• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Ask Scott
Travel Codex

Travel Codex

Your Resource for Better Travel

  • Subscribe
  • Credit Cards
  • Reviews
  • Guides & Tips
  • Award Travel

Connecting to the JFK Airtrain from Manhattan

by Mike
Last updated February 11, 2020

If you are looking for a simple cost effective way to get from Manhattan to JFK airport, I’d suggest taking the subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to the JFK Airtrain. Since a taxi will generally cost you $55 ($45 fare, $5 tolls, $5 tip) and a variable amount of time, depending upon traffic, the train or subway can be much cheaper and get you there in almost the same time.

LIRR and JFK Airtrain

The recommended mode of transportation depends upon your location in Manhattan and the time and cost you are comfortable with. The more expensive (although still very cheap) option is to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station (34th street) to the Jamaica station which connects to the JFK Airtrain.

From Penn Station to Jamaica is only 21 minutes and the fare is:

Off Peak $7.75
Peak $10.75

Once at Jamaica transfer to the JFK Airtrain. The cost for the Airtrain is an additional $5. Total cost $12.75 or $15.75 per person.

New York Subway to JFK Airtrain

a map of a airport

Alternatively you can take the E or A subway to an Airtrain station and connect from there. If you are in midtown you can take the E train to Sutphin Blvd then connect to the JFK Airtrain. From downtown you can take the A train to Howard Beach and connect there. Make sure you take an A train marked “Far Rockaway” and not the “Lefferts Blvd” train. Both trains take about 50 minutes to get to an Airtrain station, then another 5 to 10 minutes on the Airtrain to the airport.

Since the subway is only $2.75, with the Airtrain fare of $5, this makes for a very inexpensive $7.75 per person.

Hyatt Privé: Addition Perks and NEW Discounts
Trending
Hyatt Privé: Addition Perks and NEW Discounts

A helpful note about the Airtrain

The JFK Airtrains that make stops at the subway and LIRR run sequentially around the terminals, from terminal 1 to 2 to 3. If you are departing on an American Airlines flight from Terminal 8 you can save yourself 10 minutes by alighting at Terminal 1, crossing the platform, and getting on the inner loop terminal train that runs in the opposite direction from terminal 1 to terminal 8, then 7, then 6 and so on.

Returning to Manhattan

If you are arriving in JFK and headed to Manhattan, the above information still applies. The only thing to watch for is the destination of the Airtrain you board. Make sure you board a “Station A – Howard Beach” train for the A subway or the “Station D – Jamaica” train for the E subway and LIRR.

Do you have any public transportation tips for getting to and from JFK? If so please leave them in the comments below.

  • 16shares
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Read This Next

  • a map of a train station
    Save Precious Minutes when Riding the JFK AirTrain
  • American Airlines Manhattan Ticket Office
    American Airlines Manhattan Ticket Office
  • JFK Flagship Lounge American Airlines Review
    JFK Flagship Lounge American Airlines Review

About Mike

On my first flights on Allegheny and Piedmont so many years ago, I immediately got the flying bug. After years of traveling I started the blogs and podcasts at UPGRD.com. And, like many of you, I've done a lot of flying for miles and status. I once flew from New York City to Honolulu and back again just for elite status (and a quick Mai Tai).

Primary Sidebar

Over 100K+ Followers

Subscribe to updates from Travel Codex

none

Learn to how to find the cheapest awards.

Search Now

none

Transfer points to get more value.

See Options

none

Compare credit cards to earn more miles.

Explore Offers

Contact

If you have a question or would like to make a press inquiry, please contact:

Scott Mackenzie
Editor in Chief
scott@travelcodex.com

For updates:
Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe to Apple News

Privacy Policy


© Travel Codex, LLC All Rights Reserved.


Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Travel Codex with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.