How to get from JFK Airport to New York City: Cheaper v. Faster

I love exploring New York City. But I hate how expensive it is to take a taxi from the JFK airport to my hotel in Manhattan. And if it’s during rush hours, it’s even worse. During my last trip, I learned about two non-taxi ways to make the trip – the subway or the Long Island Railroad (LIRR).

There’s a lot of activities to do in the Big Apple, so being able to navigate the subway system will help immensely. But it all starts with getting from the airport to Manhattan.

Start with the AirTrain to The Subway

When you land at the JFK Airport, follow the signs to the AirTrain – it runs 24 hours a day and circles the airport terminals and parking areas.

When you arrive at the AirTrain station, you do not purchase a ticket… yet. You pay $5 when you get off at your desired subway station.

Be sure to get on the correct AirTrain – there is one to Jamaica Station and one to Howard Beach station.

JAMAICA STATION: The AirTrain to Jamaica Station will allow you to connect to the E, J and Z subway lines, along with the LIRR.

HOWARD BEACH STATION: This station is closer to the airport, but only connects you to the A subway line.

Take the Subway into Manhattan: 60-90 minutes for $7.75

When you arrive at either Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station, follow the signs to the exit. Find the ticket machines and follow the instructions to pay the $5 fee for the AirTrain.

JAMAICA STATION: After exiting the AirTrain, follow the signs to the subway station. You’ll walk by the entrance to the Long Island Railway (LIRR), so be sure you’re following the signs to the subway so you don’t end up on the unintended route.

You can purchase a 7-day unlimited use metro card for $33 (find subway fares). A single ride is $3, but if you charge a Metro card that you use each time you ride, it’s $2.75.

From the station, you can take E Train to Manhattan. It enters the island just south of Central Park, then heads to the west side of the island and heads south to the World Trade Center. If you decide to take the J or Z train, it heads south and ends at the south end of Manhattan island.

At various spots along the way, you can switch trains – but if you exit any train station, you’ll have to buy another ticket to re-enter (so be careful – or just buy the 7-day pass, which offers unlimited rides).

HOWARD BEACH STATION: The process is the same for this station as it is for Jamaica Station. However, the only subway option you have is the A train. That train heads southwest to the southern end of Manhattan island, before heading north along the west side of the island well past Central Park.

Take the Long Island Railroad to Penn Station: 35 minutes for $15.00

If you’re willing to pay a little more, the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is faster. As described above, take the AirTrain from the JFK Airport to Jamaica Station. You’ll need to pay the $5 fee at one of the machines to be able to exit the station.

Follow the signs to the LIRR and buy your train ticket – $10. Take the train to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan.

While the cost of getting you into Manhattan was only $15, if Penn Station isn’t near your hotel, you’ll need to buy a subway ticket – so you may want to calculate that into your total travel costs.

Summary

In short, if you’re okay spending 60-90 minutes on the subway and only pay $7.75, take the AirTrain+Subway combo. If you’re willing to pay $15.00 and spend only 35 minutes or so to get to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, take the LIRR.

One advantage of taking the subway is that you can buy your multi-day subway pass at the start of your visit. And I highly recommend getting a 7-day unlimited pass for $33.

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