Overview: Best NYC Hotels Right on the A Train From Howard Beach JFK AirTrain

The A train offers a second, often cheaper way to reach the city from JFK. Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach–JFK Airport, then board the A, which runs through Brooklyn and Manhattan. In Manhattan, the A stops at Fulton Street, Chambers Street, West 4th Street, 34th Street–Penn Station, 42nd Street–Port Authority, 59th Street–Columbus Circle and.

How the Trip Works

The AirTrain from your terminal to Howard Beach takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the A to Midtown takes roughly 45 to 55 minutes. Not every A train goes to the same place in Queens, so check the sign on the train: some go to Lefferts Boulevard and others to Far Rockaway, and you.

Best Columbus Circle Option: Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental at 80 Columbus Circle sits above the A, B, C, D and 1 station at Columbus Circle. It is a luxury hotel with park and skyline views, and rates usually start above $650. It suits travelers who want a quiet, high-end stay next to Central Park, and it is one of the.

Best Port Authority Option: Row NYC

Row NYC at 700 Eighth Avenue, at 47th Street, is a large hotel close to the A at 42nd Street–Port Authority, about a ten-minute walk, and the C and E at 50th Street. Rooms are modest, with prices usually in the $195 to $295 range on typical weeks. It suits first-time visitors and families who.

Best Near Penn Station: The New Yorker

The New Yorker Hotel at 481 Eighth Avenue, at 34th Street, sits beside the A at 34th Street–Penn Station. It is a historic hotel with compact rooms and a wide range of price points, often $195 to $295 outside peak weeks. It suits travelers who plan to use Amtrak or the LIRR and want to.

Best Downtown Manhattan Option: The Beekman

The Beekman at 123 Nassau Street, near City Hall, is a short walk from the A at Fulton Street. It is a grand, atrium-style hotel in a restored 1881 building, with rates often $320 to $480 or higher. It suits travelers who want a Financial District base near Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge and the.

Best Brooklyn Option: Ace Hotel Brooklyn

The Ace Hotel Brooklyn at 252 Schermerhorn Street, at Hoyt Street, is a short walk from the A at Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets. It has a stylish, social atmosphere, with mid-range pricing of about $320 to $480. It is a good choice for travelers who prefer Brooklyn and want an easy ride to Manhattan, which takes about.

Best Value in Brooklyn: NU Hotel

The NU Hotel Brooklyn at 85 Smith Street, between Atlantic Avenue and State Street, sits about ten minutes from the A and C at Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets. It is a smaller boutique hotel with rooms often between $195 and $295. It suits travelers who want a quiet neighborhood with many restaurants and don’t mind a short.

Rates and Booking Tips

Plan on $195 to $295 for budget stays, $320 to $480 for mid-range and $650 or more for luxury. Compare final prices after taxes and fees, and book a refundable rate first. The A runs all night, but late-night service can be slow, so avoid arriving after midnight with heavy luggage if you can. Midweek.

Tips for Using the A Train

The A is an express train in Manhattan, so it skips many local stops. That helps for long trips but means you must watch your stop. Some stations have elevators and some do not, so check accessibility before you go. The A can be crowded at rush hour, and large bags are harder to manage.

Questions Travelers Ask

Travelers often ask whether the A train is a good choice at night. It runs around the clock, but late trains come less often, so check the MTA app before you leave the terminal. They also.

Seasons and Timing

The A train is crowded at rush hour from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., so avoid those periods if you can. Summer brings heat on the platforms, and.

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not board an A train bound for Far Rockaway or Lefferts Boulevard when you need Manhattan. Do not forget to check weekend service changes on the MTA app.

Which One Should You Book?

The A train from Howard Beach works best for travelers who want a straight ride into Lower Manhattan, Midtown West or Brooklyn. Choose the Mandarin Oriental for luxury, Row NYC or The New Yorker for.

Common questions