NYC Subway System

Subway and Light rail services at JFK airport

The AirTrain links all passenger terminals with NYC’s Subway system at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. At Jamaica, you can take the E, J or Z lines.

If you’re taking the subway to the airport, you will disembark at Sutphin Boulevard Station on the E, J and Z lines or at Howard Beach Station on the A line to access the AirTrain network.

Fares

At Howard Beach, you can take the A line. All NYC Subway fares are separate from AirTrain, but they can be paid using any MetroCard. The fare is $2.75 USD. Together with the Airtran ticket, the total fare will be $11 USD (if you don’t have the metrocard add an extra USD1.00).

Tip - If you plan to stay at least 4 days, it could very convenient to buy the 7-day Unlimited Metrocard for $33

Destinations by subway

  • Midtown Manhattan Penn Station W. 34 St. to/from MTA NYC Transit E Subway at Jamaica Station
    fare $10.75 - Jorney time 50 minutes
  • Lower Manhattan below W. 14 St. to/from MTA NYC Transit A Subway at Howard Beach Station fare $10.75 - Jorney time 60 minutes
  • Upper Manhattan W. 125 St. to/from MTA NYC Transit E Subway at Jamaica Station. In Manhattan transfer to a subway or bus for final destination.
    fare $10.75 - Jorney time 75 minutes
  • Southern Queens, Northern Brooklyn MTA NYC Transit J or Z Subway at Jamaica Station
    fare $10.75 - 50 minutes

JFK Subway Howard Beach station
Photo by Hans Isaacson Unsplash

Long Island Railroad

This commuter rail links Jamaica station with Penn Station, located in Midtown Manhattan, and Atlantic Terminal, located in Downtown Brooklyn, as well as all Long Island destinations. Travel time can be significantly shorter than using the subway. 
NOTE - Fares and schedules vary by time and day.  Learn more