JFK to Manhattan March 5th 2024. SIMPLE. After spending best part of 2 hours in customs we were on our way. Having picked up bags we followed signs for Air Train to Jamaica Station. It’s a shuttle train goes every few minutes. You pay as you exit Air Train and into Jamaica Station. Cost $8.50, pay by just touching your credit card on barrier. Staff there to help. 20yds in front of you follow the large sign which says Long Island Rail Road, can’t miss it. Once you enter the LIRR there will be a ticket machine on your left. Again staff in red high viz will help you. Ticket from Jamaica to Penn Station, off peak only $5. Yes that is a total of $13.50 from JFK to Penn Station. You could catch a different train to Grand Central. We did the reverse on the 9th again $13.50. Time from catching Air Train to Penn Station, 30 minutes.
Fun fact: We used to have an express JFK airport subway line back in the 1980's. Instead of having a letter or a number sign, it had an airplane logo. It mostly ran on the A line until West 4 street where it switched to the B 6th Avenue until the 57th Street station. The line was discontinued in 1990 due to costing way more to operate than the revenue it produced. RU-vid has some fun commercials for the line. Search "Take the train to the plane"
we really do. When they were building the Airtrain, the Passenger Facility Charge, a fee that's included in airfare, by federal laaw wasn't allowed to fund a system that served more than the Airport.
The solution would be to allow people coming form and to the MTA Subway a free transfer to the AirTrain. It’s olny $2.90 and can be used to transfer to the main line subway. Obviously Greed got to them and decided not to do that.
As a born and raised New Yorker from Manhattan, AirTrain to the LIRR is the only way for me. I get off at Penn Station and then get on either the A train or the 1 train uptown depending on where I'm going. It's faster than any other mode of transportation and the slight price premium for the LIRR is worth it.
A few months ago, I took the AirTrain to Jamaica from JFK and it was so cool and convenient. Someone was supposed to pick me up but I decided to just take the train and it was a good idea because traffic was TERRIBLE as I rode over it. ❤
I recently went to a funeral near Jamaica LIRR station, and decided to take the LIRR back to Atlantic Terminal to get home in Brooklyn. I realized that Jamaica was connected to JFK and was like "HM.... This makes getting from JFK to my apartment so easy." So last week, when a friend visited, I went to meet him at the airport by simply taking the MTA to Atlantic Barclays, got on LIRR to Jamaica, then switched to Air Tran. We rode back on the same route together. When he left, he took the same route. So much cheaper than an uber/ lyft. Super convenient. I'm glad we have that option.
Hi Thea! Great stuff! I always choose the LIRR option to get to Manhattan cause it’s always the fastest and the least amount of transfers. Yes-It may cost a little more but have you tried the subway with a family and luggage during rush hour. As a New Yorker-I know what to expect. Think about a foreign family who doesn’t speak the language. It’s scary! If i’m going east on Long Island-a car is always the best!!
I would like to know about public transportation from JFK airport to the inside of Long Island at night, not to the NYC side.(Stony Brook) Thanks for your information! [I'm Korean and I'm going to New York this summer ]😍
I always take a subway from LGA. I have never done transit from JFK. But, if I did it, it would most likely be the Bus and Subway. I think this would be the easiest and cheapest as person who knows their way around NY.
Hi! Thank for this updated guide! I also used last year when i went to NYC via AirTran + Subway. I just got back yesterday from NYC and just wanted to share my experience. I did air train + LIRR. It was extremely fast getting to grand central and not crowded and it was so amazing. At the Jamaica station, my friend and I could not buy a 7 day unlimited metro card at the machines.. we had to go to the people standing next to and they like kept asking/forcing for tip to buy a metro card. Also when I got to the LIRR station I totally missed the ticket machines because the train to grand central had just rolled in. The conductor went around and let me buy tickets with him so that was great! From grand central I was able to walk to 2 blocks to the bus that went directly to my friends apt while hauling my luggage…. I prefer travelling this way into the city vs on the subway
I would take B15 and 3 subway to Lower Manhattan, or if my destination is on the 123 Line. If destination is closer to ACE line then take Q10 and E. In Manhattan, airport bound A and E run on different directions. It is also common that the 4 replaces the 3 in Brooklyn whenever there is weekend track work, which will show on Google Maps and MTA website. If traveling really light, make Prospect Park the last stop right before going to JFK. Smogasburg takes place every Sunday during the warm season, take that, airport food!
