Midtown Manhattan to JFK Airport via Subway & Bus for only $2.75 - Raw & Unedited

John F Kennedy International Airport is one of three major airports in the NYC Metropolitan Area. In this video, I show how you can get to JFK Airport for only $2.75. By no means is this the fastest option or the only option. It can get quite confusing where to go, and I even experienced a subway service change and delays on my trip. The recommended method of public transportation from most travel websites and bloggers is to take the Long Island Railroad or the subway to the AirTrain JFK Monorail, but the method in this video saves some money over the other options. In total, it took me about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to the airport.
Google Maps Route: goo.gl/maps/4rPzfLMps5dfpBme7
Recorded February 15, 2022
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[@JakWilk]

Since I live in Europe, it is very interesting to see ordinary NYC life without any filters, pure 100% visual experience. Thank you for this trip! 👍

[@thefirechannel5340]

Agreed! Unfiltered is a perfect way to describe it.

[@ActionKid]

Glad you appreciate the ordinary life of NYC

[@geetamoonesar249]

Thank you very much for the real time experience. Its much appreciated. At least one has a realistic idea of what can be expected.

[@ActionKid]

My pleasure! Takes a long time to get there, but it's an option to those who have the time to spare.

[@rosiewood6748]

I miss NYC !!!

[@JONYUrGuide]

1:23:40 ✅ Leffters Blvd. Airtrain Station. “You can actually board this air train from this train station and ride it into the airport terminals completely for free! You don’t need to pay❤” And that’s exactly what I need when I return from the Midtown to JFK to catch the train to terminal 8. Thank you again so much for your very detailed explanation and effort along the route👍👍👍👍👍

[@monica-NJ-123]

Thank you AK , I appreciate the time you take to show us alternative ways to travel , very helpful to see the actual route 😘

[@ActionKid]

My pleasure! Always good to know the alternative routes.

[@eororbia]

Excellent video. I had some important information and your knowledge of all the different trains and options was truly impressive. Thank you for such a thorough job.

[@thefirechannel5340]

I’m really loving these destination videos that you’ve been doing lately ActionKid!

[@ActionKid]

Appreciate it!

[@nancypettitt1211]

Kenneth thanks so much again for these videos. I appreciate ways to save money and honestly like I said, I would be happy to use this route to and from the airport. So very helpful. Hope all is well.

[@ActionKid]

You're welcome Nancy! Glad I could save you some future dollars on transportation to the airport.

[@GEOBOY2012]

Fantastic, thank you for providing this informative video.

[@mountwhitney-ux7pc]

excellent video, it needs some important advice. if you are travelling by subway on the weekends or late night, always check the MTA website for route and schedule changes, due to construction work, there is alot of it, it never ends. This route may be the fastest route if you are not near penn station, which is much of manhattan. The savings adds up if there is more than one person. if you are near penn station, and can use the $4.50 fare, it is a much nicer ride, although the air train is now $8, so it is still $11 more, for a savings in time and "schlepping" (luggage). I use the subway and local buses to get to the airport because $8 for the airtrain, without a free subway transfer is a ripoff, it is the typical dysfunction that we expect from today's america. It takes somewhat longer, but if you miss a bus or train, there is usually another one soon. I leave enough time to get to the airport 2 hours before the flight, which should be fine, unless it is a busy period for the airport, then follow the recommended 3 hours (i never had a problem). No matter how you travel in NYC, you will have stress, unless maybe you go late at night and the service is available. During covid, trains are usually not as crowded, and much cleaner than they used to be, even during rush hour. There has been an increase in the number of homeless and mentally challenged people (this is america), this is a problem on the streets also, it is not new, it is part of the real america, just be aware of your surroundings.

[@ActionKid]

Very good points! The AirTrain fare going up .25 to $8.00 on March 1st is even more of a reason to take this $2.75 option. One needs to evaluate their options and this is great for those who have the time to spare.

