USNR

On our way to India, we will be stuck at JFK almost all day awaiting evening departure on our flight to London and New Delhi. Are there any recommendations on any things to do there in mid-November? For example, could we consider a ride on the subway into Manhattan for a look-around?
Or is it too far, too long?

nytraveler

Exactly how long will you be there? If you have 4/5 hours its really not time enoughh to do anything. If you're talking 12/14 hours you can certainly get into the city.

Provide a little more info and we can help. Who/how many/ages/interests?

USNR

Coming from AZ, sleeping overnight at a motel at/near JFK, and our flight leaves around 4 p.m. We are in our mid-70s. Art? Museums?

mclaurie

If your flight leaves at 4, you probably have to be there 2-3 hrs before which means 1 or 2 pm. There is really not much near JFK. Even the Museum of Modern Art which was temporarily located in Queens will be closed. (It reopens in the city on Nov 20 and will be totally closed between Sept 27 and then). There are a few other museums in Queens but they're not really near JFK. I'd be worried you'd have a hard time finding a taxi driver who would know the way and more importantly, finding a taxi to take you back to the airport in time. I've not been so can't even tell you whether they're worth the trip. Here's some info

http://queens.about.com/cs/attractio...ten_Queens.htm

Sleeping in Queens (near the airport) and then going back and forth to the city sounds silly to me, not to mention what about the luugage.

A much better idea would be to sleep in NYC. If there are just 2 of you, bid for a room on Priceline. Then you walk up in the city. You have the morning to do whatever you want. You can leave your luggage at the hotel while you have a walk around and then have your option of train, bus, cab to JFK. The hotel shouldn't cost any more and you'll probably have a much better night's sleep. The hotels near JFK are really a disgrace.

Tell us your budget for a hotel room for more advice. There are options to Priceline if you're nervous. Also, how fit are you and how much luggage will you have so we can advise how to travel between airport and the city.

mclaurie

My post should read you "wake up" in the city.

Anonymous

I agree completely with maclaurie.

Unless you're arriving at JFK extremely late at night, it makes more sense for you to stay in Manhattan, in an interesting neighborhood, start your day there and explore the area until you have to pick up your luggage at the hotel and leave for the airport.

Cicerone

Website for JFK is http://www.kennedyairport.com/aviation/jfkhomemain.html. This will give you transport options into NYC as well as links to museums and other tourist info. Without the burden of luggage, you could easily take a trip into NYC in the morning, maybe have an early lunch and then out to the airport. If you have been able to check in for the London flight in AZ or the day before (see below), you will have even more time to spend in NYC.

You could stay on Long Island and go to the Brooklyn Museum of Art, take a look at http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/ for exhibition info and directions.

Try to check-in for the London and hopefully even the Indian portions of your flight in AZ. Call your airline now to ask if this is possible. Not sure they will let you check bags through, but do try, and if not, try again when you land at JFK. (Bring a small overnight bag for the NYC overnight.) Non-US airlines are usually more flexible about early check-in. If you can't check in early, store your larger bags at JFK overnight (see the website) so you don?t have to schlep them to your hotel.

It could be bitterly cold in November in NYC, or could be warm. If it is a weekday, allow more travel time to get to JFK from Manhattan or other parts of NYC.

mclaurie

Great idea Cicerone has to pack a smaller (maybe carry on?) bag with just enough for an overnight and attempt to check big luggage through at JFK.

I'm not sure I understand the staying on Long Island & going to the Brooklyn Museum idea though. Where on LI would one stay so it was convenient to use public transportation to get to the Brooklyn Museum?

Just a clarification on the travel to/from the JFK area to NYC. You could do this, but it will usually take a minimum of an hour each way, no matter how you travel, and probably a bit more. The trains can be fast but switching and waiting time counts. (An exception might be very early on a Sunday morning by taxi._ So the idea is, why not save yourself that aggro on the day of the big trip and do it the night before where you'll stay in a nicer place in a better location with tons of options to keep you busy for a morning. Even if you get into JFK at midnight, there should be taxis and/or buses to get you into the city. If you're worried, you can reserve a car service ahead of time.

Cicerone

Well, as Brooklyn is ON Long Island and so is JFK, the best way from JFK area hotels to the Brooklyn Museum would be bus, subway or the LIRR. The hotel may have a shuttle to the nearest subway or LIRR station, and bus stops are pretty widespread. You could even take a taxi, as they are less than 10 miles apart.

USNR

Thanks to everyone! We've decided to extend our normal sleeping hours, take time for a couple leisurely meals, get in some more sleep time in preparation for the London / Delhi leg of the journey. Will plan better next time.