Tired of paying $65 fixed fare plus tip for a cab or even more for Uber from JFK to midtown Manhattan? Take AirTrain and the subway. Got up at 5am to catch a 7:30am flight from San Jose to New York's JFK airport, arriving at 4pm local time. 175 passengers race to the nearest bathrooms, so an 8 minute wait in the men's room for one of only three urinals, with a grade school girl with father in hand looking on, waiting for a stall. And you thought only women had to wait in restroom lines! 4:15pm start walking 100 yards out of the terminal toward the AirTrain, following the crowd of local commuters and the signs. Wife and I each carrying a 24 pound carryon, and a backpack. Take an elevator with see-through walls up to the second floor outside the airport building. Air Train is a modern subway train which runs above ground on elevated tracks around all six terminals of JFK airport. I look for the train going to Jamaica train station. Few seats on the train, but lots of standing room, to make room for people to drop their luggage on the ground. I put my carry-on on the floor and take a few videos and picture shots of the train in motion. Only my carry-on rolls down the train car, as the train goes up an incline! 11 minutes, and 5.1 miles later after 3 stops, we roll into Jamaica train station. Long lines at the ticket machines. At least 8 individual machines, with multiple languages. I follow the instructions and refill my MTA card, using my credit card to add $20. It costs each rider $5 to ride the 5.1 miles. My wife and I both use the same MTA card, sliding our luggage under the turnstile with maybe 16 inches of width. Luggage any larger and you have to lift it over the turnstile, under the eyes of cameras and transit police. Remember the Kingston Trio song about Charlie and the MTA? Well this is the only place where you have to pay to exit the train. Not enough money? well you may ride forever on the MTA! We walk another 150 yards following the signs to the E subway line. Got to take an elevator down, past the level for the Long Island Railroad, to the E World Trade Center Line. Use the MTA card to again enter the subway station, $2.75 per rider. Roll the luggage under the turnstile when entering. At the Kew Gardens, transfer and wait 15 minutes for the F line to Coney Island. Get off at West 57th station. No elevator here. Wife has trouble lugging the carry on up the stairs, so me a senior lug both sets of luggage up two flights of stairs. Arrive at 5:35pm, 80 minutes after starting, and only dinged for $15.50. Saved $60 by taking the AirTrain and MTA subway. But make sure you can handle carrying heavy carry-ons up multiple flights of stairs. When the escalators are not functioning at the 7th Avenue station, you will need carry your suitcase up 6 flights of stairs, or 90 stairs! Here in New York, the person lending assistance to carry your luggage up the stairs may keep going past the exit gate! 10 videos attached read more

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After using the airport parking, it was a great way to get right inside into the terminal, convenient, fast, and free. Leffers Blvd. Is the stop for the parking lot. On my way back, there is a shuttle bus to take you right to your parking area. Some stops connect to the MTA train. Safe, clean, fast and reliable. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

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This AirTrain is great compared to other AirTrains in the area (ahem, NJ's one). This AirTrain consists of two cars and each car is spacious for standing, sitting, and to maintain social distancing. Also, the service run on time, frequently, and its inside is pretty clean Tho one of the feats that I dislike the most is that the price for its services keep on going up... read more

