The AirTrain is the fastest way to move around JFK and connect to New York City's public transit — but fares, free zones, and payment rules trip up a lot of travelers. Here's everything you need to know before you tap in.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Free Inside the Airport, Paid to Leave It
Riding the AirTrain between terminals, parking lots, rental cars, and hotel shuttles is always free. You only pay when you ride to or from Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station — the exits that connect to the subway and LIRR. Tap OMNY only at those two stations.
What Is the JFK AirTrain?
The AirTrain is a fully automated, elevated people mover that connects:
- All passenger terminals
- Parking lots
- Hotel shuttles
- Rental car facilities
- Two rail stations: Jamaica and Howard Beach
- Frequency: Trains run every 5–15 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.
- Terminal-to-terminal travel: Under 10 minutes.
- Terminal to Jamaica or Howard Beach: Under 20 minutes (typically 8–15 minutes).
Landing soon and need to know where your ride will meet you? Check our JFK curbside pickup and drop-off guide for the rules on meeting arriving passengers.
AirTrain Routes: Where It Goes
Jamaica Line
Connects all terminals to Jamaica Station, where you can transfer to:
- LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)
- NYC Subway lines E, J, Z
Howard Beach Line
Connects all terminals to Howard Beach Station, where you can transfer to:
- NYC Subway line A
Federal Circle
The stop for rental cars and hotel shuttles.
Lefferts Boulevard
The stop for long-term parking.
When the AirTrain Is Free vs. When You Pay
✅ Free Rides
- Between terminals
- Between terminals and parking
- Between terminals and Federal Circle (rental cars, hotel shuttles)
- Between terminals and Lefferts Boulevard (long-term parking)
💳 Paid Rides
- Between JFK and Jamaica Station
- Between JFK and Howard Beach Station
Parked long-term and heading to Lefferts Boulevard? See our JFK parking guide for lot details and shuttle timing.
AirTrain Fares (2026)
- One-way fare: $8.75 per person
- Children under 5: Ride free
- Fare is automatically adjusted for inflation — it increased from $8.50 to $8.75 in 2026.
Rolling 30-Day Fare Cap
- You pay $8.75 per ride.
- Once your total AirTrain fares in a 30-day period reach $43.50, all additional AirTrain rides in that period are free.
- The system automatically adjusts your last charge so you never pay more than $43.50 in 30 days.
Important: Use the same payment method every ride if you want the discount cap to apply correctly.
Group Fare (Up to 5 People)
- First rider: $8.75
- Each additional rider: $4.50
- Maximum total for the group: $26.75
- All riders must tap the same card/device within 5 minutes.
- That same payment method cannot be used again for a group fare for the next 15 minutes.
How to Pay: OMNY System
The AirTrain uses the MTA's OMNY contactless fare system. You can pay with:
- Contactless credit/debit card (with the contactless symbol)
- Smartphone or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
- OMNY card (physical prepaid card)
How Payment Works in Practice
- OMNY readers are located at the gates of Jamaica and Howard Beach stations only.
- Approach the gate and tap your card, phone, or OMNY card.
- For the return trip, tap the same card/device again.
- OMNY cards can be purchased and reloaded at vending machines in Jamaica and Howard Beach stations (cash, credit, or debit).
OMNY also works across all NYC subway trains, buses, and the Roosevelt Island Tram — but note that AirTrain fares are charged separately from subway, LIRR, and Metro-North fares.
Connecting to Manhattan: Your Options
| Option | Approx. Total Time | Approx. Total Cost (2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + Subway (E/J/Z from Jamaica or A from Howard Beach) | 60–75 min | $8.75 + $3.00 = $11.75 | Budget travelers, light luggage, 24/7 service |
| AirTrain + LIRR (Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison) | 35–45 min | $8.75 + ~$5–$7 (CityTicket) = $13.75–$15.75 | Faster rail option to Midtown, less crowding |
| Taxi (flat fare to Manhattan) | 45–75+ min (traffic dependent) | $70 flat fare + tolls + tip | Door-to-door, groups, heavy luggage |
| Uber/Lyft | 45–75+ min (traffic dependent) | Typically $65–$130 (surge possible) | Convenience, dynamic pricing |
Breaking Down the Rail Options
- AirTrain leg (terminals to Jamaica or Howard Beach): about 8–15 minutes.
- Subway (Jamaica to Midtown): about 40–55 minutes.
- LIRR (Jamaica to Penn Station/Grand Central Madison): about 17–22 minutes — the fastest rail option if your flight lands near Jamaica Station.
Service Frequency & Hours
- Trains run every 5–15 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.
- Exact hours and any temporary restrictions may vary due to construction — check station displays and the official JFK website for updates.
Onboard Rules
❌ Not Allowed
- Eating, drinking, or smoking on the train
✅ Allowed
- Luggage, suitcases, baggage carts, strollers
- Small pets in carriers
- Bicycles — maximum of 4 per train
⚠️ Note for cyclists: Bicycles are not allowed on Central Terminal Area roadways. Cyclists must use designated access routes.