[@danpowers3775]

​@@ActionKid The $8 AirTrain can piss the🖕off 🤣🤣🤣. Last 2 times I've flown out of JFK, I've not only avoided paying the AirTrain, but I've avoided it completely. I took the A train (specifically the A that ends @ Lefferts Blvd along Liberty Av in Queens), then transferred for free (w/ metrocard) to the Q10 *LIMITED* bus; not only to JFK, but within walking distance specifically to terminal 5. Unfortunately I can't do it next time, cause due to major redevelopment work around terminal 5 @ JFK through most of 2026, the Q10/Q10 *LIMITED*, Q3 & B15 buses to/from JFK will not be serving T5; the last stop for all those bus routes has been relocated to the Lefferts Blvd-AirTrain station (within JFK); where people can ride the AirTrain for free to/from Lefferts Blvd (*no metrocard required*) + also with the Q3 bus being relocated to terminal 8; as the lone bus route to serve a passenger terminal. Where I live in Brooklyn, I can use the B35 *LIMITED* bus to a stop in Brownsville/Brooklyn, then free transfer (w/ metrocard) for the B15, then free transfer @ Lefferts Blvd for the AirTrain to any passenger terminal 👍.

[@danpowers3775]

The $8 AirTrain can piss the🖕off 🤣🤣🤣. Last 2 times I've flown out of JFK, I've not only avoided paying the AirTrain, but I've avoided it completely. I took the A train (specifically the A that ends @ Lefferts Blvd along Liberty Av in Queens), then transferred for free (w/ metrocard) to the Q10 *LIMITED* bus; not only to JFK, but within walking distance specifically to terminal 5. Unfortunately I can't do it next time, cause due to major redevelopment work around terminal 5 @ JFK through most of 2026, the Q10/Q10 *LIMITED*, Q3 & B15 buses to/from JFK will not be serving T5; the last stop for all those bus routes has been relocated to the Lefferts Blvd-AirTrain station (within JFK); where people can ride the AirTrain for free to/from Lefferts Blvd (*no metrocard required*) + also with the Q3 bus being relocated to terminal 8; as the lone bus route to serve a passenger terminal. Where I live in Brooklyn, I can use the B35 *LIMITED* bus to a stop in Brownsville/Brooklyn, then free transfer (w/ metrocard) for the B15, then free transfer @ Lefferts Blvd for the AirTrain to any passenger terminal 👍.

[@JONYUrGuide]

Really like your elaborate introduction of each video and you’re dubbing is totally cool❤

[@etblok9359]

Thanks for the video. Love to see this option

[@thegeneral123]

I do enjoy that you're showing more affordable (if more time consuming) ways to get to the major airports from NYC. The savings can be fairly decent. As I'm sure you're perfectly aware though for most people travelling with luggage, which is most likely if they're going to the airport. The subway and then pay extra for the airtrain is vastly more convenient and a bit quicker. You do mention in the description that this is the most common recommended method and for good reason.

[@ActionKid]

That's right, it's rather inconvenient to travel on the bus with large luggage and this route is a time consuming process. Another option that many haven't thought about is to take a taxi/car service to the nearest subway station rather than riding it all the way to Manhattan.

[@Irimorales344]

Thank you for this Truly needed. MTA should be donating to your Chanel.

[@eugenedimitrov]

Thanks for real life experience videos! They all precious and worth watching by all tourists !!!

[@OneLove-gp6yf]

I enjoy your videos👍

[@pamanderson5841]

Thank you AK!

[@HengMiao]

Woohoo for another $2.75 subway and bus ride but this time to the airport! 😂 Thank you for sharing another informative video, AK! 🤗

[@aminebenkada5965]

I really like your videos 🤩🤩

[@kimlongsain6829]

This mode of cheap fare travel is not bad if we have time. Thank you very much for showing us this way!

[@Seba55555100]

Love this airport series videos. My suggestion would be to upload the same video but with a shorter time length for those who are watching just for the instruction.

