How To Get From JFK Airport To Manhattan: All Options Explained

[@davidempire4874]

Update: as of 2020, the AirTrain had a fair hike up to $7.75, making it not as cheap. However, there is a way to get to Manhattan for as low as $2.75, the cost of a Subway ticket, from JFK, or $4.35 from EWR. To get from JFK to Manhattan: 1. If you aren't already at Terminal 5, take the AirTrain there (no fare required between terminals). 2. At Terminal 5, board the MTA Q10 Bus and take it to Lefferts Blvd & Liberty Ave. 3. Transfer to the A Train (it's a free transfer) at Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd. The A Train goes nearly the entire length of Manhattan from the Financial District to Inwood. To return to JFK from Manhattan: 1. Take the A Train to Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd. Note that there are multiple A Train routes. You want the one to Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd, NOT Rockaway Park-Beach 116th St or Far Rockaway-Mott Ave. 2. Transfer to the Q10 Bus (it's a free transfer) at Lefferts Blvd & Liberty Ave (right outside the station), and take it to JFK Terminal 5. 3. If you're flight isn't in Terminal 5, take the AirTrain (free between terminals) to your terminal. To get from EWR to Manhattan: 1. From any terminal, take the NJ Transit Bus 62 to Newark Penn Station. The fare is $1.60. 2. At Newark Penn Station, transfer to the PATH train. The fare is $2.75 and accepts MetroCards. Take the PATH to its eastern terminus at World Trade Center in Downtown Manhattan, in which you can transfer to the Subway to get you anywhere you need to go. To return to EWR from Manhattan: 1. At World Trade Center, take the PATH train to Newark Penn Station. 2. At Newark Penn Station, transfer to NJ Transit Bus 62 to EWR. I highly recommend you make an updated video, so you can save even more money.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Great info! I tried to do an updated video to skip the AirTrain fare. I took the E train to Kew Gardens to catch the Q10 to Terminal 5 of the Airtrain. Apparently there are 3 kinds of Q10 buses. I got on one that wasn't going to JFK. The bus driver let me off in the middle of Lefferts Blvd somewhere and told me to take the Q10 Limited I think. I was running late to meet someone at JFK so I took an Uber the rest of the way. I don't normally take the A train because I stay in Jackson Heights. The two different A trains and three different Q10 buses can get very confusing for people. I'm going to attempt the Q10 bus from Kew Gardens again and hopefully will be able to explain it very simply for people.

[@Baisers]

Check out this video, in my way from San Francisco. Thanks

[@emmanueltoney8428]

Thank you! I needed to see this.

[@lilmansonic6849]

The "E, L, 3, and LIRR" are all my favorite transits in New York.

[@ivisheshpatel]

Thx man !

[@mereoxendine193]

I took LIRR train and absolutely loved it. I didn't have to be nervous about anything. It took me 20 minutes to get to Grand Central station where as the subway took me 2 hours

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

I'm glad it worked out well for you.

[@HughProf]

On a recent trip, I was lucky to discover that the AirTrain gates were periodically opened for free entry/exit for 1 minute. I figured this was done to alleviate overcrowding at the Metro ticket machines, and/or the lack of personnel to help customers buy their tickets, or perhaps a Covid-related policy to avoid overcrowding. On my return trip back to the airport, I simply waited for a surge of people and sure enough, the gates were opened for free entry/exit for 1 minute.

[@canale_mio_bonaa]

Amazing. You detailed everything so well. I was in NYC last summer and will still travel again. I love number 7 subway as you get to see nice views of the city. I used to take it from Queensborough as I was staying in Queens Plaza and would do all the stairs up just to get a good view of NYC instead of riding the E train.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Thank you. Yes, you get a much better view from the elevated 7 Train.

[@mall231]

Nearly two years ago when I took these foot steps should I pay out for the cab or take the train I got the train there and back to the airport and saved 130 bucks awesome 👌👏😎👍

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Yeah, I love it when I can avoid crazy taxi fees.

