JFK Subway Choice

[garybatz]

In June a friend and I will be flying AA from LAX-JFK, landing around 16:30. Our hotel is right opposite Penn Station, so we figure using the subway/LIRR will be the easiest way to get there given the time of day. I've used the Airtrain before and found it quite easy. My question is, do we go to Jamaica or Howard Beach station to connect to the subway. Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

[serfty]

There is an airport train that takes you to Jamaica and/or Howard Beach.

It loops through the terminals and heads out past the "kiss and fly" for Howard Beach - it was $5 last time I used it - payable to exit the airport at either station.

 

[erkpod]

Either way, you'll be on the AirTrain to either Howard Beach or Jamaica. If you go to Jamaica, you'll have the choice of the subway or the LIRR. Howard Beach is subway.

If it was me & wanted to get the train with luggage, I'd go the AirTrain & LIRR option (depending on the timetable). It's a reasonably quick trip to Penn Station from there on LIRR & the comfort level is higher. Also, the walk to the LIRR is shorter.

You won't pay for AirTrain until you arrive at the transfer station, not the station at the terminal.

For a similar price as the Air Train & LIRR option, you can also get a shuttle such as Supershuttle. I'm not sure if the discount code of NYVAN still works.

When I was there in February, the Air Trains between the terminals wasn't working but they were between Federal Circle & Howard Beach/Jamaica. As a result, buses ran to/from the terminals & Federal Circle. There was no charge for the entire Air Train segment.

 

[serfty]

More here :

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airport-map.html

 

[garybatz]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Just to clarify, I've used Airtrain before so familiar with the stops, I meant to ask is it better to travel to Penn Station from Jamaica or Howard Beach? Both subway lines and the LIRR go to Penn so I'm interested in whether any of those options have pros or cons (e.g. quicker/slower, more or less crowded etc.). Since it will be rush hour I'm thinking it best to avoid road transport. Cheers.

 

[erkpod]

As I said earlier, I'd go LIRR. Less stops, quicker, more direct & more comfort. You'll also be going in the non peak direction & LIRR will be less likely to be crowded.

 

[serfty]

Using Jamaica it's between 45 and 50 minute to PENN station.

https://maps.google.com.au/maps?sad...0&noexp=0&noal=0&sort=def&mra=ls&z=12&start=1

Using Howard beach you are looking at 1:15 minutes.

https://maps.google.com.au/maps?sad...0&noexp=0&noal=0&sort=def&mra=ls&z=12&start=3

 

[dajop]

As I said earlier, I'd go LIRR. Less stops, quicker, more direct & more comfort. You'll also be going in the non peak direction & LIRR will be less likely to be crowded.

+1. Airtrain to Jamaica and take LIRR, quicker and the change from Airtrain to LIRR is very easy.

 

[garybatz]

+1. Airtrain to Jamaica and take LIRR, quicker and the change from Airtrain to LIRR is very easy.

Thanks All, appreciate the intel