Airtrain to subway for me... going to visit a friend at NYU, so E train should be perfect. I'm way too cheap for taxi, but will splurge $8.25 to not have to deal with the bus. Thank you so much for such helpful advise!
6:05 just wanted to clarify - so if you’re coming from JFK to Manhattan and arriving in Penn Station on a weekday between 4-8pm, this is NOT peak time right?
If I did land at JFK Airport, I take the Airtrain+Bus and solely bus. Airtrain-Lefferts- Howard- Q3: Jamaica 165th, Q44+SBS-Bronx Zoo, QM5/6- Midtown-59th/Lex. Total cost- $2.90+Transfer+$7.00= $9.90. The amount of the Airtrain ride(which is $10 dollars nowadays) but at the cost to get to midtown. Or $2.90 to get to either the Bronx or Nassau County or maybe White Plains/Tarrytown.
We won't because we will be travelling from the other part of the world and reach at around 2 pm. We'd like to stay awake till at least 9 pm to get used to the new time zone. 😂
we are arriving late (11:15 pm) and we want to purchase the 10 trip card for the air train you talked about. Will the news stand that you mentioned be open that late or can we somehow purchase the card for that price before we get there?
That's the issue with any public transportation option. If there's no wait, it's super fast. If not, it could double the time. My best time from plane at JFK to my hotel room on W 50th was 50 minutes via AirTrain/LIRR/C-E subway. But typically it's about 80 minutes.
I have an additional question. I live in Europe so by using my creditcard for the subway, most banks charge some extra for every payment. Do I have to pay this every single time I use my creditcard at the metro?
I have a special issue travel credit card that does not levy extra charges when used abroad. Speak to your bank to see what they offer or simply search for the best way to pay abroad.
Here's the Newark video (it's older but more relevant than obsolete): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cL_jcOFmPFU.htmlsi=VWklWZ51SQ5Nw-sV
I’m sorry but as much as I love taking the airtrain/LIRR (though I hate paying that much) I always prefer to fly into LGA it’s much easier to get to the city imo
I will most likely take the long island railroad since metrocards are being discontinued.... Much more convenient for me since I don't own a credit card to use the subway! Thanks for sharing beautiful lady😘😘😘 xox
Thanking you for this gem. Saved me a ton of time, and kudos to you for stating it all so clearly. This was my third time visiting Manhattan and I would have dropped a 100 bucks Ubering from EWR if not for this video. And this channel has everything I need for my NYC trips. Subscribed !!!❤
If I'm by myself, AirTrain + LIRR, no doubt. But now I have a toddler, which means that I take the most accessible and legal mode -- in most cities, I have to either haul around and install my own car seat, but in NYC, apparently there are some Lyfts that (cost extra and) come equipped with car seats. What do other 'airport ready' parents of small children do?
This video couldnt come at a better time as I was debating how to pick up a friend from JFK! Airtrain + subway (11.15) seems like best options to me not to carry heavy luggage into the bus and then subway, but that 8.25 is an absolute ripoff
Steadfast Airtrain-to-LIRR customer, for me the time/cost calculation can't be beat. Have a hotel within reasonable transit/walking distance of either Penn or GCT and you're golden. (and y'all remember how "black cars" were THE alternative for parties of many people and/or many bags, before the rideshares came about?)
I take the bus unless I'm in a rush. ps. JFK is under redevelopment so things like the Airtrain stops and bus stops will get changed around. Hopefully the busses will go back to Terminal 5
AIRPORT READY! Next time I go to NYC I’d probably do the AirTrain to LIRR. Only been to the city once but we flew into Newark, I hired a private transportation service, but they ended up not showing up so we took a Lyft to the city, back to the airport the company picked us up in an SUV.
I also love Q10 bus because it was Q10 Limited during morning day and evening. You should also tell about free fare bus routes until 3/30 which are B60, Bx18A, Bx18B, M116, Q4, S46/S96 and also well as stroller buses as well.
nice script and animations to keep the pace moving. feels very nyc to me! oh, and id do something similar to your lefferts-q10-E train, but walk from lefferts to aqueduct north and take the A. Unless it's stupid hot or raining hard or really cold. Then I do your route using Q10 to Ozone Park. Nets out similarly between wait for A/E and Q10 and walking time.
