By Shawn Gallagher
Although you’ve landed in New York City, JFK Airport is most likely not your final destination. Whether you’re going to a hotel in Manhattan or your friend’s house in Queens, you’ll have to navigate through the big city to reach your accommodation.
The Long Island Railroad is one of the busiest railroads in America, and it’s popular among New York City residents when traveling to and from Manhattan and JFK. It’s faster and cheaper compared to a taxi or Uber/Lyft.
The trip consists of a quick ride on the Air Train to Jamaica Station in Queens, and then changing to the Long Island Railroad there.
Let’s go over how to take the Long Island Railroad from JFK Airport to Manhattan.
Arrival At JFK Airport
Once you arrive at JFK Airport, make your way to the exit. Stop by baggage claim if you need to, then follow signs for “Air Train.”
There’s no need to purchase tickets at the airport. Ticket gates are only located at Jamaica Station, meaning all payments happen there.
If you arrive in Terminal 8, you’ll walk this corridor and go up a set of escalators.
Related: Best Way From New York To Boston; Train, Bus, Or Plane?
Boarding The Air Train
The Air Train has a couple of train types with different destinations. One goes to Howard Beach Station, and the other goes to Jamaica Station. Do NOT take the Howard Beach train; make sure to board the Jamaica train (You can still get off at Howard Beach and transfer to the A train subway, and take that into the city. This is the convenient option for Brooklyn destinations, but not necessarily for most Manhattan neighborhoods).
Digital signage shows the train’s destination, and announcements will also tell you where the train is going. Double check to make sure.
After stopping at each terminal and the rental car station, it’s less than 5 minutes to Jamaica Station. The train goes at a speed of 60mph, and it’s always satisfying to speed past all the traffic below.
Transfer At Jamaica Station
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, you’ll go through ticket gates to pay for the Air Train.
I highly recommend using OMNY/Tap to Pay to get through. Just simply tap your credit card and go through as if you’re paying for something at your local grocery store. It’s super convenient, and I wish all other transit systems in the world had this.
You can also use OMNY at every New York Subway station. It’s one of the best parts of the subway here.
The Air Train fare is $8.50 (reduced fare of $4.25 until Labor Day 2024).
If you need them, MetroCard machines are still available to the right side of the ticket gates.
Boarding The Long Island Railroad
Follow signs for “Long Island Railroad,” and head for the track that your train is boarding on.
You’ll need the MTA TrainTime app for this. Make sure to have it downloaded in advance.
You can check train times, buy tickets, and check the platform number on the app.
Tickets are $5 during off peak times and $7 during peak times (NYC terminal arrival between 6 and 10am). You can buy them on the day of travel.
Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll show it to your conductor on board the train.
The Long Island Railroad runs frequently, especially during peak hours. Note that there are several destinations to choose from, as seen in the screenshot above. I’ll be going to Grand Central.
Head down to the platform to board the train!
On Board The Long Island Railroad
Once on the train, make yourself comfortable for the 20 minute ride to Manhattan. Note that the train is usually busier than the photo above; I took this as I was getting off the train in Grand Central.
The seats themselves are similar to other commuter rail trains around the United States.
Some trains have power outlets against the wall.
My carry on fits between the seats like this. Some larger luggage can fit as well, but you can also have them with you at the ends of the car near the doors.
The train speeds through New York City with a top speed of 80mph.
Bottom Line
And just like that, I’m back in Manhattan!
In my opinion, the Long Island Railroad is the most convenient option. It’s fast (20 minutes from Jamaica to Manhattan) and much cheaper than the taxi (a taxi from JFK costs $70). I’ve taken this many times with ease. Consider this option when you arrive at JFK Airport the next time.
All photos taken by the author.