How to travel on the JFK AirTrain in New York?

January 5, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

If you are going on a city trip to New York and land at JFK Airport, there are several ways to travel to Manhattan. One of those ways is the JFK AirTrain, but how do you travel with the JFK AirTrain? In this blog we will tell you all about that.

What is the JFK AirTrain in New York?

The JFK AirTrain is an unmanned shuttle train at JFK Airport that connects the various passenger terminals with the public transport network of New York City, but if you want to travel to Manhattan with a hotel shuttle or rental car, you must first take the JFK AirTrain.

When does the JFK Airtrain run?

The JFK Airtrain operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During peak hours the shuttle trains run every 2-3 minutes. During off-peak hours the trains run every 4-10 minutes.

Where can you find the JFK AirTrain at JFK Airport?

JFK Airport is one of the largest airports in the world and it is therefore easy to get lost, but the boarding point of the JFK AirTrain is very easy to find, because in the terminal where you arrive there are signs everywhere with arrows showing how to get to the boarding point.

The three different AirTrain lines at JFK Airport

Three different lines depart from the JFK AirTrain boarding point and arrive in turn.

1. Jamaica Train Route

The Jamaica Train Route connects JFK Airport to Jamaica station in New York. From Jamaica station you can travel further by metro to Manhattan. For this you have to take the E train that goes through Long Island City and through Midtown Manhattan to the World Trade Center. But if you have to travel to Lower Manhattan, it is best to take the J-train or the Z-train.

2. Howard Beach Train Route

The Howard Beach Train Route connects JFK Airport to Howard Beach Station. From Howard Beach Station you can take the A-Train to Lower Manhattan. The A-train also stops at Fulton Street, Penn Station and Times Square.

3. De Federal Circle train Route

The Federal Circle train Route connects the various terminals at JFK Airport. With this JFK AirTrain shuttle you travel to the Federal Circle at JFK Airport, where you will find most car rental companies and hotel shuttles.

Is the JFK AirTrain free?

If you travel from one terminal to another within the airport with the AirTrain, this is free and you do not need to buy a ticket. If you travel to Howard Beach or Jamaica station, you must buy a ticket.

How much does a ticket cost for the JFK AirTrain?

A one-way ticket on the JFK AirTrain costs $8.50 per person. Children under 5 years old can travel for free on the AirTrain.

Where can you buy a JFK AirTrain ticket?

You cannot buy a JFK AirTrain ticket at JFK Airport, but at the ticket machines at the Howard Beach and Jamaica subway stations. So you get on the AirTrain at JFK Airport to Howard Beach or Jamaica station, get off there and buy an AirTrain ticket at one of the ticket machines. Then you walk with your ticket to the gates at the exit and check out. You have to keep in mind that the ticket machines are very busy and there is almost always a queue. If you don’t want to wait, pay contactless with OMNY.

Can you buy an AirTrain ticket online?

You can buy an AirTrain ticket online from various websites, but since the introduction of the OMNY system with which you can pay contactless, this has become redundant and we do not recommend that you order a JFK AirTrain ticket online in advance, but simply on the spot with OMNY payable.

What is OMNY?

Paying for the JFK AirTrain, bus or subway is now very easy via the OMNY system. The OMNY is a new system in New York that allows you to pay contactless on public transport in New York with your credit card, telephone or a rechargeable OMNY card.

How to pay for the JFK AirTrain with OMNY?

Paying with OMNY for your AirTrain ticket is very easy. After getting off at the Howard Beach and Jamaica subway stations, you can walk directly to the exit gates and join the OMNY line to check out.

What is the travel time from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station?

The JFK AirTrain is a fast shuttle train that takes you to Jamaica Station in 10 to 15 minutes.

What is the travel time from JFK Airport to Howard Beach?

Travel time by AirTrain from JFK Airport to Howard Beach is approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

Is the JFK AirTrain safe?

The JFK AirTrain is extremely safe. It is well patrolled by security guards and police. There are also many cameras around the terminals and in the AirTrain. so you can travel with the AirTrain with a safe feeling.

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