Can anyone tell me the cheapest way to get to Penn Station from JFK? Is there a bus or subway. I heard about the Carey Bus. Do I have to buy a ticket ahead of time or can I buy a ticket at the airport when I get off my plane, which will be in the evening? I'm trying to save as much money as possible. Thanks for any info!

The "Carey" bus is now call the New York Transportation bus:
http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/aviframe.HTM It costs $13 and you don't need to buy a ticket in advance. It goes into the Port Authority Bus Terminal which is a short walk to Penn Station.

If money is really an issue, you can take a free "Long Term Parking" shuttle bus - be sure to make certain that it stops at the Howard Beach subway stop - From there you can take the "A" train directly to Penn Station. This will cost you $1.50.

And to get around in Manhattan, buy a "Fun Pass" which will give you unlimited rides on the bus and subway. This costs $4 a day and, to me, is the best deal in town.

Just checked the above website and realized that there's a New York Transportation bus that goes directly to Penn Station. Same price.

The shuttle bus/subway route is good if you really really really have time to burn AND are okay carrying your luggage up and down punishing flights of stairs.

Otherwise, take the TRans-whatsit bus. Unless there are 3 of you, then you don't really save money taking the bus as a taxi is about $35 plus tip I think, and you'll get to your exact destination.

The cheapest would be the 'A' train, at $1.50. The 'A' stops inside Penn.