lenleigh

Trying to figure out my best travel options for New York/New Jersey. I'm traveling alone from San Diego to a workshop in Tenafly, NJ and I've booked a hotel in Teaneck. I'd prefer a non-stop flight and it looks like out of the three airports, JFK is looking to be the cheapest for non-stop. I've only been to New York once and it was over 15 years ago, I've never driven a car there and I'm a little apprehensive about driving from JFK. Any suggestions on what the best/easiest airport or route is and an idea on toll costs? I'm most inclined to book the JFK flights since they are the best times and cheapest but wondering if I'm going to regret that drive.

gail

I am assuming you mean renting a car and not asking about public transit options - since then you would have to deal with getting from Teaneck to Tenafly. Newark is the easiest and closest airport. Factor in car rental costs in your airport choice, since it may vary a great deal between EWR/LGA/JFK.

Drive from JFK to northern NJ is never fun, but something you can surely do if you are accustomed to city driving. I strongly suggest you not do the trip at rush hour or Sunday late in the day.

(I grew up within minutes of those towns - can't imagine someone having a conference in Tenafly!)

nytraveler

Landing in JFK will remain driving across the metro area. It can certainly be done - but I wouldn't want to do so in rush hour. (And yes, you will need a car in Jersey based on the location of your meeting and hotel - unless local transit is being provided.)

So I would fly into Newark unless it is significantly more expensive than JFK (as in several hundred $).

J62

You are going to regret the drive from JFK, especially when you get lost and get turned around somewhere on Long Island, Westchester, or somewhere in NYC.

Fly into Newark even if it means one stop or a slightly higher fare.

doug_stallings

You should look a bit closer at the real costs. It's neither easy nor cheap to get from JFK to New Jersey. If you take a taxi it will cost considerably more than $100. So unless you are flying into JFK and saving more than $200 over EWR, you are going to pay more despite the cheap flight.

Public transit is possible but difficult and time-consuming.

And you may need a car. Cars are considerably more expensive to rent in NYC than in NJ. Just one of many many issues to consider. It's not just the cost of the flight.

HappyTrvlr

LGA to George Washington Bridge and a then north on Palisades Pkwy is pretty easy.

RoamsAround

Yes, if at all possible fly into EWR. Then take rental car and drive north on NJ Turnpike to end and continue on I-95 to exit for Teaneck - should take you about 20 to 25 minutes - not sure of tolls but less than $5.

If you fly into La Guardia rent car and take Grand Central Parkway (becomes I-278) to Major Degan Expressway (aka I-87) to I-95/George Washington Bridge then Route 4, Route 46 or I-95 depending on where your hotel is in in Teaneck - should take you about 40 minutes except during rush hour which could be double the time - If memory serves me right tolls on the bridge crossings are collected only in one direction and you are going the opposite way so no tolls. You'll pay on the way back, probably around $16 to $18.

If you fly into JFK you have to take Van Wyck Expressway which becomes I-678 to I-95 (aka Cross Bronx Expressway) to George Washington Bridge then I-95, Rt 46 or Rt. 4 to hotel. Again tolls are "one way" you'll pay on the way back to airport - probably around $20 total.

Teaneck and Tenafy are next to each other driving between them is easy.

RoamsAround

Sorry, meant to add - drive time from JFK to Teaneck - at least 1 1/4 hour but found be much longer - Cross Bronx Expway is almost always backed up do to an overturned tractor trailer truck.

lenleigh

Okay thanks for all the responses! I think you made my mind up that flying into EWR is going to be the easiest. Definitely renting a car since I will need it to get from Teaneck to Tenafly. It's not a typical "conference" but does happen to be in that area, hence why I had to book a hotel in Teaneck as one of the closest options! Thanks all for the help!