How to get from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building by light rail, subway and train?

From New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building by light rail, subway and train

To get from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building in Manhattan, you’ll need to take one light rail line, one train line and one subway line: take the AIRTRAIN light rail from Terminal 4 station to Jamaica station. Next, you’ll have to switch to the FAR ROCKAWAY BRANCH train and finally take the W subway from 34 St-Herald Sq station to 23 St station. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 51 min. The light rail, subway and train schedule from New York JFK Airport JFK may change. We recommend you check the updated light rail, subway and train schedule to Empire State Building on the Moovit app.

51min
Walk to light rail station
Light Rail - AIRTRAINAIRTRAIN
Train - FAR ROCKAWAY BRANCH
Subway - W
Walk to Empire State Building
Leaves from Terminal 4

Step by Step

  • 1
    Walk to light rail station
    Walk to light rail station
    Terminal 4
    ID 160559
    240 yd • 3 min
  • 2
    Light Rail - AIRTRAINAIRTRAIN
    Wait for light rail
    AIRTRAIN
    Jamaica Station
  • 3
    Ride to light rail station
    Ride to light rail station
    Jamaica
    12 min
  • 4
    Train - FAR ROCKAWAY BRANCH
    Wait for train
    FAR ROCKAWAY BRANCH
    Penn Station
  • 5
    Ride to train station
    Ride to train station
    34 St-Penn Station
    18 min
  • 6
    Walk to subway station
    Walk to subway station
    34 St-Herald Sq
    230 yd • 3 min
  • 7
    Subway - W
    Wait for subway
    W
    Whitehall St-South Ferry
  • 8
    Ride to subway station
    Ride to subway station
    23 St
    3 min
  • 9
    Walk to Empire State Building
    Walk to
    Empire State Building
    10 yd • 1 min
*Duration based on 8am traffic
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Public transit directions from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building

The distance between New York JFK Airport JFK, Manhattan and Empire State Building, Manhattan is approximately 17.69 mi, which can typically be travelled in 51 min. Moovit will show you the directions from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building by light rail, subway and train, so no matter how you choose to travel in Manhattan – you will always have plenty of easy options.

Light Rail, Subway And Train schedule from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building

To check the light rail, subway and train schedule from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building using the Moovit app, first download and open the app on your smartphone. Enter your starting point (New York JFK Airport JFK) and destination (Empire State Building), then select the desired date and time of travel. Moovit will show all available light rail, subway and train routes, estimated travel times, and any required transfers. You can view detailed departure and arrival times for each light rail, subway and train, as well as real-time updates for delays or changes. Use this information to plan your trip and stay up to date with the latest light rail, subway and train schedules.

Related Routes

Questions & Answers

  • What is the fastest way to get from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building?

    The fastest way takes 51 minutes, using Light Rail line AIRTRAIN, Train line FAR ROCKAWAY BRANCH, Subway line W.

  • Is there a direct light rail between New York JFK Airport JFK and Empire State Building?

    No, you’ll have to take one light rail line, one train line and one subway line in total. The total travelling time is 51 min.

  • Which light rail line goes from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building?

    The AIRTRAIN light rail line goes from Terminal 4 station near New York JFK Airport JFK in Queens to Jamaica station. From there you’ll have to take one train line and one subway line till Jamaica station near Empire State Building in Manhattan.

  • How long does it take to travel from New York JFK Airport JFK to Empire State Building by light rail, train and subway?

    The total travel time between New York JFK Airport JFK in Queens and Empire State Building in Manhattan by light rail, train and subway is about 51 min.

  • Where do I get on the light rail near New York JFK Airport JFK to get to Empire State Building?

    Get on the AIRTRAIN light rail from the Terminal 4 station near New York JFK Airport JFK in Queens.

  • Where do I get off the light rail when travelling between New York JFK Airport JFK and Empire State Building?

    Get off the light rail at the Jamaica station, which is closest to Empire State Building in Manhattan.

Popular Routes