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).
I need to get to Princeton
I need to get to Princeton Junction ( New Jersey) from JFK International Airport on the 24th of this month, Please do let me the know the trains that I need to take
In reply to I need to get to Princeton by Anonymous (not verified)
AirTrain from your terminal
AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station; Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica to Penn Station New York (frequent service); NJ Transit from Penn Station to Princeton Junction (check www.njtransit.com for schedule).
As an alternative, you can consider the (more expensive) bus service offered by Olympic Airporter from JFK to Princeton. Details at www.olympicairporter.com. (Click on the link for Middlesex/Mercer County shuttle service.)
I´m arriving on Saturday
I´m arriving on Saturday the 23rd at 8 pm. I´m going to the Roomate grace hotel which is in 125 west,45th street. What is the way using this airtrain? How much is gonna be? thanks a lot
we arrive at JFK at 2pm on
we arrive at JFK at 2pm on 26th July and need to get to penn station via Jamaica station and heard there is construction on LIRR; what are my options?
In reply to we arrive at JFK at 2pm on by Anonymous (not verified)
Can you provide a link to
Can you provide a link to the information about construction on the LIRR? In the unlikely event that this construction causes a suspension of service between Jamaica and Penn Station, you can always take the "E" subway from Jamaica to Penn Station. The subway takes about 40 minutes and costs $2.25 per person if a Metrocard is used; or $2.50 if a single-ride ticket is used. The LIRR takes abot 20 minutes for the same trip, but costs $6.25 per person during off-peak times (trains arriving Penn Station weekdays after 10:00 AM).
The AirTrain costs $5.00 per person from JFK to Jamaica.
question about going to Long Island
what are the specific steps I will need to take to go to the Syossett train station in Long Island?
I am arriving with Delta Airlines.
Where do I take the transportation to go there?
which train do I take?
How much does it cost?
is it safe?
(sorry for all the questioning but I really need specifics, I don't know what to do when I arrive.
JFK > Jet Blue > Air Train
Good Morning - If i park in long term parking from Thursday Morning (5:30 am) to Sunday Night approx 10:30 pm - could you guesstimate the costs for me ?? also, what is the travel time from long term parking to Terminal #5 / Jet Blue. i have a 7:30am flight on thursday morning 7/21. your help is greatly appreciated
connections
Hi I'm flying AA from London to JFK connecting to American egals flight to Norfolk. Do I have to collect my baggage once I have cleared immigration or are they transfered on as it is a connecting flight? Also is it all in the one terminal?
On return I fly back BA - how do I get to Terminal 7 from 8.
In reply to connections by Anonymous (not verified)
You will have to clear both
You will have to clear both Customs and Immigration at JFK. After Immigration, you will collect your checked baggage and go through Customs. If the check-in agent at Heathrow has checked your baggage through to ORF, then just after clearing Customs at JFK, you should be able to drop your bags at the re-check station. All AA mainline and American Eagle flights use Terminal 8 at JFK.
On the return, AA should be able to check your bags all the way through to LHR, and you will not see them again until you claim them at LHR.
To get from Terminal 8 to Terminal 7 at JFK, you will take the "All Terminals" Air Train one stop. The ride is free, and should take all of two minutes. (Make sure that you board the correct AirTrain: do NOT board one bound for "Jamaica" or "Howard Beach.")
In reply to You will have to clear both by Anonymous (not verified)
Thank you for the
Thank you for the information! will make all the changes so much easier.
travel time
i will arrive in terminal 3 from canada by Delta Airline, and take flight from terminal 1 by Air China at 4:50 p.m how much time should i prepare in between?? 5 hrs is enough?? is there a luggage cart i can use to take onto airtrain?
Due to flight delays needed to change connecting
Arriving terminal 3 from Prague to JFK at 6:19pm -have connecting flight in terminal 5 at 7:45pm do I have enough time to clear customs and get to gate at terminal 5
In reply to Due to flight delays needed to change connecting by Anonymous (not verified)
almost 100% you gonna loose
almost 100% you gonna loose your connection even if you don't have luggage to collect ,allow at least 2 and half hours especially in busy airport like JFK
In reply to Due to flight delays needed to change connecting by Anonymous (not verified)
If u go real fast and take
If u go real fast and take air train
how much is the fare from
how much is the fare from JFK to federal circle so i can catch my hotel shuttle bus?? 5 dollars??
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