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW :) Allllllll aboard! Toot toooooooot..! :D Hehe The AirTrain is JFK (President John F. Kennedy; in NYC) Airport's shuttle transportation. Definitely not the coal-fueled locomotives of old nor is there a conductor calling out the stops (haha!) but it is technically a train made up of connected, nicely air-conditioned cabins placed on an elevated, above-ground cement track. This modern train rides smooth like butta.. :D It doesn't just connect you to the different parts of the airport but also to the rest of the entire NYC subway system! A little complicated - the huge NYC map might look intimidating at first (see 3 attached map pics) - but once you figure it out and get the hang of it, it's pretty cool! The JFK AirTrain connects to these: 1) The 8 JFK Airport terminals 2) JFK Airport Rental Cars (@ Federal Circle) 3) JFK Long Term Airport Parking structures A,B,C (after Federal Circle) 4) Hotel Shuttles to nearby-JFK hotels 5) The rest of the NYC subway system & LIRR (Long Island Railroad) which will connect to: - All 5 boroughs, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, & Staten Island - New Jersey Cost? FREE if you flew in to JFK and need to get around the airport. However, to connect from the main NYC subway system to reach JFK by AirTrain or to leave the JFK Airport to connect to the main NYC Subway & LIRR systems, there's a $5 fee (add $1 for a refillable MetroCard, the NYC subway ride card). Maps? Online - Best to download from the MTA.com online website ahead of time to generally understand how the subway system connects and works so you can focus on whether you're taking the correct trains. On location - The main map is posted at every station and inside each train cabin. Helpful ppl - Safest to clarify your location and destination with train staff ppl ;) Important things to know: 1st: Configuration of the 8 JFK AIRPORT TERMINALS (6 does not yet exist) is a huge, wide circle (rectangle) with the AirTrain track/terminal placed inside connecting them all. 2nd: The AirTrains pass all 8 airport terminals, 1,2,3&4,5,7,8, in consecutive order beginning at 1. Reaching 5,7,8 will take long! :/ 3rd: CHECK THE DIGITAL SIGNS in the walkways overhead (where the train doors open) to ensure you take the correct train in the correct direction. 4th: LIST OF AIRLINES TERMINALS are posted on the way to the AirTrain terminal & inside the AirTrain along the walls above the seats. 5th: There's MORE THAN ONE TRAIN which means WAIT TIMES ARE FAIRLY SHORT about 7-10 minutes depending on time of day & rush times. Now the confusing part: 6th: There are 3 DIFFERENT AIRTRAIN ROUTES: (1) The 8 JFK Airport terminals - Travels the internal route in a continuous loop that stops at each airport terminal These 2 AIRTRAIN ROUTES stop at each of the 8 JFK AirTrain terminals before heading toward FEDERAL CIRCLE (where RENTAL CARS are located) then split off to separate routes that connect to different points of the main NYC Subway system: (2) JAMAICA (right of Mid-Brooklyn) - After Federal Circle, splits off to head to this last stop. At this end-stop, transfer to/pay for the subway ride to reach the Queens, Flushing, Upper-Brooklyn, Mid- & Upper-Manhattan, & the Bronx areas (using connecting trains). This is the long route to Staten Island & New Jersey. (3) HOWARD BEACH (right of lower Brooklyn) - After Federal Circle, splits off to stop at the OFF-SITE PARKING STRUCTURES A,B,C before heading to this last stop. At this end-stop, transfer to/pay for the subway ride to reach the Mid-& Lower-Brooklyn and Lower-Manhattan areas (using connecting trains). This provides the shorter route to Staten Island & New Jersey. 7th: FROM FEDERAL CIRCLE, HEADING TO JFK AIRPORT - - A. RETURN RENTAL CAR - then go to the 2nd floor to board the AirTrain. TIMING - The ride to the airport terminals & your terminal, walk to check-in, and check-in & TSA wait can be long so add extra time to reach your airport terminal. B. OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS A,B,C - Same as (A) but add 15 minutes. In conclusion, it's not hard to get around the JFK Airport using the AirTrain system. When in doubt or even when you're sure, just take a breath and read the signs carefully. Once you understand how the routes work, all will be easy-peasy. If you take the wrong train, just get off at the next stop and take the train in the opposite direction or catch the other train. Constantly check your direction so you don't go too far before realizing you went the wrong way! :( When asking for help, be selective ;) Don't blindly follow or go with strangers. Use your cellphone camera to snap periodic quick helpful photos of where you so you can recognize how to back track. Good luck! Have a great time visiting NY! You'll have sooooo much fun! :D read more

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I like Airtrain. I take it all the time. I fly at least once per week out of JFK airport. I live about 2.25 miles away. So I often walk/run to Jamaica Station. I have even done that early in the morning. I have never had any problems. People warn me. My sense of safety may be calibrated more toward a taste for risk. Nonetheless, I see more folks headed to work than anything else, though I do witness activities I am not so sure about. It changes very rapidly between, say, 3:30am and 5:00am, and my assessment is at 4:30 or so, it is transformed. Probably most Yelp users are not deciding whether to take themselves and their luggage along the city streets under these conditions. I'm just noting it is eminently do-able. (I have only one bag, a backpack, when I travel.) In terms of the service, it is reliable, speedy, and not problematic at all. There is often a wait to buy a ticket (as of the last time I went, you still could not use the OMNY app on your smartphone). Tourist traffic means non trivial lines. It moves along. There is usually -- I'd say almost always -- an employee there helping out or sort of directing folks. There is a bit of work being done at JFK. At least one of the terminals no longer has direct access from AirTrain, and that could cause a delay or confusion. It is wishful thinking to suppose that the city will have the equivalent of the Shanghai Mag Lev system. The renovation of LGA, however, shows that massive infrastructure projects can still be done (and the Moynihan Train Hall as well). I am confident that my adopted hometown, the greatest city in the world, will continue to improve. I vouch for the AirTrain meanwhile. read more

It took less than 10 years to be built, something of a miracle in New York City. Recently, I took it for the first time from the A subway line to JFK Airport. It also runs the other way to the Long Island Rail Road Station in Jamaica. The trip from JFK through the Van Wyck to Jamaica is a traffic nightmare. It costs $7.75 the ticket. $5 for the Airtram and the rest for a Subway ride. It's a very modest Airtrain, but is serves its purpose to connect the terminals of JFK to public subway system. read more

Overpriced IMO. One day I paid for the ticket, it took all of us one stop and the rest of the way was closed so we all had to get on buses. How much did I pay again? Also, 20+ years ago, this was a shuttle that was free. Free. read more

By far the cheapest way to get to and from JFK - it is much simpler than Google Maps / City Mapper seems to say out - get the Subway into Sutphin Boulevard and go through the cut-through into Jamacia LIRR station, where you can get the train - or you can get the LIRR from parts of Manhatten which is quicker than the subway, but again this depends on where you are and the LIRR route costs more than double as much as the subway, so obviously that isn't great and it is a shame there isn't a direct link between JFK and Manhattan. I did find the different routes on the Air Train a little strange as it wasn't well shown at the stations - Jamacia and then Terminal 4, but heading to the airport seemed pretty straight forward as it increased numerically with the Terminals with announcements of the stops while on the train, which surprisingly not all transportation in NYC had. It took 10 minutes from Jamacia to Terminal 4 which wasn't bad and each Terminal was only a minute or two away from each other, which is useful if you have a connecting flight from another terminal in JFK, which is a HUGE airport. It is a driverless train which goes close to 100 km/ph with views from the front of the train and side windows, which I found pretty cool. The views of the airports and planes taking off also are pretty nice as you go through the Terminals. The Airtrain, like PATH, seemed much cleaner and nicer than NY's other modes of transportation on-board. Considering there are few other alternatives to get from the city to the station other than an expensive Uber which cost me around $75 one-way, this is a pretty good value for money at $5 bearing in mind it can be another $2.75 to get the subway here, or a further price again when using the LIRR and you do need a refillable metro card (Only a dollar if you don't have one and you can reload it while in the city to use the Subway, PATH and buses). The Air Train is airport travel done right, like the Arlanda Express of Stockholm but cheaper - there are some flaws but it is a pretty good service. 4* read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

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Why is there no tap and go function at Air Train turnstile like every subway station Most international travelers don't arrive at JFK with loaded Metrocards And why did three shuttle buses , supposed to transfer passengers from Terminal 8 to Terminals 1 and 2 (due to some construction issues preventing Air Train from going' to Terminals 1 and 2, discharge passengers at bus stop but not pick up passengers Deplorable service read more

Genius solution. When something is there, you take it as it was always there. And of course that this train must be here. But it is not that obvious. Many airports in the US and over the world did not come up with a solution like the JFK air train. You can move between terminals and even get a train straight to NYC. And this my friend makes the air train to the fastest and cheapest transportation from JFK to NYC. At least during traffic hours, which as we know it is most of the hours in New York City. The train: you will need to go up or down few floors to get to it. Signs are clear and making it very easy to find your way and where you need to go. If you are in JFK. Consider the air train. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

I don't understand why there needed to be a separate train line to the airport rather than just building a direct line from the airport to the city that allows you to go without changing trains. It's not like the demand isn't there. Of course, building a separate train allows them to charge an exorbitant extra fee ($8 or so), never mind having to wheel your luggage through those gates to get to the city subway. For getting around the airport itself, the train is free, but a long walk from the terminals down escalators and across streets. It's definitely the way to go, but it's just not well thought out. read more

The new airtrain fee is $7.75 so be aware that it is not $5.00 any more.the new fare went into effect at the beginning of the month. read more

