JFK AirTrain (Ad Meskens/ Wikimedia Commons)
Nov. 3, 2019 By Allie Griffin
The fare for the JFK AirTrain has been hiked for the first time in its history with single ride tickets now costing $7.75.
The AirTrain, which first opened to riders in December 2003, had been $5 since its inception until the price was raised Nov. 1.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the JFK AirTrain, proposed increasing the fare in June to raise revenue for the Port Authority’s $37 billion, 10-year capital plan. The authority’s Board of Commissioners approved the 55 percent increase at the end of September.
⚠ Effective November 1, 2019: AirTrain base fare is $7.75 per ride.
There’s no increase to 10-trip and 30-day unlimited AirTrain #JFK MetroCards. The new fare also doesn’t affect customers using 10-trip and 30-day trip cards purchased before November 1. https://t.co/ekpvikXvke pic.twitter.com/m2iYP9jmwA
— Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) November 1, 2019
While the price of single rides will cost riders more, there is no increase for the 10-trip ticket which remains at $25 and is valid for 30 days following its first use. The 30-day Unlimited Airtrain JFK MetroCard also remains at $40.
The JFK AirTrain has two routes. One goes express from Jamaica to JFK, while the other goes directly from Howard Beach to JFK.
AirTrain tickets are available from MetroCard vending machines at the Jamaica and Howard Beach AirTrain stations.
In 2018, 8,221,145 passengers paid to use the AirTrain to JFK, according to Port Authority data. It is not known what impact the price hike will have on ridership.
Despite the price increase, the AirTrain remains the cheapest option for getting to JFK from either station.
On Nov. 1, an Uber would have cost around $19 from the Jamaica AirTrain station to JFK Airport, while a Lyft would cost around $17.
Likewise, a trip from the Howard Beach AirTrain station would cost around $16 via Uber and around $18 via Lyft. However, the prices for each differ day-to-day depending on the traffic and demand at the time.
AirTrain Map
3 Comments
That’s some seriously garbage urban planning… such an extensive subway network and neither airports are connected by it. It’s so nice flying into Chicago and just taking the subway into the city.
The Wright Brothers first flew in 1903.
The New York subway opened in 1904.
You’re right, they really should have planned the subway better around the airports…
So Lyft and Uber are basically the same or cheaper if you have two or more people.