There’s no direct subway from JFK, but the AirTrain connects every terminal to New York City’s subway system. For most travelers, the easiest route is AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the E train into Manhattan.
Best option for Midtown Manhattan
- At your JFK terminal, follow signs for AirTrain.
- Board an AirTrain marked Jamaica Station. Check the destination display, since not every train goes there.
- At Jamaica, exit the AirTrain and follow signs for the E subway toward Manhattan/World Trade Center.
- Stay on the E train to the stop closest to your destination.
Useful E train stops include:
- Lexington Av/53 St — Midtown East
- 5 Av/53 St — Fifth Avenue
- 7 Av — near Carnegie Hall
- 50 St — Midtown West
- 42 St–Port Authority — Times Square area and the Port Authority Bus Terminal
- 34 St–Penn Station — Penn Station, Madison Square Garden
- 14 St — Chelsea/Greenwich Village area
- World Trade Center — Lower Manhattan
Allow roughly 60–75 minutes from your terminal to Midtown, depending on waiting time, service changes, and your destination.
Alternative for Lower Manhattan or the West Side
For destinations near Fulton Street, Tribeca, SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Columbus Circle, or Upper Manhattan:
- Take the AirTrain marked Howard Beach.
- At Howard Beach–JFK Airport, transfer to a Manhattan-bound A train.
- Remain on the A to your preferred Manhattan stop.
Common stops include Fulton St, Chambers St, Canal St, West 4 St, 14 St, 34 St–Penn Station, 42 St–Port Authority, and 59 St–Columbus Circle. This route usually takes about 65–85 minutes.
Fare and payment
The AirTrain and subway charge separate fares. Travel between JFK terminals is free, but you pay the AirTrain fare when leaving at Jamaica or Howard Beach. Then you pay the regular subway fare at the subway turnstile.
You can generally use a contactless credit or debit card, phone wallet, or OMNY card at both fare gates. Posted fares should be checked when traveling, but expect the combined AirTrain-and-subway cost to be roughly $12 per person.
Practical tips
- For most Midtown hotels, choose Jamaica + E.
- Don’t accidentally follow signs for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) unless you want the faster but more expensive train to Penn Station or Grand Central.
- At Jamaica, the J and Z trains also go toward Manhattan, but the E is usually more convenient for visitors.
- Elevators are available, though navigating stations with large luggage can still be awkward.
- AirTrain and subway service operate around the clock, but late-night trips can take longer.
- Ignore anyone offering an unofficial taxi or ride inside the terminal; use the official taxi line or app pickup area if you change plans.