Amtrak And Jfk: Is There A Direct Connection?

Travellers wanting to get from Amtrak to JFK Airport can transfer to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) at New York Penn Station, and then travel to Jamaica Station. From there, they can take the AirTrain to the airport. The commute from Penn Station to JFK Airport is around 35 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic.

The closest Amtrak station to JFK

The closest Amtrak station to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) is New York Penn Station in Manhattan. All New York City Amtrak trains stop at this terminal.

From Penn Station, there are several ways to get to JFK Airport. One option is to hail a ride with Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. The commute time is around 35 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic. Another option is to take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Jamaica Station and then transfer to the JFK Airport's SkyTrain. This option takes around 24 minutes for the LIRR ride and an additional 10 minutes and $5 for the SkyTrain. A third choice is to take the E subway line from Penn Station to Jamaica and then transfer to the SkyTrain. This commute is slightly longer, about 31 minutes, but the fare is cheaper at $2.75, plus the $5 AirTrain fee.

If you are travelling from JFK Airport to Penn Station, you can take the AirTrain monorail from your terminal to Jamaica Station. At Jamaica Station, transfer to the Long Island Rail Road to get to Penn Station. Although the commute time is around one hour, the time taken to clear Customs and Immigration can vary significantly depending on the number of arriving flights.

Getting to Jamaica Station

The closest Amtrak station to JFK Airport is New York Penn Station in Manhattan. All New York City Amtrak trains stop at the terminal, and there are several options for continuing your commute to Jamaica Station.

One option is to hail a ride with Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. The commute from Penn Station to Jamaica Station will take 35 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Another option is to take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Penn Station to Jamaica Station. This journey will take approximately 24 minutes, and you can choose from the Babylon, Port Jefferson, or Ronkonkoma lines. Be sure to purchase your fare before boarding the train to save money. The ticket cost is less than $15 if you buy your fare at Penn Station or via the MTA eTix app.

Alternatively, you can take the E subway line from Penn Station to Jamaica Station. This option is slightly cheaper, at $2.75, but the commute time is longer, about 31 minutes.

Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, you can connect to the JFK Airport's SkyTrain for an additional $5 cost and a 10-minute ride.

If you have a lot of luggage, it is recommended to use a transport option other than the train, as transferring between trains and the AirTrain can be inconvenient with large suitcases.

The AirTrain connection

The AirTrain is a crucial connection for travellers looking to get from Amtrak to JFK Airport. While there is no direct Amtrak service to JFK Airport, the AirTrain allows travellers to connect from the airport to the nearest train station, Jamaica Station, which serves the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

From Jamaica Station, passengers can access a wide range of routes and destinations, including Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal, as well as all Long Island destinations. The AirTrain links passengers from JFK Airport to the LIRR in Jamaica Station, with tickets costing $8.25 USD. It's worth noting that fares and schedules vary by time and day, and travel time can be significantly shorter than using the subway.

When travelling from Amtrak to JFK Airport, the most common route is to take the Amtrak to Penn Station and then transfer to the LIRR for a 24-minute ride to Jamaica Station. From there, passengers can take the AirTrain to the airport for an additional $5 and a 10-minute ride. This connection is well-marked and easy to navigate, making it a convenient option for travellers with luggage.

For travellers looking to save money, taking the subway to Jamaica Station and then connecting to the AirTrain is another option. This route takes slightly longer but is more affordable, costing only $2.75 for the subway fare plus the $5 AirTrain fee. Overall, the AirTrain connection plays a vital role in facilitating travel between Amtrak and JFK Airport, offering passengers a seamless and efficient transfer to their final destination.

Fastest and most convenient travel options

Amtrak does not stop at JFK Airport. However, there are several fast and convenient options for continuing your journey to the airport. Here are some of the best options for a smooth and efficient commute:

Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and AirTrain:

• After arriving at Penn Station via Amtrak, transfer to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) for a quick 24-minute ride to Jamaica Station.
• At Jamaica Station, connect to the AirTrain, which will take you directly to JFK Airport in just 10 minutes.
• This option offers a similar commute time to driving but without the expense.
• Check fares for the LIRR based on your departure day and time, and purchase your ticket in advance to save money.
• The total cost for this option is around $20, including the AirTrain fee.

Subway and AirTrain:

• From Penn Station, take the E subway line directly to Jamaica Station.
• This option is slightly slower than the LIRR, with a commute time of about 31 minutes.
• At Jamaica Station, transfer to the AirTrain for a 10-minute ride to JFK Airport.
• The total cost for this option is around $7.75, including the AirTrain fee, making it a more affordable choice.

Taxi, Uber, or Lyft:

• If you prefer a more direct option and are less concerned about cost, you can opt for a taxi, Uber, or Lyft car from Penn Station to JFK Airport.
• This option provides a commute time of 35 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic conditions.
• The cost of this option will vary based on the specific service and traffic conditions but expect it to be more expensive than the previous options.

Bus:

• For a more economical choice, you can take the bus from NYC to JFK Airport.
• This option involves taking public transportation from JFK Airport to Penn Station, which takes about an hour.
• From Penn Station, you can board your bus to complete your journey.
• Please note that this option has a longer travel time, estimated to be between 5.5 to 7 hours.

When planning your journey, consider factors such as your budget, time constraints, and convenience. Additionally, keep in mind that the LIRR and subway options may be more challenging if you have multiple pieces of luggage.

Long-term parking at Albany

Long-term parking is available at Albany International Airport. The main long-term lot is located behind the North Parking Garage. The entrance to the long-term parking defaults to an EZPass Plus lane, so if you have an EZPass Plus tag and want to pay another way, you will need to place your tag in an EZPass read prevention bag or use the long-term entrance at the back of the garage. To get to the back entrance, take the first left after driving in front of the North Garage. The long-term parking rate is $12 per day.

There is also a cell phone parking lot, which is located on the right side of Albany Shaker Road as you approach the airport from I-87. This lot is two minutes from the terminal and is a convenient place to wait for your guests and watch planes take off and land.

If you are looking for a parking service with additional features, you may want to consider Albany Park Ride Fly. They offer services such as cleaning off your car and having it ready for you upon your return, as well as the option to have your car detailed while you are away.

According to travellers, long-term parking at Albany International Airport usually has plenty of space, and reservations are not necessary. However, there may be instances, such as during peak travel times, when finding a spot can be more challenging.

Frequently asked questions