rvaccha

Hi,

I am driving from Philadelphia (Center City) to JFK Aiport, terminal 4, to receive my family on Sunday, May 06.

Can anyone give me any trips on routes to avoid, as well as parking suggestions, so that we dont have to trek to get to the car with all the luggage!

Thanks a lot friends,
Andy

J62

You really only have one route to take.

NJ Turnpike North
Exit 13 to I-278 East to Goethals/ Verrazano Bridges

I-278 turns into the Belt Parkway.
Follow signs to JFK.


I use long term parking at JFK, but that often requires treking. A good option for you may be Avistar parking (www.avistarparking.com). Check their website for specific directions.

On a Sunday allow at least 2.5hrs drive time from Philadelphia to JFK.

Ryan

To add a little more detail to the route, you're going to take the NJ Turnpike to The Goethals bridge. If you're going to want to fill your gas tank before leaving NJ, there is a service area just after exit 11. If you think you'll need gas, I might suggest there aren't any great options on then NY side, except for an expensive station on the Belt Parkway.

If you have EZPASS, your trip will be far better. With EZPASS stay to the left at the tollbooths across the Goethals. (No toll on the Brooklyn bound side of the Verrazano.)

The exit for the Belt Parkway from the Verrazano is one the left. Just be aware of that when crossing the bridge.

The Belt Parkway has a couple of very twisty, tight corners, especially near Coney Island. If you're unfamiliar with that road, just be aware that there are some very tight corners. (My brother used to be a fireman near there. That had at least one accident run a day, usually in the same two or three spots.)

gb944

Just used longterm parking (Lefferts Blvd) at JFK and it was cheaper than Avistar (even with the discount coupon). The total was $15 per day (tax included), while the Avistar was $18+ per day including tax.

Easy to get to using the Airtrain (free for parking lot users).

sandi

2.5/hrs is ideal if there's no one else on the road but you. Allow yourself more time (at least 1 to 1.5/hrs)... it is a Sunday and everyone can be on the road in NJ and NYC. And, should there be an accident to delay you, you'll appreciate the extra time.

Sure you may have the ride around the airport if you choose not to park. Otherwise, park the car, take the shuttle bus to the terminal and the same on the return. Or, after collecting the family and their luggage, you return to the vehicle, drive back to the terminal and pick-up the clan.

rvaccha

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies.

I may have to take a detour to meet someone near LaGuardia before going to JFK.

I am using a rental car and do not have EZ Pass can someone please help me understand the tolls...do I need lots of quarters? or was that in the old days?

So I am going from Center City Philadelphia to near LaGuardia then to JFK and straight back to Philadelphia.

I will need about 2-3 hours parking in JFK and definitely would like to pick up the folks with the luggage as opposed to taking them on a shuttle.

Thanks so much for your help!
Andy

joethekay

Do you have a EZ pass on your car at home? Then bring it with you for yor rental car. It makes life easier. The turnpike requires you take a toll sticker which you turn in at your exit and pay the toll thats on it. Plus there are tolls for the Verrazano Bridge and Goethel bridge and parking at the JFK airport. There is a $6.00 toll collected one way to New York on the Goethels Bridge and $9.00 is collected on the Verrazano Bridge westbound only.
Bring lots of money if you don't have EZ pass, which offers a discount for the bridges and turnpike.

nytraveler

Quarters will do you no good whatsoever. You need a couple of 20's considering all the bridges you'll be using - never mind the tolls on the Jersey Turnpike.

And EZ Pass does make a big difference - lines for those paying cash can be up to 10 to 15 minutes. And if you ave cash be sure you're not in an EZ Pass lane - they've been cracking down on this - and the fines can be high.

rvaccha

Hi,

Unfortunately I dont have EZ Pass. How much would the estimated round trip tolls be? $20 $40?

Thanks,
Andy

stevinium

Or you could go the night before, stay at an airport hotel and park in their lot for free with one of their parking packages. I always use http://www.parknjet.org to find the best deals. You can go either way, but you will find a better deal than just avistar there.
Steve

nytraveler

Have the rental car company give you an EZ Pass- they rent them for a couple of dollars - and considering your route you will more than save that amount in tolls - never mind driving right through the toll plaza versus waiting 10 minutes in the cash lines at each one.