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).
In reply to Getting from Terminal 8 to Terminal 4 by Traveler 1 (not verified)
The distance is not
The distance is not walkable, take Airtrain on track 2 only to T4.
µ©
terminal 2 to terminal 3
I am flying from Halifax, NS, Canada with Delta airlines, connecting through JFK to Atlanta, Georgia. I have to change from terminal 2 to terminal 3 at JFK. What is the best way to do this and will I have to clear security again? I have 50 minutes, is that enough time?
In reply to terminal 2 to terminal 3 by New to JFK (not verified)
You have enough time. T2 and
You have enough time. T2 and T3 are connected behind security so you won't have to clear it again. Look for the gate(ATL flight) as soon as you disembark the first plane.
µ©
Travel to Albany
What is the best and quickest way to get to Albany on from Jfk Airport
In reply to Travel to Albany by Anonymous (not verified)
You can take AirTrain to
You can take AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR to NY Penn Station, then Amtrak to Albany.
Was wondering how to get
Was wondering how to get from jfk to hicksville/plainview?
JFK - 5th & 88th
Arriving JFK on a Tuesday at American Airlines at 5PM. What is best way to NYC (5th & 88th)? Will have one suitcase (roller); i'm a former NYer but haven't been for 15 yrs. Taveling solo. I'm thinking Airtrain to Jamaica (what subway would I then take to get to 88th/5th?). Or should I just taxi it (but too much trafic??) Your advice and specific direction recommendations please. Graci.
travel
Hi. Me and a guest are flying into JFK on 2/18 and will need to get to the Howard Johnson Inn in Long Island City, which is on 13th Street near the Qunnesboro Bridge and F train. I am wondering what is the best way to get there and how much will it cost? Any help would be appreciated!
request for advice
I will be landing in T4 with my family at 4pm. How to go to Secacus NJ. kids are 8 & 6 years old. If I take a taxi, will they provide booster seats. are booster seats mandatory in NY cabs.
Is there any other way to reaching other than taking a taxi.
this is my first trip to US.
kindly advice.
thanks and regards
MR
Ways to get to Affinia Gardens from JFK
Hi,
It will be my first time to NYC and I'm very excited about it.
But I have a question?
How do I go from JFK to Affinia Gardens in 215 East 64th Street, NY 10065.
By taxi? How much will it cost?
By Train? How do I go about and the cost?
I'll be alone so I do need to know what and where I'm going.
Thank you so much for your help in advance.
In reply to Ways to get to Affinia Gardens from JFK by Raz (not verified)
Use taxi and air train
Use taxi and air train please.
MS
In reply to Ways to get to Affinia Gardens from JFK by Raz (not verified)
Call taxi please. MS
Call taxi please.
MS
Transfer by Airtrain from JFK to Manhattan, 30th Street
On my first visit to NY i want to use the Airtraine for transfer to my hotel at 30th street, Manhattan - how long is the transfer time. Do i need to change for Subway?
In reply to Transfer by Airtrain from JFK to Manhattan, 30th Street by First timer (not verified)
Use taxi please. MS
Use taxi please.
MS
Transfer from International Flight to Domestic
I will have 1.5hrs to transfer from an international flight (Cathay Pacific -Terminal 8) to domestic flight (Jetblue- Terminal 5)
I arrive around 9pm and my Jetblue flight leaves at 10.45 for Bos. Assuming the flights are on schedule, is it possible?
Add new comment