JFK to Middletown CT and back
 

Have to do a layover at JFK on the way back from vacation, and need to go to Middletown CT for a couple of days. What's the best way to do this? An air shuttle? A car shuttle?
Suggestions please.

Rent a car would the easiest (and maybe only). What do you need to do in Middletown as there is no public transportation there? I suppose you could take Metro North from NYC to New Haven then get a rental there. Could get a taxi or limo service there too but they will be expensive.

As thoiniere said, probably the best and cheapest way is to take Metro North to New Haven and rent a car.

Have to visit a sick relative in Middletown, but could probably change the itinerary to Hartford instead of Middletown. Still would have to use it as a stop over from JFK. So ... the same question, only from JFK to Hartford and back to JFK.

That doesn't change much. The best option would still be renting a car from New Haven. There is very little public transportation in CT. You could take Amtrak to Hartford then maybe try a cab but they are few and far between without calling.

Welseyan University (in Middletown) lists several car services that will take you from regional airports, including JFK. (They say it costs $75 for limo service from Bradley airport, in Hartford. )

Here is the list:

http://www.wesleyan.edu/about/transpor.html

The trip via public transportation will involve a few connections just to reach New Haven: NY Airport Bus to Grand Central, then MetroNorth train to New Haven is the simplest. (There are a few other ways to do it via public transport, but all involve even more schelpping and time.)

You may be able to find a shared van service that will take you directly from JFK to New Haven, which would eliminate a lot of the travel agony. Here's a link to the official JFK listing of transport options, some of which serve Connecticut.

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-t...n-service.html

Truly, the easiest to my mind is to rent a car from JFK and drive all the way (and I am a big believer in public transportation). Yes, you will have some unpleasant traffic initially while getting away from the airport, but you will probably need a car in Middletown anyway. Avoid the time and strain of traveling into Manhattan just to turn around and leave Manhattan and then get a car rental.

"the same question, only from JFK to Hartford and back to JFK."

I actually did this in December. It involved taking the Airtrain from JFK to Penn Station, then Amtrak to Hartford. IIRC, our plane landed at 10:30 and we got to Hartford around 6. It can be done, but I wouldn't recommend it. I think renting a car is a better option.

Yes, you really really have to drive. It's the only practical way. Or pay hundreds of dollars for a limo service.

And won't you want a car in Middletown anyway? If you're there for a few days it will be the only way to get around.

Rent a car from JFK. I wouldn't bother taking a train to new haven and then renting a car. you will absolutely need a car in Middletown.