Step-by-Step Guide For Easiest Way From JFK To Manhattan Penn ...

Updated for 2026 with current AirTrain routes, LIRR ticket options, and Penn Station / Moynihan Train Hall details.

If you’re flying into JFK and need to get to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, taking the train is one of the easiest and most reliable options, even if you’ve never navigated NYC transit before.

The route is simple: JFK AirTrain → Jamaica Station → LIRR to Penn Station. It avoids traffic, costs less than a taxi, and drops you right in Manhattan near Times Square, major subway lines, and Moynihan Train Hall.

I’ve taken this route multiple times and included step-by-step photos so you can see exactly where to go, what to buy, and what to expect at each point, including how to do the reverse trip from Penn Station to JFK.

Heading to Grand Central instead?Follow the same AirTrain route to Jamaica Station. When buying your LIRR ticket, select Grand Central instead of Penn Station and take the next train headed there. This will put you closer to the Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park.

JFK to Penn Station by Train (AirTrain + LIRR Step-by-Step)

Getting from JFK to Penn Station by train is a two-part trip. From the baggage claim area you’ll take the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) into Manhattan. Below, I walk through each step with photos so you know exactly where to go and what to expect along the way.

You’ll be purchasing two types of tickets, one ticket as you exit the AirTrain which can be paid for via tap at the gates, and another ticket for the Long Island Rail Road which can be purchased for the Jamaica station. The cost is $13.75 or $15.75 depending on your peak/off-peak timing. There is a cheaper option but it’s not my preference as I explain below.

Taking the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica Station

After your flight, you’re going to make your way toward baggage claim. Once you’re at baggage claim you want to look for signs for the AirTrain. The access for the AirTrain is typically up a level from baggage claim and might be outside near the parking garage or attached to baggage claim. Just follow signs to the AirTrain.

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Once on the AirTrain platform for your terminal, you’ll look for the train that connects to Jamaica Station. You can transfer to the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica Station.

If you want to take the Subway into Manhattan, you can go to Jamaica Station to get the E line, or the Howard Beach Train for the A Subway. You’ll save $2.25 per ticket taking the subway, but you’ll have more stops (slower) and limited luggage room.

Buying AirTrain and LIRR Tickets at Jamaica Station

Ride the AirTrain to Jamaica Station — you may have multiple stops depending on which JFK terminal you arrived. As you exit the AirTrain into Jamaica Station you’ll need to buy a pay for your AirTrain ride (the one you just took) with tap to pay (Contactless) or with a Metrocard. You’ll have to pay $8.50 for the AirTrain to Jamaica Station.

After exiting the AirTrain station with your $8.50 payment, you’ll continue forward and follow signs to the Long Island Rail Road (or Subway if that’s your choice).

Once you go into the Long Island Rail Road area, you’ll find ticket machines near the upper track entrances.

NOTE: you can buy tickets in advance with your phone using the MTA TrainTime app if you prefer.

Here are the steps for buying your ticket:

First, you’ll choose your Ticket type which is One Way. There is a family ticket option which allows up to four children (ages 5-17) to travel with each fare paying adult for $1 each way.

Next you’ll choose your station, for this example we’re going to Penn Station. You could choose Jamaica to Another Station if you want to go to Grand Central instead of Penn Station.

Next, you need to select if you’re traveling during peak or off-peak times. You can also choose if you’re purchasing a military or senior ticket which don’t use the peak/off-peak timing.

Peak times are for trains arriving in NYC (Manhattan) on Monday through Friday from 6 am to 10 am. Or for trains departing Manhattan between 4 pm and 8 pm M-F. This is standard rush hour thinking, people in the burbs (JFK) go into the city in the morning and out of the city in the evenings. Those are peak travel times.

If you’re not traveling during these times, you’ll choose Off-Peak.

Choose how many tickets you need.

There used to be add-on options (metrocard and airtrain) so that screen still exists, but it will default and you’ll select None (Tickets Only).

Then you’ll need to pay. It’s $5.25 per adult for off-peak and $7.25 per adult for peak.

Taking the LIRR from Jamaica Station to Penn Station (Manhattan)

After buying your tickets, look for the monitors that will tell you what track you need to go to for a Penn Station train. You’ll be looking on the side for the Westbound to Manhattan & Brooklyn trains and find your station on that list (i.e. Penn Station or Grand Central).

Note, the trains might be slightly delayed so if you see a train showing on the board there’s a chance you can still make it.

Look for the track number on the board for your train and go to the stairway that shows that number. The track numbers are split across two sets of stairs because the trains are coming between the stairways and you can enter the trains on either side.

Here’s where packing light comes in handy because you’ll need to haul your bags down the stairs to get on the trains (there are elevators, but they’re not near the tracks they’re at the ends/center of the station).

