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).
what are the best parking arrangements ~
I have a 8:00 a.m. flight to Disney/Orlando on Monday 2/7/11. I am thinking of driving/parking for 5 days. We return Friday Night 9;30: p.m. what are my cost/options. how close is the air train to Lefferts Blvd?
What is the shortest way
What is the shortest way from Terminal 1 to 75 st?
In reply to What is the shortest way by Anonymous (not verified)
Taxi would be fastest but
Taxi would be fastest but most expensive $45+tolls+tip.
getting to times square
what it the best way to get to times Square from Terminal 3 at 22:00?
In reply to getting to times square by Assafba (not verified)
Taxi from Manhattan to JFK
Taxi from Manhattan to JFK is flat rate $45+tolls+tip. Once again, JFK_Specialist is giving incorrect information.
terminal 4 to terminal 8
we are coming to New York terminal 4 from Dubai ,
So how to go from terminal 4 to terminal 8 and does 3 hours enough to reach my flight to Miami (firs class )
In reply to terminal 4 to terminal 8 by bader algurg (not verified)
After you clear US customs
After you clear US customs at T4 go to AirTrain on the third floor and take any train on track 1 to T8. Three hours should be enough time.
5th ave
Hi there!
im coming to JFK in next month around 2050pm.i need to get to the 5th avenue,whats the best way to get there?through jamaica or..does the 7d ticket/pass cover the whole trip?tnx
In reply to 5th ave by lucy81 (not verified)
Transit route will depend
Transit route will depend where on 5th Ave are you going, as 5th Ave runs north/south from Washington Square Park at 8th St. all the way uptown to 120th St. LIRR or E subway from Jamaica Station to Penn Station will take you to 7th Ave/33rd St, two blocks from 5th Ave. E subway will stop at 5th Ave/53rd St. You cannot use the unlimited Metrocard on AirTrain, only on subways and buses.
In reply to Transit route will depend by B$G (not verified)
Information
I´m arriving in New York from Orlando in March and I´m going toHotel Paramount on 46th street/8avenue. Which line should I take? thanks
Help
Im arriving at JFK on feb 18 at 11pm, I need to get to the path train, help.....
In reply to Help by Anonymous (not verified)
Path Train
You can take the airtrain to Jamaica. Transfer to the Long Islan Rail Road (LIRR), Take a west bound train to Penn Station. There is a Path Terminal there. I do not know if all Path trains go there though
In reply to Path Train by Anonymous (not verified)
The PATH station is at 6th
The PATH station is at 6th Ave. & 33rd St, not connected to Penn Station. There used to be an underground passageway but has since been closed so you need to walk on street level in between the two.
How long will it take?
Can you please tell me how long it will take to get from the Howard Beach Station to terminal 3? Thank You.
In reply to How long will it take? by Anonymous (not verified)
On Airtrain - 15 mins.
On Airtrain - 15 mins.
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