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by bogomipz 3557 days ago
In order to take the train to the airport you need to take the E train to Jamaica station. From there you will need to exit the underground an go upstairs and buy an $8 dollar ticket on AirTran. This is a separate purchase and a separate train line. Your monthly card will not cover this "special train."

I wasn't referring to airport-related taxes, I was referring to the taxi surcharge to take a taxi to the airport during rush hours. Of course airport related taxes are disproportionately paid by visitors. Its one of the most visited places in the world. Why is that relevant?
2 comments
vkou 3557 days ago
AirTrain is also responsible for getting you around the terminals. You can't expect the subway to have a stop at each terminal. $8 is steep, but it is essentially an airport fee.

Who pays airport-related taxes is relevant to this conversation - you were talking about residents getting tax-gouged when they had to go to the airport.

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bogomipz 3557 days ago
My comment was that there is "no single" train that takes you to the airport. Which is 100% accurate as it is two completely separate trains and two distinct payments and tickets with zero integration. The downvote is for what? Being correct?

And while you can take two trains to get JFK you can take no trains to LaGuardia. So yes a rush hour surcharge to take a taxi to the airport is insulting.

You don't need a separate rail system to take you around Kennedy airport like you do Dallas Fort Worth or Heathrow as its far more compact. A stop within the airport and people movers would have been sufficient. And this proposal of extending into the aiport was on the table at one point within the Port Authority.

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Symbiote 3557 days ago
London Heathrow uses public railway for going between terminals, though there are also buses.

The metro has three stations at the airport, and the national railway network also has three. Using either system within the airport is free.

There are shuttle trains to travel within terminal 5. I guess that shows how huge the airport is.

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evanelias 3556 days ago
AirTrain fare is $5, not $8. If you're referring to the $7.75 amount listed on their web site, that's including $2.75 subway fare since it assumes you're coming from midtown.

If you use a pay-per-ride metrocard, this can be used for AirTrain. It's only the monthly unlimited that does not.

The E train isn't the only option; the A train connects to AirTrain, as does the J/Z. But personally I take the LIRR -- it's more expensive but much faster and more pleasant. At rush hour it's typically faster than a cab, and more reliable / less variance in travel time.

Yes, you're technically correct that there's no one-seat ride to your terminal. But this is the case in some other cities as well.

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