The JFK AirTrain may not have the greatest of reputation with frequent fliers, but on most days, it is by far the easiest and best way to get to JFK. Starting this past weekend and for the next six weeks, however, the AirTrain will undergo a series of partial and complete closures to complete a system-wide overhaul.

The partial closures will shut down AirTrain service between Federal Circle and the Central Terminal Area, but service from Jamaica Station and Howard Beach will continue. From Federal Circle, buses will be provided to individual terminals. While not ideal, passengers will still be able to avoid the Van Wyck.

Other periods of time, however, will see a complete closure of the entire JFK AirTrain system. During these times, buses will take passengers from the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations to Federal Circle for transfer to buses to individual terminals. These buses will be at the mercy of local traffic, so if the Van Wyck is backed up, the trip may take quite a bit longer than usual. Compounding the delays, the JFK Expressway will be closed again next week as steel is erected for a replacement bridge above the roadway. During times of partial or full closure, the replacement buses will be free of charge.

The closure schedule is as follows, but it may change due to weather conditions. Check here for the latest info.