- So, you're going (or have gone) on a trip, and want to save your sanity? - Or, you have friends/family coming in, and want to impress them with your super-saving skills? Well then, enter the AirTrain. The massive project that made getting to and around JFK 100x easier. - It's clean. - It's fast. - It's convenient. - It's $7.50 total ($5 to get on, and $2.50 to connect from the A-Train). Which in turn will save you about $35-40 in money (since you won't have to take a cab from Manhattan or another borough to here). See...you're impressing your friends/family already! :-) =============Pro-Tips============= 1) You don't have to pay $5 again to exit the train, if you get off at Terminal 4 and get a cab or the Q10 bus. 2) There *is* a monthly pass for the AirTrain. It's $40, which in-turn will save you up to of $60 per Month if you travel a lot. See! There's those super-saving skills again, just impressing all those around you! :-) 3) The Jamaica Station isn't the only stop that connects the AirTrain to the MTA trains. you can also get it Howard Beach & Lefferts Blvd. =============Pro-Tips============= read more

The AirTrain is the best, cheapest and fastest way to get from JFK to NYC. It connects right from the terminals to the Jamaica train station for the LIRR and subways. Hop on the E train for a quick ride to Manhattan. This totally beats taking a cab. The total price is $7.50 plus a buck for the metro card. A cab would cost you $75.00 to lower Manhattan and take longer. To the World Trade center on the E its about an hour and a half ride total. Highly recommend. read more

I moved to New York and I became a fan of public transit. I never thought I'd see the day either, but join me on my South Brooklyn to JFK expedition, sans wheels. F to A to Airtrain to JFK = no motion sickness. You see, a car from my home to JFK is quicker, yes. However, I get plunked at JFK and it takes me an hour to recover from the herky jerky driving on local roads all the way. (Save if it is VERY early and they take the south highway, that's a dream). It's also $38 + tip. Also, the last time "Fernando" was my driver and I had to hear an in depth story about how he has come to appreciate women (his wife, especially!) and how it got her to sleep with him more. Sooooo, let's try this Airtrain thing. The yellow lines on the subway maps intrigued me. Let's do this sucker. 1. Cost = $5 on the Airtrain from Jamaica or Howard Beach (+ $2.25 subway to get there, presumably). Some might argue this is a monopoly since literally the subways DO NOT run anywhere close enough to get to JFK, but alas this is how it is. The upside is you can pay with your Metrocard (no unlimiteds), it's there, and it's really, really nice. The station feels very safe, comfortable and the train ride is quick. 2. There is a list of airlines and corresponding terminals within the Airtrain. Save yourself some frantic rushing to this list and just figure out what terminal you need to be in before you depart. 3. The Airtrain doesn't get you RIGHT INSIDE the airport. But, close. I was flying out of Terminal 2 (woefully, as I dreamed of Terminal 5) and had to cross the street outside, etc. It's not a far walk, but for the elderly or those traveling heavily or in the bitter cold winter months, this isn't really a good option. Up to you. 4. On the return trip (going into NYC, if you're visiting), you pay the Airtrain fare as you depart at the subway station. Overall it takes longer, but if it saves me $30 each way + motion sickness, it's a worthwhile time travel investment. read more

Went on vacation to visit family and had to leave out of JFK. I don't own a car, I didn't have anyone to drive me and I sure as hell wasn't going to spend the moeny to take a cab. My only option was to troop it. Taking the E train to the Airtrain with all my luggage on a cold Monday morning. I was a little nervous of getting lost somehow or the commute taking to long but it was quite a breeze. You have to pay an extra $5.00 to take the Airtrain but it takes a Metrocard and they have machines right by the entrance. On my way back from vacation the airtrain didnt leave the airport for mantenaince reasons. It took me over 3 hours to get home because I didnt take a cab and the shuttle bus services were awful. That experience just makes you realize how convenient it is to take the Airtrain and how dependent people are of it. The Airtrain (when running) is an absolute life saver if only because of the $40-45 I would save in my pocket. read more

Since the incident I wrote about below, I've had nothing but good experiences with AirTrain. After using it a dozen times in the past year, I can't appreciate the convenience of AirTrain enough. I can get from Hicksville LIRR to any terminal at JFK in under 40 minutes (30min to Jamaica, 10min to get to the terminal). My only gripe (come on, I have to have one) is that I should be able to buy a AirTrain ticket with my LIRR ticket. Buying a separate ticket at Jamaica stinks, especially when rushing to catch a plane. Oh well, can't win em all! read more

Do you remember times when only way to get around JFK terminals and to long-term parking was by slow-as-turtle bus? No? Than stop complaining about AirTrain, sit down and just enjoy the ride. Opened in 2003, modern and fast, clean and efficient, AirTrain became integral part of JFK airport. I have to admit, schedule can be confusing first time around, but once you figure it out, it is a breeze to hop on, off, and be on your way - either you flying out or coming back to NYC. It is free from long term parking and between terminals, with average travel time from point A to point B being 20 min or so. Yea, I took cab to JFK once - never again, why would I? AirTrain is waiting for me! read more

For Manhattanites, the JFK hot tip is to take the LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica ($5 non-peak/$7 peak) and catch the AirTrain. In total, $10-12 and 35-45 minute travel time any time of day. (You can save $3-5 by taking the subway to Jamaica or Howard Beach, but it can make the trip twice as long -- what's your time worth?) read more

AirTrain JFK - Image from mta.info/lirr/ConnectingService - Train Stations Near Me

So. Ready. For. Vacation! Been on the air train multiple times... Native New Yorker and daily commuter... It only travels between the airport and Jamaica Station or Howard Beach...where connection can be made to both the Long Island Railroad or the Subway...safe travels! Good luck! read more

After a long flight be ready to start looking for the train and go up few floors. But with that said, the air train is a very good solution. If you are going to the car rental this is the perfect way to get there. read more

I used the AirTrain for the first time last night to meet my girlfriend at the AirPort. I don't know if it's always this easy, but if it is, I've been wasting a lot of my company's money on taxis. The LIRR is $5.75 from Penn to Jamaica. The AirTrain is another $5. That's $10.75 to get to JFK faster than a taxi, and with less hassle. Plus, I would imagine that there is a lot less variance in how long this whole process takes, since there is no traffic. I don't know how often the AirTrain runs, but I know that in my one experience it pulled up about 90 seconds after I walked into the waiting area. They even had a friendly and knowledgeable (I know, right) MTA employee there to help people figure out how to use the touchscreen map of the AirTrain stops. All around, this was an awesome experience. read more

Another thing I miss about NY is their transportation. I love driving but I love being able to sit back and just enjoy the ride, too. My flight arrived at 5 AM and I didn't have any check-in luggage so off I went. I just followed the signs, like Mr. John A. told me to and everything was a breeze. Probably a 3-5 min walk from the airport to the station (okay, okay. I get it. I walk really slow, Noo Yawkers) but everything was uneventful except for a couple of whistles and a few: "Hey, girl! Wanna ride?" And I thought, man I must be attractive only to turn around and realize.. "Damn taxi drivers." There's an elevator from ground floor to the station on the 2nd floor which is awesome for a newb who decided to wear heels (it was just an inch, I swear) to go walking and commuting in NY. I love how it was so easy to connect from all the train hubs. Mr. John A was at the station waiting for me and he took charge from there. Easy-peasy getting to Manhattan and everywhere else from there. Thanks, boo. read more

Seems like some people had a bad day with the AirTrain. Whether you're coming from somewhere on the Island or coming from Manhattan this is the easiest way to get from Jamaica Station to JFK. Its a 13 min ride from Penn Station to Jamaica via LIRR and another 6-7 mins until you reach a terminal. Its $5, if you have money on your subway card you can use that even though they will say to buy a separate card (its the same thing). During peak hours you'll have a train come every few minutes whereas non-peak hours you might have to wait 10 mins or so. When at JFK, coming back with the AirTrain can be tricky because you have to make sure you aren't getting on a Howard Beach line otherwise you're screwed. If you're traveling between the hours of 7:00 am til 9:30 am and 4 pm til 7 pm, taking the LIRR to Jamaica from either direction to catch the AirTrain is the fastest route. read more

UGHHHHHHHHH I find the AirTrain repugnant. I work for an airline out of JFK, so I spend A LOT of time on the AirTrain; more than I would like to, unfortunately. I commute from Manhattan and I'm sorry to say that I spend HALF of my commute time on this piece. Sure, it's clean, above ground, has big windows that give you spectacular views of Queens and airplane hangers. However, it aggravates me that a one way ticket is five dollars for a transportation device that runs slower than the E train at 3 am! These airtrains are always broken, breaking down while you're on it, running infrequently and UNNECESSARILY loud. ie: "We've arrived at terminal one. This is the Jamaica Train. The next stop will be terminals two and three. Please stand clear the doors are closing! Please hold on! NEEEE NAWWWW NEEEE NAAAAAAW!" Shut upppp do you have to be so damn loud? I can't even think clearly, Never mind hold on. Thennnn the other aggravating factor is that many travelers board the AirTrain with those smart carts filled with heavy luggage. When they're exiting, the wheels get caught in the gap between the AirTrain and the platform because the platform is raised a half inch higher. Then, as the travelers struggle, these massive doors of steel come closing in on these poor souls. I'm getting perturbed thinking about JFK's AirTrain. They should hire some engineers from RPI, turn the speaker system down and cut the announcements shorter, raise the airtrain a smidge higher and run them more frequently if they're going to charge five bucks a ride. read more

Cost of Airtrain = $1.9 billion Length of Line = 8 miles Cost per mile = $237.5 million Cost per ride = $5 (Source: Wikipedia) Everyone settle down. Now we got the numbers out of the way, you've got to realize that we should've had this a long time ago. You now have an alternative to taking the cab for 40 bones or 25 bucks via the shuttle to Midtown Manhattan. Nicer option is that you can take the LIRR to the city for as low as 3.50 on the weekends (CityTicket). The system has two lines where the inner one runs the loop within JFK airport and the outer loop connects to Federal Circle (rental cars) and Jamaica Center. Here you'll access the LIRR, subway, bus as well as car service. The other branch leads to Lefferts Blvd (long-term parking) and Howard Beach (A train). Protip: If your at Terminal One and want to save time, take the inner loop heading to Terminal Eight and catch the Jamaica line. It'll save you from circum-navigating the airport. read more

After hearing the rundown on the JFK airport via Manhattan transportation options (hvala, Jando!), the AirTrain route sounded like the most cost-effective without gobbling up hours of time. In fact, using AirTran went so smoothly and quickly, that I began writing this review at JFK with 1:38 to spare 'til flight time (yes, ONE HOUR and 38 minutes). And how did this happen? Well let me take you back: 3pm: Left the W Union Square and hopped in a cab heading to Penn Station. 3:15: Arrived at Penn Station and purchased a LIRR ticket for $6.25 3:27: Boarded the LIRR; destination: Jamaica 3:47: Arrived at Jamaica station, bought an AirTrain ticket for $5 3:50: Boarded AirTrain 4:01pm: Exited AirTrain at JFK Terminal 8 Total investment: $11.25 (plus short cab ride to Penn) and 1:01 in travel time vs. approximately $50 and easily 1.5 hours at peak travel times. Brilliant, right? Don't forget that you need exact change for the shiny, pretty AirTrain ($5, you cannot get change for a $20). However, if you smile nicely the guy running the concessions store will run a $5 packaged AirTrain card to you, which you'll then use to get through and collect your $15 in change. True story! Once on the AirTrain, make sure to check out the signage to determine which terminal you'll need to exit at. And there you have it... transport to JFK minus the migraine! read more

Nice roomy train, inadequate seatings. Train took us from JFK to Jamaica Station. You pay for the ride $5 (from the kiosk or using a Metrocard), once you leave the station to exit onto the LIRR, MTA subways, buses or streets. I observed the staff to help with questions and passengers unaware what to do, are very rude and have very snotty attitudes like you are bothering them. I am a native New York and know my way about. But for someone lost or confused having to approach them for assistance, it sadly gives new meaning to the term The Bad Apple. read more

Yes! Traffic is terrible. So instead of taking a cab into the City, take the Airtrain to Jamaica Station. At Jamaica Station take the LIRR to Penn Station. Very quick trip (about an hour) and costs only $13 (for both trains) during peak time. It's a pain to drag your luggage, but next time pack light okay?? Costs even less during the off-peak times. (Whenever that is...) read more

I've only taken the AirTrain into Manhattan. We arrived on a Saturday morning off the redeye flight so it was relatively empty on the subway. It was a cheaper than a taxi and faster than the airport bus to Grand Central. I liked the convenience and it was easy to follow the signs to get to where I needed to be. However, if I had more than just my carry-on luggage I would probably take another mode of transportation to get into town as it would have been a problem to move my big suitcase up and down the subway steps. Forget those turnstiles! Be mindful of the guys that want to help you out at the ticket machines. read more

AirTrain JFK is the easiest way to get to, from and around Kennedy International Airport (JFK). AirTrain connects with MTA New York City Transit subways and buses and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). It is for free. Today I took the AirTrain from the JFK long-term parking lot at Lefferts Blvd., where I parked my car. My flight was at Delta's Terminal 2 where it took about 5 minutes. AirTrain to Terminal 8 takes only about 10 minutes. Bottom line is AirTrain is a free convenient transportation method. read more

Always on time and clean. I really can't ask for anything else when it comes to public transit. Yes, the price may be a bit high considering the amount of distance traveled, but you only pay at the main station. The airlines are labeled above the door, and thankfully the airlines are listed in alphabetical order as opposed to terminal order. Seating a bit limited due to the vast amount of floor space. Your ride won't be too long so standing with your baggage isn't that big of deal. Besides, it will give you some practice on channeling your equilibrium. Currently, there is construction going on at the Delta Terminal (3), so there is no access to the 3rd floor. If you need to get to the terminal, you'll have to walk across the street on the 1st floor. Just a heads up... read more

WTF!!! Dont make me feel like a foreigner!! This is my home since birth and when I try to use this system I feel like I'm in China. The only difference is that in China I can figure out the transit system a little better than this. Seriously this is super confusing and I really feel bad for people who are not from here. This is a last case scenario for me. My gf and I wanted to punch this airtrain in the face! Make it less confusing people! read more

Very convenient means of transportation to and from the airport, especially if you live in Brooklyn. I was afraid to take it for the first time during my departure. But upon arrival back to the States, I didn't feel like shelling out another $50 for a cab, so I hopped on the Air Train. The trains run every 4 minutes or so and take you to the Lefferts or Howard Beach stations to catch the subway. Waiting for the A train at midnight was the longest portion of my journey, but that was understandable. There were still alot of people on the platform, so safety wasn't that big of an issue. I still think that a small police presence would have been nice. The cost AirTrain is $5 to enter/exit and you can use your Metrocard. read more

The good: It's a reliable and super cost-effective way to get to Manhattan from JFK. The fare consists of: $5 for the "AirTrain" ticket and $2.25 for the subway ticket. So, you pay a mere $7.25 versus $45+ for a cab ride into the city. The bad: The Jamaica Station is a dump and it takes a little over an hour to get to lower Manhattan. Also, the make sure add at least 10-15 minutes to get from your Terminal to the AirTrain Station if you need to be in the City by a certain time. TIP: If you're traveling from lower Manhattan (FiDi), get on at the start/end of the E train at World Trade Center (Fulton) so you avoid the fight over seating. There's also plenty of space to get your luggage and you situated for the long ride ahead. read more

I abhor this thing with the white hot hate of a thousand suns. 1. A few years ago, to take public transit to JFK you took the A out to Howard Beach and transferred to a bus (free!), which took you to the terminal of your choice. Not glamorous, but it did the job and cost you nothing. Now all of a sudden they put in a flashy monorail and decide to charge $5 for the privilege of riding it? 2. Said flashy monorail Makes No Sense and is impossible to make heads or tails of. Some of them go to all the terminals. Some don't. They're not clearly marked as to which is which. The bottom line? I'll fly out of Newark, thanks. read more

