How to Take the Subway and Train (LIRR) from JFK Airport
Frequently Asked Questions About the Subway and LIRR from JFK
What's the cheapest way to get to Manhattan?
The subway. Total cost is $11.75 ($8.75 for the AirTrain + $3.00 for the subway). It's by far the most affordable option.
And the fastest?
The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road). From Jamaica Station, the trip to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in Manhattan takes only about 20-25 minutes, compared to 50-60 minutes on the subway.
How do I pay for the trip?
For the AirTrain and subway, use OMNY (contactless payment): tap your credit/debit card or phone at the readers. The MetroCard is no longer an option — sales and refills ended on January 1, 2026. For the LIRR, buy your ticket before boarding (machine, TrainTime app, or ticket window) — boarding without a ticket means a significant surcharge.
Is it hard to travel with a lot of luggage?
On the subway, yes. Especially on the E line during peak hours, the cars get packed and space is minimal. The LIRR is much more comfortable and spacious for traveling with suitcases.
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Photo by Hans Isaacson - Unsplash
Critical Points / Traveler's Manual
The Core Dilemma: Subway vs. LIRR
Choosing between the subway and the LIRR is a balance between cost, time, and comfort. The subway is cheap but slow and can be overwhelming with luggage. The LIRR is fast, comfortable, and spacious, but costs more — especially if you don't select the CityTicket fare.
💡 Tip: If you're traveling alone or with little luggage and your budget is tight, the subway is a great option. If you're traveling with family, a lot of luggage, or simply want to start your trip stress-free, the extra cost of the LIRR is well worth it.
The Luggage Challenge on the Subway
Navigating the New York subway with large suitcases is an unpleasant rite of passage. You'll face crowded cars, narrow corridors, and often stretches of stairs with no mechanical alternative.
💡 Tip: If you choose the subway, try to travel outside peak hours (7:00-10:00 AM and 4:00-8:00 PM). The A line from Howard Beach tends to be less crowded than the E line from Jamaica, which can make the trip a bit easier.
Simplify Your Payment: OMNY Is Your Only Path
The MetroCard is no longer an option — sales and refills ended on January 1, 2026. The entire system (AirTrain and subway) has moved to OMNY.
💡 Tip: Use your contactless credit/debit card or your phone directly at the turnstile — it's the simplest option and you don't need to buy anything in advance. For the LIRR, buy your ticket ahead of time in the TrainTime app or at the machines — boarding without a ticket costs quite a bit more.
The CityTicket Trick on the LIRR
If you buy a standard zone ticket instead of manually selecting the CityTicket option, you'll pay significantly more — almost double during peak hours.
💡 Tip: When buying at the machine or in the TrainTime app, explicitly select "CityTicket" — it's the valid fare for trips that begin and end within New York City, like Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison.
Navigating Jamaica Station
Jamaica Station is a major transit hub and can be chaotic. It's a hotspot for touts trying to sell you unsolicited taxi services, often with misleading information.
💡 Tip: As you exit the AirTrain, ignore anyone who approaches you. Follow the official signs toward "LIRR" (train) or "Subway." Trust only uniformed MTA or LIRR staff if you have questions.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- The subway is by far the cheapest option to reach Manhattan from JFK, with a clear margin over any other mode of transport.
- The LIRR is notably faster (20-25 min vs. 50-60 min) and much more comfortable with luggage.
- OMNY has simplified payment — no need to buy any physical card for the AirTrain or subway.
- Cons:
- The MetroCard no longer exists as an option — anyone arriving without a contactless card or phone wallet may have trouble paying.
- The LIRR can cost almost twice as much if you don't select the CityTicket fare when buying.
- OMNY support when the card fails is poor — it can't be resolved at station ticket booths, only by phone.
Fares and Payment Methods
The total cost of your trip is made up of the AirTrain fare plus the subway or LIRR fare.
- AirTrain fare: $8.75 (to enter/exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach).
- Subway fare: $3.00 per ride.
- Total cost, AirTrain + subway: $11.75.
