The Long Island Rail Road has fastest and simplest ways to get to JFK, traveling from Manhattan to JFK Airport. The journey can either start at Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal, with many frequent LIRR trains to Jamaica Station from both terminals. The ride is about 20 minutes long. Follow the signs for the AirTrain JFK at Jamaica, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach all the terminals of the airport.
Total fare for the trip usually ranges anywhere between $13.50 and $15.50, with LIRR fare matching the $8.50 AirTrain fare. Travellers can buy LIRR tickets from vending machines or on the TrainTime app and pay AirTrain fare through a MetroCard or by a tap with OMNY. Being somewhat closer to Manhattan than Newark Airport, JFK is thus fast, convenient, and reliable, the choice of passengers traveling via LIRR to AirTrain.
JFK LIRR Station
The biggest LIRR hub for getting to JFK Airport is Jamaica Station. The AirTrain station is a sleek glass structure located just south of the LIRR platforms, and connected to them via elevators and escalators, as well as a pedestrian bridge. It provides 24/7 train service to all JFK terminals with trains arriving every 7 to 15 minutes. Commuters can pay for the $8.50 AirTrain fare with MetroCard or via OMNY. Jamaica Station also connects with NYC Subway lines (E, J, Z) as well as dozens of bus routes, so it is a major hub in the city.
LIRR to JFK Schedule
LIRR trains depart Penn or Grand Central to Jamaica Station every 10 to 20 minutes (20 minutes). The AirTrain then takes 10-15 minutes to JFK. The LIRR fare is $3–$12; AirTrain is $8.50. Service runs 24/7. Consult schedules on the TrainTime app or at mta. info.
MTA LIRR Weekday schedule (Monday – Friday)
| Time Period | Line (Usually serving Jamaica) | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 04:00 - 06:00 | Several (Main Line, Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Port Jefferson, Hempstead) | Jamaica-bound, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) |
| 06:00 - 10:00 | All branches serving Jamaica | Tagwards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) |
| 10:00 - 16:00 | Various branches | JAMAICA-BOUND MANHATTAN (Penn, GCM) |
| 16:00 - 20:00 | All branches serving Jamaica | Except from Manhattan (Penn, GCM) via or to Jamaica |
| 20:00 - 00:00 | Various branches | For Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCT) or bound away from NYC through Jamaica |
| 00:00 - 04:00 | Select branches | Express to Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) or east of NYC, beyond Jamaica |
Things to take into account for JFK Connection:
The following table shows LIRR service to Jamaica Station. On arrival at Jamaica you’ll switch to the AirTrain JFK.
- AirTrain JFK: AirTrain is in service via one-line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and operates every 5-10 minutes. The journey between Jamaica and the JFK terminals is 10-15 minutes.
- Line-Specific Schedules: This means different numbers of trains and corresponding departure times for your LIRR branch (i.e., Babylon, Ronkonkoma, Hempstead, Port Jefferson, etc.). The following table is a rough estimate of how frequently a train is available to Jamaica.
- Real-time Information is Key: For the most up-to-date schedules on your specific origin station, always use the MTA TrainTime app or check the MTA Long Island Rail Road website (mta. info/lirr). These resources will also adjust for delayed trains, service changes, and holiday schedules.
MTA LIRR Weekend Timetable (From Saturday to Sunday)
| Time Period | (And by common to Jamaica) | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 04:00 - 06:00 | Select branches | Penn, GCM) (Towards Jamaica, Manhattan) |
| 06:00 - 10:00 | Various branches | To Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) |
| 10:00 - 18:00 | Various branches | To Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) or on time away from NYC via Jamaica |
| 18:00 - 00:00 | Various branches | To Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) or reverse it away from NYC via Jamaica |
| 00:00 - 04:00 | Select branches | Via Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM), or to NYC from Jamaica |
LIRR Penn Station to JFK
It is essential to clarify that there is no direct Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train from JFK Airport to Penn Station when talking about “JFK LIRR to Penn Station.” The trip requires two separate systems: the AirTrain JFK and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Here’s a step-by-step guide to traveling from JFK Airport to Penn Station with the AirTrain and the LIRR, including costs, steps, and other need-to-know info:
How to Get from JFK to Penn Station: By LIRR
Step 1: AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station
When arriving at any JFK terminal, look for signs for the AirTrain JFK. Take the Jamaica Line to enter into the LIRR and NYC subway system. (Avoid the Howard Beach Line that goes to the A subway.) You will be able to verify that you’re on a train en route to Jamaica Station. The drive should only be about 10–15 minutes. You will not pay as you board, but must pay the $8.50 fare when you exit at Jamaica with a MetroCard or OMNY.
Step 2: LIRR, Jamaica to Penn Station
Upon exiting the Airtrain you can follow LIRR signs, it is all connected. Tickets can be bought through vending machines, ticket booths or the MTA TrainTime app (or pay a $6.50 onboard surcharge). Search for trains with “Penn Station” as the final destination — several of the most important LIRR lines go through Jamaica. Verify departure information on the boards. It is a 20 to 25 minute ride to Penn Station, making this one of the quickest options for getting to Manhattan from JFK.
Traveling Fares
- AirTrain JFK is $8.50, paid at Jamaica Station when leaving.
- People can pay with the OMNY tap system or a MetroCard with at least one ride remaining.
- There are different time periods for travel on the LIRR from Jamaica to Penn Station.
- The cost of a ticket is in the $10.75–$11.25 range for weekday peak hours.
- Off-peak hours, weekends and holidays, prices range from $7.75 to $8.25.
- Advance ticket purchases ward off a $6.50 fee for tickets purchased at the gate.
