AirTrain

AirTrain JFK: Operating 24 hours a day, it’s the easiest way to get to, from, and around JFK airport. Three AirTrain routes stop at ALL passenger terminals and terminal parking lots. AirTrain routes are: All Terminals: Runs in a continuous loop in reverse order from Terminal 8 to Terminal 1, and back to Terminal 8. 10 minutes to make entire loop or 2 minutes between each station.

Howard Beach: Originates and ends at Howard Beach Station with stops at Lefferts Boulevard and Federal Circle before and after looping around all passenger terminals. Connect to AirTrain JFK from the "A" subway line.

Jamaica Station:: Originates and ends at Jamaica Station with a stop at Federal Circle before and after looping around all passenger terminals. Connect to AirTrain JFK from the "E" and "J" subway lines.

Cost: Use a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard and pay $5 per ride. Buy the Unlimited Ride MetroCard for AirTrain for $40, and pay less than $1 per ride. Children under 5 ride free.

AirTrain Newark: AirTrain Newark operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On the airport, AirTrain arrives and departs every three minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight, and approximately every 15 minutes between midnight and 5 a.m. On Sundays, the train arrives and departs approximately every 15 minutes from midnight to 7 a.m. during which time a shuttle operation is in effect that may require a transfer of trains. Getting to your terminal will take as little as 7-11 minutes depending on which one you’re flying out of: Terminal C – 7 minutes Terminal B – 9 minutes Terminal A – 11 minutes

Cost:: When you buy a NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak ticket to or from Newark Liberty International Airport Station, that one ticket includes the AirTrain Newark portion--$5.50. Children under age 5 ride for free.

How long does it really take? Is it worth it? For those who know how to move fast at the airport, rejoice. NYC.com has time-tested the quickest route to Penn Station from JFK via public transportation, and it clocks in at 50 minutes from the gate at JFK's stunning JetBlue Terminal 5 to Penn Station. Total cost on the weekend with a Long Island Rail Road City Ticket: $8.25. The only way to get to Penn Station faster is by taxi—though likely only between midnight and 6 am due to traffic—at a cost of at least $50 additional. However, expect an average trip to take 75 to 90 minutes, especially if you take the subway instead of Long Island Rail Road. We once made it from the gate at Newark Terminal C to Penn Station via Amtrak in just about an hour; however, expect an average trip to take 90 minutes. Read more road warrior travel tips in NYC.com's New York on a Budget guide.