Trans. to/from JFK
 

Could anyone give me any info. Re: transportation from Kennedy and back. I will be going to Holiday Inn 440 West 57th St. Thanks

Unless you want to spend 2 hours on public transportation, take a cab into the city.

You can spend 2 hrs in a cab stuck on the BQE just as well. Depends on number of people and luggage. If it's just one then Carey Bus to Port Authority and a quick cab from there would be way cheaper. Or one of the shuttles from the airport direct to the hotel.

(Sorry if this posted already, my computer screwed up)<BR><BR>Hi Marge:<BR><BR>The truth is, yes, it does take a long time from JFK to the city. I've done it and I think that it's a fair trade-off of time vs. money. <BR><BR>Also, I would not recommend doing this with much luggage. A rolling carry-on and a backpack/shoulder bag would be ok, but no more than that. <BR><BR>Anyway, here is the way to do it on the subway:<BR><BR>Take the FREE Port Authority shuttle bus to Howard Beach subway station. There, get off the bus, buy a MetroCard and get on the A train toward Manhattan. I would recommend spending $4 for an Unlimited use Fun Pass (unlimited subway rides all day). Buy it from the machine in the station. <BR><BR>At most times, there is a train every 15 mins or so. The ride should take about 50 mins to 59th Street. Get off there and walk a block and a half west on 57th street to your hotel :-) <BR> <BR>If you return the same way, be careful. Not all A trains go to Howard Beach subway station. Make sure you get on a FAR ROCKAWAY or ROCKAWAY PARK train. The Lefferts Blvd train will NOT take you to Howard Beach station. <BR><BR>These websites might help you:<BR><BR>http://mta.info/nyct/service/airport.htm<BR><BR>http://panynj.com/aviation/jfkpubtransframe.html

Taxi fare JFK to Manhattan is fixed at $35. With a tip and toll cost will be between $40 and $45. A taxi Manhattan to JFK is the meter rate. It will be around $45 with a tip and toll.. FOr all tranportation options go to www.panynj.gov.

James, thank you for an excellent post: concise, comprehensive, and extremely useful. I plan to print it up and save it for when (hopefully) I will be able to use it. Strength to your arm!

Carey always feels a lot safer and more relaxing to me than the cab - just my 2 cents worth.

Carey Bus no longer services the airports. New York Bus SErvice has the franchise.

Are these rates for the car load or per person? I'm used to 1 price per ride but once in DC we ended up with a per person rate and were shocked. We hired a limosine to take us back because it was cheaper. (there just happened to be one at the hotel)

If there are 2 or more of you traveling, a Taxi would be the best choice. Otherwise, take the bus service to the Port Authority/42st stop and then a cab to the hotel. <BR><BR>I don't understand why people would recommend taking the subway as a way to transfer to/from the airport, when you have bus service that is only about $11-$13 each way. Going up and down stairs with luggage after a plane ride is NOT a way to start off a vacation! There are many ways to save several dollars when vacationing; I for one don't think starting my vacation off dragging luggage around to save $10 is one of the smarter ways to budget for a vacation!

Bus, subway is per person<BR>Limo and taxi is for the car

Last year my friend and I wanted to see which was faster - the bus from Grand Central to JFK Airport or the A train. She took the train and I took the bus. The bus got stuck in the awful Van Wyck traffic...and my friend beat me by 1/2 hour. I was shocked. I now only take the A train!

Hi Anthony:<BR><BR>I would not recommend the subway in all situations. I made it clear that if you have more than a rolling carry-on and a shoulder bag, then it's not worth it. Just too much lifting. Also, you have to be prepared to go up and down a few stairs. <BR><BR>However, some people do take cost into account. And since you're probably going to buy a MetroCard when you're in the city, it's basically FREE transportation. Sure, it might take a bit longer, but from what I've heard, cabs or buses can take close to as long (or longer) depending on traffic. <BR><BR>It's always a case or trading off money vs. time vs. convenience. I know when I visit NYC, I think taking an extra 30 mins is definitely worth saving some money.