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LIRR AirTran has come a long way from what it first was. There is a nice little place to eat that serves sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and burgers. There is Tom Horton's in the lobby, though it looks a little lonely as it stands solo. There is a small bar also that looked nice enough. The restrooms are still small but kept clean. Improvements Needed: the turnstiles are ridiculously chaotic and confusing for those who have never been to the city. Figure out a way to fix this with better signage and/or wider walk throughs. Also, add human guides to help those trying to figure out how to get where they are going. Just saying! read more

So I get off a red-eye flight and just want to get home and get to bed, and the AirTrain's crappy last century turnstile ate my MTA card. Wouldn't be a big deal if it were a throwaway card, but it's an EasyPay card connected to my credit card. The employee on duty got a key to open the turnstile and futzed with it, but said they couldn't get it out even though the card was clearly visible. The employee called the turnstile tech and manager, who took a half hour to show up. In the meantime, the employee told me she couldn't just send me the card after it was extracted and/or make sure the card was destroyed. So I had to wait to make sure my card didn't end up in someone else's pocket. It took the tech literally one second to pull my card from the turnstile. I asked the manager why the employees aren't trained to actually fix the turnstiles if they eat cards all the time (it's a known problem; the tech pulled multiple eaten cards from that turnstile). He said it wasn't their job. I'm pretty sure it's the very essence of their job. I'm lucky it happened while I wasn't trying to catch a flight. I can't imagine having to deal with such ineptitude while time-pressed and stressed. read more

I took the AirTrain for the first time this past May. I would used to a taxi or one of those buses from midtown Manhattan but I wanted to say some money and try something new. I took the E line from 42nd and got off at the Jamaica station. There were clear signs all around directing you and I never felt lost or confused about where I should go next or how to buy tickets. I was also very pleasantly surprised by how clean the station, the platforms, and the trains are! Given the conditions of the regular subway station and trains, I was kind of expecting something similar but slightly better. But nope! The floors were shiny and very modern looking with the shiny interior floors at the entrance and glass structures at the platform. Although taking the AirTrain is probably slower than a taxi or bus ride, I thought it was well worth the money since I wasn't in too much of a rush and am very likely going to continue using it for airport transportation in the future. On another note, when I got back to NYC, I ended up on the Howard beah station side with the A train and the station there was much less impressive compared to the Jamaica one. Other than that there's nothing much to complain about and thus the full 5 stars from me. read more

AirTrain JFK - Entrance area from the Jamaica station side - Train Stations Near Me

After picking up the bags from baggage claim, go up to third floor taking Airtrain. About 10 minutes walk to Airtrain. There are moving walkway.Train comes very frequently. Train is not too crowded. Very clean because no food and drinks allowed. Rental cars stop is Federal Circle. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

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My credit card was not contactless and my OMNY card was not accepted, so I had to purchase a useless metro card in order to pay the $8.50 airtrain fare. Last time I ever use JFK. read more

My contribution to a "green existence" I take public transpo whenever possible. The only way to get to the NYC Subway (MTA) from the JFK airport is the AirTrain. To get to the city, you take this monorail to the Jamaica Center stop. Then transfer to the NYC metro or Long Island (LIRR) Railroad systems. Buy a metro card at Jamaica centre for $1.00 and you can buy unlimited ride fares or per ride @ $2.50. Cash and CC accepted. Fee = $7.50 (Air Train plus metro) compared to a $70 cab ride or $125 car service into the city. Tip: Read posted announcements as maintenance takes place over some weekends. Add extra hour in your return trip if that's the case. Visits: 5+[ read more

I like airports that have a connection to public transportation to the city. This saves me the hassle of renting a car, parking a rental car, keeping track of a rental car, gassing up a rental car and finally, returning a rental car. I have given NYC a ton of crap for not being connected to any of their airports - EWR, LGA or JFK. Well, I'm here to tell you that JFK's AirTrain provides this service and does it reasonably well. The AirTrain connects the terminals, parking, rental cars, hotel pickups and yes, to the actual LIRR and subway. Yay! read more

