Is there a train from John F. Kennedy to Harlem?

Answer 1

Yes, you can take the A train to Harlem. Actually, the A train will take you to Morningside Heights, which is the neighborhood west of Harlem, but it's only one block east from there to Harlem.

First, you take the shuttle, called the AirTrain, from inside the JFK terminals to the Howard Beach Station of the A train (of the A-C-E, the blue line). Then take the Manhattan-bound A train to 125th Street. The station is at 125th Street and Amsterdam, and from there it's just one avenue block east to the western end of Harlem: Amsterdam Avenue ---> Morningside Avenue ---> St. Nicolas Avenue. Morningside Avenue forms the western border of Harlem.

You could also take the A train to 34th Street-Penn Station, then transfer to the Uptown 2 or 3 trains (of the 1-2-3, the red line) to 125th Street, at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue becomes Malcolm X Boulevard at 125th Street).

The 125th Street stop on the 2 and 3 is several avenue blocks east of the 125th Street stop on the A. It drops you off in the middle of Harlem.

Answer 2

Yes, you can take the Downtown A express train (of the A-C-E, the blue line) from 125th Street (at St. Nicholas Avenue) to Howard Beach in Queens.

Transfer at Howard Beach to the AirTrain shuttle (for $5), which will take you to the JFK terminals.