets as the meter ticks up and the car moves at the pace of a tectonic plate. Take the train.
Real-World Tips for the Weary Traveler
One thing people forget: The AirTrain requires a separate payment from the LIRR. You can't use an LIRR ticket to get through the AirTrain turnstiles. Use your phone or a contactless credit card for OMNY; it saves you the hassle of waiting in line at the kiosks to buy a physical MetroCard.
If you’re taking a ride-share (Uber/Lyft), follow the signs in the terminal for "Passenger Pick-up" or "App-Based Rides." At JFK, these are often located in specific parking garage levels. Don't just walk out the front door and expect your Uber to be there; they aren't allowed to idle at the curb.
🔗 Read more: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 2: Why It Actually Disappeared
Lastly, watch out for "hustlers" in the arrivals hall. These are guys who walk up to you asking if you need a taxi. They aren't official. They will overcharge you. Always go to the official taxi stand where there is a uniformed dispatcher, or use a legitimate app.
Actionable Steps for your Journey
- Download the TrainTime App: Before you even leave the tarmac, check the LIRR schedule from Jamaica to Penn Station. It’ll tell you exactly which track the next train is leaving from.
- Check the "CityTicket" Eligibility: if it's a Saturday or Sunday, save yourself the $5.00 and make sure you select the CityTicket option on the kiosk.
- Use OMNY: Don't buy a MetroCard for the AirTrain. Just tap your credit card or phone at the turnstile. It’s faster.
- Know Your Entrance: MSG has different entries (Chase Square on 7th Ave is the big one). Check your ticket beforehand so you don't walk around the entire massive cylinder of the building with your luggage.
- Luggage Storage: If you're going straight to an event, remember that MSG has a very strict bag policy. They don't have a "coat check" for suitcases. If you have big bags, use a service like LuggageHero or Vertoe to drop your stuff at a nearby deli or hotel before you head to the gate.