Take the train to purgatory HELL! For $5.00 one way fare from Jamaica or Howard Beach Station gains all Terminal access. Inter-terminal travel is free, where I needed to gain access from one Terminal to another. A two car train which operates eight minute intervals during peak travel time and twelve minutes to an eternity fifteen minutes for off-peak travel time. Travel time for AirTrain is ungodly slow as waiting for an eternal salvation!! Trains are relativity clean despite of the age of the train it already contain visible signs of wear and tear in the seats. Announcements are audible though not frequent to notify passengers of the next stop or current stop name. There are minimal baggage racks. The trains are not driven by humans, unlike MTA, but all auto digitalized pilot mode. AirTrain JFK constantly breaks down during heavy peak travel time usage forcing passengers to disembark for the train to be "out of service." The trains are mostly inoperable forcing passengers to take a shuttle bus or waiting another eternity for the next train. It does NOT take passengers to all eight terminals as I walk on foot to get to my designated terminal!! Albeit Port Authority's good efforts to interlink all eight terminals at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), they cannot connect to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) which both are in Queens. read more

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The AirTran is a convenient way to get to JFK if your using public transportation. It cost $5 and will take you to your terminal. From my experience the Airtrain runs very frequently with very few interruptions. There was this one time when the airtrain unexpectedly shut down however buses were provide but it was nerve wracking. If your trying to avoid an expensive cab ride definitely take public transportation. You can't beat $7.75 (including train fare) read more

Compared to what we used to have to deal with (shuttle buses from Howard Beach Station), this is a definite improvement. I take it both ways, meaning from Jamaica and from Howard Beach. Working in Queens near LIC, I can be at the airport in 30 minutes via the E Train. Getting to the Air Train with luggage can be a problem but once you're there, plenty of escalators and elevators. Trains are clean, reliable and I've never had any problems. Still a shame a world class city like NYC doesn't have a one seat ride from Airport to city center. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

So, I took the AirTrain for the first time since it opened over a decade ago. That time it was just within the terminals. This time I rode it all the way to Howard Beach-JFK on the A line. I have to say, it was not my most favorite experience. Mainly because of the entrance/exit turnstiles at the end of the Howard Beach bound line. I'm from NYC - born and raised - and even I can see how confusing it is to non NYC people. I had to look at it myself for a moment and see that it only accepts metrocards that are pay-per-ride. That decidedly sucked as I had an unlimited metrocard and had to spend another $5.50 just to get out and continue on home. And the airtrain helpers are no help at all. I watched tourists struggle hard with the machines and the turnstiles and they didn't really assist them at all. Just spoke over them loudly saying if they were paying cash they could step to the candy counter and pay for the card that way. I took this home because I was cold and tired and trying to save some time. The AirTrain itself is fine but when you get to the exit points, it's ridiculous to deal with. read more

Worth it to save a few bucks when parking in the long-term lots at JFK. Train will bring you all the way from lot 8 to the main airport. $130 for a full week but you save $120 from using short term parking. Just buffer in arrival and travel time- for sure is not a quick ride but nice perk. Also your car is not covered and won't be covered for damages in the open lot. read more

See any difference between these two MTA MetroCards? I didn't until it was too late. I researched my latest trip to New York City, you know, transportation on the Air Train, MTA Subway System, MTA Bus System and the Long Island Rail Road. I quickly realized that the LIRR was a different ticket, but the Air Train, Subway and Bus system all used the same MetroCard.. I was wrong. We arrived at JFK late in the evening, and we were directed to the Air Train so we could catch the MTA E Subway train. At the end of the Air Train line, I learned the game. I started looking for a MetroCard machine so I could buy the 7-day unlimited use MTA card. The first MTA card station didn't give the 7-day option, so I moved to the next, and then a third. I made contact with a turnstile attendant, and he said I needed to pay the hostage fee of $7.75 each to get beyond the Air Train and to get to the 7-day MetroCard machines. Why do I need two MetroCards to use the Air Train then Subway? And although they advertise unlimited rides, they lie. Once my daughter and I paid $15.50 to get out, we found our 7-day MetroCard $33 passes. Yes, and after getting these 7-day passes, 5days later we were again held hostage by the Air Train to get back to terminal 4. Next time, we'll take a free bus (with the 7-day MetroCard) if the MTA even offer one. The Air Train cars were clean and smooth, but the two different MetroCards was just a money grab. Welcome to NYC. read more

AirTrain JFK - MTA Air Train and Subway cards. - Train Stations Near Me

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For $5 it's not a bad ride to JFK versus driving in. We took NJ transit to New York Penn Station where we were able to catch the express line E to the air train. Overall took about two hours for the whole ordeal. You can also take the LIRR for a more easier route, less stairs route. The air train was super clean and easy to use. It's essentially a circle so you can't really get lost. There are maps on the trains so you can figure out which terminal to stop at. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

