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 ($11.75 total).
Hi, I'm going out of Rio de
Hi, I'm going out of Rio de Janeiro to Las Angeles and make a connection at JFK in New York, time between flights is 2:20, I landed at Terminal 4 and my flight leaves at terminal 7, which will give time ? and the train is actually going the opposite direction so I have to take the train to Terminal 3, 2, 1, 8 and then get off at 7?
JFK to Jersey City
What is the best train route from JFK to Jersey City (Newport)?
Hi, I will be ariving at
Hi, I will be ariving at terminal 7 at 17:25 and will be departing from terminal 1 at 19:05. Please let me know if I have enough time and which train/bus is the best to take.
Many thanks in advance!
Vladimir
Air Train at JFK
Have two seniors arriving at the Delta Terminal and meeting rest of group coming in on a Jet Blue flight. What is best way for them to get from Delta to Jet Blue?
transport
Two of us need to get to the roosevelt hotel (manhatten), what is the best way?, a taxi is expensive (about 50$)
thanks Roger
In reply to transport by rogerg (not verified)
Not sure what you mean by
Not sure what you mean by "best." There is express bus service from JFK to Grand Central Terminal -- a short walk from the Roosevelt -- that costs about $15/person, I believe. Or if you spend $13.60 on a Metrocard, you will end up with a card worth $14.50 (after the 7% bonus for purchases of $10 or more); that will cover the cost of the AirTtain to Jamaica Station, and the subway for two people. You can take a Manhattan-bound "E" subway from Jamaica Station to Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street. If you exit to the rear of the train, you will be at Madison Avenue and 53rd Street -- about a ten-minute walk down Madison to the Roosevelt.
pls. help!
I will travel for the 1st tim to NY on dec. 2011. My flight will land on 6:30 pm. After i need to take the train to Washington DC. Pls. help me the best way i can connect to train station. I really appretiate the support!
train information
I will be arriving at JFK on monday 28th Nov 11 at 12.45pm it will take about an hour to go through customs and then im looking for a train to take me to canal street station - manhattan soho...your help on which trains to take will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Where is the best place to
Where is the best place to meet, If I get off at terminal 7 (qantas) and a friend gets off at terminal 3 (delta)? we both arrive at the exact same time.
Please could you tell me how
Please could you tell me how to get to 37th St Lexington Ave. I will be arriving at JFK about 13.30.
Traveling to NY
Hello,
I'm traveling to NY on delta and meeting someone on jet blue. How do I make the connection? I get in in 22 mintues after them.
BK HEIGHTS
Hi, Im traveling from a jetblue flight from JFK to brooklyn heights, ny, I would be getting off at jay st. Can you please tell me what I would need to do?
Thank you!
Getting to Penn Station or Grand Central Station
I'll be arriving in JFK on Nov 27th at 11pm. I need to catch Metro North to Peekskill,NY. Will AirTrain get me to either Station. I can transfer once I'm at Penn. But would like to know how long from airport to city. Any info would be appreciated.
I am arriving at JFK on dec
I am arriving at JFK on dec 29 at 6:05 PM.
I need to get a train to Philly from Penn st. What is the easiest and fastest route. Could i make it to the 9:05 train or should I wait for the 10:59?
The secure area
Is the AirTrain in the secure area?
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