PSKid

Since a round-trip flight from Boston to JFK is currently more than $350 on my required dates and times, I am considering only flying back to Boston and taking the Go Bus to NY. The bus goes to 31st St, between 8th and 9th. I will be arriving before noon. Can anyone recommend a shuttle from Penn Station to JFK? I want to avoid public transportation because I will have luggage.

Thanks for your help.

nytraveler

If you look at the JFK web site you will see the options. The NYC Airporter bus (large - luggage underneath) is $16 to JFK. Not sure of schedule you would need to check details.

kenav

You can take the "E" train (subway) right in Penn Station, to the air train that goes to JFK.

doug_stallings

If it were me, I'd take the Long Island Railroad to JFK and hop on the air train. There are escalators if you have luggage. It's faster and no more expensive than the shared shuttle.

But if you can't manage, then take the airport bus. Most of those stop on 34th, so you are going to have to walk 3 blocks with your luggage.

Have you considered taking Amtrak from Boston rather than the bus? I generally prefer that because it allows you to avoid traffic, but it can cost a bit more depending on when you travel and how far in advance you book.

PSKid

Thank you for the helpful responses. After reading the negative reviews of the shuttle bus and your description of the LIRR and the air train, I am leaning toward the public transportation option. I will have one suitcase on wheels and a small backpack, so if there are escalators, I should be able to manage. It is much less convenient for me to get to the train, so I will stick with the bus.

nytraveler

In Penn station to reach the train platforms for the LIRR there MAY be an escalator - or you may have to gallop down two flights of stairs with everyone else running for the train (since the platform number is announced about 9 or 10 minutes before departure). There are numerous entrances to each platform, most are stairs and one is an escalator - which may on a different corridor and still set to head up for people leaving the train.

In Jamaica and for the Air Train there are escalators.

PSKid

An update: I met one of my traveling companions near Penn Station and we took the LIRR to the Air Train. Fortunately, this was around noon, so, without rush hour crowds, we found it very easy to negotiate with our luggage.

Thanks for your help.