The AirTrain is the fastest way to move around JFK and connect to New York City's public transit — but fares, free zones, and payment rules trip up a lot of travelers. Here's everything you need to know before you tap in.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Free Inside the Airport, Paid to Leave It
Riding the AirTrain between terminals, parking lots, rental cars, and hotel shuttles is always free. You only pay when you ride to or from Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station — the exits that connect to the subway and LIRR. Tap OMNY only at those two stations.
What Is the JFK AirTrain?
The AirTrain is a fully automated, elevated people mover that connects:
- All passenger terminals
- Parking lots
- Hotel shuttles
- Rental car facilities
- Two rail stations: Jamaica and Howard Beach
- Frequency: Trains run every 5–15 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.
- Terminal-to-terminal travel: Under 10 minutes.
- Terminal to Jamaica or Howard Beach: Under 20 minutes (typically 8–15 minutes).
Landing soon and need to know where your ride will meet you? Check our JFK curbside pickup and drop-off guide for the rules on meeting arriving passengers.
AirTrain Routes: Where It Goes
Jamaica Line
Connects all terminals to Jamaica Station, where you can transfer to:
- LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)
- NYC Subway lines E, J, Z
Howard Beach Line
Connects all terminals to Howard Beach Station, where you can transfer to:
- NYC Subway line A
Federal Circle
The stop for rental cars and hotel shuttles.
Lefferts Boulevard
The stop for long-term parking.
When the AirTrain Is Free vs. When You Pay
✅ Free Rides
- Between terminals
- Between terminals and parking
- Between terminals and Federal Circle (rental cars, hotel shuttles)
- Between terminals and Lefferts Boulevard (long-term parking)
💳 Paid Rides
- Between JFK and Jamaica Station
- Between JFK and Howard Beach Station
Parked long-term and heading to Lefferts Boulevard? See our JFK parking guide for lot details and shuttle timing.
AirTrain Fares (2026)
- One-way fare: $8.75 per person
- Children under 5: Ride free
- Fare is automatically adjusted for inflation — it increased from $8.50 to $8.75 in 2026.
Rolling 30-Day Fare Cap
- You pay $8.75 per ride.
- Once your total AirTrain fares in a 30-day period reach $43.50, all additional AirTrain rides in that period are free.
- The system automatically adjusts your last charge so you never pay more than $43.50 in 30 days.
Important: Use the same payment method every ride if you want the discount cap to apply correctly.
Group Fare (Up to 5 People)
- First rider: $8.75
- Each additional rider: $4.50
- Maximum total for the group: $26.75
- All riders must tap the same card/device within 5 minutes.
- That same payment method cannot be used again for a group fare for the next 15 minutes.
How to Pay: OMNY System
The AirTrain uses the MTA's OMNY contactless fare system. You can pay with:
- Contactless credit/debit card (with the contactless symbol)
- Smartphone or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
- OMNY card (physical prepaid card)
How Payment Works in Practice
- OMNY readers are located at the gates of Jamaica and Howard Beach stations only.
- Approach the gate and tap your card, phone, or OMNY card.
- For the return trip, tap the same card/device again.
- OMNY cards can be purchased and reloaded at vending machines in Jamaica and Howard Beach stations (cash, credit, or debit).
OMNY also works across all NYC subway trains, buses, and the Roosevelt Island Tram — but note that AirTrain fares are charged separately from subway, LIRR, and Metro-North fares.
Connecting to Manhattan: Your Options
| Option | Approx. Total Time | Approx. Total Cost (2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + Subway (E/J/Z from Jamaica or A from Howard Beach) | 60–75 min | $8.75 + $3.00 = $11.75 | Budget travelers, light luggage, 24/7 service |
| AirTrain + LIRR (Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison) | 35–45 min | $8.75 + ~$5–$7 (CityTicket) = $13.75–$15.75 | Faster rail option to Midtown, less crowding |
| Taxi (flat fare to Manhattan) | 45–75+ min (traffic dependent) | $70 flat fare + tolls + tip | Door-to-door, groups, heavy luggage |
| Uber/Lyft | 45–75+ min (traffic dependent) | Typically $65–$130 (surge possible) | Convenience, dynamic pricing |
Breaking Down the Rail Options
- AirTrain leg (terminals to Jamaica or Howard Beach): about 8–15 minutes.
- Subway (Jamaica to Midtown): about 40–55 minutes.
- LIRR (Jamaica to Penn Station/Grand Central Madison): about 17–22 minutes — the fastest rail option if your flight lands near Jamaica Station.
Service Frequency & Hours
- Trains run every 5–15 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.
