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).
Transfers between terminals?
Can a NY local please confirm if 1 of the trains on the Airtrain network at JFK goes in the opposite direction to the other? Need to transfer from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3 and don't want to go the whole way round if I can help it? Many thanks!
Train & Subway
Hi - this is the first time I will be taking the air train and subway from JFK. How do I get from JFK to East 86th St and about how long will this take?
In reply to Train & Subway by Al (not verified)
airtrain to Jamaica, subway
airtrain to Jamaica, subway e to Lex then subway 6 to e86,takes around 1hr 25 mins
AirTrain to American Airlines at JFK
AirTrain always says it takes 35 minutes to do the combination of LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica and then AirTrain to the terminal. I am going to American Airlines which is Terminal 8. Does this mean I need to allow more time? How much to allow please?
In reply to AirTrain to American Airlines at JFK by ACC (not verified)
allow 10,15 mins more
allow 10,15 mins more
Which Airtrain do I take to meet a friend at JFK thru Asiana Air
This is the first time I'm taking the Airtrain to JFK. Which Airtrain do I take and which Terminal# is for Asiana Air?
In reply to Which Airtrain do I take to meet a friend at JFK thru Asiana Air by wilma (not verified)
Asiana Air is at terminal 4.
Asiana Air is at terminal 4. Take air train on track 2.
terminal 4
How can I do to go from terminal 4 to terminal 8??
I want to park at JFK and
I want to park at JFK and take the subway in to Coumbus Circle for a race early Sunday morning March 20. Can I take the A subway if I park in LT at JFK? What does it cost? Thanks.
Terminal 4 to terminal 5
Whats the quickest way to go from terminal 4 to terminal 5. I have a 1 hr connection time. Can I walk ?
How to reach JFK from NJ - Princeton Junction station
Hello, I live in NJ, closer to NJ: Princeton Junction. Can you please advise on how to get JFK Airport from Princeton Junction, NJ? I have an international flight from JFK travelling with one medium size suit case and thought I will check with you. Any information provided is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
by public transportation
I would like to go from 7th ave. & 28th to JFK international airport by train.( subway) Do you know how long it takes and about how much? I come from Boston by bus and pick my parents up at JFK. Thanks!
In reply to by public transportation by kame (not verified)
You can reach Penn
You can reach Penn Station(it is on 7th ave and 34th street) and take subway E(Queens bound) to Sutphin Blvd stop then transfer to Airtrain to JFK terminals. It will take you around 1hr and 15 - 1hr and 30m mins and it will cost you $7.25.
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In reply to You can reach Penn by MS|MS (not verified)
Thank you very much!! This
Thank you very much!! This helps me a lot!!
Getting from Terminal 8 to Terminal 4
I arrive into Terminal 8 at 3:40 and have a 6:00 Internationl flight out of Terminal 4. Is airTrain the quickest way to get from Term 8 to Term 4? Can I walk?
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