[@daddybog7189]

The A Train .... my home station was Hudson Street (80th street) in Ozone Park. Now live in Florida

[@pi1392]

its so overwhelming to travel using the NYC Subway. I can only handle it watching from the comfort of my bed.

[@triche97]

😄

[@ActionKid]

It's definitely not for everyone!

[@TheAmazingJedi]

Another way is to take the A train all the way to Howard beach JFK. Then take the AIR TRAIN that is there to travel between terminals and parking lots. But if you live in the Bronx or Staten Island etc... You're going to have to make some transfers. Just another useful and helpful tip to get to JFK Airport. Great video and tutorial! :D

[@rmramirezc]

Una buena alternativa si tienes tiempo y en verdad quieres ahorrar, gracias por el vídeo.

[@SamSitar]

on my way to and from Sydney Australia I rode the A train round trip Manhattan to JFK.

[@amfm889]

The B15 bus looks like a good cheap alternative as well. The L train from Union Square to New Lots Ave., or from Lower Manhattan take the 3 train, also to New Lots Ave. A shorter bus ride to JFK.

[@295g295]

59:14 - It is fun to watch the *bending part* of this Limited Bus.

[@jeffgolden253]

Its nice that you can get to JFK for only $2.75, but an hour and 40 minutes is unacceptable. For a 6:00 AM flight, I would have to wake up at 2:00 AM! Even for people who are going to work at JFK, this ride would add 4 unpaid hours a day to their workday. Use LGA or EWR whenever possible. Reserve JFK for international flights. And pay to get there a faster way.

[@alouie001]

Take the LIRR from Penn Station to jamaica and and then take the air train to JFK. For EWR you can take thr NJ Transit trains at Penn to EWR station.

[@stez-nq4hs]

Tell me about it. I did it for 3 years from the northern part of the Bronx. Took me around 5 hours a day just commuting. I had to work Midnight shift (10 hours) because it was the best way for me to travel during rush hour. If I had to work the morning or after noon shift just like you mentioned I have to wake up at 1am leave at 2am just to make it on time to start work at 6. And is not i work at the terminal. I was in the cargo areas where I had to take a shuttle from the Airtrain at federal circle. I had to quit my job because it was a long commute and lack of sleep. I could have gotten a car but for the low pay and paying high insurance and tolls of NYC is not worth it.

[@michaelmorales1475]

Nice.

[@FDChagas]

Thanks again for your video, Action Kid.

[@jillh7934]

Okay. Wow. I lived in Brooklyn my whole life and never knew this bus goes right into the airport terminals!

[@jarihult]

Enjoyable premiere ! Any money saving options are welcomed !! Alternative routes are good for money saving but obviously everyone plan their own routes to get to the airport , so this video is an addition for that so!! Informational video !! Thank you A K for sharing 👍!!!

[@ActionKid]

My pleasure! Glad I could help with an alternative option for traveling to and from the airport.

[@amandad6104]

And your subscribers rise 📈⬆️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 👍

[@Rubgold7]

Interesting thanks for this Action Kid 👍

[@bradbest4418]

Keep up the great transit videos.....I am a transit and travel fanatic living in Vancouver, BC, Canada and my city is much smaller than New York but we are on the way to having a more extensive rapid transit system......we already have three Metro Lines.....ours is in the form of elevated Metro and subway.....completely automated rail similar to Air train....but serves the whole city....Vancouver you can take the train right from downtown to the airport.....No transfers........No other city will achieve the mega subway system that New York has.....I hope to visit NY some day and take a ride on the NY Subway.....also I hear the Roosevelt Island tram and water taxis are pretty cool too.....you should do a video on the tram and ferries of New York too.... Love seeing how to get around other cities......Great tip.....I think this Long bus-subway route on the video is the way I would go when I visit the Big Apple....

[@bostonelevatorsaviation]

Fare evasion tips me off. Doesnt happen here in DC a lot which I am happy about that

[@chapinamontt9731]

✌Greetings, I'm from Guatemala, but I live here in Jamaica av NY

[@louisetregomorgan4907]

Excellent travel guide . 👍 very informative real life tour AK and tips to remember thankyou.

