Jazmin Li
If you're travelling to New York and want to use public transport to get from JFK Airport to your destination, you'll need a MetroCard. You can buy a MetroCard at the airport from vending machines at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station, or from a Hudson News outlet in the airport. You can also buy a MetroCard at the Subway entry point, but this will mean an extra step in your journey. You can add time and funds to your MetroCard at the vending machines, but note that you can't add a 7-day pass and the $5 AirTrain value to a MetroCard bought on the AirTrain system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy a MetroCard at JFK Airport? | Yes, you can buy a MetroCard at vending machines at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station. |
| Where else can you buy a MetroCard? | Hudson News outlets in the airport, at the Subway entry point, at the Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport subway station, and at the 74th St/Broadway/Jackson Hts/Roosevelt Ave. subway station in Queens. |
| How much does a MetroCard cost? | A single subway ride costs $2.90 with a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard and $3 with a single ride ticket. A 10-trip MetroCard costs $26.50, making each trip $2.65. A 7-day unlimited ride pass costs $32. |
| Can you add a 7-day pass and the AirTrain value to a MetroCard? | No, a card purchased at the airport is coded differently and cannot be refilled. |
| How much does the AirTrain cost? | $4.25-$8.50, depending on the time of year. |
| Can you use a MetroCard on the AirTrain? | Yes, you can use a MetroCard to pay for the AirTrain. |
| Can you use a MetroCard on the LIRR? | No, the LIRR has a separate ticketing system. |
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What You'll Learn
Buying a MetroCard at JFK Airport
You can buy a MetroCard at JFK Airport. There are a few options for purchasing a MetroCard at the airport, depending on your preferences and intended route.
Firstly, you can purchase a MetroCard at a vending machine at the airport. These machines are located at the Subway entry point after riding the AirTrain. You can exit to the 'street' and access the MetroCard machines to add time and funds to your card. The machines are reported to be very crowded, so be prepared for a potential wait.
You can also try the opposite side of Archer Ave, which may have shorter lines, depending on the time of day. Additionally, some users have suggested checking a Hudson News outlet in the airport, as they sometimes sell Metrocards.
Another option is to purchase a MetroCard at Jamaica Station, which you can reach by taking the AirTrain from the airport. You can buy a MetroCard from a vending machine or at the subway station below.
It is important to note that cards purchased at the airport may be coded differently and cannot be refilled. Therefore, if you intend to add a 7-day pass, it may be better to purchase the MetroCard at Jamaica Station.
Additionally, if you are taking the LIRR, you will need to purchase a separate ticket from the LIRR machine, as they have their own pricing system and do not accept Metrocards.
Finally, be cautious of strangers trying to sell you used Metrocards and only buy from official vending machines or outlets.
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Buying a 7-day unlimited ride pass
You can buy a 7-day unlimited ride pass for the MetroCard at JFK Airport. The 7-day unlimited ride pass costs $32, but you will also need to pay $5 for the AirTrain link to Jamaica Station.
You can purchase the MetroCard at a MetroCard vending machine at the airport. These machines are available at the Subway entry point after riding the AirTrain, or at Hudson News outlets in the airport. You can also buy the MetroCard at Jamaica Station, which you can get to by taking the AirTrain from the airport.
Please note that the 7-day unlimited ride pass cannot be used for the AirTrain. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for the AirTrain, which costs $4.25. The AirTrain fare can be paid using OMNY or your MetroCard at the AirTrain turnstiles.
Additionally, the 7-day unlimited ride pass cannot be used on the PATH or express buses. These services will deduct from the value on your card. It is possible to combine time and value on the same MetroCard.
The 7-day unlimited ride pass offers unlimited swipes on the subway and local buses for 7 days from the first use. However, you cannot use the card more than once in 18 minutes at the same station or on the same bus route, and it cannot be paused once activated.
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Buying a MetroCard from a Hudson News outlet
If you're looking to buy a MetroCard from a Hudson News outlet at JFK Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the Hudson News outlets in the airport terminals sometimes offer pre-valued Metrocards, which include the cost of one subway ride and the AirTrain fare. However, these pre-paid Metrocards may not include the unlimited seven-day pass that you are looking for.
