JFK to Upper West Side during rush hour?
 

Hi -- I am planning to arrive at JFK at 5pm on a Wednesday in October. Is a taxi the fastest way to get to my hotel on Central Park West? Do you think an hour is a reasonable estimate, or will it be longer because of rush hour? Finally, is it true that the fare will be a fixed $35 (I read in this forum that that's the case, but not sure whether that applied to midtown only). Thanks!

I think 1 hour is optimistic, more likely 1 1/2 hours, and if traffic is real bad, even that could be optimistic.<BR><BR>The fare is fixed to anywhere in Manhattan, and i THINK it's still $35 plus tolls and tip (although the taxi drivers have been petitioning for an increase).

You never know how long the ride will take. Depends on the weather, accidents, construction, the tunnel, and your driver. Thank God the fare is a set $35. Nothing is worse than sitting there and watching that meter click and click and click and..........

I live on the upper west side and can't count the times I have traveled to and from JFK at every conceivable time. The longest the trip ever took was 1 hour and 10 minutes. Unless there is a major traffic problem one hour is reasonable. Fare is fixed at $35 and there is a $3.50 toll if the drivr uses a toll facility and it is almost certain he will. With a tip cost will be under $45.

What you believe is true, although JFK is the farthest airport from Manhattan. I would say between an hour and an hour and a half is realistic. If you're not willing to shell out about $40 total for a cab, I would recommend taking NY Airport Service which would run you about $11 - $12 from JFK and if you call or reserve online at www.nyairportservice.com I believe they will drop you at your hotel. They have bus stops at every terminal. I took them 3 weeks ago and had no problems.

FORGET taking a cab or shuttle service during rush hour you will just be sitting in traffic. Since your hotel is on CPW, I would take the train and the A train from JFK goes up CPW. Depending on where your hotel is located you can get off at 59th St. and walk from there or get the C (a local train) to stops further uptown.<BR><BR>Good luck and welcome to NYC.<BR><BR>tweedy