They're on the right track. (giggle) So glad they offer this service. Super easy to get to other terminals, car rentals, or hotel shuttles. And, if you are trying to get to the city, the Air Train is more reliable, faster, and predictable than taxis and rideshare at a fraction of the cost (and sometime more spacious or comfortable). Plus, it's luggage friendly and accessible. And they don't need to know your name. If you're confused, you need to take the smooth, magnetic Air Train to exit the airport to either Howard Beach to catch the A train or to Jamaica for the E, J, or Z train (or the Long Island Rail Road direct to Grand Central or Penn Station for $5.25-$7.25). To get directions in reverse back to the airport, just hold this review up to a mirror. Ideally, it would be great to have a direct link from airport to city, like Chicago, Atlanta, DC, San Francisco, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, and Minneapolis and Portland (and Seattle if you walk 1000 feet), but I still appreciate the "two-seat" system because the signage is super easy. You can jump off your plane and follow the yellow signs straight to the air train, pay at the turnstile, and be on a train within 15 minutes anytime of the day. As of June 2026, it's $8.75 for the Air Train, and $3 for the subway. Pro Tip: If you are heading to Terminal 8 from the city, get off the train at Terminal 1, walk across the platform, and catch the clockwise "All Terminals" to catch it in 1 (not 5) stops. read more

When I travel by myself and have a small suitcase or bag I refuse to pay a king's ransom for a trip back home to Manhattan from JFK. For $8.50 this a terrific alternative, plus the $3 cost of a subway ride, over a cab or Uber charging a ridiculous amount. Good signage and easy directions, along with screens showing the train schedule which runs 8-10 minutes or so. Staff is here to assist with any problems or questions. Pay by credit card, OMNY, or mobile app. Easy peasy. Also, it's free travel from terminal to terminal in case you have time to kill and want to use one of the lounges in a different one than which you're flying out of. read more

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This is a convenient and cheap alternative to taxis for traveling between terminals, rental car facilities, parking lots and the city. It's free for travel between terminals and other on-airport facilities but requires a fare to travel to Jamaica or Howard Beach stations, where you can transfer to the subway or LIRR. It is significantly cheaper than a taxi or rideshare to get to Manhattan, especially when combined with the subway or LIRR. It provides a quick and direct route to the city, avoiding road traffic. Once you understand the system, it is straightforward to use. read more

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Great way to get to other terminals, rental cars pick up, airport hotel shuttles, and subway to the city or the LIRR to Long island.

Take the train to the plane, take the plane to the train...this is a jingle that I have heard countless times over the years but never had to actually take it until my recent trip to JFK. I have always been picked up at the airport and never have I ever had to rent a car here! I guess it had to happen eventually! Lol! But I must say, it was easy peasy! This AirTrain runs often and it took me straight to my Hertz Rental car and back when I returned. I was dreading this but lo and behold, it was fabulous! read more

AirTrain JFK - The waiting platform - Train Stations Near Me

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Horrible. People that work there were incompetent and made us switch sides from train to train three times. No one had it together. Employees were very little help they didn't know what was going on and delayed me over 20 minutes. read more

NYC trip - took the train from the plane and back to the plane . Highly recommended if you don't have a lot of luggage. I just had a personal item and a carry on . It's $8.50 round trip and it's a pretty smooth right and will connect to the E train when going into Manhattan and or the LIRR!' Will take it again ! read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

Posting an update review on Air Train JFK. Current price to take the Air Train is $8.50. Get your OMNY card ready. There are staff by the turnstiles to assist. Very smooth ride on Air Train and makes stops to all the Airline Terminals 1-8, Federal Circle-Car rental, hotel shuttles, etc..., Jamaica Station to get the MTA subway and LIRR. Also can get train to Howard Beach to get to MTA subway A line. There is also some announcing where train is going at the platform. read more

