The Bottom Line
You Should Know: AirTrain JFK requires transferring to a subway or train in order to reach Manhattan -- the AirTrain does not travel directly to Manhattan.
- Affordable ($7 verses $45 cab fare)
- Efficient -- 35 minutes between JFK & Penn Station (using LIRR)
- You have to carry your own luggage
- Not always a great value for families and groups
- You'll have to transfer to the subway to get into Manhattan
Description
- At Federal Circle(C), riders can transfer between trains for Howard Beach(A) & Jamaica Station(D).
- Station C also offers access to hotel shuttles and rental car services.
- Station B(Lefferts Blvd) on the Howard Beach route allows access to long term and employee parking.
- Signs are posted for transfer between AirTrain & Subway/LIRR in Howard Beach and Jamaica Station.
- AirTrain Fare: $5
- Subway Fare: $2 (payable on MetroCard)
- MetroCard vending machines are available just before the AirTrain exits in Jamaica/Howard Beach.
- Coming from JFK, pay for AirTrain upon exit. Coming to JFK, pay for AirTrain at entrance.
Guide Review - AirTrain JFK: Public Transit between JFK and Manhattan
Upon exiting my flight, I followed signs toward ground transportation and the luggage claim. I was pleasantly surprised to see an AirTrain sign, with an arrow pointing me outside. Paying careful attention to the signs, I was lead around a building and up an elevator to the AirTrain entrance. (AirTrain signs were placed fairly close together and made the otherwise complicated navigation easy, but watch for the signs.)
There are three AirTrain routes, and the arriving AirTrain announces its route clearly and loudly, so just listen to make sure you get on the correct train.
The Airline Terminal route (Inner Loop) offers free service between the various terminals.
The Howard Beach(A) and Jamaica Station(D) routes circles the terminals in the opposite direction, both stopping at Station C/Federal Circle. The Jamaica Station route can be used to access the E and LIRR at Jamaica Station (2nd to last stop on E in Queens).
