There is no subway station inside JFK Airport. Every subway trip to Wall Street starts with the AirTrain, which runs from the terminals to one of two stations with subway connections: Jamaica or Howard Beach. From there, three lines reach the Financial District: the E, the J/Z and the A.
Key Takeaways
- Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station for the E, J and Z, or to Howard Beach for the A.
- The J (and the Z at rush hour) runs straight to Broad Street, at Broad and Wall Streets.
- The E ends at World Trade Center in the Financial District. The A stops at Fulton Street in Lower Manhattan.
- The fare is $11.75 for most riders: $3 for the subway plus $8.75 for the AirTrain.
Swift Transit from JFK to the Financial District
The MTA's own advice is to take the subway and AirTrain if you're heading anywhere outside Midtown Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn, or if you want to save on fares. The Financial District fits both cases.
- Ride the AirTrain from your terminal. AirTrain rides between terminals are free. You pay only when you leave or enter at Jamaica or Howard Beach.
- Pick your station. Jamaica Station connects to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport, served by the E and J at all times and the Z during rush hours in the peak direction. Howard Beach-JFK Airport connects to the A.
- Ride into Lower Manhattan on the line that fits your destination.
The Express Route: E Train from Jamaica Station
At Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport, board an E toward World Trade Center. The E ends at the Chambers Street-World Trade Center complex on Church Street in the Financial District. From there you can walk to Wall Street or change trains.
The E is a good choice if your hotel or office is near the World Trade Center or Tribeca. It is also useful if you want a one-seat ride and don't mind the walk at the end.
Alternative Track: J/Z Trains to Broad Street
The J and Z run from the same station toward Broad Street, their southern terminus. Broad Street station sits at the intersection of Broad and Wall Streets, so it is the most direct subway stop for Wall Street itself.
- J: stops at Broad Street at all times.
- Z: stops at Broad Street during rush hours in the peak direction.
The J/Z takes you from Jamaica, Queens, to Lower Manhattan without a transfer. Check the train's sign before you board to make sure it is headed toward Broad Street.
The A Train from Howard Beach
The A is the third option. Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach-JFK Airport and board an A train. The MTA's guide covers the direction you'll need when you head to the airport: board a Far Rockaway-bound A, because Lefferts Boulevard-bound trains don't connect to the airport. Heading into Manhattan from Howard Beach, take a Manhattan-bound A. It stops at the Fulton Street complex in Lower Manhattan, where you can walk to Wall Street or change to the J.
Navigating Transfers: Subway Switches
The main transfer point between the AirTrain and the subway is Jamaica. After the AirTrain, follow signs for the subway to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport. The MTA notes you leave the AirTrain's fare zone and go through turnstiles into the subway, with elevators, an escalator and stairs between levels.
In Lower Manhattan, the Fulton Street complex is the place to change lines. It links four stations and is served by the 2, 4, A and J trains at all times, so you can switch from the J or A to a Lexington or Seventh Avenue train there.
Cost-Effective Commuting: Fares and MetroCard Info
- Subway and AirTrain: $11.75 for most riders, a $3 subway fare plus the $8.75 AirTrain fare.
- Unlimited passes do not work on the AirTrain. Children under 5 ride the AirTrain free.
- How to pay: tap a contactless credit or debit card, a phone, a wearable or an OMNY card at the turnstile. With tap-and-ride, subway and local bus fares are capped at $35 in a 7-day period if you use the same card or device.
- MetroCard: the MTA ended MetroCard sales on December 31, 2025. Cards were still accepted into 2026, but OMNY is now the main way to pay.
For comparison, the Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica to Penn Station, Grand Central or Atlantic Terminal plus the AirTrain costs $14 or $16 one way. It is faster into Midtown or Downtown Brooklyn, but it does not go to Wall Street.
Accessibility and Convenience: Services and Amenities
The MTA lists the Jamaica route (E, J or Z plus the AirTrain) as an accessible trip. Elevators do go out of service, so check the MTA's elevator and escalator status page before you travel if you rely on them. For help between your gate and the AirTrain, ask your airline to arrange wheelchair assistance before your flight.
Insider Tips: Avoiding Delays and Rush Hours
- Check service changes before you leave the terminal. Weekend and overnight work can change how lines run.
- Allow extra time overnight. The MTA notes that some lines run local late at night.
- Mind the Z. It runs only during rush hours in the peak direction. Outside those hours, take the J.
- Travel light. Subway stairs and crowded rush-hour cars are hard with large bags.
A Faster Way Between Wall Street and JFK
If time matters more than fare, BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. BLADE's Manhattan lounges include BLADE Downtown at the Wall St. Heliport. Check the BLADE app for departures from the lounge nearest you. After landing at JFK, a BLADE vehicle takes passengers to their departure terminal.
Bottom Line: Fastest subway lines from JFK to Wall Street.
For Wall Street itself, take the AirTrain to Jamaica and ride the J (or the Z at rush hour) to Broad Street. For the World Trade Center area, take the E from the same station. If you land closer to Howard Beach on the AirTrain, the A to Fulton Street works too. Budget $11.75 and pay by tapping your card or phone.
FAQs Getting from JFK to Wall Street by Subway
Which metro lines run from JFK to Manhattan?
None run from inside the airport. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station for the E, J and Z subway lines or the Long Island Rail Road, or to Howard Beach for the A. A single subway ride costs $3.00, plus $8.75 for the AirTrain.
Which subway stop is closest to Wall Street?
Broad Street, at Broad and Wall Streets, served by the J at all times and the Z during rush hours in the peak direction.
Does the subway run from JFK to Times Square?
Not directly. The MTA suggests the Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central if you're heading to Midtown, then a short local connection.
How can I navigate subway transfers smoothly?
Follow the signs from the AirTrain at Jamaica to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport. In Lower Manhattan, change lines at the Fulton Street complex, which connects the 2, 4, A and J.
Is the trip accessible?
The MTA lists the E, J or Z plus AirTrain route as accessible. Check elevator and escalator status before you go.