[@ActionKid]

Really appreciate it

[@triche97]

Very informative, thank you!!

[@ActionKid]

You're welcome!

[@Peppermint2384]

This was great. I took notes for my next trip.

[@ActionKid]

Excellent!

[@mariacullati2371]

You are a good teacher AK. Thank you

[@darbas57]

You should also mention A train to Howard Beach and then transfer to AirTran.

[@constantinocastillo9366]

Hello. If I am arriving to JFK Airport and want to get to Manhattan using the route from this video, can I pay with exact change on the Q10 bus if i don’t have a metrocard?

[@mr7171guy]

thank u AK

[@295g295]

58:53 - A *Richmond* in New York City? That sounds like Staten Island.

[@295g295]

24:10 - The fare of the AirTrsain is a fare to the Port Authority (PANYNJ), operator of the airports, separate from MTA of New York (operator of the Subway and buses transit system) .?

[@indioraj]

I don't think the Q10 goes to Terminal 5 anymore. Now you have to get off and take the Air Train at the Lefferts Blvd Air Train stop.

[@jorger2020]

Being a long time aviation fan I think I could travel to JFK just to see that magnificent TWA place. I once watched a video about the last day of TWA in 2001, and I was really impressed to see how the stewardesses and staff spoke so highly of their employers, referring to it as a company of gentlemen. They all felt sadness at having to leave a company they said they were happy to work for.

[@rmramirezc]

Disculpa cómo busco ese vídeo, me gustaría verlo. Gracias.

[@Serviervorschlag-]

The busses in Cologne in German nearly looks the same. The yellow colour especially reminds me of it. I would prefer to take a Taxi to the airport even it is expensieve.

[@295g295]

18:50 - E and F train service are on the same track in downtown Manhattan ?

[@richardlim2518]

Hi AK or anyone, would it be a good idea to take this route on a 16 hours stopover at JFK? Our Delta flight arrives on a Friday, 4:30 pm from Kastrup (CPH) and we catching another Delta flight out to Atlanta, GA (then Lexington) the next morning at 8:40 am. Or is it better to just take the Air train RED / E or J train combo in to Manhattan and the return the next day at 3 am (Sat) from say High Street-Brooklyn Bridge station on the A to Howard Beach-JFK Air Train GREEN to JFK?

[@joenyc]

is the lefferts blvd airtrain stop still free?

[@eugenedimitrov]

Hey ,Ken! What's up?

[@brianmohammed1790]

i rember one time the f train running on the a line to lefferts blvd

[@FAFOSanders]

Nice 👍 job AK😃

[@lgibs666]

Wouldn't it have been faster to take the B15 to the L train, which would take you into Manhattan on the east side at 14th Street?

[@rosaannarilli4905]

Hi Actionkid, would you say going to JFK Airport from Manhattan would be less or as confusing as coming back from JFK Airport to Manhattan? I've seen the other video and it was confusing! Thank you for taking us on this ride, I really appreciate! I always wonder what it would be like to take the local transit to and from the airport, now I know and for me, I would take the AirTrain!👍👍👍👍

[@ActionKid]

I think they're equally as confusing! They don't want to make it easy to get to the airport by public bus.

[@rosaannarilli4905]

@@ActionKid Why would they want to make it harder with the public bus?

[@robertkarp6336]

Airtrain fare increasing to $8 on March 1.

[@ActionKid]

[@tdadp]

I would take Q At 55 st & 57 for the elevator and just transfer to the F at 63 and lex then take E to Sutphin Boulevard then pay the air train and take Air link no waiting on the bus plus’s you don’t have to carry your bags up and down the stairs

[@timfaracy754]

You made a day of it, both directions but different train lines. The TWA lot is filled with vintage cars as well as buses which would have parked there when the terminal was young.

[@ActionKid]

The TWA hotel is super cool!