Wait for your train or go ahead and board if it’s already on the track. You’ll see a digital board display stating Penn Station (or your station) on the side of the train near the boarding doors. Find a seat and store your luggage but be sure to keep your ticket handy since you’ll have to show the conductor once the train departs.

Your train might make a couple of stops along the way but eventually, you’ll hear the Penn Station announcement and that’s your queue to get ready to leave the train. Beware that it can be hard to hear and understand the train announcements, so pay attention to the stops. The ride from Jamaica Station to Penn Station Manhattan should take about 21-30 minutes depending on stops.

Also note, that during off-peak times it’s not unusual for certain train car doors to not open for every stop. Make sure you ask a conductor or listen carefully to make sure you’re not sitting in a train car where the doors won’t open. I recently heard a conductor explain to passengers that they needed to move, so there will be help available. I don’t think this applies for major stations like Penn Station, but I wanted to mention it.

Arriving at Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall

Once you arrive at Penn Station and the Moynihan Train Hall, you’ll be in Midtown Manhattan with easy access to subways, taxis, and walkable neighborhoods.

Penn Station spans 31st to 33rd Streets between 7th and 8th Avenues, so follow signs for the 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue exits based on which side is closest to your hotel or destination. If you’re heading toward Times Square, exiting on the 7th Avenue & 33rd Street side usually makes the walk or subway transfer more straightforward.

Sidewalks around Penn Station can be busy, especially during rush hour, and can feel tight if you’re rolling luggage. Allow a little extra time if needed, or consider taking the subway, or a taxi or Uber to your hotel. Pickups can be slower in this area due to traffic, but they’re still an option if walking isn’t ideal.

How Much Does It Cost to Get from JFK to Penn Station by Train?

I used this method on a recent trip and it cost me $13.75 for a one-way trip from JFK to Penn Station in Manhattan. That is for the $8.50 AirTrain tickets and the $5.25 Long Island Rail Road OFF-PEAK ticket. Peak times will be $7.25, making the total $15.75.

If you don’t mind taking the subway instead of the LIRR, you’ll pay $11.50 ($8.50 for AirTrain plus $3 for one Subway ride). Just know that the subway will have more stops along the way making the trip longer, and the train cars could be crowded and tough to manage with luggage.

On my recent trip I did a search for Uber from JFK to my hotel just to see how much of a savings it would be and was shocked to see it would have been over $100 for an Uber!

When the Train Might Not Be the Best Option

There are a few reasons I wouldn’t advise using the train, even though it is the cheapest and very easy option, in my opinion.

You’re a family traveling with small children

While the process is fairly simple, it does require moving around quite a bit and using stairs and elevators. If you have small children it might be a lot to manage to keep an eye on them and your luggage through each of the connections.

The cost savings also diminishes versus Uber when you have more than 3 people. Ordering an uber or private shuttle service might be best for larger parties, although the train would allow you to leave car seats at home. And they do have the family ticket option for LIRR and kids under 5 are free for the AirTrain.

You have a lot of luggage

As I said above, you will be connecting to multiple transportation options and you’ll need to deal with stairs (or search out elevators) at a few of the stations. If you have multiple bags it would be a lot of work to haul them up and down the stairs as well as find space for them on the LIRR.

You’re traveling very early or late

While I have no experience or knowledge of the security or safety of this method, I personally wouldn’t want to take the train if it was late at night. Safety is always something to keep in mind when in large cities, so if you’re traveling at late or very early hours, the train might not be best. LIRR also doesn’t operate during the very early morning hours.

You hate walking or have reduced mobility

If you have no desire to haul your suitcases up and down and all around, just grab an uber or cab from JFK to your hotel. You have to be willing to do a bit of work to save the kind of money you will when you take the train. If you have any mobility limitations you may struggle with the trains and stations.

Penn Station to JFK (Train Route Step-by-Step)

Getting from Penn Station to JFK by train follows the same basic steps as the trip into Manhattan, just in reverse. You’ll take the LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the AirTrain to reach your terminal at JFK. The steps below walk through exactly what to do so the return trip feels just as straightforward.

Go to Penn Station and follow the signs to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). You can enter at the Moynihan Train Hall on 8th Ave between 31st and 33rd. But you can also enter off 7th Ave and 34th.

Find the LIRR Ticket Machines (in the main station or also found near the train tracks) and buy your ticket from Penn Station to Jamaica station on the Long Island Rail Road.

Look for the LIRR track signs for the next train to JFK and follow signs to that track number. These trains all stop at Jamaica station but continue onto other stations which is why you likely won’t see Jamaica as the destination name.

When you reach Jamaica Station, you’ll follow the signs to the AirTrain, and buy your AirTrain ticket ($8.50) with tap to pay or use a Metrocard. The you’ll ride the AirTrain to the terminal for your flight.

After a long flight, knowing exactly where to go makes a big difference. This train route from JFK to Penn Station is a straightforward option that avoids traffic and brings you into Midtown Manhattan with simple connections to the rest of the city.

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