- Exact hours and any temporary restrictions may vary due to construction — check station displays and the official JFK website for updates.
Onboard Rules
❌ Not Allowed
- Eating, drinking, or smoking on the train
✅ Allowed
- Luggage, suitcases, baggage carts, strollers
- Small pets in carriers
- Bicycles — maximum of 4 per train
⚠️ Note for cyclists: Bicycles are not allowed on Central Terminal Area roadways. Cyclists must use designated access routes.
Accessibility
All AirTrain stations and trains are ADA-compliant, featuring:
- Elevators and escalators
- Wheelchair space on trains
- Visual information and audio announcements
- Tactile platform edges and Braille/tactile signage
Accessible subway connections are available at both Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.
Where to Get Help
- On-site: Customer Experience Specialists in red uniforms are stationed throughout the AirTrain system.
- OMNY customer support:
- Phone: +1 (877) 789-6669
- Web: OMNY.info
Quick Reference: AirTrain Cheat Sheet
- Free: Terminal-to-terminal, terminal-to-parking, terminal-to-rental cars/hotels.
- Paid ($8.75): Only when riding to/from Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
- Pay with: Contactless card, phone/smartwatch, or OMNY card — tap at Jamaica/Howard Beach gates only.
- 30-day cap: Never pay more than $43.50 in AirTrain fares per rolling 30 days.
- Fastest to Manhattan: AirTrain + LIRR from Jamaica (35–45 min total).
- Cheapest to Manhattan: AirTrain + Subway ($11.75 total).
I'm a single mom arriving
I'm a single mom arriving with my 7 year old son and bags at 9am Sunday from Florida. Appreciate any advice on least stressful/most efficient way for us to get to our hotel, Fashion26, at 152 West 26th Street on public transportation?
In reply to I'm a single mom arriving by wendy (not verified)
You can use air train.
You can use air train.
Hi, I need to get to JFK
Hi,
I need to get to JFK tomorrow at 5:30am.
I'm coming from Roosevelt Avenue - Jackson Heights.
The best way is probably to take the E train to Sutphin Blvd station then get the Airtrain to JFK.
I'd like to know the times Airtrains run.
Thank you.
Parking
Does the airtrain cost anything between long term parking and terminal 8 for American Airlines. Also does the train leave from the parking or do you ned to also take bus from parkingto train?
In reply to Parking by Ch (not verified)
The Airtrain has two stops
The Airtrain has two stops within the Long Term Parking lot(Howard Beach and Lefferts Blvd.). The parking itself it is huge and there are always free shuttles(blue buses) that can pick you up and take you to the Airtrain stops within the lot.
In reply to Parking by Ch (not verified)
JFK Specialist is NOT a
JFK Specialist is NOT a specialist and is incorrect. Airtrain from long term parking/Lefferts Blvd. to terminals is free. You only pay if you exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach.
How can I go from T8 to T4
How can I go from T8 to T4 and how much it cost? Thanks a lot!
In reply to How can I go from T8 to T4 by Ari (not verified)
Follow signs to AirTrain and
Follow signs to AirTrain and take train on track 2 to T4, no charge between terminals.
Christmas
Will AirTrain run on regular schedule on Christmas Day?
In reply to Christmas by Anonymous (not verified)
AirTrain runs 24/7/365
AirTrain runs 24/7/365
Getting from terminal 2 to 4?
We are going to be flying in on Delta to terminal 2 (gate 23H) and need to get to terminal 4 (gate B26, what is the best way to get to terminal 4? Are we going to have to go thru security again in terminal 4?
In reply to Getting from terminal 2 to 4? by Anonymous (not verified)
If you are continuing on a
If you are continuing on a Delta flight out of T4 they have a shuttle bus from T2/3 to the T4 gate area behind security. If another airline you will need to take AirTrain one stop to T4 and you will have to clear security again.
How long it takes to go from
How long it takes to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8? And how can I find the Air Train from the Terminal 1? on which floor?
I have an international flight arriving Terminal 1 at 1:45pm and need to catch a connecting flight at 4:00pm in Terminal 8. I won't need to wait for luggage. Is 2 hours enough time to clear customs, catch an Air Train (which track?) and check in? I don't want to miss my flight>_<
Thanks!!!
In reply to How long it takes to go from by Anonymous (not verified)
You should have enough time.
You should have enough time. At T1 follow signs for AirTrain and take any train on track 2 one stop to T8.
transportation to flushing, queens from JFK
We will be landing in JFK and we need to get to flushing queesnd. if i understood correctly our rout will be airtrain and sub?
in your opinion will a local taxi will be better for us? we got heavy bags with us...
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