[@ozwalker37]

Thanks for this video. Am planning on going to Time Square and this just saved me from wasting unnecessary funds

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

I'm glad to hear that.

[@salzburg8452]

Very useful information for me as a tourist. 👍🙏

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patfulton7746]

When I flew into JFK in January I took a Yellow Cab into Manhattan. I knew it would be more expensive but since it was my first time in NYC it seemed an easier way to go. Since I have trouble navigating stairs (age and mobility issues) the subway didn’t appear to be an option. Is that the case?

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Many stations I believe have elevators. You can check on a subway map if the stations you plan on using have elevators.

[@jackmorrison7379]

A FEW major stations have elevators or more likely escalators. If it is an escalator that means a short flight of stairs to street level. However the vast majority of NYC subway stations were built shallow with the "cut and cover" method. This means a flight of stairs (sometimes two flights) which is a problem for those of us with age or mobility problems. That is why NYC elderly within Manhattan take the bus. Take a yellow cab to/from JFK or investigate the airport bus private operators which can be searched online.

[@carolablas2942]

Thanks to your video. Very concise and informative

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Thank you. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@shirleytyree276]

You're awesome thank you very much! What a lifesaver!.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Glad it helped!

[@shirleytyree276]

@@ToGoIsToKnow just tremendously!!!! I honestly just can't tell you thank you enough! 😊😊😊👍👍

[@afefamri7662]

How did you know that airtrain was going to Jamaica station? Nothing was written or red

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

There is a TV monitor above the entrance to the train that shows which direction the incoming train is traveling.

[@JudiJoseph]

I'm a bit confused about the Metrocard. So every time you visit NYC you would have to buy a new Metro card if you have the monthly pass?

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

I'm not sure. I never buy the monthly. I buy a $20 Metrocard.

[@sumantaroy8010]

Hi I want to go to E 53rd street lex avenue from JFK. Can you please guide me how to?

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Take the E train.

[@pinkbigfan3845]

OhmyGosh. How do i go to w 63 street from jfc through subway.oh my gosh it is so overwhelming

[@scottmitchell1992]

Thanks for the video. I am due to visit in February and I just have one more question: I will take the Airtrain from JFK to Jamaica Station. I will buy a Metrocard for the Airtrain journey ($7.75 +$1 for a new card as I understand) and proceed through the turnstiles. Ill then buy a Long Island Railroad ticket (from Jamaica to Penn) using the MTA app on my phone and activate it prior to boarding the LIRR. My question is: using the same Metrocard I bought for the Airtrain, can I simply 'top it up' at any NYC subway station to use during my stay? Thanks again.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Scott, I don't know about the MTA app. Why do you want to take the LIRR? If you are staying in NYC, you will use the NYC subway, not the LIRR. Just put $20 or so on a Metrocard to pay for the Airtrain and the NYC subway. At Jamaica Station take the Sutphin Blvd subway where you take the E Train. The E train will take you to Penn Station. A subway ride is $2.75. I don't know how much the LIRR costs, but it is definitely more than the subway.

[@scottmitchell1992]

@@ToGoIsToKnow thanks a lot for the reply and info. My only concern using the E train is that we will have 2 or 3 large cases with us and we are a little apprehensive about using subway turnstiles and being on a busy train with large cases etc., so a friend recommended using the LIRR to/from the airport as there is a little more room/comfort. What do you think?

[@user-dg7pj6ox1u]

So how would you know whether to take the A train or B train? Especially if its your first time.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

It depends on where you are going. Are you trying to get to Midtwon Manhattan, Dowtown, Brooklyn? Check the subway map to see.

[@djikgiovani4762]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH U ARE GOOD

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Thank you. I hope it was helpful to you.

[@jfk8537]

NY 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@mohamedelsaid6183]

Amazing and informative

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

I'm glad it was helpful to you.

[@octaviatravelstheworld703]

amazing!

