# Queens/Jamaica

Jamaica is an expansive neighborhood located in eastern Queens. Historically consisting of predominantly black communities, Jamaica now is home to an extremely diverse array of peoples and cultures.

## Get in
### By plane

Jamaica is the closest neighborhood to JFK Airport. To get to Jamaica from the airport, either take AirTrain JFK directly to Jamaica Station, a $7.75 fare, or as a cheaper alternative, an MTA Q10 bus from Terminal 5, which charges a regular $2.75 fare (note that this leaves you on the western edge of Jamaica; you can exit the bus at the Jamaica Av stop, right by the 121 St subway station, and take the J or Z train one stop to Sutphin Boulevard or two stops to Jamaica Center, a free transfer with MetroCard). The Q3 bus links JFK Terminal 5 with Hillside Avenue in northern Jamaica.

### By Long Island Rail Road

40.699819-73.8076971 Jamaica Station at 93-02 Sutphin Blvd is a major transportation hub for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and is one of the busiest train stations in the country. It is served by every LIRR line except for the Port Washington Branch.

### By subway

Jamaica is served by the E, F, J, and Z trains on the New York City Subway.

## See

* 40.703056-73.8038891 King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave, ☏ +1 718-206-0545. Tu-Sa Noon-4PM. The historic home of Rufus King, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The house exhibits the story of Jamaica Village in the early 1800s. (updated Dec 2024)
* 40.72194-73.795562 St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway. A Catholic private university.

## Do

* 40.708123-73.7841151 Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave. Hosts classes, activist and cultural programs, musical performances, and produces original plays. (updated Oct 2023)
* 40.687252-73.7697822 Black Spectrum Theatre, 177-01 Baisley Boulevard. Creates theatre and film that focuses on educating African American youth on racial issues, as well as highlights emerging Black artists. (updated Oct 2023)
* 40.703934-73.7981733 Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave. The heart of Jamaica's art culture, organizing workshops, classes, exhibits, and performances in the visual and performing arts. (updated Oct 2023)
* 40.7039-73.8047864 Rufus King Park. Take a walk and watch locals play soccer in the field. (updated Oct 2023)

## Buy

* Jamaica Avenue is the neighborhood's main thoroughfare, with a plethora of shops. The street is very pedestrian-friendly, and items are typically cheap.
* 40.706989-73.7899761 Bellitte Bicycles, 169-20 Jamaica Ave, ☏ +1-718-739-3795. M-Sa 10:00-18:00. The oldest continuously family owned bicycle store at the same location in the United States. (updated Oct 2023)

## Eat

* 40.703995-73.8090261 Beijing Dumpling House, 88-38 Sutphin Blvd, ☏ +1-718-297-2935. M–Sa 10AM–10PM, Su 3PM–10PM.

## Sleep
### Budget

* 40.665274-73.8075411 Comfort Inn & Suites JFK Airport, 132-15 150th Ave, ☏ +1 929-467-8081, toll-free: +1-800-424-6243.
* 40.6656-73.78422 Days Inn by Wyndham Jamaica / JFK Airport, 144-26 153rd Ct, ☏ +1-718-527-9025. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. $89-207. (updated Apr 2021)
* 40.7051-73.80113 Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd, ☏ +1-718-739-6600.

### Mid-range

* 40.6656-73.78474 Best Western JFK Airport, 144-25 153rd Ln, ☏ +1-718-977-2100, toll-free: +1-800-780-7234. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. $85-250. (updated Apr 2021)
* 40.6672-73.79425 Courtyard by Marriott New York JFK Airport, 145-11 N Conduit Ave, ☏ +1-718-848-2121. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. $140-301. (updated Apr 2021)
* 40.701186-73.8051376 Courtyard New York Queens/Jamaica, 148-18 Archer Ave, ☏ +1 917-791-5755.
* 40.6663-73.78017 Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York JFK Airport, 156-08 Rockaway Blvd, ☏ +1-718-977-3300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $169-272. (updated Apr 2021)
* 40.6675-73.7958 Hampton Inn NY-JFK, 144-10 135th Ave, ☏ +1-718-322-7500. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. $102-285. (updated Apr 2021)
* 40.6658-73.80639 Hilton Garden Inn Queens/JFK Airport, 148-18 134th St, ☏ +1-718-322-4448. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. $101-243. (updated Apr 2021)
* 40.6661-73.784610 Holiday Inn Express New York JFK Airport Area, 153-70 S Conduit Ave, ☏ +1-718-977-3100, guestservices@hiekennedy.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. $97-246. (updated Apr 2021)

## Stay safe

Jamaica is a traditionally working-class family neighborhood. Through the years there have been problems with crime, including violence and gang activity. The situation has greatly improved, the crime rate has followed a citywide trend downwards.
Normal precautions should be taken to avoid walking alone late at night.