This site quotes $45 plus tolls and gratuities (http://www.carmellimo.com), pardon the ignorance but being non-Americans, what would this add up to? What would the airport bus or a normal taxi cost? Thanks so much.

standard fee from JFK to hotel was $49 that I paid 2 weeks ago, I added a tip on top of that.

Hi johngerard, standard fee for which means of transport? thanks.

$49 by yellow taxi. Last year we were approached by minibus touts who offered $18 for the trip in but this would have been for each of us plus if you are last off you could be on it for hours.
The train is cheaper but we preferred the taxi for the drive, experience & that it gets you straight to your hotel.

thanks for the reply, johngerard!

The flat fee for a yellow taxi in NYC from JFK to any point south of 96th Street in Manhattan is $45. On top of that you pay a toll (most likely $4.50 for the Queens--Midtown Tunnel) and a tip (most drivers expect 15%, and I usually tip $7.

The fee quoted by Carmel Limo is for a private car pick-up, where you call for the car on arrival. There is no meter. You still pay the toll and tip on top of that fee.

I'm just summarizing what I've read here over the last few days, and many people have said it's better to take a taxi into the city and a car service back TO the airport. The reasons had to do with timing - when you get to the airport, the car service will hopefully be waiting for you, but not with the car -- they have to go get the car while you wait for them, whereas taxis are right outside. Going back, on the other hand, you'd have to find a cab probably early in the morning, in Manhattan -- not so easy, so it might be better to reserve a car service.

To those in the know, do all the car services use Lincoln Town Cars -- they seem so ubiquitous in NY (and are very comfortable). If I make a reservation for a return trip to JFK by car service, is that what I'll get?

We took a cab from JFK to our hotel at 52/ 3rd ave last week. The total cost was $45 for the 4 of us. There were no tolls. The cab driver said that was because he didn't have to use any toll roads to get to our hotel. We were there in 35 minutes. (Tho it was after 11PM) Our cabbie was great. I got his cell phone number and called him to pick us up to return to JFK.

Carmel and their prime competitor Dial7.com are the same price for their basic service as a taxi, $45. With a toll and tip the total comes to ~$60. Not all the cars used by Carmel and Dial 7 are Lincoln Town cars, but they're usually of that ilk (large 4 door sedan). The cars used are owned by the drivers, not the cos. so the condition is not consistent. If you're looking for something guaranteed to be nice, Gekko has mentioned paying a bit extra ($5-6) for the luxury service which guarantees a car that's only a few years old.

There are 3 crossings used to get into Manhattan from JFK, the Triborough bridge with a toll, the Midtown Tunnel with a toll or the 59th st. bridge (aka Queensborough bridge) with NO toll. To get to 52 st, it made sense for Austin's driver to use the bridge with no toll. Best 46th st. crossing would either be the 59th st. bridge or the tunnel.

It is not always difficult to get a taxi early in the morning for a trip to the airport. It depends on where you are and how early you want to go. You could ask at your hotel if it will be difficult to find or not.

The taxi flat fare from JFK to Manhattan is $45. On top of that you must pay the bridge or Tunnel toll ($4) if the driver uses that versus the 59th St bridge - which is free - but usually slower. You pay a tip - I was always taught to give 20% - on the $45 only - not the toll. Some people give a lower tip - around 15% - tipping any less than that is likely to result in a VERY unhappy driver. And I definitely wouldn;t do it if you expect help with luggage.

The cab will hold up to 4 passengers and a normal amount of luggage.

The airport bus to a central point in the city (E or W 42 st - but you don;t say if you're staying on the east or west side) is, I believe, $17 per person - but then you have to either take a cab or walk to your hotel.

So - it depends on how many of you there are - and how much you value ease/comfort versus a few dollars difference in cost.

(There are public transit options for less - but it requires deaing with your luggage from Air Train to subway or LIRR then to subway - some with stairs and long passages.)

thank you so much everyone....always so much info! its great.