Originally Posted by Phil2016

You may need a car for other reasons than just transportation to JFK, but if not...it would be much less expensive (and easier) to take Amtrak to NY-Penn Station, then take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Jamaica Station where you can then take the JFK AirTrain.

3-1/2 hours + 20 minutes + 10 minutes = 4 hour trip and a cost of <$85 (plus no tolls, gas fill-up, or headaches).