Accessibility
All AirTrain stations and trains are ADA-compliant, featuring:
- Elevators and escalators
- Wheelchair space on trains
- Visual information and audio announcements
- Tactile platform edges and Braille/tactile signage
Accessible subway connections are available at both Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.
Where to Get Help
- On-site: Customer Experience Specialists in red uniforms are stationed throughout the AirTrain system.
- OMNY customer support:
- Phone: +1 (877) 789-6669
- Web: OMNY.info
Quick Reference: AirTrain Cheat Sheet
- Free: Terminal-to-terminal, terminal-to-parking, terminal-to-rental cars/hotels.
- Paid ($8.75): Only when riding to/from Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
- Pay with: Contactless card, phone/smartwatch, or OMNY card — tap at Jamaica/Howard Beach gates only.
- 30-day cap: Never pay more than $43.50 in AirTrain fares per rolling 30 days.
- Fastest to Manhattan: AirTrain + LIRR from Jamaica (35–45 min total).
- Cheapest to Manhattan: AirTrain + Subway ($11.75 total).
In reply to how much is the fare from by Anonymous (not verified)
From JFK to Federal Circle
From JFK to Federal Circle is free. Alight at federal circle and follow signs for shuttle buses.
In reply to how much is the fare from by Anonymous (not verified)
it is free
it is free
In reply to how much is the fare from by Anonymous (not verified)
There is no charge to ride
There is no charge to ride the AirTrain between any terminal and Federal Circle station. The $5.00 AirTrain fare is collected only when entering or leaving the AirTrain system at either of its two terminals: Howard Beach or Jamaica.
My son flies with Jet Blue
My son flies with Jet Blue into terminal 5 next month. He will need to collect his baggage and make his way to Singapore Airlines (terminal 4). Can you please give me specific directions from Jet Blue baggage claim to the Air Train to Terminal 4?
Airtrain
I have to take the Airtrain to Howard Beach Station and I'm arriving in terminal 7, where can I find that train and where can I buy a ticket?
From Howard Beach Station I have to take the A train to W 125th street, where do I have to buy a ticket for that train?
Thank you!
In reply to Airtrain by Anonymous (not verified)
Follow the signs in Terminal
Follow the signs in Terminal 7 for the AirTrain station. Board a Howard Beach AirTrain. Upon arrival at Howard Beach, you will have to purchase a Metrocard to pay the $5.00 AirTrain fares. The Metrocard vending machines will give you the option of purchasing a $7.25 Metrocard, which would cover your AirTrain and subway fare; a Metrocard for a greater amount, if you plan on taking additional subway or bus rides during your stay; or a $5.00 Metrocard for AirTrain, and an unlimited Metrocard, if you will be riding the subway or buses a lot during your stay.
Transport assistance
Hi
What is the best route to reach 10355 104th street Ozone Park NY from jfk ?
como ir de JFK a Long Island (95 glenmore ave, central islip)
Hola como puedo llegar desde JFK a Long Island (glenmore ave) de la manera mas economica
gracias
In reply to como ir de JFK a Long Island (95 glenmore ave, central islip) by lupa (not verified)
Long Island es múy grande.
Long Island es múy grande. ¿En cual ciudad está "Glenmore Avenue"?
Penn Station to JFK and return
I will be arriving at Penn Station this Monday, July 11th and need to meet a friend arriving at the International Arrivals area at JFK and then both of us returning to Penn Station. It sounds like AirTrain is the cheapest and quickest method so where do I find AirTrain once I arrive at Penn Station and does it stop at International Arrivals or do I need to transfer at Jamaica Station to the airport train? And what about the reverse routing. Am I correct that it only ocsts $5 one way for each of us? Do I but the ticket somewhere in Penn Station? Thanks for help
In reply to Penn Station to JFK and return by Anonymous (not verified)
The AirTrain does not go to
The AirTrain does not go to or from Penn Station. You will need to get from Penn Station to Jamaica Station (and back) by either the Long Island Rail Road or the "E" train subway; AirTrain will take you from Jamaica Station to the various terminals at JFK. The cost of the subway or Long Island Rail Road is NOT included in the $5.00 AirTrain fare. The AirTrain fare is payable with a pay-per-ride Metrocard, which is also usable to pay the separate subway fare. The subway will be cheaper than the Long Island Rail Road for getting to and from Jamaica Station, but it will take about 20 minutes longer in each direction.
subway
Hi, we are arriving mid-July at JFK and need to get to 42nd St.- Port AUthority. Can you please tell me the best way to get there?
Downtown Manhatten to JFK
How long shold we allow our journey time from Downtown Manhatten to JFK terminal 4 using the NY subway system.
how long does it takes from T8 to T4
Hello, I'd like to know how long it takes from T8 to T4. Thank you.
T1 to T7
Can anyone please tell me how to get from T7 to T1. between flights I have 3 hours and a half. Is this enough time to get my luggage at T7(arriving from charlotte) and then to check in (Terminal 1) again for my flight in paris.
Thanks
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