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One of the best thing NYC offers. This great transportation will make your airport terminal experience way better than bringing a vehicle for a small fee. Starting and ending station is the Jamaica. With this , you could hop also from one terminal to the other for free fare. Today , we came from Terminal 8 (our boarding terminal) to Terminal 4 for Chase sapphire lounge usage. With an easy track , we were able to cross paths easily. Signage is visible, train schedule is every 10 minutes or less and there is an associate stationed if needed assistance. Smooth ride experience. read more

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Transportation. EXCELLENT. Quick and easy service getting out of the far flung reaches of SE QUEENS. About a 10 minute ride to travel from JFK'S Terminal 5 to JAMAICA STATION to catch the Subway. RECOMMEND. read more

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If you are utilizing public transportation exiting JFK, you will need to get on the AirTrain JFK. My biggest complaint is that the signage at the airport for the direction of the AirTrain could have been better. The font was so small, and at times it was unclear where the next turn should be. The AirTrain is $8.50 per person per trip. You can purchase tickets from vending machines at their stations, or you can use contactless payment like your MetroCard, OMNY, or one of your credit cards that has tap-to-pay ability. The AirTrain stops at all JFK terminals, Federal Circle Station, and Jamaica. You can get off the Federal Circle Station for shuttles to your hotels or rental cars. We took the AirTrain to Jamaica to connect to another train to Grand Central Terminal to get into the city. It wasn't comfortable but it was quick and easy. They had AirTrains coming and going on a frequent schedule. Whether you like it or not, it's one of the only options to get around the city without someone in town picking you up. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

I wanted to thank the staff - a thankless job for sure at dealing with impatient travelers and local NYers. There's a free inner loop for just the terminals 1-8 and there's an outer loop for the terminals + extended parking lots & LIRR & subway (used to cost $5, not sure now). read more

AirTrain JFK - Airtrain station - Train Stations Near Me

Simple and easy option to travel from your JFK terminal to the car rental area. Also has connection options if you want to head directly to NYC or Long Island. read more

I just love the Airtrain system. It was great when they put it in and I am disappointed that their not putting one in place for LaGuardia. The review won't change much from station to station because it's the same AirTrain just a different location. Coming to the Airtrain is a little bit of a walk from Jet Blue, but very doable and easy. They even have the automatic traveling floors if you don't want to walk. It's great as long as their all working There was plenty of seating inside the car and a very quick ride over to Jamaica. There is plenty of signage in the terminal and also some staff here to help you. This stop is also for Rental Cars. I truly believe that the AirTrain was the best addition to JFK Airport since the airport's inception. It makes moving around a pleasure. Also, they seem to spend a fair amount of time keeping these trains clean. KUDOs to the whole AirTrain system. read more

Mid-Town in need to get to JFK -- AirTrain to the Rescue I'm a New York that lives in Washington, DC. I elected to fly to Peru out of JFK. So I hopped on the Amtrak train and arrived in Mid-town, but the only issue is how to get to JFK airport without spending a mint (a lot of money) on taxis and uber. Well, you take either the subway A train or the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica Queens, there you will be able to board the AirTrain to JFK. The NYC subway and AirTrain, both take payments by scanning your e-credit cards at the fare gate, so it's easy to use. The AirTrain is a straight line between you and the airport, very convenient and easy to navigate, on your way to the airport. It was clean and comfortable, with places to stack your bags. The cost of minimum and much cheaper than an Uber. Should you use the AirTrain? Yes, if you can navigate such a trip with your bags. read more

Usually ok, but stop for long times with garbled messages. Bunch of track workers standing around. Usually late night. Europe doesn't do this. And I am American. read more

I paid my fare in Jamaica to go to air train Howard beach stop and was forced to pay a duplicate fare on exiting the air train at Howard beach stop. At the transfer section at federal circle station, one very helpful assistant told me to seek out an assistant at Howard beach so they could let me thru without paying again. Assistant at Howard beach told me "too bad." Just one more reason to give NYC a final goodbye read more

