How to get from JFK to Penn Station: All Transport Options

Q: How to get from JFK to Penn Station?

There are three main options to get from JFK Airport to Penn Station; by subway, by train or by taxi. Taking the subway is the cheapest and slowest option, costing just €10. You can also opt for a faster option and get the train from JFK to Penn Station, using the AirTrain for the first leg of the journey. Alternatively, if you want to avoid public transport altogether, you can take a JFK Airport taxi or a private shuttle for a faster, more personalised experience. The ride takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic levels and the price of a transfer to Penn Station is an all-inclusive fare of around €120.

New York is one of the most exciting and busiest cities in the world, whilst this is a reason why people love visiting this glittering city, it can be overwhelming when trying to get from A to B. Finding your way from John F. Kennedy Airport can be complicated, so we’ve broken down the available options to ensure you can plan your arrival with ease.

There are three main transport options for those wanting to travel from JFK Airport to Penn Station; by subway, by train or by taxi. The cheapest option is the subway, costing just $11 (€10). Alternatively, you can take a JFK Airport taxi or private shuttle if you want a faster, more comfortable journey. The ride takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic levels. Lastly, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from JFK to Penn Station is a great value-for-money option and is significantly faster than the subway.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to New York at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€120	45min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€64	45min	24/7
Subway	€20	60min	24/7
Train	€29.40	35min	24/7

How to get from JFK to Penn Station by taxi

Taking a taxi or private transfer from JFK Airport to Penn Station is the fastest and most comfortable choice. New York taxis are yellow with a “TAXI” sign on the roof and you can find them waiting at taxi ranks outside the arrival terminals. The journey takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic and local taxi drivers will charge around $70 (€64).

New York’s traffic jams have quite a reputation and can often extend the journey time significantly. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, here’s a breakdown of the traffic levels throughout the day:

06:00-07:00 low traffic,
07:00-08:00 heavy traffic,
08:00-10:00 medium traffic,
10:00-12:00 heavy traffic,
12:00-15:00 medium traffic,
15:00-19:00 heavy traffic,
19:00-21:00 medium traffic,
and low traffic after 21:00.

The journey should take around an hour in low to medium traffic and up to 2 hours or more in heavy traffic.

Taxi fare from JFK Airport to Penn Station

Taxis and private shuttles from JFK to Penn Station use a set-fare system, charging approximately $70 (€64). The rate message on the screen inside the taxi should read “Rate 2- JFK Airport”. You’ll need to pay for tolls on top of your final fare and other charges may apply, such as an airport access fee of $1.75 (€1.60) and a $5 (€4.50) rush hour charge from 16:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday.

For a more personalised option with the added bonus of no hidden fees, pre-book a convenient private transfer with Welcome Pickups and enjoy the luxury of a pre-paid ride and door-to-door service.

Cost

€64

Trip Duration

45 MIN

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 from JFK Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

There are official taxi ranks located outside every terminal at JFK Airport. They are easily located by following the signs within the airport. If you wish to pre-book a comfortable private shuttle, your driver will send you a meeting point before your arrival.

Convenience

Travelling from JFK to Penn Station by shuttle or taxi is definitely the most hassle-free option, allowing you to avoid waiting times and changeovers. The ride is quick, comfortable and takes you door-to-door.

Editor’s Note

If you want to get to your destination speedily upon landing and avoid hidden fees, we recommend pre-booking a private transfer.

Useful Tips

Trips from JFK Airport to other destinations in New York City are calculated using a taximeter, with no fixed-rate available.

You will be expected to pay any tolls on top of your final fare if you’re travelling from JFK Airport to Penn Station using a local taxi, however, if you book a private shuttle in advance, this will not be the case.

A 20% tip is expected for taxis in NYC.

How to get from JFK to Penn Station by subway

Taking the subway from JFK Airport to Penn Station is the cheapest option, especially during rush hour. The journey takes about 60 minutes and includes a changeover. Firstly, you’ll need to take the AirTrain, an internal train system that connects all the terminals as well as running from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station, the closest main subway station. From there, you’ll ride the MTA E subway line all the way to Penn Station.

How much is the subway from JFK Airport to Penn Station

You’ll need to buy two tickets to get from JFK to Penn Station by subway. Despite this, it’s by far the cheapest option. Firstly, you’ll need to purchase an AirTrain ticket for the first leg of the journey, which will cost you $8.25 (€7.55). Once you’ve arrived at Jamaica Station, you can buy a MetroCard from a self-service machine or ticket booth which can be topped up throughout your trip. A one-way subway ticket in New York is $2.75 (€2.50), meaning the total cost of the journey from JFK to Penn Station is no more than $11 (€10) per person.