[@isabellasommacal3056]

THANKSSSSS

[@lilmansonic6849]

Why not take the LIRR? It would be faster.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

It is more expensive and also it adds another train to figure out. If you are visiting NYC you will most likely be using the subway to get around. I am trying to keep it simple for visitors who are not familiar with the different train systems.

[@lilmansonic6849]

Ohhhh... right

[@lilmansonic6849]

​@@ToGoIsToKnow i was born in nyc though

[@TonyPSA10]

Tnx

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

You're welcome.

[@danpowers3775]

@@ToGoIsToKnow I was on the Q10 *LIMITED* bus a little over a month ago heading towards Kew Gardens which is going opposite of JFK, I was talking with the driver & he said "even if you're flying with any airlines that depart out of terminal 7"; those include British Airways which is the featured airline @ T7 (others include: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Alaska Airlines, ANA All Nippon, Eurowings, iberia, Icelandair, "LOT' which a Polish airline, Ukraine International Airlines, and Qatar Airways "AM flights only"), he finished off "you can still take the bus to last stop (terminal 5), then theres a walkway which connects directly between terminal 5 & terminal 7." A passenger on the Q10 *LIMITED* also one day told me he said "you can actually take the bus to T5 & then walk to T7" which is no more than 4 minutes. In fact where the buses drop-off/terminate, its listed on the myMTA app as terminal 5, but in reality its the same walking distance to terminal 7.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Daniel, I was in NYC last week and was going to pick someone up from JFK so I thought I would do a video on the Q10 bus. It was a disaster. 😂 First, I got off at Kew Gardens and was waiting in front of a sign on Queens Blvd that said Q10. After waiting about half an hour with no bus, I asked the driver of another bus where the Q10 stops. It turns out it is around the corner. I finally get on the Q10 and after a long ride on Lefferts Blvd, I asked the driver if this bus goes to JFK. He said no. There is a different Q10 that goes there. He dropped me off at a bus stop and said wait for the next Q10. Well the next Q10 didn't go there either. Apparently there are two Q10 buses and one Q10 Limited which goes to an Airtrain station, but you have to pay at that station. I was running late to meet my friend after waiting for all these buses that I took and Uber the rest of the way. I will figure it out next time, but for now I think it is very confusing and can get a lot of people lost if they do not know exactly what they are doing.

[@danpowers3775]

@@ToGoIsToKnow for sure, cause its not as publicized, and what if for some reason, E trains were forced to go via Hillside Av to 179th St because of issues between Briarwood & Jamaica Center; which the Sutphin-Archer station is in-between, how you getting JFK then??? the Q10 & Q10 *LIMITED* is almost a 2nd primary option, just not as well known, & needs to be advertised. But I know someone who works for MTA, he said they're in the process of redesigning the Queens bus network, possibly more Q10 service along Lefferts Blvd cause its a 24-hour bus route cause of it servicing JFK & other major neighborhoods, & hell if you didn't know, the Q10 *LIMITED* only runs til like 9pm-9;15pm, the airport doesn't shutdown til like close to 1am, a few late arrivals & lots of employees who work @ JFK could use more Q10 *LIMITED's* leaving JFK between like 9;30pm & 1am, then only Q10 local service from 1am til like 5;30-5;45am, cause theres people who get work there that start early around 5;45am-6am. And if you're talking about the AirTrain station inside of JFK that connects with only the Q10 *LIMITED* & B15 buses @ Lefferts Blvd, its free of charge there to enter & exit; likewise Federal Circle & all terminals within JFK. This doesn't apply to Howard Beach & Jamaica where its an $8 entry/exit fee. Going to JFK from Kew Gardens, to put it as simple as possible; all Q10's (local & *LIMITED*) run along Lefferts Blvd between Austin St & Rockaway Blvd. Both the Q10 local & Q10 *LIMITED* end at the same last stop within JFK; between terminal 5 & terminal 7. All Q10 *LIMITED's* go into JFK; but only that specific *LIMITED* bus runs between Lefferts Blvd-Rockaway Blvd & 130th Place-Bergen Road with JFK; via Lefferts Blvd & via Pan Am Road, as well as connecting people to the JFK/Lefferts Blvd-AirTrain station. Like you said & I'll say in my words; some Q10 locals do not go the full route into JFK; it still run turn east from Lefferts onto Rockaway Blvd, then goes south along 130th St, then east along South Conduit, then south along 134th St & terminating @ 134th St-149th Av. The other Q10 locals if going into JFK will continue south along 134th St, it then meetups with the Q10 *LIMITED* inside of JFK @ 130th Place-Bergen Road, and make all the same stops & ending between terminal 5 and terminal 7.

