Landing at JFK can be kind of intimidating, but the AirTrain system to get you into Manhattan is easier than ever to use. As you walk through the terminal, just follow the green AirTrain signs; they'll lead you to the baggage claim area where you'll pick up your

luggage. Before again following the AirTrain signs up to the platform, look up at the screens; you'll want to head to Jamaica Station, which is in Queens. You should see the AirTrain arrive every 5 or 10 minutes. It will be crowded, so let people

off before you board. Once on the tracks, if you look way off in the distance, you'll catch your first glimpse of the Manhattan skyline. About 10 minutes later, you'll arrive at Jamaica Station. Just follow the signs above, which tell you you'll have to pay

to leave; the AirTrain fee is up to $8.50 a person. Now, recently they've upgraded to a contactless payment system. You've always had to buy a MetroCard from one of the kiosks, which can be kind of confusing. Now you still can do that if

you plan to ride the subway, but it's now unnecessary. You can just tap your credit card to the reader and walk right through the gate. 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 Rail Road. You just follow the signs outside to the platform and the ticket machine, and you'll almost always find someone there in a red jacket who's there to help if needed. You could take the Long Island

Railroad either to Grand Central or Penn Station, whichever is closer to your hotel. On this day, I'm going to take the 221 train to Penn Station, which you see, boards on Track 2. Just walk over to Track 2, confirm it's going to Penn, and then head down

the steps to wait for your train. It won't be long before the train arrives to take you into Manhattan. Now, 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 time,

depending on traffic. Now, 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. It's really easy and really efficient.

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

Jared Dillingham

Getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan via AirTrain

Follow green AirTrain signs from the terminal to baggage claim.

Head to Jamaica Station in Queens; AirTrain arrives every 5-10 minutes.

AirTrain fee is up to $8.50 per person; pay at Jamaica Station.

Contactless payment (credit card tap) is now available.

Options from Jamaica Station to Manhattan

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): to Grand Central or Penn Station.

Example: Taking the 221 train to Penn Station (Track 2).

Total trip from JFK to Manhattan takes about an hour via AirTrain.

Taxi takes about the same time, but might be better for large groups/luggage.