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The 3.5 star review has to be from years ago because this thing sucks. Always under construction. Always delayed. Goes in different directions. It's a necessary evil though because the port authority scumbags now charge $$$75!!!!! A day to park in the short term lot. Soooo...good luck. Fly out of LGA if you can. read more

My first time taking this Air Train rather than having a car service to take me home from airport. It was a bit confusing at first, but I figure out which track was going to Jamaica. On the way to Jamaica, three people with suit cases came on the air train, and one stop later exited, but left a bag on the train. I yelled out loud to the exiting passengers, and I just in time got the bag off before the doors closed. I do have a rule; a unclaimed bag on a train that I am riding will be removed quickly. Or I will request an evacuation of all passengers. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

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When u take the air train you really realize the size of JFK airport. Wow!! It will take you to federal way (car rentals) on a 15 minutes ride. Recommended. And it is for free. One problem: when you are riding with suitcases you will need to use the escalators and to lift the luggage to enter the train. Not that easy when you carry 2 suitcases with you. Good. Could be better. I loved it. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

This is very confusing for new riders. The map and lines are color coded, but the trains are not. The stops on the train platform have a green color background, making you think you need the Green line. That is not true. You must look to the screens as the train pulls in to know if it's the train line you need. For example, the stop for Jamaica Center is on the Red line, not green. Again, very confusing. read more

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Great great way to move between terminals and other areas of the airport. Needed to get to federal circle where you can pick up a car from one of the many rental agencies that can be found there. Got on the train, 10 minutes later I was at the place. Not too much to say, just to say that if you need public transportation from JFK, the air train is one of the best options. read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

A useful train at JFK airport. It has three lines: an airport loop that runs between terminals, a Howard Beach line, and a Jamaica line. These are color-coded on their map. There's a $8 fare (MetroCard or OMNY). You'll have to pay that if you want to enter or exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach. No fee if you're moving within JFK. read more

There is traffic to JFK all hours of the day. Trust me, even past midnight. The $5 is well spent on this reliable train to avoid traffic, reduce stress, and get to your flight in a timely fashion. I have a non-monthly pass and don't have to buy any other tickets. I don't believe in paying for a cab between Manhattan and JFK. The AirTrain is why I would even consider booking a flight that leaves at 7-9pm on a weekday. LGA? Forget it. read more

I like the Air Train. Inexpensive convenient and clean to get to where I have to go from the airport without having to take a taxi. I love how I can take the air train and it woke me up at the Howard Beach station quick and convenient to get to the city or get home I look forward to their expansion. read more

When it works, it works well. When it doesn't, it's a major pain. Fortunately I gave myself enough time to get to my flight otherwise I may have jumped off and ran to the terminal. They are definitely 100 times better than the Air Train at Newark which is awful and only has to go to 3 terminals. At JFK, there are 12 terminals of which several don't exist anymore so they probably only make around 8 stops. I needed to get to Terminal 4. It was a quick trip from Federal Circle Station to Terminals 1 & 2. Once we arrived at Terminal 2, we waited 10 minutes----probably for the main operator to reset the computers or whatever. The doors opened, the doors closed, then opened, then closed. We finally received an announcement that we'd be leaving in approximately 5 minutes. I was only a 5 minute walk from Terminal 4 but unfortunately I wasn't wearing the proper clothing for 20 degree weather. The other Air Trains were now caught up and in our queue to arrive at Terminal 2. Finally it continued. read more

I used to work at the airport and having this Air Train available to me was a very huge convenience. Not only does it save you money but it saves you A LOT of time and well the saying does go "time is money." During the day the service is pretty steady running roughly every 5-10 mins. Like all train systems sometimes mechanical issues does occur especially more so in the winter time and during rainy days so I've noticed. Regardless, it'll still get you to the airport faster than taking the Q10 bus or getting stuck in traffic spending over $20 for an Uber or Lyft. The area has also changed a lot since back in the day so you don't have to be as scared to be there if you're traveling past midnight. There's also an MTA Police station inside the station as well so you can all report all suspicious activities with them. If you're in need of coffee there's lots of nearby delis and eateries. There's also one of the few Tim Hortons in NYC within the station as well. Just make sure to note that the fare for the air train is different from the Metro Card you use for the regular trains. They do have machines where you can purchase cards. Happy Travels! read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

