transportation from jfk to manhattan
 

Hi again. I accidentally just posted this same topic under general united states, so lets try this again. We are travelling in a group with 5 ladies. Yes an odd # i know. So what do you reccomend? 2 taxi's, a mini van taxi(could be hard to find?), a car service or a limo. The car service you would book ahead and call when you get in. I believe taxi's are $45 and tip. Carmel car service has minivan's for $60 but can they take 5 girls and all the luggage? Also departing on 8am flt. How soon should we leave the hotel? And how hard is it to get a cab or car service at that time? Thanks guys

You might want to know that there is only 1 board and that ALL POSTS go to the US Board. The search button is to narrow down posts to what you are looking for, but all posts on US questions will post all together.

Ok, JFK to Manhattan, for 5 of you I would suggest getting a car service. THey will give you a phone number to call and when you get your luggage and are ready to leave the aiport, the car will be waiting for you, just walk out the door. When you call, after landing, the dispacher will give you the car number to look for and where the car will be waiting.

Tell the service how many in your party and how much luggage so they can send the right size vehicle to pick you up.

Have a GREAT time while you are here.

A minivan for $60 from Carmel sounds like the best option since a taxi will cost $55-60 x 2 when you add tip and toll. That price is for NYC TO JFK. They don't list a price for JFK to NYC. I'd double check that. I'd also doublecheck it will fit 5 with luggage. I think it should.

Early in the morning it takes 30-40 mins or less to JFK but allow an hour. Only your airline can tell you what time you need to be there.

I highly recommend Carmel Limo. Ask if they have a discount coupon when you call- they usually do, making the limo even more of a deal...

Make the appointment and then gather you luggage when you arrive. Then give them a call. They were there wating on us as we left the baggage claim while others were queing for the taxi.

http://www.carmellimo.com/

Greg

Car service.

Thanks! Just booked a minivan with carmel limo. $60+tip+toll. Is tipping about 15%?

Tipping is generally 20%, in NYC and a little more if the driver does all the luggage handling.

Have a fun trip.

I live inManhattan, and I would still start any tipping at 15% and work up from there. On the other hand, I am often generous with cabbies if it's a holiday or just so I don't have to wait for change.

Agree that cabbies get 20% and more if they're dealing with a lot of stuff.

Esp given the cost of gas these guys work very hard for VERY little money (either a fleet - so most of the money goes to the owner vs the driver - or a privately owned cab - in which case the driver is paying off hundreds of thousands in loans for the official meadllion). This is why cab companies are always desperate for drivers - income is really mnimal even if you do 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ok 20% it is. Thanks guys.

One affordable, fast, convenient way to get from JFK to Manhattan is the New York Airport Service bus. The fair is about $12 per person, the signs are clearly marked in the airport and they leave about every 20 min. going to the Port Authority (west side), Grand Central Station (east side) and others. Check out their website and best of luck: http://www.nyairportservice.com/

Also keep in mind that a taxi can take no more the 4 passsengers, so you'd need 2 of them. Go for the car service, and call in advance. The shuttle service will cost almost the same, plus you'd have to find transpo from the bus stop to your hotel (unless you can walk).