[@amandeepv]

Thanks at 9.20 the guy putting his shoes on the seat, terrible manners

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

It gets much worse than that.

[@ahmadfrw1]

My job site

[@mall231]

I can't thank you enough for all this information I fly Delta and I was at terminal 4 and literally took the same foot steps as you I watched your other videos and when I got there it seemed surreal buying a metro card and being at the station and on the way back those punks ask me for my metro card I just said it was a single ride and he did not bother me and just moved on to somebody else

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Thank you. I'm glad the video was helpful and that you didn't give your Metrocard to those people.

[@danpowers3775]

if you haven't heard starting this Friday 11/1/19, a one-way ride on the AirTrain per passenger with a pay-based metrocard will cost $7.75. There are MTA bus options out there that take passengers to JFK, since each person only needs to pay once to enter the subway for an entire trip with each metrocard, each card automatically then gets a transfer and is free of charge to use the same metrocard onboard the bus. But the bus options sometimes takes a slight bit of extra time to do so cause there might be some traffic, if you leave an abundance of time, you shouldn't have to worry about it.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

The Metrocard scammers mentioned this to me. I didn't know if they were lying or not. Now it makes even more sense to take the bus instead of the Airtrain. I think I'm going to try the bus next time.

[@danpowers3775]

@@ToGoIsToKnow nice! whoever did tell you is 100% correct & its mentioned on various website articles. But the only way to completely avoid the AirTrain is if you're flying with (JetBlue, Aer Lingus, Hawaiian, TAP Air Portugal, or Cape Air); all of those airlines depart out of terminal 5 and the last stop on the Q10 and Q10 *LIMITED* buses takes people directly to terminal 5. Other terminals (1, 2, 4, 7 or 8), take only the JFK-bound Q10 *LIMITED* to the JFK/Lefferts Blvd-AirTrain station, and from Lefferts Blvd within the airport, the AirTrain is then free of charge to ride to all terminals.

[@mall231]

Even if the price goes up a few dollars it's still a lot cheaper than a yellow cab and faster to get the air train and the E train to Penn

[@alexjaimes9330]

Can we use the same metro card for 2 ppl

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

Only if it is one that you add money on. You can not do it on the unlimited Metrocards.

[@amandeepv]

I don’t think I’d take the subway I’d take the train or taxi

[@ahmadfrw1]

Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gV62fYygetZ_h80

[@eddymclean2098]

w2

[@jackmorrison7379]

"You're better off with the subway"?? Not now, not after the plague, not with people standing on top of you or sitting shoulder to shoulder.. Not with the NY subway cars used as rolling dorms by vagrants. Even in the past why were you against taking the LIRR at Jamaica station? Yes, it costs a bit more, but it is way more comfortable, has racks for luggage and restrooms even if they are filthy. No hustlers gaming you out of your Metrocard targeting clueless tourists since you buy and keep a train ticket until checked by the train conductor. Save your Metrocard for the subway you will use at Penn Station after you leave the railroad train at 34th Street and Seventh Ave.

[@ToGoIsToKnow]

This video was before the plague. 😷 I don't recommend LIRR to keep things simple for tourists. As a tourist you will be using the subway during your stay mostly. Adding in the LIRR could get confusing for people. Also the LIRR only goes to 61st Woodside and the Penn Station I believe, so for most tourists, they will still have to get on the subway after getting off the LIRR.