Fly into JFK for the Jersey Shore
JFK has the most international routes in the region. The trade-off is crossing New York City traffic: plan on 1.25 to 2 hours to reach the northern Jersey Shore.
Flying to the Jersey Shore?
John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is closest to New York
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JFK is Best For
Shore Towns from JFK
Sandy Hook
1.25 hr drive
Long Branch
1.25 hr drive
Asbury Park
1.5 hr drive
Belmar
1.5 hr drive
Point Pleasant
1.75 hr drive
Rent a Car at JFK
A rental car is recommended for exploring the Jersey Shore. Shore towns spread along the coast, and having a car lets you visit multiple beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
Need a car while you're here?
The beach blocks of John F. Kennedy International are walkable. Getting anywhere else usually means driving.
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Airlines at JFK
Getting to the Shore from JFK
Rental Car
RecommendedAll major companies at the Federal Circle station - take the AirTrain from any terminal.
Tip: The only practical way to reach the shore from JFK. Book before you land.
Train (multi-leg)
AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR to Penn Station, then NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line.
Tip: Three transfers and 2.5-3 hours, but it works to Long Branch or Asbury Park without a car.
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare pickup follows terminal signage.
Tip: Figure $150-250 to Monmouth County. Only worth it for groups splitting the fare.
Tips for JFK to the Shore
The most international routes of any airport near the shore - if you are flying in from abroad, this is usually the option
Route: Belt Parkway to the Verrazzano Bridge, then Garden State Parkway south
The Belt Parkway crawls on summer weekends - a 6am or late-evening arrival saves an hour
If your dates are flexible, EWR gets you to the same beaches 30-40 minutes faster
Book Your Shore Stay
Flying into JFK? Book your accommodations in one of these nearby shore towns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is JFK from the Jersey Shore?
About 1.25 to 2 hours by car depending on New York City traffic. Sandy Hook and Long Branch are closest at roughly 1.25 hours; Ocean County beaches run closer to 2 hours.
Is JFK or Newark better for the Jersey Shore?
Newark (EWR) is 30-40 minutes closer to every shore town and avoids the Verrazzano Bridge toll. Choose JFK only when the route or fare is meaningfully better - typically international arrivals.
Can I take a train from JFK to the Jersey Shore?
Yes, but it takes three legs: AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR to Penn Station, then the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line to towns like Long Branch and Asbury Park. Plan 2.5-3 hours.