🚇 New York Subway from JFK

Subway and Light rail services at JFK airport

The AirTrain connects all passenger terminals to the New York City subway system at the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. At Jamaica, you can take the E (Queens, Midtown Manhattan), J, or Z (Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan) lines.

At Howard Beach, you can take the A line to Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and the Rockaways.

If you are taking the subway to the airport, you will need to board services to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport on the E, J, or Z lines, or to the Howard Beach station on the A line to access the AirTrain network.

💰 Fares and Payment Methods

🔹 Subway fare: USD 2.90 per ride.
🔹 AirTrain + Subway: USD 11.40 (includes USD 8.50 for the AirTrain).
🔹 OMNY: Contactless payment with card or mobile (avoids buying a MetroCard, which costs USD 1.00).
🔹 MetroCard: Rechargeable, allows unlimited travel for 7 days (USD 34.00, ideal for long stays).
🔹 Group discount: If you are traveling with several people, consider buying a shared MetroCard instead of several individual ones.
🔹 Child discount: Children under 44 inches (112 cm) tall can travel for free with an adult.
🔹 Tip: If your stay in New York is at least 4 days, consider getting a 7-day unlimited pass, which costs USD 34.00.

📍 Available Subway Lines and Destinations

🚆 E Line (Jamaica Station) – Fastest Option to Manhattan

🔹 Route: Jamaica - Kew Gardens - Queens Plaza - Port Authority Bus Terminal - World Trade Center
⏳ Duration: Approx. 50 min to Midtown Manhattan.
✅ Pros: Frequent trains, fastest and most direct option to Manhattan.
❌ Cons: Very crowded during peak hours, limited space for luggage.

🚆 J/Z Line (Jamaica Station) – Alternative to Manhattan via Brooklyn

🔹 Route: Jamaica - Broadway Junction - Myrtle Av - Marcy Av - Chambers St - Broad St
⏳ Duration: Approx. 50 min.
✅ Pros: Less congested than the E line.
❌ Cons: Does not reach Midtown Manhattan, fewer connections, and limited service on weekends.

🚆 A Line (Howard Beach Station) – Slower but More Comfortable Connection

🔹 Route: Rockaway - Howard Beach - Ozone Park - Broadway Junction - Port Authority Bus Terminal - Inwood/207 St.
⏳ Duration: Approx. 60 min.
✅ Pros: Fewer people with luggage, more space to sit.
❌ Cons: Longer trip to Manhattan, less frequent at night.

Photo by Hans Isaacson Unsplash

🚆 What is the LIRR?

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a commuter train operated by the MTA that connects Jamaica station with Manhattan and other destinations on Long Island. In effect, it has direct and express trips to different destinations:

✅ Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan) – Main station on the west side of Manhattan.
✅ Grand Central Madison (East Midtown) – Connection on the east side of Manhattan.
✅ Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn) – Ideal if your destination is Brooklyn or Downtown Manhattan.
✅ Long Island (Multiple Destinations) – Huntington, Ronkonkoma, Montauk, among others.
✅ Faster: Only 20-25 minutes to Manhattan, compared to the 50-60 minutes of the subway.
✅ More comfortable: Spacious seats, less crowded than the subway during peak hours.
✅ Fewer stops: Some are even direct (express) trips, such as Penn Station or Grand Central.
❌ Cost: USD 16.75 during peak hours, USD 7.00 during off-peak hours.

🕐 Tips based on Time of Day

Peak hours (7-10 AM and 4-8 PM): The E line is very crowded. If you have luggage, consider the A line or the LIRR.
Nights (after midnight): Less frequent trains, but a more economical option than a taxi.
Weekends: Possible delays due to maintenance. Check the MTA website before traveling.
If you are traveling with children: Opt for the A line or the LIRR, which have more space.

📌 Final Recommendations

If you prioritize speed, use the LIRR from Jamaica.
If you are looking for the cheapest option, use the A line.
If you have a lot of luggage, avoid the E line during peak hours.
If you are traveling with family or children, the LIRR offers more comfort and space.
Check the official MTA website for service updates.

🕐 Tips based on Time of Day

Peak hours (7-10 AM and 4-8 PM): The E line is very crowded. If you have luggage, consider the A line.
Nights (after midnight): Less frequent trains, but a more economical option than a taxi.
Weekends: Possible delays due to maintenance. Check the MTA website before traveling.
If you are traveling with children: Opt for the A line, which is usually less crowded and offers more space.

🛑 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Not buying a MetroCard in advance (use OMNY if possible).
❌ Not checking for service disruptions or changes.
❌ Taking the J/Z line without knowing it is slower and has fewer key stops.
❌ Not considering comfort: The A line may be better if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.
❌ Confusing stations: Not all subway entrances in Manhattan allow free transfers.
❌ Not carrying cash: Some stations may not accept cards at vending machines.

🚆 Subway or LIRR? Quick Comparison

👉 Swipe right to scroll the table

Option	Duration to Manhattan	Cost	Comfort
Subway (E Line)	50 min	USD 11.40	High demand, little space
Subway (A Line)	60 min	USD 11.40	More space, but slower
LIRR (Jamaica - Penn Station)	20-25 min	USD 16.75 (peak hours) / USD 7.00 (off-peak)	Fast, more comfortable seats

📌 Final Recommendations

If you prioritize speed, use the LIRR from Jamaica.
If you are looking for the cheapest option, use the A line.
If you have a lot of luggage, avoid the E line during peak hours.
If you are traveling with family or children, the LIRR offers more comfort and space.
Check the official MTA website for service updates.