I have used Airtrain facility at JFK to go to the rental car center and come back to the Terminals. There are two tracks one for each direction and next train available every 5 minutes. Great service. read more

A quick and easy way to get to and from JFK to Jamaica and reserve with ease . I remember driving by the VW expressway when the air train tracks were being built and now I know why , it's quick , simple and worth the one way 8.50 cost .After dropping off a car rental we walked a few feet to the air train entrance , up the escalator and wait for train was less then 5 minutes . Seating is limited but the fast ride of also 5 minutes was just fine for my bad knees . Once you arrive , you pay with metro card or omny card to exit and you can catch the LIRR OR the NYC train lines once you exit . Worth the trip and many cheap tourist who don't want to spend on a cab will agree . read more

Welcome to the newest luxury housing community in Queens, 101 Federal Circle, just minutes away from the airport or from the convenient Jamaica train station. All our units include washers/dryers and soundproofing that removes a full 83% of airplane noise. But seriously folks, this is an easy five stars. It's vastly superior to the cramped, frequently-broken Newark AirTrain. And have I told you the story of the awful NIMBYs who helped kill the LaGuardia AirTrain? Some of them say the bus is good enough (they tend to be the people who don't actually ride buses). As someone who isn't known for being on time, I can appreciate when the LIRR and AirTrain work in harmony, briskly transporting me to the airport. If only it was this easy to get to the airport in the actual state where I live. read more

Use your 6 or 8 car trains. Jamming the workers and Travellers in a train half the size constantly is the worst part of my day

I recently flew into JFK from Pittsburgh. I used it only to get to the gates and to the rental car places. The best aspect of AirTran if you need it is the connection to the LIRR. I have never done that but it would be a huge savings rather than paying to park there of have a car service take you. The tram was clean and fast. No problems at all. read more

I've flown into JFK countless times over the years, but never took the AirTrain until I went with my transportation-obsessed four-year-old Leo B. Now that a cab into Manhattan costs like $90+, I may be a new convert. It's certainly worth the extra hassle of walking and carrying some light luggage, especially when the entire journey doubles as entertainment for a small child. It is easier to get to the taxi line than it is to hike to the AirTrain. You do have to do some walking and take the train to Jamaica, where you have to catch the train that'll take you into town. Same deal on the way back. I found that the train added a good half hour on each end to our travel time, though I'm sure we made up some of it by avoiding road traffic in the middle. We took the LIRR in because I'm stupid and thought our hotel was in the wrong place, and the E on the way back. The train part of both legs was straightforward, pleasant, and cheap. There were also people everywhere making sure everything ran smoothly, and they were all super nice to us. Leo loved every minute of travel, even walking through the airport, insisting on pushing one of our carry-ons (it is possible that this added significantly to our travel time). I loved watching him, and also the blissful speed with which we cut over into Manhattan. We go to New York pretty often and now that I know how, I'm thinking I'll default to the AirTrain. It's an excellent option, whether or not you're seriously into trains. read more

This service SUCKS and isn't worth the $8.50 entry fee. Sometimes you are stuck waiting 15+ minutes or more for this slowpoke train to arrive at Jamaica and it can literally take up to 45 minutes to get from Jamaica station to whatever JFK terminal you are flying from. The trains often pause between stations or terminals for a significant time, and because it's fully automated there are no conductors or train operators on the trains to make announcements about why delays are happening.. If you choose to use this overrated service, make sure you budget PLENTY of extra time in advance of when you need to be at the airport... or just take an Uber or taxi. read more