Air Train Primer for n00bs: 1) There are three different trains; it's not just one Air Train line folks. a. One train serves all the terminals at JFK, except there is no Terminal 3 or Terminal 6; so you can't complete all of The Count's "Ah... ah... ah's!" or ever find out how many licks it really does take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop. This first train is a circular loop which goes round and round - you cannot escape JFK just like Hanks in 'The Terminal.' b. Another train, the Howard Beach line, takes you from the airport to Rental Cars, Hotel Shuttles (@ Federal Circle Station) and the NY Subway A-Train. c. Another train, the Jamaica line, sadly does not take you to the island of Jamaica, but does take you from the airport to Rental Cars, Hotel Shuttles (@ Federal Circle Station) and three NY Subway trains: the J, Z, and E trains, as well as the LIRR. "Yah, mon!" 2) Why is it so confusing? Buck up, you're in The City now. 3) The train is $5 for the quick, short train ride to the end of the lines, Howard Beach Station and Jamaica Station. You pay to exit the Air Train, not when you get on at the airport terminal stations. 4) Why is it so expensive? Buck up, you're in The City now. 5) The train is FREE from the airport terminals to the rental cars and hotel shuttles @ Federal Circle Station. 6) Why is it free to rental cars and shuttles? Nothing's free. Did you ever hear of a concession fee or a passenger facility charge? You already paid it. 7) How do I get to the Air Train from the airport terminals? There are bridges, well except when there aren't bridges, from the airport terminals to the train platforms, just follow the confusing yellow signage. Terminal 2, Delta, does not have a bridge to and from the Air Train. 8) So how do I get to and from Terminal 2 to the Air Train if there isn't a bridge? Exit the airport, cross the street, go up a flight of stairs, cross a parking lot, and go up an elevator, or stairs, to the train platform. 9) Yeah...buck up, you're in The City now. 10) How long will it take to get from Howard Beach Station or Jamaica Station to Manhattan using MTA? Budget an hour. The MTA trains are consistent and for that I'm very grateful. A taxi ride is never predictable from JFK into Manhattan (or vice versa) - it can be 45 minutes or 2 + hours. 11) How do I get from The City to the Air Train and then to JFK Airport? I think you can figure this part out on your own. 12) Hint: you're in The City now, buck up! read more

Having lived in Manhattan for the past year and done a significant amount of travel to JFK it's hard to believe that this past Wednesday was my first attempt at using public transportation to get from my apartment to the airport. Taxis typically run about $60 with tolls and tip, car services usually about $80-$90. Yesterday I spent $5 to get there. And it was easy. I got on the A train at West 4th St and took it the hour long ride out to Howard Beach. At Howard Beach, a load of signs direct you up the escalator where I hand over a fiver and load onto the AirTrain for the 15 minute ride straight to my terminal. The one con is that it takes about an hour and 15 minutes all said and done whereas a cab can get you to JFK in 30 minutes if there's no traffic. But if you have the time, a good book and an empty wallet ... this is a reliable and easy option! read more

AirTrain JFK - Train Stations Near Me

Decent service. Can get confusing at times. This is like my life line when flying via JFK. I wish they ran faster. read more

For those who want to avoid cabs and buses or just street traffic all together while attempting to commute to JFK, look no further than the Airtrain at Jamaica Station. The $5 cost to get on is relatively little compared to the taxi fares and is easy to use for the most part and quite efficient. There are several trains that will stop by every few minutes and operate on rush hour schedule with more frequent stop in the early morning and afternoon. If only the MTA could combine the concepts that the Airtrain has that the subway does not, it would make things a whole lot easier and simpler. There are protected layer of glass (or is it fiberglass) doors preventing any falls into the tracks, there is also a sign (marquee) style that mentions when the next train is arriving) and each car is smooth and has a good amount of space for everyone. It reminds me of the subways in Asia, which are light years ahead of our current system. One thing that is not good about the Airtrain is that the maps within the cars are not as friendly as some may think, especially to our foreign friends who come to visit. Since the signs and automated announcements are in nothing but English, I tend to see plenty of confusion for plenty of foreigners. One might argue that they should know some English if they're to visit New York, but JFK happens to be one of the most popular international airports in the world, playing hubs to more than 30 international airlines. Once they get that problem out of the way, it will make a tremendous difference for all visitors to embrace this system. read more