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).
arriving @ jfk tonight
arriving @ jfk tonight 8:50.can anyone tell me the best way for me to get to grand central? train? taxi? thanks
From JFK to 30 East 30th Street
Hi there,
I am travelling to NYC this weekend. But i am not too sure how to navigate and the best way to travel to 30 East 30th Street to my hotel. Can someone please advise me?
Cheers.
In reply to From JFK to 30 East 30th Street by grumpy_osk (not verified)
An answer to your question
An answer to your question has been posted on the main page of this website.
HI, I would like to ask, I
HI, I would like to ask, I fly to terminal 8 and I have next international flight. How can I get from terminal 8 to check-in or where is it?
JFK - 29th St
Hi
I need to get to 29th St from JFK Airport at the end of October. Please can someone help me on what route I should take. I dont know which terminal it will be from - are they all easy to get trains from?!!
Thanks!
In reply to JFK - 29th St by HW (not verified)
Which 29th Street? The one
Which 29th Street? The one in Manhattan? The one in Brooklyn? Or the one in Queens? If Manhattan, where on 29th Street? There are several subway lines with stops at 28th Street in Manhattan. Which one is closest to your destination will depend on where on 29th Street you are headed.
From JFK to 459 Tonnelle Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Hi, what is the best way from JFK to Jersey City (pref. Tonnelle Avenue)? We will be on JFK on Tuesday afternoon, app. 6 p.m. Thanks a lot.
Does it sound right that my
Does it sound right that my jetBlue flight will be coming in to JFK at terminal 3 and departing from terminal 5?
JFK terminal 4- to manhatten..
Hi.. I will arrive at JFK thursday the 8/9 at 1320..
What is the easiest way too get to Manhatten ?
In reply to JFK terminal 4- to manhatten.. by Terese Meltzer (not verified)
Airtrain will take you
Airtrain will take you Rockway station. A-train can take you from 111th st/ or Rockway, go under for southbound.5th ave. Stops along zoo, central park, manhatten and the fin dis. are all along those. Midtown will cost about $7.50. People are good and could help if you get a little lost. Have Fun!
we are 2 adults and 3 kids
we are 2 adults and 3 kids arr jfk on nov 4 at 11am and leave on nov 5 at 21.45
should we get a hotel near the airport and then travel into the city for sightseeing, or should we stay in the city?
if in the city, which train station should i be looking in the area of, for hotels.
dont want to be carrying luggage too far thru the streets or be looking for extra large taxis
In reply to we are 2 adults and 3 kids by tonybambroffe (not verified)
You have very little
You have very little time.
Get your luggage to a hotel near JFK.
Then get the hotel's shuttle back to the airport to take the AIRTrain to Jamaica Station (NOT Howard BEach).
Take the E train at Jamaica Station to Manhattan OR take the Long Island Railroad at Jamaica Station. Both get you to Manhattan.
If you insist on staying in Manhattan, the E train is still good. There is a Sheraton hotel near the 53rd St./ 7th Avenue E train stop.
best way to take the train fron jfk to 23 street at new york
i want to know the best way to get to the 23 street by train from jfk airport
In reply to best way to take the train fron jfk to 23 street at new york by iven garcia (not verified)
Where on 23rd Street? There
Where on 23rd Street? There are five different subway stations on 23rd Street.
hours of operation
I am coming in on a Monday night, JFK Jet Blue @ 8:15 PM. By the time I get my bag it will be 8:30 PM or so. Is Airtrain still runiing to Jamaica at that time?
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