How do you navigate train stations in ny?

Question

im trying to go from dover plains train station to JFK airport and i dont understand the changes from train to train...

Answer 1

you need to go to penn station...take the long island railroad to jamaica station..where you can connect to the train to the plane ( the airport train) to JFK airport.

Answer 2

From where you're starting, Penn Station won't work well.

The Dover Plains station is Metro North, it's not a Subway. First check the schedule (link included below), because this train runs infrequently. You go down to the station and find the ticket booth, and pay for a one way ticket to New York. The cost is $22 for peak. There is a discount for off peak, and a discount if you're over 65. If this is too complicated, just get on the train. The conductor will charge you an extra $1 or so and sell you a ticket on the train. All Metro North facilities have ramp and elevator access if you need it. Just make sure you're on the train before the departure time.

All Metro North Trains end up in Grand Central Station (42nd St and Park Ave). The subway also stops at Grand Central, you have to walk downstairs to find it (You are looking for the number 6 train uptown). If you need ramp or elevator access, you'll have to ask, it's there, but I don't know where exactly. There is an information kiosk right in the center of the station where you can get information.

In the subway station, there is a ticket booth which is manned, and there are automated fare machines. You will be buying a Metrocard, which is sort of a credit card, which is good for a predefined amount of money. Ask for a $7 card, because you will ned a $2 subway fare and the $5 JFKtrain fare.  They will give you a Metrocard which is preprogrammed for that amount. Slide it through the reader on the turnstile to get into the subway. If you need handicapped access, you will need to ask at the booth. Hang onto your Metrocard, you will need it for the JFKtrain later. You want to take the 6 train uptown, just follow the signs. It's down one level. Take it to 51st Street. At 51st street, get off the train and follow the signs for the uptown E train. Do not walk through the turnstiles, or you will need to pay another fare. Take the E train to  Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport (that's one station, three names). Follow the signs to the JFK Airtrain. The cost for the JFK Airtrain is $5, and you will use your Metrocard to pay it.

All of this will take a lot of time. Dover Plains is a good  two hour train ride, more if it's off-peak. The two subway trains will take another hour, and the JFKTrain will be about 20 minutes. It also isn't the most comfortable ride, especially if you are new to subways, and especially if you have to ride during normal commuting times. If you can manage the cost, a limo might be a better choice. Another alternative would be to take Metro North to Grand Central, but take an express bus from there to JFK. The express busses stop across the street from the terminal.The ride in faster, safer and more comfortable. It costs $15. I'll include a link.