Transportation from Time Square to JFK
 

Hey all,
Can you help me with transportation from Time Square to JFK? I am looking for less expensive option then a taxi. The rate coming in from JFK was 58.00 plus tip - would like specific instructions on the Airtran? It seems to go from Penn Station but I have never done it and think I might be confused. This is on the website - but I am explaining to another person and would love more info...

"Midtown Manhattan New York Penn Station W. 34 St. MTA NYC Transit E Subway at Jamaica Station $7.75 50 minutes"

TIA.
Dawn

We took the subway E train from Long Island City to the Jamaica station which is where you connect to the Air Train. The E train goes from a stop close by Times Square. I googled it, it is at W 42nd St (btwn Broadway & 8th Ave), At Jamaica there are clearly marked signs showing how to get to the Air-Train. You buy your Air Train ticket when you arrive at Jamaica station.

Another alternative - to avoid the subway - is to take the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica to pick up the Air Train. You get the LIRR at Penn Station and trains leave every 20 minutes or so. It is faster than the subway - but more expensive. the fare is about $8 versus $2.75 for the subway - either one plus $5 for the Air Train.

But if you have more than just a small carry-on the LIRR will be easier to manage - since subways at 42nd or 34th st can be very crowded.

Thanks Nelsonian and NYT! I appreciate it - it is for my boss and his son and they have never been to NYC - they are there right now but I would like to offer an alternative to getting back to the airport that is not as costly as the cab.

Okay, so headed back to JFK (to be sure I understand) You go to Penn Station and pick up the LIRR (they are traveling with more than a small carry on) you take the LIRR to JFK? that is what is confusing to me...is there a transfer where they need to change ?

You take any LIRR train to Jamaica. Then you get off and go upstairs from the platform and go to the Airtrain. You take that to JFK.

They can buy a value Metrocard (make sure there's enough for one ride plus $5 for the Airtrain, but there's also an option to buy a combo LIRR/Airtrain ticket at Penn Station if you are not traveling on a weekend.

You have two options for ticketing.

On a weekend, you should always buy what is called a "City Ticket" (a reduced price ticket for the LIRR within NYC). That costs $4.25 to Jamaica. Then you go to the Metrocard vending machine at the Airtrain station in Jamaica and buy a $5 Airtrain ticket for a total price of $9.25.

On a weekday, you pay the regular price to Jamaica from Penn Station ($7.25 to $10 depending on whether it's peak or off-peak). And then $5 for the Airtrain for a total of $12.25 to $15. You can buy a combo ticket from a few machines that have an Airtrain symbol, or you can buy the tickets separately. The price doesn't change regardless, but it's easier to have a combo ticket so you don't have to stop again at the Metrocard machine.

If you buy tickets on the train there's a HUGE surcharge, so it costs basically double. I don't recommend that.

It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to get to Jamaica, then another 10 to 15 minutes to get to the terminals.

Thank you so much!!! This is perfect...Doug you once helped me get over my fear (seems silly now) of the NYC subway system by walking me step by step :)

To be perfectly clear - neither the subway nor the LIRR go to JFK. You take one or the other to Jamaica station where you have to switch to the Air Train.

The elapsed time on the LIRR option is shorter but the trains don;t run as often as the subway, which will take longer. So the total elapsed time - including a wait for the LIRR is probably not too different. They will need to allow at least an hour either way before the time the airline wants them to get to the airport.

I've done both the LIRR and the subway many times, and the LIRR is somewhat easier with luggage and more comfortable -- just know the schedule and get to Penn Station in time to buy your ticket, there are always lines.

Thanks again - I passed this along to my boss and will report back what option they go with :)

Reporting back...they took a cab :)

But...hey - I got great information!!! Thank you!!