$45-50 by cab to JFK? You can keep it! $5 for the AirTrain to whisk you above the traffic jammed highway to get you to the airport quickly? I'll take two! Yes, whenever my travels take me to good ol' million miles away JFK, I partake in the AirTrain. May I also recommend taking the LIRR to Jamaica station to catch it? Forget the E train. From Woodside to Jamaica is a whopping 9 minutes compared to the 50 minutes or so it takes to get there on the E. Another awesome bonus about the AirTrain has to be the views! You're awarded awesome flyby's of the airplanes as you zip between each terminal. Now, it may be because I love airplanes and I'm a guy, but it's enough to help bolster the 5 star rating up there! The trains arrive frequently, and I believe run every 5 minutes or so during peak hours. Riding between terminals is free, but to exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach you're going to drop the $5. read more

Modern means of transportation within JFK and two public transportation hubs. The JFK AirTrain travels from terminal to terminal and stops at two main stations before heading out to Howard Beach Station or Jamaica Station. This is probably the fastest way to get around the airport, and is very spacious incase you need to transport luggage. Most terminal Air Train Stations are located across the airline terminals. Stops at terminal 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Federal Circle Station, and Lefferts. Within the airport, there is no charge, but if you get off at Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station, there is a $5 dollar fare charge. From Jamaica Station, you can connect to the MTA to get to New York City. read more

For my flight home to California after my first semester of college in New York, I planned on taking the AirTrain to JFK weeks in advance for many reasons: 1. $7.25 ($2.25 subway + $5.00 AirTrain fee) compared to a $50+ taxi ride is a no-brainer. 2. I was only taking enough luggage to get me through a month at home, so I thought I could comfortably carry everything on my own. 3. Four months of living in the big bad city convinced me that I was "New Yorker" enough to tackle the AirTrain on my own. My flight was at 4:37 p.m., so I planned on leaving lower Manhattan at 1:30 to arrive at 3:00 at the latest. With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to avoid long lines and potentially missing my flight. Forget that. After staying up all night doing laundry and tidying up my dorm room, I didn't sleep at all. It was 9:00 a.m. when I figured that I'd take an hour-long nap, then finish packing my things. This is when everything went wrong. (But AirTrain still managed to get me to my flight on time!) Here's the full, unabridged story, if you're bored and you have nothing else to read: 1:20 -- Wake up from my nap that was supposed to end over three hours ago after sleeping through my alarm on full blast and realize that I haven't finished packing my bags and enter into panic mode. Note to self: invest in a louder alarm clock. 1:45 -- Finish cramming my things into my bags and rush out the door. 2:00 -- Frantically grab sushi, banana, and soda to-go in a paper bag from my dorm's dining hall. Weird combination, I know. 2:15 -- Paper bag rips open on my way to the subway station and soda explodes all over the ground. Taxi driver strategically parked near subway station notices me struggling to get my life in order and follows me. I decline his offer. YOLO? 2:30 -- Arrive at subway station and exponentially increase my level of panic after realizing that I have to go up a flight of stairs to take the uptown A train right after barely making it through the turnstile alive with all my luggage. I underestimated just how much stuff I was taking with me. Oops. 2:40 -- Board the A train. Too late to turn back. People are giving me strange looks as I eat my sushi and banana. Should I have taken the taxi instead? 3:20 -- The A train finally stops at Howard Beach station. To my dismay, the escalator to the AirTrain isn't operating and hoards of people are pushing and shoving their way through. Luckily, a kind man offered to carry my luggage bag halfway through as he watched me nearly die. Bless his soul. 3:30 -- Waste more time by buying a $5 MetroCard with the special AirTrain design on the back even though I already have more than enough funds on my old one. Alright, I'll admit it: I'm still very much a tourist. 3:50 -- Make it just in time to my terminal. I've never walked faster in my life. 4:15 -- Pass through security. The lines are surprisingly short considering it's prime holiday season. 4:20 -- Arrive at my gate, only to discover that my flight has been delayed for fifteen minutes. Seriously?! And this concludes the story of how I almost missed my flight back home and risked hundreds of dollars just to experience the AirTrain out of my own stubbornness. I got incredibly lucky this time, but next time I'll be sure to sleep well, pack lighter, and enjoy the ride to JFK worry-free. read more

