What the best/inexpensive way to get to Manhatten/Times Square from JFK Airport?
There will be 8 of us. Thanks!

The best and cheapest way for a group of 8 to get from JFK to Times Square is by taking 2 taxis.

The fastest most convenient way is by taxi. You would require two taxis. Fare is fixed at $35. A toll facility, if used, to get to the city would be $3.50. Tip is extra. Figure each cab to cost $43 to $45 depending on amount of the tip. Trip will probably take 45 minutes to one hour.Using an airport bus will not save any money and it could be more expensive.
Not the most convenient way is the subway. Cost would be $1.50 a person. THere is a free bus to the train station where you take an "A" train to 42nd STReet and 8th Ave. With waiting time for the bus and the train the trip will probably take 1 1/2 hours or possibly a bit more. THe train does not have racks for luggage.

http://www.supershuttle.com/htm/cities/nyc.htm

SUPER SHUTTLE the best vans and service. Check out their website. You can not beat their prices.

Regarding the $35 flat fee from JFK to midtown....I believe the $35 is PER occupant.

BJ, the flat fee is per cab and not per occupant.

Try http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jgtsfram.htm

New York Airport Service has buses for $13 one way from JFK to midtown hotels

BJ - it is $35 for the cab (max four people), not per person. Let's do the arithmetic: Two cabs at a maximum of $45 a cab will cost $90 ($35 + 3.50 toll+ plus a generous $6.50 tip
Airport bus - $13 a person to hotel. Cost for 8 people is $104.
Super shuttle - $15 to $19 a person to destination. Cost for 8 at lowest price - $120.
Not only is the Super Shuttle the most expensive way for 8 people it is also the slowest. Especiaally if your destination is not the firsr stop.

Normally I hate supershuttle (slow is a kind way of putting it...) but maybe with 8 people they qualify for their own van at a good rate. Certainly worth checking it out.
Also, some of the car service/limo companies have vans or minivans (too small for 8?). A regular car goes for about the price of a cab, station wagons a few dollars more, and vans/minvans certainly higher, but maybe still cheaper than 2 cabs. You could try calling one (e.g. Carmel, 1-(800) 9-CARMEL for a price quote)

Taxis in NYC are NEVER per occupant! But Super Shuttle is.

You may be able to hire a private van that will take you all into the city together. But I doubt it will cost less than 2 taxis.

The subway is fine if you have lots of time to kill and very little luggage. First you have to take the free shuttle from JFK to the subway station. First time I did it, the shuttle bus was nowhere to be found. It finally arrived after 20 mins of waiting. Then there was another 15 minute wait for the subway train. Then it's 29 (!!) stops to Times Square!

I repeat, take taxis.

Isn't there a new light rail or somesuch being constructed at JFK that will whisk you to a NYC subway station? Seems I read somewhere it is opening in the fall... Locals, anyone?

A van large enough to handle 8 people with luggage using Carmel would cost $105 tip and toll not included. Following is a note from Port Authority on new rail service mentioned by Susan

Important Notice!
"AirTrain JFK, Kennedy Airport's new light rail system will begin service this fall. The first phase of the service, to and from Howard Beach Station, airport parking lots, all terminals and Federal Circle, is scheduled to launch this fall.

Before the AirTrain system is opened for passenger service, it must undergo
operational testing. During this testing phase, which is currently in progress, cars are running on the tracks within the airport and around the terminals. As the service is not yet available, please do not attempt to enter any AirTrain Station or construction area. Please continue to check this site for updates on AirTrain JFK progress, or visit
www.airtrainjfk.com. Thank you for your cooperation. "

rqf, did you call Carmel? Where did you get that price?

XXX - I called CArmel. Questions asked by reservation clerk - How many pieces of luggage? I replied one per person. What day of the week - Answered Tuesday or Wednesday. Just got off the phone with CArmel to make sure I got it Right. 10 passenger van than can handle 10 pieces of luggage - $105 plus 20% gratuity, plus $3.50 toll, plus $4 parking fee at JFK. Total cost - 133.50. It would be less expensive for two cars from CArmel providing the car can take the luggage. The car can certainly take 4 people.