Great way to get to the city from JFK. You can easily pay $100+ using ride sharing apps or a taxi. With this option you will spend $8.50 for the AirTran and then $2.90 on the subway to get to Manhattan. You can access AirTran from your arrival terminal and be sure to get on the train to Jamaica if heading to Manhattan. You won't pay until you get off the train and exit. This is where you will see kiosks to purchase metro cards. You may also choose to tap & pay with credit card or phone. A new metro card is $1 and can be loaded with the total fare of $11.50. The metro cards will be phased out in 2025, so you may want one as a souvenir. Otherwise just tap & go. From here you can continue down the escalator (or use the slow elevator) to exit. Walk outside and follow the signs to the subway where you can take the E J or Z lines. There is a small escalator that will go down to subway level and once you pay, you'll need to go downstairs to the actual train. The overall journey from JFK to midtown Manhattan is roughly 1.5 (maybe less depending on your stop & timeliness of trains). Just take the E train towards World Trade Center. read more

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Follow the signs to the AirTrain. Quite easy to navigate for this part. The train is clean with space for the luggage and seats for people. It stops at terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8. You will need to change to the free shuttle bus if going to terminal 1 at terminal 8 or vice versa. I was at terminal 5 so it was straight forward. Get a metro card and swipe that to enter. Go to Jamaica station to connect to the subway taking you to Manhattan or Brooklyn. Federal Circle station will take you to rental car and hotel shuttles. The signs are pretty clear on how to get around. Definitely an affordable way to get into NYC. $8.25 per trip. Uber was $100+ when I checked. read more

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Took the AirTrain the other day from JFK to the Jamaica station and it was a quick and easy experience! Hopped on the AirTrain from my terminal and I was at Jamaica station in mere minutes on an air conditioned fully automated train with plane spotting! There were numerous uniformed TSA officers riding the train as well, probably going to and from work. AirTrain is complimentary unless getting on or off at Jamaica station then it is $8 + $1 MetroCard fee. AirTrain accommodates luggage trolleys too! read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

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Fantastic way to get around the disconnected terminals at JFK Airport. The airport was laid out many decades ago with the outdated idea of each major airline having their own individual terminal. The AirTrain makes it easy to get terminal to terminal for transfers, just follow the signs. It's slightly less successful getting into Manhattan proper, and connecting with the subway or commuter railroad. The more recently added train loop is generally across the access road from each of the terminals. read more

Excellent service. Such an easy way to get to the subway and take the A train to Manhattan, Brooklyn, or in the opposite direction Far Rockaway or Rockaway Beach. $8. Because the train system is so extensive you can get to almost any part of New York City. It just takes awhile. 75-90 minutes to Manhattan. Depending on traffic, a taxi or ride share isn't necessarily much faster and cost multiples more. Also the way you get to car rental agencies. That's free. Surprisingly clean! read more

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First time on the AirTrain! Affordable option for transportation to JFK! I took the Long Island Rail Road at Penn Staton NY to Jamaica station and hopped on the AirTrain. A fraction of the cost an Uber or taxi, just allow plenty of time! read more

For me my initial experience with AirTrain John F. Kennedy was overwhelming because I was not familiar with the transportation system. It was not until my departure flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport when I understood it more. After arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport, I had every intention of catching a Lyft from the airport to Manhattan, New York until I saw the price per trip. Whoa! It was then I made the decision to catch either the rail or subway from the airport to Manhattan. I asked questions which gave me some courage to move forward with riding AirTrain John F. Kennedy to Jamaica LIRR Station. I was informed that Jamaica LIRR Station is where I can pay, as well as connect to either the rail or subway. I ended up catching AirTrain John F. Kennedy to Jamaica LIRR Station where I made the decision to catch MTA Jamaica Center - Parsons/ Archer Subway downtown to Manhattan. For your information, AirTrain John F. Kennedy connects you to either Federal Circle (rental cars, hotel, and cargo shuttles), Lefferts Blvd (long term parking), Jamaica LIRR Station, or All terminals. As I had to do, if you are unsure, I advise you to ask questions, take a look at the signage clearly, as well as know the stop for your terminal which are 1 & 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Trust me it will save you a headache knowing beforehand. If you are fortunate to have the time in your day before your trip, research the transportation system in New York. Other than getting familiar with the transportation system, I really did not have a bad experience at AirTrain John F. Kennedy. I do anticipate returning to John F. Kennedy International Airport in time now that I know how to navigate somewhat better. ~Have courage. Be Kind. ~ Thomas G read more