I would fly into Newark and stay in NJ (Hoboken or Jersey City) when visiting from LA. I found this most convenient when visiting NY. This video is very helpful if I do fly into JFK.
I last flew into JFK back in 2018 and used the Airtrain/LIRR as I travelled light and wanted to get into the City as fast as possible. If I recall correctly, I didn't actually have to pay the AirTrain fare because it was a Sunday and there was a free concession in operation. The Omny card (similar to London Transport's Oyster) seems finally to be here and that is what I will buy when I visit the City next year.
Airport Ready! Id probably use the Subway bc I'm used to it and the LIRR sounds a bit complicated 😥I feel like Ill get lost. The Bus is a good option bc it's cheap and seems easy too! Maybe ill try that next time!
Thanks for your advice, it was just the info I needed. I think I will go with the taxi option as I have 2 adults and 3 kids, so probably will cost just as much and so much more convenient. Or maybe an Uber depending on the cost.
When I visited New York last year, I stayed at a hotel in Brooklyn and I took the AirTrain + Subway from JFK. I did arrive at the airport after 1am, but I’m pretty comfortable with public transit and I did not want to get in that taxi line anyway. I found it pretty easy, although I did pay full price for the AirTrain. I honestly don’t mind it for the convenience as I’m not traveling to/from the airport every day. I will take rideshares/taxis if I have to, but I prefer transit where I can move independently and not have to sit awkwardly in a car with a stranger haha
I think it is worth mentioning for travellers going to destinations on Metro-North about the Combo Ticket for LIRR and Metro-North, so you can get one ticket that covers both Jamaica to Grand Central Madison and then Grand Central to wherever upstate you are heading on Metro-North.
really depends on where u r staying in nyc, on my last trip, i took the LIRR as my hotel was located around penn station else i would have taken the subway. luggage on a bus is never nice so its not a choice for me while the price hike for taxis since 2022 means its a last resort, only considered if there is too much luggage and if not traveling alone.
Does anyone know if I pay with credit card to get on Q10, can I transfer to the E train? Do I use the same credit card, or do I ask for a transfer ticket from the bus driver?
@@UrbanCaffeine Thanks!! Also, why did you mention about "not late at night"? I checked that buses and subways run through the night.. Is that not true?
In the 1990s, I walked from WTC after meetings to Chambers and took the A to Howard Beach where there was airport bus (free as I recall) to each terminal. Only problem is that I exited the station the wrong side, but I must not have been alone because the guy in kiosk easily let me back in so I could get out the other side. I don't recognize the station now. QUESTION: Mr Google says it is a 9 minute walk from Lefferts Airtrain to Howard Beach. From the north side of Airtrain station where a pedestrian would arrive, it is possible to get into the subway station without paying Airtrain? (read somewhere there is only emergency exit from subway to parking lot). If you have to way 20 minutes for the Q-10 an it is a 10 minute walk to subway, walking would be so much better.
I prefer LGA over JFK because they have a free bus service to the Subway and you don’t have to worry about the $8.25 fare with JFK airtarin which is outrageous. Also LGA airport has gotten a big renovations and it is really nice. It feels like you are in Europe.
Ooh @@AnonymousUser-ww6ns I didn’t know it was renovated! I’ve never used LGA, but in the past I’ve heard it had a bad rep. I think I’ll check that out if I fly to NY again.
Based on my trip last month, I got very acquainted the Federal Circle stop on the Air Train. With luggage, the Yellow Taxi is easy but if I land at JFK again, I think I’d strive for the Air Train + Bus + Subway option. It’s all about the value.
Urban Caffeine, out of all the boroughs, which borough do you think is the friendliest? Which borough do you think is the second friendliest to least friendliest?
meh. boroughs are not uniform arrays of humans. some neighborhoods seem friendlier than others in each borough. but really, most new yorkers are friendly to the point of when you ask for help, they will render it so long as it doesn't seem you're trying to take advantage of them. sometimes they'll even go out of their way to help. but, well, you probably need to provide your definition of friendly first.
