Downtown Brooklyn has become a major destination in its own right, with a thriving hotel scene, cultural venues, and proximity to Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO. Getting there from JFK is straightforward via the AirTrain and subway. The journey is often faster and cheaper than reaching Manhattan.

About Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn is the civic and commercial center of Brooklyn, New York City's most populous borough. The neighborhood has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, with new skyscrapers, hotels, and cultural venues joining historic landmarks like Brooklyn Borough Hall and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). The Barclays Center, home to the Brooklyn Nets, anchors the Atlantic Avenue corridor.

The area is a gateway to some of Brooklyn's most popular neighborhoods. DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge waterfront are a short walk north, while Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden lie just to the south. Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill — all known for excellent dining — are within easy walking distance.

Nearby Landmarks

Brooklyn Bridge DUMBO Barclays Center Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Prospect Park

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $55-70 (metered)
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (AirTrain + A subway line)

Cost $3
Time 55-70 minutes
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Howard Beach station ($8.50)
2. Transfer to the A subway train toward Manhattan/Inwood
3. Ride to Jay Street-MetroTech or Hoyt-Schermerhorn stations (about 40 minutes)
4. Exit into Downtown Brooklyn
5. Total journey: approximately 55–65 minutes, costing $11.40
6. Alternative: AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR to Atlantic Terminal (~45 min, ~$15)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $55-70 (metered) 30-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train $3 55-70 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The AirTrain and A train run 24/7, making this one of the most accessible late-night routes from JFK. After midnight, A trains run approximately every 20 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are available around the clock — expect to pay $45–60 to Downtown Brooklyn. Late-night rideshare prices may surge on weekend nights.

Luggage Tips

The A train has limited space during busy periods. Stand near the end of the car where there is more room for bags. Alternatively, the LIRR to Atlantic Terminal puts you right in Downtown Brooklyn with more comfortable seating and luggage space (AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR to Atlantic Terminal).

Accessibility

The AirTrain is fully accessible. At Howard Beach station, there are elevators to the A train platform. In Downtown Brooklyn, the Jay Street-MetroTech station has elevator access. Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center is also accessible. Check MTA.info for real-time elevator status before traveling.