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the people mover (elevated train) to move people between terminals and ground transportation points at JFK airport in NYC. The terminals are spaced far apart at JFK, so the AirTrain is a convenient way to get around the airport. There are escalators and elevators with clear signs, directing you to the above level. The station itself is very modern, and the trains will come every 5 to 10 minutes, so definitely possible to checkout other terminals with no risk if you have a hour or two before your flight. Another important stop is the rental car center, which is Federal Circle stop on the train. All of this can be accessed for free. As mentioned, it also connects you to the subway/train lines into the 5 boroughs, which costs money (this is in addition to the standard fare for using the subway which is $2.90). A popular destination is Manhattan, which is where we were headed. The are actually two AirTrains: Red (which terminates at the Jamaica station) and Green (which terminates at the Howard Beach station). Both stations have connecting trains deeper into the city (A line for Howard Beach, E line for Jamaica). Jamaica does seem to be faster (less stops). In both stations, you have to pay to exit the station ($8.25 plus $1 for metrocard). They have self service kiosks before you exit, but those have long lines since everyone is trying to do the same thing. If I had to do it over again, I would buy a round trip metro card directly from the cashier at the Hudson News Stand before you exit the terminal. A one-way trip on the subway is $2.90 with unlimited transfers. So we ended up getting $20 on a metro card for each of us, but ended up having $4 or so left over because the kiosks wouldn't let us reload it (not sure why...but not worth figuring out with many people behind us). Once you enter the NY metro subway, it is a lot easier to pay via OMNY ( you can use your digital wallet on your smart phone (apple or android), along with a tappable credit card)...but this is not yet available for AirTrain. Right now, you have to use a metro card, and the turnstiles did seem to be monitored (I wish the monitors would try to help people get through, especially those with bulky travel luggage). This is an obvious pain point. It wasn't so bad when we arrived in the morning, but trying to leave during rush hour on a Friday: it was painful (but still worth the savings vs the $100+ Lyft ride alternative). Google Maps (or others of similar ilk) is invaluable to plan out your trip. read more

AirTrain JFK - Service Map - Train Stations Near Me

I live in Jersey but on a recent trip I would save $600 if I was to fly out of JFK. I checked the fees on Uber and lyft and it's like over $90 to JFK without tip so I was thinking what about that "A Train to the Plane" ? Well that train to the plane is no more , and no more bus detour for those that did take it, now they got a lite rail cars instead to the airport. It's been a while since I took the Subway not only is walking to my job better for me but I don't have to deal with the possible underground urban hell that the Subway can be. Well I went for it, $200 is a lot of money for a guy that flies economy class, I took the E train to Jamaica Station but you can also do the A train to Howard Beach Station. Once there you pay $8 one way to ride the AirTrain to all the terminals at JFK and that's on top of the Subway fare, and my bus ride to PABT. Beside NYC riders other travelers where getting on from other stops some with three and four big pieces of luggage. My fear of getting slash or jumped for my bag diminished. But The Jamaica Station was filthy with the smell of urine and their was a homeless guy spread on the floor. I was immediately approached by a psychic asking for a handout, who spoke to me in Spanish and said "se que eres boricua", "I know you are Puerto Rican", LOL, well I gave her a five, who knows what else she knew and would blast out on me. Well I made it to the airport terminal 7 and did the revise trip on my return, only this time from the airport to Jamaica Station and paying $8 again there is one stop for airport hotels and all the car rental companies too so not everyone is planing on taking the Subway. Would I do it again, maybe, it all depend on what I save in time and money vs. flying of of Newark but make no mistake taking the Subway to the airport is nothing to rave about. read more

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Make sure you leave a hour early (just for the airtrain) if you want to be on time for work or your flight.

