Instead of walking on the sidewalk under the tracks, I would recommend :
1. Exit the AAirtrain, pass through exit turnstiles
2. Continue on same level through double doors - this will lead you to an
overhead walkway which is above the LIRR tracks.
3. At the end of the overhead walkway, there is an elevator which brings you down to the subway level turnstiles. Use your MTA card to enter the subway and go from there.
No need to be exposed to the immediate area around the station.
Originally Posted by CApreppie
Exit and take the elevator/escalators out to the street level entrance. Take a left exiting the doors and you will walk along a sidewalk going under the LIRR tracks. The next corner is the entrance to the Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave. station. Make sure you have your MTA card and go through the turnstiles and make sure you are headed toward World Trade Center/Manhattan and on that platform.