Getting from JFK into New York

[Ethros]

So I'm going to New York in just over three weeks. I'm landing at JFK airport and staying in a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
I've been to New York once before, but I was staying with family in New Jersey and I got the train in and out from Penn Station.

So basically I was just wondering what's the best/easiest way to get from JFK to the city? Taxi? Train? Bus?

Granting that I've never been to JFK before and have no idea what to expect or where to go, is it a fairly easy thing to do?

Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

If you've never done this before, your best bet would probably be to take a cab (if you can afford it). That's the easiest thing to do.

Although, if you're up for it, you could try AirTrain. You can get from JFK to the NYC subway (or to the LIRR). Have you ever taken the subway? It's not that hard. Just get a MetroCard and a map.

 

[Ethros]

I used the Subway a bit when I was there, but a taxi does sound easier. I'm not rich but money isn't an overly big problem. How much would it roughly be?
And are they easy to hail, wondering if there'd just be some waiting outside?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I used the Subway a bit when I was there, but a taxi does sound easier. I'm not rich but money isn't an overly big problem. How much would it roughly be?
And are they easy to hail, wondering if there'd just be some waiting outside?

At most airports there is usually a line of taxis waiting outside to pick up passengers (there should be a designated stop to wait for one). Also you may be able to get help hailing one from airport staff as well.

 

[StolenThunder]

AirTrain & Subway is cheap and easy.

 

[thestrangequark]

There will be a uniformed official right outside the baggage claim who will direct you to a taxi (there may be a long line). Don't take an offered ride from anyone else as they may not be licensed or may overcharge you. There is a flat rate to anywhere in Manhattan from JFK -- it used to be $45, and I think it still is.

 

[clint g]

A taxi from JFK into Manhattan will probably set you back about 45 to 55 bucks. I believe its done by zones, with Manhattan being the most expensive one. You can also take the air tram which I BELIEVE takes you to Penn Station

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

A taxi from JFK into Manhattan will probably set you back about 45 to 55 bucks. I believe its done by zones, with Manhattan being the most expensive one. You can also take the air tram which I BELIEVE takes you to Penn Station

The AirTrain won't take you all the way to Penn, but it will get you to the Howard Beach-JFK subway station. From there you can take the A to Penn.

Or, if you prefer the LIRR, Jamaica Station; you can then reach Penn by that method as well.

 

[thestrangequark]

A taxi from JFK into Manhattan will probably set you back about 45 to 55 bucks. I believe its done by zones, with Manhattan being the most expensive one. You can also take the air tram which I BELIEVE takes you to Penn Station

Like I said, it's a flat fare from JFK to Manhattan (used to be $45 but that may have changed), everywhere else is pay by the meter. It costs anywhere from $30-55 for me to get home to Brooklyn from JFK.
Personally, I just don't find the Air Train worth it. It's $7, then $2.50 for a Metrocard. Sure, I'm paying $25 more, but after a long flight the last thing I want to do is haul my luggage up and down stairs, through long transfers.

 

[Professor Zoom]

A taxi from JFK into Manhattan will probably set you back about 45 to 55 bucks. I believe its done by zones, with Manhattan being the most expensive one. You can also take the air tram which I BELIEVE takes you to Penn Station

It doesn't. If it's what I'm thinking of. It takes you to a Subway station in Brooklyn.

I live in New York, when I fly into New York, JFK or LaGuardia, I always cab it home. It's quicker and easier. Yep, it's a little more expensive, but, after a long flight the last thing I want to do is drag luggage through the subway system.

 

[Ethros]

Cheers guys. $45, that's about just under £30. Oh well, I'll treat myself. Plus it'll be getting there and going back and the end, so it'll be fine.
And as others say, after a long haul flight the idea of getting a train, then a subway, then walking doesn't sound overly thrilling.

How long does the drive in usually take out of interest?

 

[thestrangequark]

^To midtown? It depends on the time of day. In bad traffic it could take over an hour.

 

[Holdfast]

It's been a good few years since I visited NYC, but IIRC, a pre-booked limo isn't much more expensive than the taxi, and it's a suitably fun way to get into Manhattan.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

^ This.

My aunt hired a limo to come get me once (I always stay with them when I go out east). And I mean a full out limo. I sat in the back seat surrounded by a huge frickin' BAR. I didn't take a drink though.