The AirTrain at JFK is slowly declining in service. I e been taking it once a month and what I've experienced is broken elevators, escalators, trains that are delayed or not working or lack of air conditioning in the cars. Why is a 20 year old system in such a bad state!?!? Think twice before you take this method of transportation since you may find yourself late for your flight. Sad because I am a big follower but not worth the hassle if it is unreliable. read more

Surprisingly long ride from the NYC subway to JFK airport. It also costs $8 each way. The air train is driverless and circles the airport stopping at each terminal. At least the trains are generally long enough to accommodate the masses with their suitcases. These trains do not have the cramped compartments of Newark and that alone is a plus. read more

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We took subway E from midtown Manhattan at 7th Av 53rd st station uptown. It took about an hour even though we were on the express. The subway fare is the same $2.75 to Sutphin Blvd subway station. We got off. Saw many signs on the subway platform that said Air Train JFK. But don't wait there. Confusing. Take the escalator upstairs until you see these huge signs that says AirTrain JFK. There are fare machines where you either add money or buy another Metrocard because it'll cause you $7.75. Total out of pocket from Manhattan to JFK is $10.50. The AirTrain does a loop. Stops include hotels, rental cars, and all terminals. If you've got the inclination you may want to consider this inexpensive way of either getting to Manhattan from JFK or Manhattan to JFK. We did cab it into Manhattan because of rainy weather. Taxi set at $52 plus toll $ tip. We paid total $72. Try to avoid doing this during rush hour. Many years ago we did this from JFK to Manhattan and it was packed like sardines. I experienced a minor hiccup attempting to swipe my MetroCard to cross the turnstile. My hubby's Metrocard was accepted; however, mine wasn't. We both purchased our Metrocards in a subway station in Manhattan. So I did what I had to. I pushed my luggage through and I hopped over. What else could I have done? read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

AirTrain is a good way of getting around fast at JFK Airport. It of course just sucks paying for it. You have to pay separately from subways. One good thing is that getting to each terminal is free. The charge is when leaving the airport to connect to MTA trains. Getting around this airport is hard since it's so big. It has a fast way of getting to each terminal. The AirTrain is free as long as you go only between terminals. If you leave the airport there's charge. It's $7.75 to get connected to the MTA. There's exits at the Lefferts Park and Sutphin Boulevard - Archer Avenue stations. It still can get annoying going around the airport. It stops at stations that are a long walk from inside. That means you need to give yourself enough time. read more

AirTrain JFK - Station - Train Stations Near Me

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The Van Wyck Expressway gives me a migraine just thinking about it! Avoid jolting taxis, painful traffic, annoying drivers, gross car upholstery, and the hour-or-more car trip to the airport. Do yourself a favor and take the LIRR to Jamaica. Then get AirTrain. It's annoying to pay 3 fares on 3 different transit systems (subway, LIRR, and Port Authority's AirTrain), and luggage on the subway's cumbersome, but it's way better than traffic. On the whole, the trains also are more predictable in terms of travel time than roads are. The 3 fares aren't expensive, but to an out-of-towner I'd bet they're confusing. Many cities have a direct train to the airport. New York really needs one. But I suppose there's no place like New York for better or worse -- including its third-world travel infrastructure. Don't be a snob. Take the AirTrain. read more

There are multiple ways to get out of JFK airport but the Airtrain represents a convenient and cost-effective means. Signs for the Airtrain are posted throughout the airport so it's easy to find after you get off your plane. You can access it from any terminal. It's important to note, if you ride the green line (Howard Beach Route) all the way to the Howard Beach Station, you cannot exit the station without paying $8.25 (plus the cost of the subway card itself). To avoid that price, you could get off one stop sooner at Lefferts Boulevard and pay less than $3 for the transfer then get a local bus to the Howard Beach Station to get the train into Brooklyn and Manhattan. Depending on when you ride, taking the Airtrain from JFK into the city can be over an hour. When you compare it to calling an Uber or Lyft, which can take about 45 minutes and cost upwards of $75, the choice is clear. read more