Cost

€10

Trip Duration

60 MIN

The subway runs more frequently during peak hours (every 3-5 or 6-8 minutes) but waiting times can also take up to 20 minutes depending on the time of day.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and MTA Subway run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the subway from?

To take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station, you’ll simply need to follow the signs in any of the terminals towards the AirTrain station.

Convenience

Whilst taking the subway is a great budget-friendly option, changing modes of transport and dealing with waiting times can make it less convenient, especially when you’re travelling as a group or have heavy luggage in tow.

Timetables

JFK AirTrain

MTA E Subway Timetable

Editor’s Note

The best way to buy bus or subway tickets in New York is with a rechargeable MetroCard. You can purchase them from self-service machines at the stations for $1 and they come with extra bonuses when you top up.

Useful Tips

New York City subways accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Wallet Pay and the OMNY card as well as the standard MetroCard.

The AirTrain only accepts MetroCard at this time.

Jamaica Station and the stations that connect to it are all wheelchair accessible.

How to get from JFK to Penn Station by train

Travelling on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from JFK Airport to Penn Station is more expensive than the subway but takes half the time. Whilst ticket prices go up during peak hours, this is still a convenient option as it takes just 35 minutes. Firstly, you’ll need to take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, which will take you around 15 minutes. From there, you can hop on the LIRR and reach your final destination, Penn Station, in about 20 minutes.

How much is the train from JFK Airport to Penn Station?

As with the subway, you’ll need to buy two tickets to get to JFK to Penn Station by train. You’ll need to purchase an AirTrain ticket for $8.25 (€7.55) to get to Jamaica Station. Train tickets for the LIRR train vary depending on the time you’re travelling. A one-way ticket during rush hour (06:00-10:00) costs $10.75 (€9.90), whereas, during off-peak hours, weekends and holidays, a ticket will cost $7.75 (€7). In total, it’ll cost you $20 (€18.40) during rush hour and $16 (€14.70) any other time.

Cost

€14.70

Trip Duration

35 MIN

The train comes every 3-5 minutes during rush hour and waiting times can be anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes on weekends and holidays.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and LIRR train run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the train from?

To take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station, you’ll simply need to follow the signs in any of the terminals towards the AirTrain station. Later, when you exit the AirTrain at Jamaica Station, follow the signs to the Long Island Rail Road.

Convenience

Whilst taking the train is a great value for money option, having to change modes of transport and dealing with waiting times can make it less convenient.

Timetables

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Timetable

JFK AirTrain

Editor’s Note

For the AirTrain, you’ll need to purchase a rechargeable MetroCard for $1 and top it up with the right amount. However, you cannot use the MetroCard for the LIRR train. The ticket machines for LIRR differ from the ones for the subway, so make sure to use the right one. You can also purchase your LIRR ticket onboard at a higher rate.

Useful Tips

During off-peak hours and weekends, you can also purchase a City Ticket, costing $5 (€5).

Remember that the price of tickets varies depending on whether you're travelling during peak hours or not.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in New york. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€130.0

NIGHTTIME

€130.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How to get from JFK to Penn Station?

There are three main options to get from JFK Airport to Penn Station; by subway, by train or by taxi. Taking the subway is the cheapest and slowest option, costing just €10. You can also opt for a faster option and get the train from JFK to Penn Station, using the AirTrain for the first leg of the journey. Alternatively, if you want to avoid public transport altogether, you can take a JFK Airport taxi or a private shuttle for a faster, more personalised experience. The ride takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic levels and the price of a transfer to Penn Station is an all-inclusive fare of around €120.

Is there a connection by train from JFK to Penn Station?

Yes, however, you’ll need to first take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station and then change onto the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to reach Penn Station. The journey should take about half an hour and costs $20 (€18.40) during rush hour and $16 (€14.70) any other time.

Can I get a shuttle bus from JFK Airport to Penn Station?

There used to be an express shuttle bus running between JFK and Penn Station, however, it is currently out of operation. Instead, you can take the AirTrain, which runs 24/7 and departs from all six JFK terminals, connecting the airport to Jamaica Station. From there, you can get on a train or use the subway to travel around New York.

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How to get from JFK to Penn Station by taxi

Taxi fare from JFK Airport to Penn Station

Cost

€64

Trip Duration

45 MIN

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 from JFK Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from JFK to Penn Station by subway

How much is the subway from JFK Airport to Penn Station

Cost

€10

Trip Duration

60 MIN

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and MTA Subway run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the subway from?

Convenience

Timetables

JFK AirTrain

MTA E Subway Timetable

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from JFK to Penn Station by train

How much is the train from JFK Airport to Penn Station?

Cost

€14.70

Trip Duration

35 MIN

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and LIRR train run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Timetable

JFK AirTrain

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How to get from JFK to Penn Station?

Is there a connection by train from JFK to Penn Station?

Can I get a shuttle bus from JFK Airport to Penn Station?

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