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)

Hi Marge:

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.

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.

Anyway, here is the way to do it on the subway:

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.

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

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.

These websites might help you:

http://mta.info/nyct/service/airport.htm

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.

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
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:

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.

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.

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.