Would you like to spend $9 or at least $45 to get to or from JFK? For those of you who are not mathematically inclined, that is a $36 savings if you just chose $9. It will take you virtually the same amount of time in most instances and if you are capable of following a few important instructions, the ride, connection and subsequent arrival at the airport should be fairly painless. I have taken the AirTrain to the subway and from the subway close to 20 times and have only had a few problems along the way. These are what I consider to be the most important things to note: If you connect to the AirTrain, going to JFK, by taking the A train you must remember to take the A train destined for Far Rockaway, not Lefferts Blvd. You can make the switch along the way by just getting off and waiting for the next one, but I have seen many people on the wrong one with no idea it was not going to arrive at the AirTrain at Howard Beach. When you are leaving JFK via the AirTrain, they come on either side, but one side is usually for airline terminals only. If you read the signs, you can't miss this, but sometimes you just assume you can get anywhere in a loop on the AirTrain - this would be false. On the other side, there are two lines really - one which goes to Jamaica Center for the J and one which goes to Howard Beach for the A. The signs will tell you which one is arriving, but it can still be confusing. Overall, the ride is efficient, extremely clean and usually in working order. There really are not AirTrain personnel to ask questions of if you are confused, but many people on the AirTrain are employees of the airlines and can assist, if need be. read more

One of the best bargains in NYC - door-to-door service from JFK to downtown for just $7.50 - $5 Airtrain to Jamaica and $2.50 on the E line Subway. Takes about an hour altogether. Pretty simple. Only hassle is lugging your luggage up:down the stairs in the subway. read more

AirTrain JFK - You can even check out the trees changing through the window of the Airtrain. - Train Stations Near Me

The AirTrain is easy to use, cheap (compared to paying for a cab or shuttle to or from the airport), and clean. The maps are simple and they make plenty of announcements regarding where trains go. Just pay attention to the signs and it's an easy trip. It took me just under an hour to get from JFK to the door of my hotel in Brooklyn (and vice versa). If you just take it between terminals, there is no cost. If you connect to the Subway, you'll pay $7.75 for the whole trip. read more

AirTrain JFK - Waiting on a train (fun fact: my dad worked on this when it was being built!) - Train Stations Near Me

I want everyone to understand that now the AirTrain is currently $7.75 . No longer a $5.00 fee. If you are coming from Manhattan the Subway fare is $2.75 in addition to the $7.75 fee for the Airtrain ! Meaning you must have $10.50 per person to travel to JFK airport with the Airtrain . If you would like to save some money I'd suggest you purchasing a ten trip Airtrain that is $25 and is specifically for the Airtrain to save you some money if you are traveling to and from the airport . That saves you some bucks especially if you are traveling with multiple people. If you need help there are people in the red vest and shirts to assist you . Please ask for help if you need and don't spend unnecessary money if you can, if you got it spend it . Just thought I share my friendly advice . Have a good trip and safe travels . read more

The AirTrain is a convenient way to get around the Terminals at JFK. It runs on a regular schedule and is automated. If you plan ahead, it's also a quick way to get to JFK, since the highways that lead there are usually packed with cars and traffic. You can take the Airtrain between JFK and either the Howard Beach A subway or the Sutphin Blvd E/J/Z subway, and at either of those locations you have to pay $5 for using the AirTrain. However, you can also take the AirTrain towards Howard Beach and get off at the Lefferts Blvd station without incurring any cost. But, there is only the Long Term Parking lot here, unless you can have someone meet you here with a car instead of having them wait for you at the terminal, which is frowned upon by the Port Authority security patrolling the terminal roads. Most travellers will probably take the AirTrain to get to the rental car area, which is just outside of the terminal area at Federal Circle. read more

I only fly into JFK because they offer the cheapest mode of transportation into Manhattan. You can't beat the price of $7.50 to get into the city ($5 Airtrain and $2.50 Subway). It's quick, convenient, never really crowded, and it's always running. It's $25 for a 10 ride card, which is totally worth it if you're a New Yorker. Why take a cab for $50+? read more

