
Travelling from Penn Station to JFK Airport can be done in a variety of ways, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular options include taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then boarding a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Penn Station, taking the E-line subway train, or travelling by car or taxi. The AirTrain and LIRR combination is a convenient and relatively quick option, with the LIRR offering more comfort and space for luggage than the subway. The subway is a cheaper alternative, but it is slower and has less space for luggage. For those with a lot of luggage, a taxi or car may be a more attractive option, although this comes with the stress of navigating New York traffic and the potential for high costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 17.1 miles |
| Cheapest way | Drive |
| Fastest way | Taxi |
| Time taken by car | 23 minutes |
| Taxi cost | $90 - $110 |
| Train availability | No direct train |
| Time taken by train | 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Train cost | $12 |
| Subway availability | E-line subway train |
| Time taken by subway | 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Subway cost | $3 |
| AirTrain availability | Yes |
| AirTrain fare | $8.25-$8.50 |
| LIRR train availability | Yes |
| Time taken by LIRR train | 20 minutes |
| LIRR train cost | $7.25 |
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What You'll Learn

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station
To get from Penn Station to JFK Airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station in Queens. This is a public transportation hub that connects people to numerous locations across New York City.
To get to Jamaica Station, you can board the AirTrain from either the Federal Circle or Jamaica Station terminals at JFK Airport. The AirTrain ticket costs $8.25 and can be purchased from a machine at the airport. You can also use a contactless credit card to pay for your ticket.
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Head downstairs and purchase a ticket for the Penn-bound train. Tickets for the LIRR cost $5 on weekends and can be purchased through the MTA Train Time app. The train will take you directly to Penn Station in about 20 minutes.
The whole journey from Penn Station to JFK Airport will take around an hour, depending on the time of day and any potential delays. It is recommended to budget enough time to navigate Penn Station and reach your flight on time.
The AirTrain and LIRR combination is a straightforward and cost-effective way to get to JFK Airport from Penn Station.
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Board a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Penn Station
To get from Penn Station to JFK Airport, you can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Penn Station. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Get to Moynihan Train Hall
Moynihan Train Hall is located directly opposite the existing Penn Station complex on the west side of 8th Avenue. It offers easy access to the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 subway lines, local bus services, CitiBike, taxis, and rideshare services. The Train Hall provides dedicated ticketing, baggage, and customer service facilities and a large waiting area.
Step 2: Purchase Your LIRR Ticket
You can buy your LIRR ticket in advance at one of the ticket vending machines located throughout Penn Station or Moynihan Train Hall. Select 'JFK Airport' as your destination and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your purchase. Remember that different fare types are available depending on the time of day and day of the week, so choose the option that suits your travel plans. Boarding passes are valid for up to 60 days after purchase.
Step 3: Board the LIRR train
The LIRR service runs 24/7, with different schedules depending on your destination and time of day. Look up the arrival and departure times for LIRR trains online or at the station. If you plan to travel during peak hours or are eligible for a reduced fare, consider purchasing a CityTicket for $5 during off-peak hours or $7 during peak hours.
Step 4: Arrive at Jamaica Station
The LIRR train will take you directly to Jamaica Station, a major transportation hub in Queens. The travel time from Penn Station to Jamaica Station is approximately 20 minutes. Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the AirTrain, which will take you to your final destination, JFK Airport.
Additional Tips:
- If you are taking the LIRR train from Penn Station, consider sitting near the front of the eastbound train. This will put you closer to the AirTrain when you disembark at Jamaica Station.
- Plan your journey in advance and allow yourself ample time to navigate Penn Station and make connections.
- The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and you can use OMNY or your MetroCard to pay at the turnstiles.
