There are numerous public transportation options both to and from JFK. Here are some tips on your many options.
Most trips to and from JFK via ground transportation require the use of the AirTrain system. For more information, visit the AirTrain JFK section of this site.
Connect to and from AirTrain JFK at:
Take the AirTrain from all JFK terminals to the Howard Beach Station, where passengers board the A train.
Take the AirTrain from all JFK terminals to the Jamaica Station, where passengers board the E train. Stops are made in central and western Queens and midtown Manhattan. Access to the Bronx is via transfer to other lines in Manhattan. Or board the J or Z train.
Take the A train going to Far Rockaway. Fare is $2.25 (cash or MetroCard). There is an additional $5 charge for AirTrain. Travel time is approximately 60–75 minutes from midtown Manhattan to JFK.
NYCTransit buses are operated by the MTA. The bus fare is $2.25 (MetroCard or exact change required). For information and schedules, call (718) 330-1234 or visit the MTA Web site. Bus stops are located on the east side of the arrivals roadway of Terminal 4.
Q10 Bus: Local service to Queens. Connect to NYC subway train A at Lefferts Blvd. and E and F at Kew Gardens.
Q3 Bus: Local service to Queens. Connect at 169th St. and Hillside Ave. for NYC subway train F.
B15 Bus: Local service to East New York. Connect at New Lots and Livonia Aves for NYC subway trains 3 and 4.
Please note: Free transfers between bus and subway and between subway and bus are available. Valid only with MetroCard. New York City subways and buses are not equipped for large pieces of luggage if you plan to use public transportation to or from JFK. For more information, call (212) MetroCard, or
(212) 638-7622 or visit the MTA Web site.
Trans-Bridge Lines: Two trips per day to Port Authority Bus Terminal, 42nd St. & 8th Ave., in Manhattan. Fare is $17. Bus stop located in front of Terminal 4 on the arrivals roadway. Use AirTrain to connect with other airline terminals. For more information, call (718) 962-9135 or (610) 868-6001.
New York Airport Express Service Bus
Departure every 20 to 30 minutes. Bus Terminal, Grand Central Station, Penn Station. Fare is $15. Bus stop located at the Express Bus Stop at each airline terminal. For more information, call (718) 875-8200.