I don't know why other people hate on the Airtrain so much. Every major city should have train service in and out of the airport. Heck, it should be a requirement. Airtrain provides clean and comfortable service between all of the JFK terminals and the LIRR/MTA. It's $5 each way and takes you directly to/from the terminal. $5 is a bit on the pricey end, but it's still within the realm of reason and definitely cheaper than a cab. If you're a local, you probably already have an Unlimited Metrocard anyway (if not, why are you living in a city??). Occasional riders can get a 10-ride card for $2.50 a ride. Compared to other major cities... (I defined "locals" as someone who lives in the area and has an existing transit pass for area services.) London LHR (TFL): £4 ($6.59) for visitors, £2 to £3.80 ($3.29-$6.26) for locals (Oyster card peak/off peak) New York JFK (Airtrain): $5 for visitors ($9 RT if you buy a $9 Metrocard + 15% bonus = $10.35), $2.50 or free for locals. San Francisco (BART): $4 for visitors (to Millbrae), $3.75 for locals (6.25% discount on HVD tickets) Chicago (CTA): $2.25 for visitors, free for locals. Seattle (Metro KC): $2 for visitors, free for locals. (Express Bus to downtown in ~35 mins) No matter how you look at it, Airtrain is a great deal. New Yorkers should feel lucky that they have an alternative to cabs and airport shuttles. read more

This week was the first time I used the air train. In the past I have used a cab or car service but my friend and I decided to go this route this time. Honestly, every time I always get stuck in traffic in the cars and it doesn't really seem to take much longer going on the subway and the air train. The $5 would be totally worth it if it passed by It's A Small World, The Matterhorn and the Submarine ride. :) read more

When the MTA shut down the airtrain due to snow and started running busses as a backup, guess what the airtrain employees do.. they disobey orders and insist we get on the airtrains that they've decided to run. We get sent to a different departure track and are told the train isn't running and get sent back to the first track. When we finally get on the airtrain, it arrives at terminal 1 and then sends us right back to federal circle. The whole ordeal took like 90 minutes.. of frantically running back and forth only to be told the train has changed locations countless times. I'm sitting here waiting for a standby as I've missed my flight due to this easily preventable fiasco. read more

Definitely be cautious when/if the AirTrains will be down if you have to make it to work on time. If you're exiting/entering from Jamaica or Howard Beach be aware that the fee is $5! Really the only downside of it, so expensive haha. Other than that, it gets you where you want to go-what else do you want from a train? read more

The AirTrain provides a cheaper and quicker (most of the time) trip to JFK than a cab. I have always taken the LIRR to Jamica and then had the Air Train drop me off at whatever terminal I am flying out of. There are plenty of signs and maps which makes it pretty easy to figure out how to get where you need to go. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes going to or from the airport. Its really convenient and I think the best way to get to and from JFK and the city. read more

This is the best thing that happened to JFK. I always see it packed with people standing and holding on to rails. I, on the other hand, took it at 4 am and it was empty, so got a seat. It makes like 10 stops to all the 8 different terminal and some other ones. For $5, it's definitely worth it. read more

AirTrain JFK - Inside AirTrain looking out to the waiting area - Train Stations Near Me

Do not -- I repeat -- do not rely on Air Train to get to JFK. Last night was a total shit show. Traveling from Penn Station, I allowed an hour and a half to get to JFK (website says 35 minutes) --- and when I got to Air Train...OUT OF SERVICE. PLEASE TAKE SHUTTLE BUS TO JFK. Yeah, their backup plan sucks. There must have been 1 or 2 buses running for what seemed like HUNDREDS of people because I waited over an hour to get on a shuttle. Then they dropped us off at the Air Train terminal. Then they make you get on ANOTHER shuttle bus to the Terminals. We waited over an hour for the next shuttle bus. You're out in the middle of nowhere....you can't even take a gypsy cab. There's nothing out there. No workers. No information. Nothing. So then you get on the shuttle bus which stops at every terminal - chaos as people are trying to get off/on. Of course, I was the last terminal so I hopped out, flagged down a cab & paid him 20 bucks to get me to my Terminal. And because of American's regulations, you have to check in an hour before international flights --- so.....I missed my flight. All because I trusted Air Train which turned a 10 minute trip into a 2+ hour nightmare. Never again. Never, ever, ever again. read more