AirTrain and LIRR to Penn StationorAirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central?

The short answer

These do not go to the same place, so price is not the comparison. The AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station reaches Midtown Manhattan at Penn Station; the AirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central does not. Grand Central, on the east side of Midtown, not Penn Station: the one to take if you are staying near Grand Central or on the East Side.

Both are listed at 30 min.

AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station: hours not recorded. AirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central: 05:10–01:13.

Priced against each other

Whole-party totals · adult fares

What each costs for the whole party, in USD. The cheaper of the two is marked on every row.
Travelers	AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station	AirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central	Difference
1	US$14	US$14	same
2	US$28	US$28	same
3	US$42	US$42	same
4	US$56	US$56	same
5	US$70	US$70	same
6	US$84	US$84	same
7	US$98	US$98	same
8	US$112	US$112	same

Side by side

Where each one leaves you

AirTrainLIRR · Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (AirTrain); Long Island Rail Road (MTA)AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station

From: The AirTrain station at your terminal, trains to Jamaica
To: Penn Station, Seventh and Eighth Avenues at 31st to 33rd Streets, in Midtown
Journey: 30 min

At Jamaica, take a westbound train to Penn Station: some go to Grand Central Madison or Atlantic Terminal instead.

Buy the train ticket before you board: bought from the conductor it costs $7.75 to $8.50 more.

AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station: price for every party size

See the MTA's JFK guide

AirTrainLIRR · Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (AirTrain); Long Island Rail Road (MTA)AirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central

From: The AirTrain station at your terminal, trains to Jamaica
To: Grand Central Madison, beneath Grand Central Terminal on East 42nd Street
Runs: 05:10–01:13
Journey: 30 min

Fewer trains run to Grand Central than to Penn Station: check the board at Jamaica.

AirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central: price for every party size

See the MTA's JFK guide

This compares two of 6 options. See all of them ranked for your party size

AirTrain and LIRR to Penn StationorAirTrain and LIRR to Grand Central?

Priced against each other

Side by side

The other comparisons at John F. Kennedy International Airport