Have to pick someone up from JFK, whats the best way to do it?

okay so I have to pick a friend up from JFK airport, I am coming from Columbus Ohio. Once I get near I am not sure which is the best way to go about this. Should i jump on a train some where and just use that? or should i just drive to JFK and park. I have no idea how hard it is to park around that place. Is the train ticket prices worth the convenience?