To buy a MetroCard with an unlimited seven-day pass, your best option is to purchase it from a MetroCard vending machine or at the subway station. You can find these machines at the Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport subway station, or at Jamaica Station after taking the AirTrain from the airport. While the Hudson News outlet may offer some convenience, their Metrocards might not suit your needs if you require the seven-day pass.
It's worth noting that the AirTrain within the airport terminal is free. You will only need to pay the $5 AirTrain fare once you leave the train at Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station. At these stations, you can find MetroCard vending machines or ticketing desks where you can purchase the seven-day unlimited ride pass.
Additionally, some people have suggested that the MetroCard purchased at the airport is coded differently and cannot be refilled. This means that if you plan to stay in the city for a longer period, you might want to opt for purchasing your MetroCard from a vending machine or subway station, rather than the Hudson News outlet.
In summary, while you may be able to buy a basic MetroCard from a Hudson News outlet at JFK Airport, it may not include the seven-day pass. To get the seven-day unlimited ride pass, your best option is to purchase it from a MetroCard vending machine or at the subway station, either at the airport or at Jamaica Station.
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Buying a MetroCard from a vending machine
- Locate a MetroCard Vending Machine: These machines are typically found at subway stations and airports. If you're at JFK Airport, look for vending machines near the AirTrain/subway connection. At subway stations, they are usually located near the turnstiles or entrances.
- Select Your Card Type: Choose the type of MetroCard you want to purchase. There are two main types: Pay-Per-Ride and Unlimited Ride. The Pay-Per-Ride option allows you to add a specific dollar amount, and the fare is deducted each time you ride. The Unlimited Ride option provides unlimited rides for a fixed period, such as 7 days.
- Insert Payment: Insert your payment method. Vending machines typically accept cash, debit cards, or credit cards. Some newer machines may also accept contactless payments or mobile payments.
- Choose the Number of Cards: Decide how many MetroCards you need. If you're travelling with companions, you can purchase multiple cards in one transaction.
- Complete the Purchase: Follow the on-screen instructions to finalise your purchase. The machine will dispense your new MetroCard(s), and you can use them immediately.
- Add Value or Activate Unlimited Rides: If you purchased a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, you can add value to it at the vending machine. Insert your card and add the desired amount. For Unlimited Ride cards, you may need to activate the card by tapping or swiping it at a turnstile or reader.
- Keep Your Receipt: After purchasing or adding value, the machine will provide a receipt. Keep this as proof of purchase in case you need to reload your card or encounter any issues.
It's important to note that MetroCard vending machines may have varying interfaces, depending on their location and age. Most machines will provide clear instructions on the screen to guide you through the purchase process. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings, especially at crowded stations, and ensure you don't block the path of other travellers while using the vending machine.
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Buying a MetroCard on the TrainTime app
You can buy a MetroCard at JFK Airport from a machine at the Subway entry point after riding the AirTrain. However, if you want to buy a 7-day pass, you may need to purchase a MetroCard and then add the pass to it at a vending machine.
If you want to buy your MetroCard on the TrainTime app, you will need to download the app on your Apple or Android device. You can use the app to buy tickets for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad. Ticket types available include round-trip, 10-trip, and monthly tickets. You can also have your monthly ticket automatically delivered to your TrainTime account every month by signing up for Ticket Services.
The TrainTime app accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards, including pre-tax transit benefit cards. You can also split a purchase between two cards, and pay with Apple Pay on iOS or Google Pay on Android. However, these digital wallets do not accept split payments.
Make sure your phone is charged, as you will need to show your ticket to the conductor on the train. If your phone runs out of battery, you will need to buy a new ticket.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a MetroCard at JFK Airport. You can buy a MetroCard at the vending machines at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station. You can also buy a MetroCard at the Subway entry point after riding the AirTrain.
A new MetroCard costs $1. A single subway ride costs $2.90, a ride with a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard costs $2.75, and a ride with an Unlimited MetroCard is free. A 10-trip MetroCard costs $26.50, and a 7-day unlimited ride pass costs $32.
Yes, you can buy a MetroCard in advance. You can buy a MetroCard online or on your phone via the TrainTime app.
