Can anyone tell me the cheapest way to get to JFK from the Port Authority? Can I take a subway? If so, which one? I'm not really that familiar with the subway so specific directions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Enter the subway at the Port Authority. Take a Brooklyn bound "A" train to the Howard Beach Station. YOu must make sure you take the right "A"' train. One will show a destination of Rockaway (may say FAr Rockaway). The other A train will show a destination of Lefferts Blvd. (may also say Ozone Park). YOU WANT TO TAKE A ROCKAWAY BOUND TRAIN. When you get off at the Howard Beach Station you will take a bus to the terminal. The fare is $1.50 for the train, the bus is free. The train part of the trip will take less than one hour.

Also....

This is frequently quicker than the $15.00 bus.

The fare can be shaved to $1.35 if you buy an 11 trip metro card for $15.00 if you use the subway frequently.

I agree with rfq and Steve with a couple of reservations.

Your trip on the A train will take you through some not-so-good neighborhoods. If you are traveling at night or with luggaget - that is something to consider. Also, the A train's schedule, especially on weekends, can be somewhat tricky (and the train sometimes goes local), so make sure that you give yourself a lot of time).

Or you could take the airport shuttle (
http://www.nyairportservice.com/ ) between P.A. and JFK for $13 oneway /$23 roundtrip. Unless you're carrying only 1 bag, I suggest this shuttle.