- LIRR fare with CityTicket (the cheap option — you must select it explicitly at the machine or app): $5.25 off-peak, $7.25 peak.
- Standard LIRR fare (if you don't select CityTicket): $8.25 off-peak, $11.25 peak — almost double in some cases.
- Peak hours (weekdays only): trains arriving at Penn Station between 6:00 and 10:00 AM, or departing Penn Station between 4:00 and 8:00 PM. All other times, plus all weekends and holidays, are off-peak.
- On-board purchase surcharge: if you buy your LIRR ticket directly from the conductor instead of before boarding, an additional surcharge of approximately $6.00-6.50 applies.
Total cost, AirTrain + LIRR: between $14.00 (off-peak, with CityTicket) and $20.00 (peak hours, without CityTicket) — the difference depends entirely on whether you select CityTicket when buying.
Children under 44 inches (112 cm) tall ride the subway free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Traveler Experience:
- When OMNY fails (card declined, duplicate charge), phone support is described as unhelpful — it can't be fixed at station ticket booths.
- On the LIRR, several travelers report a significant price difference between buying the ticket in advance (app or machine) and paying the conductor directly — in one documented case, the extra charge reached $26 on top of what had already been paid.
- The LIRR's non-refundable ticket policy is mentioned as rigid in cases of mistaken purchases.
Strategy: always buy your LIRR ticket before boarding the train, selecting CityTicket if your trip is within New York City — it saves you the on-board surcharge and up to half the price.
Connection Options and Destinations
Option 1: The Subway
The AirTrain connects to the subway at two different stations, each with its own advantages.
Traveler Experience:
- Accessibility complaints come up repeatedly — elevators or escalators out of service at some stations, which complicates the trip with luggage or reduced mobility.
- Perceived safety is mostly positive, though not unanimous — there are occasional mentions of feeling unsafe during lower-traffic hours.
E Line (from Jamaica Station) – The most direct route to Midtown
- Main route: Takes you directly into the heart of Manhattan, with key stops like Port Authority (near Times Square) and World Trade Center.
- Duration: About 50 minutes to Midtown.
- Ideal if: Your destination is in central Manhattan and you prioritize the most direct subway route.
- Keep in mind: It's the line most used by airport travelers, so it tends to be crowded with little room for luggage.
J/Z Lines (from Jamaica Station) – Alternative for Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan
- Main route: Passes through Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg before reaching Lower Manhattan.
- Ideal if: You're staying in those Brooklyn areas or your final destination is near Wall Street.
- Keep in mind: It's not the best option to reach Midtown, and service can be less frequent, especially on weekends.
A Line (from Howard Beach Station) – The most spacious route
- Main route: Runs up through Brooklyn and crosses Manhattan from south to north along the west side.
- Duration: It's the longest subway route, roughly 60-70 minutes to Midtown.
- Ideal if: You're carrying a lot of luggage and prefer a potentially calmer ride with better odds of finding a seat.
- Keep in mind: The trip is notably longer, and train frequency can be lower, especially at night.
Option 2: The Commuter Train (LIRR)
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the premium option for leaving JFK. You connect to it at Jamaica Station.
- Faster: This is its main advantage. You'll be in central Manhattan in just 20-25 minutes.
- More comfortable: The trains are built for travelers, with wider seats, more luggage space, and a generally calmer atmosphere.
- Excellent connections: It reaches Manhattan's two main stations, Penn Station (west side) and Grand Central Madison (east side), plus Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.
- More expensive: Price is its main drawback — especially if you don't select CityTicket.
Quick Comparison: Subway or LIRR?
| Option | Duration to Midtown | Total Cost (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway (E Line) | ~50 min | $11.75 | Tight budget, little luggage. |
| Subway (A Line) | ~65 min | $11.75 | Travelers with luggage looking to save. |
| LIRR (to Penn/Grand Central) | ~25 min | $14.00 - $20.00* | Prioritizing speed, comfort, and traveling with suitcases. |
*The LIRR range depends on whether you select CityTicket (cheaper) and the time of day (peak or off-peak). Fares verified as current in September 2026 against fares.mta.info.
