JFK to NYC: How to take the AirTrain to Manhattan (2024)

This no-nonsense video shows: the AirTrain system to get you from JFK to Manhattan is easier than ever to use.

As you walk through the terminal at JFK, just follow the green “AirTrain” signs.
They’ll first lead you to baggage claim, where you’ll pickup your luggage, before again following the AirTrain signs up to the train platform.

You’ll want to head to Jamaica Station, which is in Queens. The trains arrive every 5 or 10 minutes.

Arriving at Jamaica Station, you'll pay $8.50 to leave the AirTrain.
The AirTrain fee is $8.50 a person.

Recently, they upgraded to a contactless payment system.
You’ve always had to buy a MetroCard from the kiosks, which people found confusing.
Now, just tap your credit card on the reader/scanner and walk on through!

After paying for the AirTrain, you have two choices.
You can take the subway into Manhattan, which is the cheaper (but longer) option.
I usually take the Long Island Railroad.
Follow the signs for the LIRR outside to the platform and ticket machine.
You’ll almost always find someone in a red jacket who’s there to help if needed.

You can take the railroad either to Grand Central or Penn Station, whichever is closer to your hotel in Manhattan.

Depending on train times, the whole trip from your airline gate at JFK into Manhattan should take about an hour.
A taxi could take about the same, depending on traffic. That's always the big "unknown" in New York City!

If you have a lot of people in your group or a lot of luggage, a taxi might make more sense. Otherwise, give the AirTrain a shot!

FOLLOW JARED:

[mattehnes]

The contactless upgrade makes things so much more convenient!

[michaeljohnston]

Bro have been planning my anniversary for Feb 2025 in time square for months in advance now. By the way I'm from the caribbean island of jamaica. So I've been watching videos of how to navigate the air train system to get to Manhattan, and trust me, I had to save your video for reference when I get to new york. This is the most simple and straight forward video I've seen. Thanks bro. I wish I could give u a 1000 likes for this video. I subscribed immediately. Thnks.🎉🎉

[Funabration]

This was super helpful, thank you! I was initially apprehensive about getting from JFK to Manhattan, but your video made it so easy. Thanks!

[elcancion]

Ty! Only bad experiences I had in nyc was dealing with taxis from jfk to manhattan

[kapno]

This will help me immensely as I head to NYC now for the marathon

[allistar]

helpful tip i learned from my friend: if you've got a roundtrip flight booked to/from JFK and your party is 2+ people (aka not traveling alone), buy the 10-trip metrocard instead of using tap to pay - ends up being less than $8.50 per person per trip!

[i_am_jenn]

I always get lost when I arrive at JFK and it usually ends up taking me a good 2 hours to get into the city. This time, I wanted to be prepared.
Thank you so much for this, it has taken away the stress of knowing where to go.

[dagafly]

I found your video very helpful.great work!!

[georgeti]

Thank you very much for this. This was super helpful.

[elisediakoniarakis]

Great video. However, you might help some needing to head to Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan Financial District via LIRR to Atlantic Terminal. From there, finding the subway to various lines. And Atlantic Terminal is much less complicated for tourists.

[johnrice]

Hi thanks for the video, really informative and gives me confidence to use this method to get to Manhattan. Re the contactless payment how do i pay for children? We are a group of 4 2 adults and 2 children aged 11 and 8. Thanks for your help.

[sarahdunne]

@jared I commented on a 2022 video not realising there was an updated one. For Airtrain to Jamaica Station, will it announce that im there? And when purchasing LIRR, from what time is considered off-peak? Thanks for your very straightforward videos, helping an anxious girl out! 😅

[Keuneollie]

Would you recommend the subway or the railroad from Jamica? Thanks for the video!

[ClymenusKing]

Woo! Thanks for the updated video! I plan to travel with one large checked in bag? Does it ever get busy to the point where it would be a struggle to travel with a large(ish) bag?

[poohp]

Any elevator access to Airtrain platforms?

[thisthingcalledlove]

Can you use credit card contactless payment to use the LIRR too? I mean without needing to purchase physical tickets. Thanks

[timm]

Can i use the same debit card for two people when using contactless foing through the turnstile?

[MrMusic]

can you use your direct debit card for two people ? or is it best to buy tickets for airtrain ?

[waqarkhan]

So, we don't have to buy a metro card? We can use contactless debit card for the whole journey?

[khalimedic]

when i arrive to the penn station and my hotel is 13 min away in walking (at 8th ave) is it safe to walk this distance with 1 large bag after midnight ?