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Why you should take the subway from JFK airport
Taxis and Ubers from JFK to Manhattan typically start at $100+ especially during peak hours or with traffic. The subway on the other hand is:
- much cheaper
- surprisingly straightforward
- often faster than sitting in traffic
- ideal if you’re travelling solo or with friends
By using the JFK AirTrain + NYC subway, you can get from the airport to your hotel for around $11–$15, depending on your route.
Step 1: Follow signs for the JFK AirTrain
Once you’ve collected your luggage at JFK, follow the clearly marked signs for the AirTrain. The AirTrain runs between all JFK terminals and connects you to the New York City subway system.
You don’t pay when you get on as you pay when you exit.
AirTrain fare:
- $8.50 per person
- contactless payment accepted (Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit/debit card)
Step 2: Take the red AirTrain Line to Jamaica Station
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, you’ll notice there are actually two ways to get into Manhattan.
You can either take the NYC subway (which is what this guide focuses on) or you can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The LIRR is definitely a good option especially if you want something that feels a little faster and more straightforward, since it takes you straight into Manhattan without multiple transfers.
That said I personally still prefer the subway because it’s the cheapest option and it’s really not as complicated as it sounds once you’ve done it once.
Here’s the difference in cost:
- AirTrain + Subway: $8.50 + $3.00 = $11.50 total
- AirTrain + LIRR: $8.50 + around $5 to $15 for the LIRR ticket depending on peak vs off-peak and which station you’re going to
To get into New York City, you’ll want to take the red AirTrain line to Jamaica Station.
- journey time: around 10 minutes
- trains run frequently
- you’ll get great views on the way into the city
Jamaica Station is where you’ll connect to the NYC subway system.
Step 3: Transfer to the NYC Subway at Jamica Station
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, follow signs for the subway. This is where your route will depend on where your hotel is located.
Which Subway line you need based on your hotel location
If your hotel is in Times Square or Midtown Manhattan
Take the E subway line from Jamaica Station.
- stops near Times Square, Midtown West, and major hotels
- great option for Broadway shows and central sightseeing
- one of the most direct routes into Manhattan
If your hotel is in Chelsea of Flatiron District
This was my exact route when staying at the Motto by Hilton Chelsea.
- take the E subway line from Jamaica Station
- get off at 23rd Street
- my hotel was then a 6 min walk away
This route is ideal for hotels near:
- Chelsea
- Flatiron
- Union Square
If your hotel is in SoHo or Lower Manhattan
You have a couple of options depending on your exact address, but generally:
take the E line toward Manhattan, then:
- get off at Spring Street for SoHo then the walk will be around 3 mins
- get off at Canal St then the walk will be around 8 mins
- get off at World Trade Centre then the walk will be around 6 mins
Always double check on Google Maps, but this is one of the easiest routes from JFK.
If your hotel is in Brooklyn
If you’re staying in Brooklyn, you’re still in luck as the subway is one of the easiest ways to get there from JFK.
- take the E line from Jamaica Station and for Williamsburg transfer to line J
For Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn you are actually better off getting the Howard Beach AirTrain (green line) from JFK and you will get into Howard Beach JFK airport:
- for Brooklyn Heights transfer to line A
- for Downtown Brooklyn transfer to line A
Total cost from JFK airport to Manhattan by subway
Here’s what you’ll pay in total per person:
- AirTrain: $8.50
- Subway fare: $3.00
- Total: $11.50
That’s a fraction of the cost of a taxi or Uber.
Is the subway From JFK airport to Manhattan safe?
Yes the route from JFK Airport to Manhattan by subway is well used by both locals and tourists.
A few tips:
- keep your luggage close to you
- avoid rush hour if you have large bags
- stand near other travellers if it’s late at night
Stations like Jamaica are busy, well-lit and easy to navigate.
