JFK Airport AirTrain Fare Cut to $4.25 for Summer Travelers
Starting June 30, JFK airport travelers will pay less to ride the AirTrain. The Port Authority will cut the one-way fare from $8.50 to $4.25 for all trips starting at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations. This discount applies to riders using OMNY or MetroCard and will last through Labor Day.
Officials expect JFK to handle 18.3 million passengers this summer—300,000 more than last year. At the same time, crews are working on a $19 billion airport overhaul. To manage the extra traffic and ongoing construction, the Port Authority chose to lower the AirTrain fare and push more people toward public transit.
“Beginning June 30 through Labor Day, AirTrain JFK fares will be reduced by half as an incentive to use public transit for reliable airport access and to reduce traffic at the terminal frontages,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority.
To further ease congestion, the agency set up a free drop-off and pickup area at Lefferts Boulevard. From there, travelers can ride AirTrain to the terminals in just eight minutes. Parking at the terminals remains limited, and officials continue to recommend booking ahead. In addition, ride-share services now follow new rules. At Terminal 4, drivers must pick up passengers at Lot 66. Shuttle buses leave from that lot every couple of minutes to reach the terminal.
- One-way AirTrain fare drops from $8.50 to $4.25
- Discount applies from June 30 through Labor Day
- Use OMNY or MetroCard at Jamaica or Howard Beach to qualify
- Expect limited terminal parking and ongoing construction
- Free drop-off/pickup lot at Lefferts Blvd with 8-minute AirTrain access
- Ride-share pickups for Terminal 4 moved to Lot 66
Driving to JFK Not Advised
“The discounted AirTrain fare is one of a multitude of steps we’re taking to move passengers to and from JFK as quickly and reliably as possible… Yes, there will be some temporary inconvenience,” said Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority. Jessica Forse, part of the team leading the airport renovation, advised travelers to plan accordingly. “If you can avoid it, don’t drive to JFK this summer. Leverage and take public transportation.”
As summer travel ramps up, officials urge everyone flying through JFK to expect delays, allow more time, and choose transit when possible.
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