Originally Posted by
dragond
No way is it $2.90 from JFK unless you exit out of Howard Beach JFK Station and walk to North Conduit Aqueduct Station to catch the A Train or take the JFK AirTrain to Lefferts Station and catching bus Q3 or Q10, both of which do not go to Manhattan. It will cost $11.40 total with the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station or Howard Beach with a $2.90 fare on NYMTA plus $8.50 to exit the JFK AirTrain system. Going to LIRR is $5 off-peak or $7 during peak hours to Jamaica from Penn Station and add the $8.50 access charge for using the JFK AirTrain from Jamaica.
The JFK AirTrain isn't as reliable when it is early morning/weekends and you are waiting more than 10 minutes to get on the correct train to get to the correct terminal due to maintenance or some breakdown and having to transfer at Federal Circle station.
Airtrain to Q10 to E subway line. Bus to subway transfer is free.
I am a New Yorker
With regards to Airtrain reliability, EWR goes out unannounced a lot, which is super frustrating if you are catching a flight. You are talking about wait times, which are scheduled, along with announced maintenance schedule, both of which you can plan ahead of time.