Moving to OMNY. Photo: John F. Kennedy Airport New York's JFK International Airport has announced the end of MetroCard use and a full transition to the MTA's OMNY payment system.
The latter is a new payment method of the New York City Transit Authority (MTA), and it replaces the old MetroCard.
The system allows contactless payment via credit card, debit card, mobile phone, or a dedicated OMNY card, and is currently used on all subway and bus lines in the city, as well as on AirTrain JFK, which connects the terminals to the city's public transportation network.
The move to OMNY is intended to simplify public transportation use, reduce the need for reloadable tickets, and enable faster, more convenient entry and exit for passengers, including tourists and airport passengers.
MetroCards with a pre-loaded balance of at least $8.50 will continue to be accepted on AirTrain even after their sale ends, but passengers without a pre-loaded card will be required to use contactless payment or an OMNY card.
AirTrain JFK operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, connecting all passenger terminals with Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, where you can continue to the subway, LIRR, and city buses. A LIRR ride from Penn Station or Grand Central takes about 20 minutes to Jamaica Station, and from there another 10 to 15 minutes on the AirTrain to the terminal.
In light of the extensive upgrade work at the airport, totaling approximately $19 billion, the airport recommends that passengers arrive and depart the airport via public transportation. The AirTrain service within the airport complex itself is provided free of charge.
A single AirTrain ride costs $8.50, collected upon boarding or disembarking at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. Children under five travel free. OMNY cards can be purchased at vending machines at metro stations, Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, and at designated points of sale.