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Purchase LIRR tickets in advance to save time
To get from Penn Station to JFK Airport, you'll need to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Jamaica Station and then the AirTrain to the airport. Purchasing your LIRR ticket in advance can save you time and stress. Here are some tips to help you buy your LIRR ticket ahead of time:
Ticket Machines at Penn Station
If you're already at Penn Station, you can purchase your LIRR ticket in advance from the ticket vending machines located throughout the station. Select 'JFK Airport' as your destination, choose your payment method, and follow the on-screen prompts. Remember that different fare types are available depending on the time of day and day of the week, so select the option that suits your travel plans.
MTA TrainTime Mobile App
The MTA TrainTime mobile app is a convenient way to purchase your LIRR ticket in advance. You can download the app on your Apple or Android device and easily buy tickets, manage refunds and receipts, and more. The app also provides useful features such as trip planning, real-time train status and location, and customer support.
Ticket Offices
If you prefer to buy your ticket in person, you can visit a ticket office at any LIRR station. Ticket offices sell all ticket types and accept various payment methods, including cash, credit or debit cards, and some transit benefit cards. You can even use a personal check for certain types of tickets. Keep in mind that buying your ticket on the train will incur an additional surcharge.
Online Options
If you're unable to purchase your ticket in person or through the app, you can also buy LIRR tickets online. Visit the MTA website or other authorized retailers to purchase your ticket in advance. This option may provide additional flexibility and convenience.
Remember that LIRR tickets are valid for up to 60 days after purchase, so buying your ticket in advance can give you peace of mind and help you avoid long lines at the station. Enjoy your journey to JFK Airport, and don't forget to plan your AirTrain connection as well!
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Consider the E-line subway train as a cheaper alternative
The E-line subway train is a cheaper alternative to get from Penn Station to JFK Airport. The subway train is also a faster option for those travelling without much luggage.
Firstly, you need to get to the Jamaica Station in Queens. This can be done by taking the AirTrain from JFK Airport. The AirTrain ticket costs $8.50 and can be purchased at the vending machines at the airport. You can use OMNY or your MetroCard at the AirTrain turnstiles to pay the fare.
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport Subway Station. From here, you can board the E-line subway train towards Penn Station. The E-line subway train ticket costs $2.75 and can be added to your MetroCard. The subway ride from Sutphin to Penn Station takes around 40 minutes, making the total duration of the transfer around one hour.
The E-line subway train is a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers who want to avoid the hassle and expense of taking a taxi or shuttle service directly from Penn Station to JFK Airport. By using the AirTrain and the E-line subway train, travellers can save money and still arrive at their destination efficiently.
However, it is important to note that the E-line subway train may be more crowded and less comfortable than other options, such as the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The LIRR offers a faster and more spacious alternative, with a travel time of around 20 minutes from Penn Station to Jamaica Station. The LIRR train ticket costs $7.25 one way, and the AirTrain ticket can be purchased separately for $8.00.
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Use OMNY or MetroCard to pay AirTrain fare
To get from Penn Station to JFK Airport, you'll need to take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station. At the time of writing, you can use OMNY or your MetroCard at the AirTrain turnstiles to pay the AirTrain fare of $8.50.
OMNY is a contactless fare payment system that can be used to pay fares at all New York City Subway and Staten Island Railway stations, on all MTA buses, AirTrain JFK, Metro North's Hudson Rail Link, and the Roosevelt Island Tram. OMNY readers are installed at all subway stations, the Staten Island Railway, and all MTA-operated buses.
The MetroCard is a magnetic stripe card that was first introduced in 1993 and was used to pay fares on MTA subways and buses, as well as on other networks such as the PATH train. MetroCard is accepted on MTA Regional buses, the New York City Subway, Metro North's Hudson Rail Link, the Staten Island Railway, PATH, Roosevelt Island Tramway, AirTrain JFK, Nassau Inter-County Express, and Bee-Line Bus.
You can use a MetroCard ticket machine to add value to your card if needed. It is recommended to do this in advance to avoid long lines at Jamaica Station.
Please note that the 30-Day AirTrain JFK MetroCard is the only Unlimited-Ride MetroCard accepted on AirTrain JFK, and it is not valid on any other services.
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