- Estimated Peak fares: $19.25 & Off-peak: $16.25
MTA LIRR Grand Central to JFK [How to get to JFK Airport from Grand Central]
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Grand Central Terminal to JFK will be by LIRR from Grand Central Madison Station to Jamaica Station and then the AirTrain JFK.
Step 1: Head to Grand Central Madison (LIRR level)
How to get there Take the metror extension To the main Grand Central Terminal, go downstairs & follow signs for “LIRR” to the Grand Central Madison concourse deep beneath street level. Take the escalators or elevators to get there.
Step 2: Transfer to LIRR to Jamaica Station
To transfer to the LIRR and travel to Jamaica Station, start by purchasing a ticket. You can do this by tapping your OMNY-enabled card or smartphone at the turnstile, using the MTA TrainTime app, or buying a paper ticket from the vending machines at the station. Once you have your ticket, board any LIRR train heading to Jamaica—most LIRR lines pass through there. The ride typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 3: Take the AirTrain JFK from Jamaica
At Jamaica Station, follow the clearly marked signs to the AirTrain JFK. Before boarding, make sure to pay the $8.50 fare using either an OMNY tap or a MetroCard at the AirTrain exit. Be sure to board the Red Line AirTrain, which serves all airport terminals and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach your terminal. Avoid the Green Line, as it only goes to Howard Beach and does not stop at the terminals.
Fares for Grand Central to JKF
One-way price is approximately $16.25–$19.75 from Grand Central to JFK. The LIRR fare between JFK and Jamaica Station is between $7.75 and $11.25 depending on time/direction of travel, and the AirTrain fare is a flat fee of $8.50 which is paid at the time of entering or exiting the system at Jamaica. OMNY or TrainTime app discounts may apply.
Total Travel Time to get JKF from Grand Central
It would take one between 35 and 50 minutes to travel from Grand Central to JFK. The trip starts with a 20 to 25-minute LIRR train ride from Grand Central Madison to Jamaica Station. Travelers who land at Jamaica usually spend five to 10 minutes on walking and transferring to the AirTrain JFK. The AirTrain from Jamaica to your particular JFK terminal is a 10- to 15-minute ride, depending on the terminal. In total, between getting on the LIRR at Grand Central Madison and arriving at your JFK terminal, it’s just under an hour.
LIRR Penn Station to Jamaica and JFK-AirTrain
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and AirTrain JFK are the most expedient means of travel between JFK Airport and Penn Station. The whole journey typically takes between 35 and 50 minutes, depending on the schedules of trains and making the switch.
Ride on the LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica Station: Start your journey at Moynihan Train Hall, part of Penn Station. And buy yourself a ticket on the LIRR that heads to Jamaica Station. You can purchase your ticket at vending machines, ticket counters or with the MTA TrainTime app.
Ticket Options
- CityTicket: $5 off-peak and $7 during peak hours (Excursion travel on LIRR within NYC).
- LIRR fare: $7.75 (off-peak) or $8.25 (peak) or $10.75 (off-peak) or $11.25 (peak).
- Trains on the LIRR to Jamaica are frequent and the trip usually takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Switch To AirTrain JFK At Jamaica Center
When you get to Jamaica Station, follow the easily visible signs for the AirTrain JFK. You must pay an additional $8.50 to use the AirTrain, and do so at the turnstiles by scanning your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone (via OMNY), or MetroCard with funds on it.
Take the Red Line AirTrain that services all JFK terminals. The shuttle to your terminal typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes.
Estimated Travel Time
Using the LIRR and AirTrain JFK, travel time from Penn Station to JFK is around 35 to 50 minutes on average. The journey begins with a 20 to 25-minute Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Jamaica Station. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes, from the moment you reach Jamaica, to transfer from the LIRR platform to the AirTrain terminal, counting the time you spend walking and waiting. From there, riding the AirTrain to your JFK terminal typically adds about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the terminal you are visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I travel from JFK to Penn Station with the help of LIRR?
Take the AirTrain JFK from your terminal to Jamaica Station (10–15 mins), then switch to the LIRR to Penn Station (20–25 mins). Total trip time: approximately 35–50 minutes.
2. How much is the air train from JFK to Manhattan on LIRR?
AirTrain fare is $8.50. The LIRR fare from Jamaica to Manhattan is $5 (off-peak CityTicket) or $7 (peak). Total cost: $13.50–$15.50.
3. Can I take the LIRR from Grand Central to JFK?
Yes. At Grand Central’s Madison Avenue exit, take the L.I.R.R. to Jamaica Station (20–25 mins) and transfer to the AirTrain to your terminal (10–15 mins).
4. Is the LIRR a better option than the subway for traveling to JFK?
Yes. It was for me anyways, but LIRR + AirTrain is quicker (35-50 mins) and more pleasant, especially with luggage. The latter is longer (60+ mins) and slightly cheaper.
5. How can I purchase LIRR and AirTrain Tickets?
LIRR tickets: vending machines,ticket windows, or the MTA TrainTime app. Fare: Pay $8.50 AirTrain fare at Jamaica with OMNY or MetroCard.
6. What is the JFK LIRR Station Address?
There is no station on the LIRR directly at the airport. Getting to the LIRR Take the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station, Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue in Queens. From there, you can connect to LIRR trains to Penn Station, Grand Central Madison and other locations.
7. Where to Purchase LIRR Tickets at the Station?
At Jamaica Station, you can purchase LIRR tickets from ticket vending machines or a staffed ticket window. You can also skip the ticket window altogether and buy a ticket on your phone with the MTA TrainTime app for a quick and contactless entrance.