JFK AirTrain is the automated, elevated people mover system that operates between JFK International Airport, Long Island Rail Road trains and New York City Subway.
It also serves as an on-airport service connecting the airline terminals, rental car facilities, hotel shuttles, and airport parking lots.
AirTrain Routes
- Howard Beach route
The Howard Beach route ends at the Howard Beach-JFK subway station. It stops at Lefferts Boulevard (connecting transit services - B15 bus) for shuttle buses to long term parking lots A and B and to airport employee parking.
Connecting transit services:
A subway train
Q11 bus Runs along Cross Bay Blvd, Q21, Q53 SBS, Q52 SBS – Serve the Cross Bay Blvd corridor
- Jamaica Station route
The Jamaica route ends at Jamaica Station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) next to the Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue-JFK subway station (to Brooklyn and Manhattan or Queens).
Connecting transit services:
E, J and Z subway trains
Q6, Q8, Q9, Q20A, Q20B, Q25/Q34, Q30, Q31, Q40, Q43, Q44, Q60 and Q65 buses.
- Airline Terminal route (free)
The Airline Terminal route connects JFK terminals, hotel shuttles, parking areas and rental car facilities.
All JFK AirTrain stations are wheelchair accessible. Howard Beach subway and Jamaica Long Island Railroad stations are wheelchair accessible too.
Hours of Operation
AirTrain runs 24/7,
- Depending on route/time of day - trains run every 7–15 minutes,
- depending on time of day and route.
A family group and I are going to arrive at JFK at 8:00am via JetBlue and traveling to China via Air China at 4:30pm. We are wondering if we could spend some time in Manhattan without jeopardizing our China flight. We can leave our baggage in the storage at terminal#1 and use the Air Trial via Lirr to Manhattan. Is it viable? What would you recommend? Thanks!
I arrive Sunday May 23rd at 8AM. Need to get from JFK to Wellington Hotel. What is best route/cheapest route?
Thanks
Hello, I am flying to New York this coming June. I was wondering how would I be able to take the airtrain from JFK to Manhattan. I will be staying at the Pennsylvania Hotel right across from Penn Station off of 7th avenue.
Kristine, do not hesitate to take the airtrain. Perhaps by accident, you have chosen a hotel near Penn Station, which is very convenient for air train users. When you get to JFK, follow the signs to ground transportation; this may be a long walk, but part of the way will be moving sidewalks and escalators. Look for signs to the airtrain and follow them. The airtrain is elevated there. Take the airtrain to JAMAICA STATION, where you will transfer to the Long Island Railroad, which takes you right to Penn Station. You have to pay for the airtrain and the LIRR ticket but contrary to everything you may have heard about NYC, you will find a couple of uniformed attendants whose job it is to help confused travelers, and who are courteous, patient, and eager to help you. They will show you what to do. And, reverse this process on the way back to JFK. The hotel btw is right across the street from Penn Station.
Hi there,
What is the cheapest travel option from JFK Airport to secaucus area? I will arriving around 3.00pm. I'd really appreciate advice.
Thanks
Cheapest is definitely public transportation. Take Airtrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station and transfer to E subway to Penn Station ($7.25) (or take LIRR from Jamaica, more expensive but faster). Take NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction ($4) and then local public transit to your destination. Most if not all NJ Transit trains from Penn Station stop at Secaucus Jct. and are frequent during afternoon/evening rush. Check the NJ Transit site.
Hi! Please Help.
I am taking a red eye tomorrow night from CA and will get to JFK airport very early (just before 6am) on Thursday morning. What is the cheapest, easiest and quickest way to get me and my suitcase to York Avenue and 85th Street in Manhattan?
Thanks for your help!!!!!!
I am flying into Terminal 5 via Jet Blue at 8:30 a.m. which I'm told is rush hour. I have been told (this is my first trip to New York)
Hi there! Can you help me with some information?
I will arrive to JFK from Moscow at 12.20 pm in Terminal 1, and I have another flight on Delta at 3.00 pm to Los-Angeles in Terminal 2. I am afraid of being late for the flight. Hom much time does it take to go through your customs and check in?
Thank you
hello,
how frequently does airtrain operate during the wee hours of the morning? is there a published schedule? this friday i have a 7 a.m. domestic flight and i need to arrive at my terminal at 6 a.m. i will be coming on the A train. what time do i have to arrive at beach station?
I am arriving JFK at 1415hrs so by 1500hrs to 1515hrs i will be out after immigrations. can you suggest me best route from JFK to baltimore by train or bus.
My wife and I Arrive at JFK this Friday (21st) at 13:55 hrs and we have a stopover of 7hrs on route to Buffalo to visit our newly married daughter the onward flight is 21:00 hrs ( both terminal 3).
WE know we wont have long in NY but had thought of either a trip across the Staten Island ferry , or may be a walk across the Brooklyn bridge would be nice
the return times are
arive JKF ( from Buffalo) 12:25 hrs depart back to the UK 19:20hrs.
so looking at the times can any one suggest options regards
transport
thanks Ralph & Di
Could I get an advise :
Arriving tomorrow morning at 6:05 18/5 AA to JFK.
Need to continue to Washington DC.
What are the options, M-Truck, Bus, Continuing flight.
Thank you,
Art
American and Delta have flights from JFK to DC-Reagan National. There are quite a few bus lines that go from NY to DC, see the bus section on this site. Some leave from midtown around Penn Station and some leave from Chinatown. You can also take Amtrak from Penn Station to DC. To get to Penn Station take Airtrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station and transfer to E subway or LIRR to Penn Station. To get to Chinatown, take the J subway from Jamaica to Essex St.
JFK to Manhattan