Is there a bus service that runs from Port Authority out to JFK? I remember years ago there was some sort of shuttle from the side street next to Penn Station. Does that still exist? I'm seeking info for my German friends who arrive less than 2 weeks from now.

I can pick them up at JFK with my car on Sept. 6 but on Sept. 12 when they return I am working and they'll have to take the bus from my place in northern NJ into the city. If there's a way to get to JFK from Port Authority so they don't have to deal with too much aggravation with their backpacks that would be great ...

thanks!

Port Authority bus terminal is 40-42nd streets
Penn Station is 32-34th streets

Transbridge buses go to/from Port Authority

New York Airport Express Service Buses go to Penn Station area
http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTrave...l/ken_bus.html

The Airtrain from Penn Station is infinitely easier and usually faster than a bus, and that's what I'd recommend, especially on a Saturday, when traffic to the airport can be pretty bad. They take any Long Island Railroad Train from Penn Station to Jamaica and then jump on the Airtrain itself. This takes about 30 to 40 minutes ($10). I was once driving to JFK early on a Saturday afternoon and the trip took 90 minutes. This is primetime for international departures, so the airport is really busy.

I'm leaving from JFK myself on September 12 and will be taking a car service, but only because I'm leaving early in the morning. If it were after 12, I'd insist we take the Airtrain.

Thanks. I knew about the AirTrain. Just wasn't sure if it was clear as can be for visitors for whom English is not the first language. I know they can do it, but they're my guests, and I can't be there to help them, and I just want nothing to go wrong. Their plane back to Germany is at 5 p.m., I think.

Also, Doug -- Sept. 12 is a FRIDAY.

Yes, I realized that after I wrote it. I'm leaving on the 13th ... a bit of a disconnect. The weekend traffic can be atrocious, but actually it's worse on Friday afternoon because you also have the business travel crowd all headed to JFK via taxi and car service.

The good news is that since their flight is at 5pm, they'll have a bit more leeway since they're probably leaving for the airport at 1 or 1:30, right after lunch. That's before the LIRR rush hour, so it won't be so overwhelming.

Once you get to Jamaica, it's pretty obvious how to find the Airtrain (much easier going TO the airport than coming FROM the airport), and then it's foolproof from there as long as they know their terminal number.

The bus is simpler imo than the train. They have a stop for some trips from Penn station or Port Authority
http://www.nyairportservice.com/page.php?id=62

bus might be simpler but i think the train is a sure shot and theres no traffic!!! I think it's pretty simple to take the train from Penn BUT if theyre taking a bus from Port Authority they might as well leave from port authority.... however, I will say that PA is definitely not as sign friendly as Penn Station.

OK. I'm thinking I'll tell them to go into the city in the morning. They'll get to PA at whatever time. Do whatever last-minute stuff they want. Then, go to Penn Station (which I'll show them on the 2 "showing them the sights" days) at about 1:30-ish to get to JFK about an hour or so later, is that about right?

Thanks, Doug, for the explanation about Friday afternoons. I hadn't thought about that. So I'm thinking the AirTrain is the best option, as jt7dreamz said because of no traffic issues.

I'm sure they can figure it out. They're experienced travelers -- we originally met in New Zealand last year -- but usually my guests come into EWR so I'm not too familiar with public transportation to JFK.