We put three ways of getting from JFK Airport to the Empire State Building to the test to see which was quickest: the AirTrain plus the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), a ride-hail (Uber), and a Blade helicopter. TPG staffers Liam Spencer, Medha Imam and Bella Boccasino each used one mode of transport and paid retail, rush-hour conditions included. The result: Blade was fastest, the train was surprisingly close and cheapest, and the ride-hail finished last due to heavy traffic.
How the test worked
Each staffer used a single mode from JFK to Manhattan and timed the trip to the Empire State Building. The helicopter trip included a short car transfer from Blade’s Manhattan helipad to the building. All fares were paid out of pocket for the shoot — but there are several ways travelers can reduce or offset these costs in everyday life.
AirTrain + LIRR (to Penn Station)
The LIRR option delivered a strong performance while costing far less than Blade and often much less than a ride-hail during peak times. Benefits beyond the low cash price include the chance to tap into travel protections or credits offered by premium cards. For example, many travelers can use an annual travel credit offered by some cards to offset train fares. Some cards also earn extra points on general travel purchases, which makes this option even better for loyalty-minded travelers.
Blade helicopter
Blade won the speed test, shaving significant time off the downtown commute. It’s the quickest option by far when point-to-point speed matters, but the price is notably higher. That said, Blade’s fares can be partially offset through certain loyalty programs: some reward currencies can be redeemed for Blade flights up to set limits, select members may receive occasional complimentary flights, and elite members sometimes get booking discounts. For travelers who value time over cost — or who can use points or partner perks — Blade can make sense.
Ride-hailing (Uber)
The ride-hail option came in last in the test because of rush-hour congestion entering Manhattan. Ride-hailing remains convenient and door-to-door, but travel times can be wildly variable and surge pricing can increase the cost considerably. There are, however, card-linked credits and monthly Uber Cash benefits on some premium cards that help reduce out-of-pocket expense. Other cards offer elevated points earning on rideshare services or monthly app credits that add value across multiple trips.
Ways to save or earn on transfers
– Use travel credits: Premium cards that include annual travel credits can often cover public-transit or ride expenses, effectively lowering the net fare for trips like LIRR or AirTrain.
– Redeem transferable or partner points: Some loyalty programs let you use points or a new reward currency toward premium transfers (including certain helicopter services) up to specified limits or with occasional free-seat perks for top-tier members.
– Monthly ride-hail credits: Certain charge cards provide monthly Uber Cash or similar benefits that can be applied to rides and food delivery, reducing recurring ride-hail costs.
– Bonus-category cards: Some travel cards award elevated points on ride-hail apps or general travel purchases; for others, ride-hail spending can earn partner loyalty currency when you link your ride apps to those partners.
– Pick a single loyalty partner in-app: If you want to earn loyalty currency on rides, most apps require you select one partner at a time; you cannot earn in multiple programs on the same trip.
Bottom line
If pure speed is the priority and cost is secondary, Blade is the clear winner. If you want the best balance of speed, reliability and price, the AirTrain plus LIRR surprised us by being nearly as fast as Blade in this test while costing a fraction of the price. If convenience and door-to-door service matter but you must travel in peak traffic, ride-hailing can be the slowest option and is susceptible to delays and higher fares.
What matters most — time, cost, convenience or points — will determine the best choice for your trip from JFK to Midtown. Which option do you prefer when traveling to Manhattan?