chgeeb

I have a question, I'll be flying into New York on a Friday night, I'll get in around 8 PM. I have to get to the subway and get to Manhattan. I am extremely UNFAMILIAR with NYC...is this process difficult? Is it safe to do alone? Or should I just pay the $50 for a cab? Thanks.

vjpblovesitaly

"Is it safe to do alone?"

yes.

MFNYC

It is safe, but if you are tired and apprehensive, just take the cab.

You don't get the subway directly at the airport. You connect to it via the airtrain.

AustinTraveler

Just take a cab. It is a flat $45 fee plus tolls and tip, which comes out to around $60 in my book. You may be approached by someone near baggage claim asking if you need a ride into the City. Just say NO. The only legitimate cabs are outside and you simply line up by the Taxi Attendant and he gets you the next available cab. You'll get a receipt that you should hang on to just in case you leave something in the cab.

chgeeb

Okay great! Thanks everyone! I won't be over-tired or anything, and I'll only have one little bag with me. I know it's sad, but the $60 for a cab vs. a mini-adventure on the subway makes the adventure seem better. I don't mind doing the airtrain. Is it a particularly difficult route?

vjpblovesitaly

what do you mean by difficult?

nyer

It involves taking the Airtrain/monorail to a regular subway station (there are a couple of choices depending on where you're going) and then picking up a subway line (and maybe changing to another line) to your destination.
Depends on how comfortable you are with subway systems in general, reading multiple signs, maps etc. We have many many subway lines in NY, and there may be diversions due to construction going on.
The subways are fine to use in the city, but may be overwhelming to someone at first.

As a middle ground between a taxi and a subway, there are buses that go from JFK to central points in Manhattan for $12-15

All details here http://www.panynj.gov/COMMUTINGTRAVE...portation.html

dmlove

The airtrain/subway is really easy, but keep in mind that once you get to Manhattan, you'll still have to make your way to your hotel. You take the air-train from JFK to the subway (either Howard Beach or Sutphin Ave. in Jamaica). If you go to Howard Beach, you take the A train into Manhattan; if you go to Jamaica you take the E train into Manhattan. Either way, it's about an hour from the airport to Manhattan. Once you get to Manhattan, you either change trains, walk or take a cab to your hotel, depending on where your hotel is. The airtrain/subway combo costs $7.00 (we paid the $5.00 for the airtrain, then bought our unlimited use pass for the subways at the Airtrain station, so we were covered for the week, including to and from the airport).

rkkwan

The LIRR is still running that time in the evening. Takes only 20 minutes from Jamaica to NY Penn Station, which is faster, but slightly more expensive than the subway.

In general, if the place you need to go is on the A or E line already, then just take the subway straight. But if you're going to NY Penn or if the place is on another subway line (other than A or E), and require a transfer anyways, then LIRR may be the better and faster choice.

That's just in very general terms. Depends on exactly where you're going.

chgeeb

Thanks everyone!
I'll be taking the A or E to Nassau/Broadway stop. Is either of them safer? Also, do the trains say or identify which stop they are coming up to? I live in Boston, so I'm kinda used to the subway idea, just I know the NYC ones are much more diverse and complicated haha.

MFNYC

The E does not stop at Broadway/Nassau, the A and C do. They are all equally as safe. Most subways do have an electronic banners that shows what stop is next. There also sometimes is a sign that shows all stops on the route with lights on for stops to come, and light off on past stops, so you can keep track of where you are. Also, in each station, there are signs on the walls (like with the T) which you will see as you pull in. The conductor or an electronic voice usually announces the stop as well.

dmlove

Since the E does not stop at Broadway/Nassau, take the Airtrain to Howard Beach, and use the A train. That way, you won't have to change trains.

MFNYC

Go here to printout a subway map (if you don't already have one). http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
Use a color printer if possible.