Amtrak's Airport Access: New York Edition

New York City is a bustling metropolis filled with iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and historical sites. Millions of people travel to the Big Apple each year, and one of the most common questions they ask is how to get there. While some opt for driving, others prefer to take the stress out of the journey by taking a train. Amtrak offers an extensive network of train routes across the United States and Canada, including several that lead to New York's famous Penn Station. But what about those travelling by air? Is there an easy way to get from New York airports to an Amtrak station?

Getting from JFK Airport to the nearest Amtrak station

The closest Amtrak station to JFK Airport is New York Penn Station in Manhattan. All New York City Amtrak trains stop at this terminal, and there are several options for getting to the station from the airport:

Via AirTrain and Long Island Railroad (LIRR)

Take the AirTrain monorail from your terminal at JFK to Jamaica Station. From there, transfer to the LIRR for a 24-minute ride to Penn Station. Choose either the Babylon, Port Jefferson, or Ronkonkoma lines. The ticket cost is less than $15 if purchased at Penn Station or via the MTA eTix app.

Via AirTrain and the Subway

Take the AirTrain from your terminal at JFK to Jamaica Station. Then, transfer to the E subway line and travel to Penn Station. The commute time is approximately 31 minutes, and the total cost is $7.75 ($2.75 for the subway and $5 for the AirTrain).

Via Taxi, Uber, or Lyft

Hail a ride with Uber, Lyft, or a taxi from JFK to Penn Station. The commute time is 35 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic. This option is ideal if you prefer a faster commute and are not concerned about the higher cost.

Via AirTrain, Subway, and LIRR

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the E, J, or Z subway line to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport. Follow the signs to the AirTrain when you get off the subway, and take it to Jamaica Station. Finally, transfer to the LIRR at Jamaica Station and ride it to Penn Station. This option combines the use of the AirTrain, subway, and LIRR, allowing you to avoid heavy traffic while saving money compared to taking a taxi or rideshare.

Via AirTrain and A Train

Take the AirTrain from your terminal at JFK to Howard Beach-JFK Airport Station. Then, transfer to the A train, ensuring it is headed to Far Rockaway. Finally, transfer back to the AirTrain at Howard Beach-JFK Airport Station and ride it to Penn Station. This option utilizes the subway system and the AirTrain, providing a balance between cost and commute time.

When using the AirTrain, purchase your ticket in advance using OMNY or a MetroCard to avoid long lines at the airport. Additionally, sit near the front of an eastbound LIRR train to be closer to the AirTrain upon disembarking at Jamaica Station.

Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station

Moynihan Train Hall, located in the heart of Manhattan, is a world-class train station in New York City. It is situated on 351 West 31st Street, directly across from New York Penn Station on 8th Avenue. The train hall is housed in the historic James A. Farley Post Office Building, a 100+ year-old structure that has been transformed into a modern transit hub.

Moynihan Train Hall is a visionary project, championed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, that brings to life an idea first proposed by the late United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan over two decades ago. The $1.6 billion project has nearly doubled the concourse space of the existing Penn Station rail complex, offering a spacious boarding concourse with 92-foot-high skylights. The train hall is open to the public daily from 5 am to 1 am and provides easy access to the NYC Subway system and local bus services, as well as taxi and rideshare services right outside.

The hall features state-of-the-art technologies and amenities, including a dedicated customer waiting area, a combined ticketing and baggage area, improved security, accessibility for customers with disabilities, and complimentary WiFi. It also boasts a new Metropolitan Lounge, offering expanded food and beverage options, balcony seating, and a full-service bar.

Moynihan Train Hall is more than just a train station, providing a range of shopping and dining options for travellers and non-travellers alike. It is a grand civic icon that has revolutionised the travel experience at America's busiest transit hub, improving passenger comfort and security.

Amtrak offers 14 different routes that include a stop at New York's famous Penn Station, making it a convenient choice for travellers looking to explore the Big Apple.

Amtrak's 14 routes to New York's Penn Station

Amtrak offers 14 different routes that include a stop at New York's famous Penn Station. This iconic location is in the bustling heart of Manhattan and is just a few steps away from the NYC Subway system and Manhattan's downtown streets.

Penn Station is located at 351 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, directly across from the Moynihan Train Hall at 8th Avenue. The Moynihan Train Hall is in the historic James A. Farley Post Office Building and features state-of-the-art technologies and amenities, including a spacious boarding concourse illuminated by 92-foot-high skylights.

Amtrak's Northeastern hub connects passengers to major cities in New York and the surrounding states of New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Popular destinations from New York by train include Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Providence, Rochester, Albany, Baltimore, and Syracuse.

The train station is also conveniently located near several notable landmarks and cultural attractions, such as Madison Square Garden, Macy's Herald Square, the Brooklyn Museum, and Times Square.

Discounted Amtrak tickets

Amtrak offers a range of discounts and deals on its tickets. These include everyday discounts for specific groups, such as seniors, children, students, passengers with disabilities, military personnel and their families, and veterans. There are also deals for groups of 15 or more, as well as seasonal discounts for group travel.

For those looking to book in advance, Amtrak offers discounts for those who book at least two weeks ahead of their travel date. Additionally, booking early can also get you savings on business and coach class seats.

Amtrak also offers weekly deals with new rail discounts every week, providing up to 30% off on select routes. For those travelling across the country, the USA Rail Pass provides discounted rates for cross-country treks.

For those looking to travel to New York City, there are a variety of discounts and deals available, including buy one get one free ticket sales on select routes, discounted rates for travelling to major events and occasions, and multi-city tickets.

• Subscribe to the Amtrak email list
• Apply for the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® to earn bonus points
• Use a student discount code for 15% off

How to buy Amtrak tickets

Amtrak offers 14 different routes that include a stop at New York's famous Penn Station. Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station is located in the bustling heart of Manhattan and is the Northeast corridor's gateway.

There are several ways to buy tickets for Amtrak:

Online

You can purchase tickets any time on the Amtrak website. You can use a valid credit card (American Express, Discover®, Mastercard®, VISA, Universal Air Travel Plan, Diners Club, JCB or China Union Pay), Apple Pay®, Google Pay™ and PayPal, or redeem Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

Via the Amtrak app

The Amtrak app is available for free on iPhone® and Android™. You can use the same payment methods as the website.

At an Amtrak kiosk

You can make new reservations, make changes, purchase tickets, and pick them up at an Amtrak kiosk. These are located at most larger Amtrak stations.

Over the phone

You can get travel information and purchase tickets 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). If you need live, personal assistance, you can say "agent" or press the "0" button on your telephone. For TTY service, call 1-800-523-6590.

In person

You can purchase tickets in person at any staffed Amtrak station. At most staffed stations, they accept credit cards, debit cards with a credit card logo, and Amtrak gift cards. Credit and debit cards must be valid and unexpired, and the name on the card must match the name of the passenger.

Frequently asked questions