Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Help! Time Crunch getting from JFK to Manhattan

Search

Help! Time Crunch getting from JFK to Manhattan

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 27th, 2017, 12:41 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Help! Time Crunch getting from JFK to Manhattan

I see lots of helpful information regarding transportation into Manhattan. Our problem is we have 3 hours to get from JFK to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Sunday, Oct 1st. Due to traffic, I've seen that maybe the AirTrain, then E subway would be the most reliable way to get there We've never been to New York, and have very seldom used a subway, so wonder is this is really the best way for us to go. I see you can do the AirTrain & LIRR, which may be faster, but would then still need to transfer to the subway. We're not opposed to car service or taxi, but have seen posts about them gettting stuck in traffic, am wondering if traffic on a Sunday would be that bad? Any help with my dilema is appreciated.
crennaker is offline  
Old Sep 27th, 2017, 01:07 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What time on Sunday??? It could make a difference.

Will you be arriving on a domestic flight or will you be arriving on an international flight and have to clear Immigration and Customs? If international arrival are you a a US citizen or foreign national?

In general, if you actually have a full three hours from the time you exit the terminal until you have to be at your destination then 3 hours should be more than plenty of time to make the trip.

I'm not a fan of taking the train si I'll let other comment on that mode of transportation. I've always use a car service, taxi or rental car and have never taken more than 90 minutes getting from JFK to mid-town Manhattan (average elapse time is usually around an hour).
RoamsAround is offline  
Old Sep 27th, 2017, 01:09 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is a domestic flight. I think we might feel more comfortable with a car service or taxi, if we can make it in that time.
Thanks
crennaker is offline  
Old Sep 27th, 2017, 04:02 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you take the E Train to Times Square-42nd St, it is less than a 10 minute walk to the theater?

Do you have luggage?
IMDonehere is offline  
Old Sep 27th, 2017, 04:57 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, but we'll each just have a carry-on size. We do plan on going to our hotel, the Courtyard by Marriot Manhattan/Central Park on Broadway first, just to drop off our luggage. It is only .5 miles from the theatre. I think the E train to 7th Ave.?
crennaker is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2017, 05:08 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Assuming your flight lands on time, you should not have an issue in getting to the hotel and then the theater by the time of your show, but you should be aware that traffic into Manhattan can be busy on a Sunday morning (but is worse in the afternoon). I'm assuming you're going to a matinee, so this means you're landing about 11 or 11:30.

Expect to take at least 15 or 20 minutes from plane to curb. Then an hour to the hotel at a cost of about $65 or $70 depending on the car service (including the tip). Taking the E train would be longer; taking the LIRR and then a taxi would likely be shorter, but the real advantage is the savings and the certainty of the schedule (you know how long a train will take, and it doesn't get stuck in traffic). A car service is definitely easier.

You can


The E train to 7th Avenue is actually 1 block from your hotel, so you may be better off walking. It would take about 10 or 15 minutes (and that only because of the number of pedestrians in the area).
doug_stallings is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2017, 05:21 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Assuming your flight lands on time, you should not have an issue in getting to the hotel and then the theater by the time of your show, but you should be aware that traffic into Manhattan can be busy on a Sunday morning (but is worse in the afternoon). I'm assuming you're going to a matinee, so this means you're landing about 11 or 11:30.

Expect to take at least 15 or 20 minutes from plane to curb. Then an hour to the hotel at a cost of about $65 or $70 depending on the car service (including the tip). Taking the E train would be longer; taking the LIRR and then a taxi would likely be shorter, but the real advantage is the savings and the certainty of the schedule (you know how long a train will take, and it doesn't get stuck in traffic). A car service is definitely easier.

You absolutely should reserve a car in advance. I use either Dial 7 or Carmel, but others use Uber or Lyft. If you reserve, when you arrive at JFK, you'll confirm by phone or in the service's app that you are ready to leave, and a car will be dispatched (this takes up to 15 minutes sometimes). You just walk out to the curb and meet the car service; if you have only carry-on luggage, confirm as you're walking through the airport to limit your wait time. On many days that will save you time. On other days the taxi line will be shorter. But you have to count on it taking you at least 30 minutes to get in a car after you land, and it can be a bit longer.

And as everyone has said, the time of day really matters. Traffic can double your travel time from JFK.

The theater is on 44th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue, about a 15-minute walk from your hotel. That's usually the best way to get there.
doug_stallings is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2017, 05:57 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The problem with the drive from JFK is the first highway from the airport called the Van Wyck. It is tied up 20 hours a day, every day. Cabbies know shortcuts but is more movement than the saving of time.

The LIRR will take you to Penn Station and then you will need a cab from there for it is at least a 15 minute walk to your hotel, as there is an exit on 7th Ave.
IMDonehere is offline  
Old Oct 13th, 2017, 10:42 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Did you make it? What did you use?
trover is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tyrone84
United States
7
Mar 19th, 2015 09:55 AM
tttinlv
United States
12
Sep 19th, 2010 10:09 AM
Pulley
Air Travel
6
Oct 8th, 2008 03:45 PM
kroberts74
United States
15
Oct 27th, 2007 07:09 AM
gatoorman
Air Travel
12
Oct 2nd, 2003 04:54 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -