How far is it from JFK airport to Penn Station in NYC?

I have actually done this exact trip. Take the Airtran from JFK to Jamaica (should be a couple bucks, easy, there should be signs marking). Then take an LIRR train into Penn. They should be heading straight to the NJ Transit and the signs are easily readable in Penn. A taxi is not a good option because you can not just "reserve" a taxi, only an escort service which is about 2 times the price usually. It is first come first serve with taxis, and getting a taxi TO penn is a nightmare. LIRR is easy, I live on Long Island and thats basically the only way to travel. Also, if they miss their train, there is always one an hour later to Trenton (connect to Septa). Also, there is a bus that runs for 15 dollars (maybe 20 now) one way to Philadelphia outside of Penn station. Not always the quickest, but they run until midnight incase you miss your last train. They run to 30th street station.

My friend, JFK is 18 miles (29km) from Penn Station, and you can forget about taking the taxi there, one it will be a headache and two, it's expensive. When you're sister and her friend land at JFK, have them take the JFK Airtrain from the airport terminal to Jamaica Station. Make sure the hear the annoucement "Jamaica Station" while waiting for the train. Next, when they arrive at Jamaica Station, and after they pay they $5 fare to exit the Airtrain, have them take the Long Island Railroad from Jamaica to Penn Station. A rail ticket on the LIRR is $7.25 one way peak/$5.25 off peak. There are ticket machines near the platforms, so they can purchase their rail tickets there. Remeber, buy you ticket before borading. Next, when they arrive at Penn Station, they have two options, NJ Transit or Amtrak. Now, Amtrak goes directly to Philly, but its expensive. My advice take NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line from Penn Station to Trenton. The trip may take longer, but the fare is cheaper, $12.50 one way. Once they reach Trenton, they can change to a SEPTA Regional train to 30th Street station. The one way fare is $8 Now, one thing with LIRR, NJ Transit and SEPTA Regional. If by any chance they miss their train, they can always get another. Commuter rail in New York and Philly is different from Amtrak, where a passenger has to be at the station at a certain time to catch the train they book. Again, if they miss a commuter train, there is always another one they can catch. Also, for commuter rails, remember to buy your ticket before boarding the train. Otherwise you'll be paying more on board. I hope this information is very helpful. Good luck and happy travels. Native New Yorker

A less expensive way to get from JFK to Penn Station is too take the airtrain from JFK to Jamaca Station and then either the subway or the LIRR from there to Penn Station. Because of traffic, the taxi may actually take longer.

Take the Subway cheap and easy , taxi is about $45.00 or more most Taxi (Yellow ) are Flat rates from JFK to major locations .

Hi, try a shared ride on one of the shuttles. More economical http://www.airlinknyc.com/