[@rundat9]

🙏😷

[@siravitvongratana9752]

aesome

[@rayn2798]

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CASHAPP BOOSTER FOR THE MTA FOR $1 OFF? ANYONE KNOW IF ITS COMING BACK?

[@NAS1234ize]

if you knew the subway you would have went to 42st and took the 7express to queens and then got the E train

[@295g295]

53:13 - I'll come to this side for Texas Chicken and Burgers. .. .. not the express bus to JFK.

[@295g295]

8:31 - .. to JFK Airtrain

[@ezrapotter4631]

You should do one with just the subway and airtrain

[@eugenedimitrov]

Yeah delays sucks but it's ordinary life ! Everything can happen !

[@damariscolon2040]

I rather take the LIRR from Penn to Jamaica and the Air Train to the airport

[@rmramirezc]

¿Cuánto cuesta ese trayecto?

[@Birdylockso]

Does this still work in 2023 December?

[@mamailo2011]

That TWA is so Fallout 😍

[@295g295]

6:46 - What is the difference between a METROCARD and an OMNY ?

[@michaelmorales1475]

OMNY will replace The Metro Card, it's a Tap Card, The Metro Card is a Swipe.

[@chefjuboni]

They're facing out Metrocard...(don't know the reason why) .Omny is a tap card you can buy and reload, or just use your own credit card and tap.

[@ISlayyy.4445]

Or main st

[@slimmy_0076]

I thought it was a flat fee in a taxi to the airport

[@b.griffin317]

13:15 "Go the opposite way to go forward" aka the New York Way. 😂👍

[@krnpowr]

On the video, it looked like you were clicking below the "Go Back" button on the ticket kiosk.

[@eddiew2325]

how early does the Q10 LTD run? sometimes i have to catch a 7:30am flight

[@nomadcowatbk]

has he been on the Roosevelt Island Tram?

[@Zuxiro]

Yo

[@DerkuiDerkui]

So if you're traveling with 7 people, it would cost 2.75 times 7 right?

[@ActionKid]

That's right

[@dacool4396]

Right

[@b.griffin317]

7:00 For such a polyglot city the MTA is famously English-only in nearly everything...except when they are going to take your money (metrocard machines), then all the languages of the world show up. 😂

[@chickenpommes19]

That's not a huge problem but signs like "ELEV TO MEZZ 24HR BOOTH, EXIT AT CONC 12 AV EXAMPLE ST SOUTHSIDE" (random made up example) can be really confusing, if you only know enough English to order food or say yes and no.

[@anthonynewbreast1917]

Please pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for all of us and your family

[@violinpaganini2651]

MTA . Go your way . 😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@LuisCastillo-ov3fj]

Downside… it takes 3 years to get to JFK lol

[@b.griffin317]

14:34 "Most of the time its accurate" - unless your taking an R train. 😂

[@PeteCarma]

do not do this. with luggage you will need a doctor b4 you get there. at 1pm this looks ok. rush hour you will get crushed and it may take as long as 2 hours! Late night the neighborhood is trouble. European friends ignore this! 2 hr trip 2 hrs early at airport your day is shot.

[@eugenedimitrov]

Yeah the journey will be kinda exhausting for tourists to get to the airport if some of them end up in delay

[@krnpowr]

I'm surprised the New York Tourism Board hasn't sponsored you yet.

[@elysiumcore]

Terrible idea to use the same mass transit that everyone uses to go the airport. If anything goes wrong with that line, needless to say you will miss your flight. Now compare this to most countries in Asia, ie Japan, China, Singapore.. they ALL have dedicated fast transit to their airports.

[@brandyboo]

I rather pay the 70 bucks, or pay someone else to drive me to avoid all the 😷 people

[@fredashay]

You could always pay $200 and take a helicopter from Manhattan to JFK. Just sayin'...

[@cindyzchan1579]

not worth $2.75 for two hours

[@jukio02]

NYC subways are so ugly, dirty, smelly, and unsafe.