New York JFK Airport AirTrain

The AirTrain JFK is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the airport and connect to New York City public transportation. It operates 24 hours a day and links all terminals to parking lots, car rentals, the hotel shuttle pickup area, and the New York City public transportation network via the subway and train stations at Jamaica and Howard Beach, where you can connect to the subway, trains, and public buses.

💰 Fares and Tips to Save

✅ Free within the airport: If you are only moving between terminals, parking lots, and car rentals, you don't pay anything.
💳 Fare of USD 8.50 if you exit or enter through Jamaica or Howard Beach (requires a MetroCard, additional cost of USD 1.00).
🚇 Connection to subway: USD 2.90 additional to access the MTA system.

🛑 User Experience: Some passengers report confusion when purchasing the MetroCard. It is recommended to purchase it at the machines located in Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, in the MetroNews or Hudson News stores in terminals 1, 4, 7, and 8, or at any MTA subway station. Avoid buying used cards from resellers.

🔄 Mobility Between Terminals

📍 The AirTrain connects all passenger terminals. This service is free. Normally, the Jamaica and Howard Beach lines operate in the following order: Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, Terminal 8, and then proceed to their station of origin. The Central Terminal Train operates in reverse order and only runs between the terminals.
⏳ Estimated time: A complete tour takes between 8 and 15 minutes.
📢 Attention: Some terminals may not be operational at certain times. Check the information monitors on the AirTrain platforms.

🛑 User Experience: During peak hours (7:00-10:00 AM and 4:00-8:00 PM), the AirTrain can be very crowded, especially in Terminal 4. It is recommended to travel with extra time and avoid these hours if you have a lot of luggage.

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Photo by Mindconcepts - Pixabay

🚇 Connection to Public Transportation

🔹 Jamaica Station: Connects to subway lines E, J, and Z, as well as the LIRR train to Manhattan and Long Island.
🔹 Howard Beach Station: Connection to the A line of the New York City subway.

📌 Which station to choose?

• If you are going to Manhattan: The fastest option is the LIRR from Jamaica Station, although it is more expensive than the subway.
• If you are looking for economy: The A line from Howard Beach is the cheapest, but it may take longer.
• If you are traveling with heavy luggage: The LIRR is more comfortable, as the subway is often very crowded.

🛑 User Experience: Some passengers have reported that the ticket machines at Jamaica Station can have long lines. It is recommended to pay with OMNY or purchase the LIRR ticket in advance.

🅿️ Parking and Car Rentals

🚗 Direct access to short-term parking in each terminal.
🏢 Long-term parking: Located near the Lefferts Boulevard station, which is connected to the terminals with the Howard Beach line.
🚘 Car rental center: Located at the Federal Circle station of the AirTrain, which can be accessed by the Jamaica and Howard Beach lines.

🛑 User Experience: At Federal Circle, some passengers have reported long waits for the rental company shuttles, especially at night.

🏨 Transportation to Hotels

🛏️ Hotels with free shuttle service: Most pick up passengers at the Federal Circle station.
📞 Important: Some hotels require calling in advance to schedule the shuttle service.

🛑 User Experience: At night, some passengers have experienced delays in transfers to hotels. It is recommended to confirm the pickup with the hotel before arriving.

🚧 Alternatives in Case of Interruptions

⚠️ If the AirTrain is out of service for maintenance, there are free replacement buses operated by the MTA.
🏙️ In case of emergency, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, although with higher fares.

🛑 User Experience: Some travelers report that replacement buses can take longer than expected. If you have a tight connection, consider an alternative such as a taxi.

♿ Accessibility

✅ Adapted for wheelchairs with elevators, escalators, and two designated spaces for wheelchairs on each train. All trains and stations of the AirTrain comply with the ADA. There are accessible wheelchair connectors at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations to and from the rail and subway platforms.

🔊 Audio announcements and visual displays for passengers with hearing and visual impairments. There are also tactile warning surfaces on the platforms, as well as signs in Braille and raised lettering.
🦮 Guide dogs allowed in all stations and trains.

🛑 User Experience: Some elevators may be temporarily out of service. It is recommended to check their status in the stations before traveling.