JFK - Airtran - Help

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 8:27pm

Hello:

I'm bringing a small group of travelers to the City later this week to see Hamilton and a few other shows - I'm embarrassed to say that although I've flown into NYC over 40 times, I've NEVER flown into JFK.  

Can someone explain to me the best way to get from Delta to Airtran Terminal - 

Thanks - 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 8:32pm

Do you mean AirTrain? Airtran doesn't exist anymore.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirTran_Airways

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airtrain.html

[thommg]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 8:39pm

It's pretty easy. When you get to Baggage Claim, there will be signs to the Airtrain. For Delta, it's off to the side and you go up an escaltor and it's right there. (Other airlines have the Airtrain quite a ways away). I would suggest you take the Jamaica train and when you get to the station, go down to the subway and take the E train into the city. It stops at 50th Street as well as 42nd Street. If you take the Howard Beach train you end up at the A Train and it takes much, much longer to get into the city. On the E train you should be in Times Square in about 40 minutes.

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 11:17pm

As thommg said. It's very easy. It's right across the road that runs in front of the terminal. If I recall correctly, it's basically embedded into the short term parking structure right across that road so leaving baggage claim, cross the road and just take the elevator to the level marked AirTrain and you are there. Make sure you check the signs on each train before you board as the trains to the E and the A stations are different trains. Both stop there but run different routes once they leave the airport. You pay for the train ($5) at the subway station where the $2.75 for the subway will be included in the $7.75 you have to pay.

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 10:55am

Last question - I assume there are kiosks there where I can purchase 7 day passes? - 

 

Thank you - 

 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 10:57am

For the subway? Yes. But the Air Train fare is not included in a 7 day unlimited pass.

[Justin D]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 11:09am

it's probably best to just get a regular metro card and top up as needed, because I dont think the airtrain cost works on the unlimited (7 day) cards

airtrain is $5 each way and you can easily top up the metro cards at any station with a machine

[NotTheComfyChair]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 12:08pm

As responders have said, the AirTrain is not included in the 7 day pass. Two options which will involve two transactions. Buy the AirTrain fare only and, separately, buy the 7 day pass. Or buy an AirTrain Fare with a single ride and get the 7 day pass later.

If your party will have rolling bags, it can sometimes be difficult to lift them over the turnstile or navigate the rolling bag through a regular MTA turnstile. If you do the A train, the only turnstile is a big, luggage size gate which gives you direct access to the A train platforms. If you do the Jamaica E train option, the luggage size gate will let you out of the AirTrain but, after a short walk and elevator ride, you'll have the regular MTA turnstile to navigate to access the E train.

My suggestion is that you have half the party go through the turnstiles while the other half stand by the nearby emergency access gate. The half that have gone through the turnstiles already can then open the gate - no alarms anymore - and take all the bags through while the rest then go through the turnstile. I do it traveling on my own and it makes it so much easier to get a bag on to the subway. BTW, make sure you all go through the turnstiles, swiping your Metrocards, as there are transit police who will stop you and maybe ticket you if you don't pay your fare.

Have a great trip!

 

[duffny1]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 1:11pm

I would totally avoid the subway from the AirTrain especially with bags -- lots of lugging suitcases, stairwells and walking. More direct and quicker is getting on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) It is a little more expensive but you just take the Air Train to Jamaica Station - then LIRR to NY Penn Station.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 6:18pm

"I would totally avoid the subway from the AirTrain especially with bags -- lots of lugging suitcases, stairwells and walking. More direct and quicker is getting on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) It is a little more expensive but you just take the Air Train to Jamaica Station - then LIRR to NY Penn Station."

 

I agree and there is never a long wait for a train to take you into Penn Station.

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 3/14/17 at 7:41pm

The subway isn't too bad with luggage. Our hotel was a couple blocks from Grand Central, so we took the AirTrain to the E, then transferred to the 4-5-6. There was the long walk between platforms at Lexington, but with it all being underground, it wasn't too bad. I weighed the pros and cons of the LIRR vs the subway, and saving the LIRR fare/less backtracking worked better for us. It's definitely doable! This was my first time flying into JFK too - I used to live in MD so I would always just take the bus or drive. 

I agree reed with the above comment about the turnstiles though. That was probably be biggest challenge. We only had two carryons so we were able to push them in front of us as we walked through, or lift them over the bar.

The AirTrain staff is very helpful too - don't be afraid to ask for help if you experience any trouble with the machines. 

Updated On: 3/14/17 at 07:41 PM