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In the New York City Forum on FlyerTalk.com we get a lot of questions about the "best" way to get from each airport to various parts of Manhattan. This page is a wiki for forum regulars to assemble our best advice on one big page. While we will make an effort to keep the information current, always double-check fares and schedules against the official websites of the airports and transit authorities. We will provide links to make that as easy as possible.

Please note that the official airport pages contain a wealth of information about ground transportation options. This page is not designed to rehash that information, but to provide further background on the pros/cons of the various ways of getting from the airport to Manhattan and back.

Also please note that if you plan to take any subways, you should always check MTA Service Advisories for the trains you plan to take--especially if you are traveling on a weekend when they sometimes reroute trains while they make track repairs and improvements.

Some general links:


Contents

[edit] Which is the "best" airport?

There are pros and cons to each airport. LGA is closest to Manhattan, and therefore offers the cheapest (and usually fastest) taxi or public transit ride. The new AirTrain services to EWR and JFK have made them much more convenient than they were in the past, however, and LGA has no transcontinental or intercontinental flights, so many travelers have to connect to get to LGA. EWR is convenient to Lower Manhattan and the West Side via the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels and the NJ commuter trains. JFK is convenient to Long Island and Brooklyn/Queens and extremely convenient to Wall Street if you can afford the helicopter service. Other factors, such as flight frequencies, fares, flight reliability, and airline preferences will also play into your decision.

Less convenient to the city, but good for certain suburbs are HPN (White Plains, NY--convenient to Westchester and Putnam Counties in NY and Fairfield County in CT), ISP (Islip, NY--convenient to Long Island), and SWF (Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY--convenient to the Hudson Valley).

[edit] LGA to Manhattan

LaGuardia Airport is located in the Borough of Queens, which is part of New York City. It is geographically the closest airport to Manhattan but requires transportation by bus, taxi or shared van for at least part of your trip, since there is no rail service directly serving the airport.

The Official LGA Ground Transportation page lists all the major airport transportation options.

[edit] Most Convenient: Taxi

The most convenient way to get from LGA to most parts of Manhattan is simply hopping in a taxi outside your terminal and telling the driver where you want to go.

[edit] How much does a taxi cost?

Taxis to/from LGA bill according to their meter (see details of the billing structure here. Expect to pay $20-40, depending on where in Manhattan you want to go, what route you take, and how bad traffic is. Taxis can hold up to 4 passengers (no more) and generally have pretty big trunks that can hold quite a lot of luggage. The quickest routes from LGA to Manhattan often involve a toll, which should not be more than $4. It is also customary to tip 15-20% on the base fare (not including any toll) unless service was poor.

Note that if you are in (or can assemble) a group going to different destinations in Manhattan, there is also a "group riding plan" available where each person pays a flat fare ($7.50-$9.50, plus tip) based on their location in Manhattan. This is one of the only exceptions to the "no charge for additional passengers" rule. This will be much cheaper than each person taking his/her own cab, but will take longer. However even though this plan is listed in the Taxi Code, some cab drivers may not know about it.

[edit] How long does a taxi take?

This depends greatly on your specific destination and the traffic. It can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes (to Midtown or the UES/UWS with no traffic) to well over an hour.

[edit] Should I tell the taxi driver a particular route?

Many cab drivers these days are honest and will take you via a reasonable efficient route to your destination. It's often fine (and often a good idea) to trust your cab driver to choose a good route. Though the movie stereotype of being driven around in circles doesn't happen often, it is quite common however for drivers to choose a longer route to earn an additional fare, especially if the rider fits the profile of a tourist on their first visit.

On often noted exception to that rule is the Queensboro Bridge (aka the 59th Street Bridge). For destinations between 59th and 79th (the "lower" parts of the UWS and UES), some Flyertalkers prefer the Queensboro, while cab drivers will usually take the Triboro unless you request the Queensboro. And for destinations between 42nd and 59th (i.e., most of Midtown), many Flyertalkers prefer the Queensboro, but cab drivers often prefer the Midtown Tunnel.

The Queensboro Bridge vs. Triboro Bridge/Midtown Tunnel debate exists because the Queensboro is more direct (reducing the taxi fare by a few dollars as long as you don't get caught in traffic) and does not have the $4 toll of the Triboro Bridge or Midtown Tunnel. Consequently, a taxi via the Queensboro can cost up to $10 less than a taxi via the Triboro to some parts of Midtown. The Queensboro can get horribly backed up, however, and there are no highways directly linking the Queensboro to/from LGA, requiring your driver to navigate the streets of Queens between LGA and the Queensboro, which are generally slow. Even when traffic is light on the Queensboro route, going via the Triboro can save 5-10 minutes. Note also that many cab drivers dislike the Queensboro route, because it is slower and doesn't make as much money. But if you ask for it, they have to take you that way. For a lively debate on this subject, see this thread.


[edit] What Should I Do If Have A Complaint About A Driver?

Call 311 from any phone in New York City (212-NEW-YORK from outside NYC) and ask for the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

[edit] What about car services?

Many LGA regulars prefer taxis to car services because taxis are almost always cheaper and usually get you away from the airport faster. The cheap car services usually don't wait for you with a little sign with your name. You have to call them when you arrive to get a car number, then go find the car outside, which can take a while. The more expensive car services (which are significantly more expensive than taxis) often require you to (1) find your driver near the baggage claim and (2) walk with him or her out to a parked car that can sometimes be in a fairly remote lot. While the fancier car services provide a nice plush ride, most of us would prefer to just get to our destination as quickly as possible, and except for those days when the taxi queues get super-long, a taxi is usually fastest.

[edit] Fastest at Rush Hour: Taxi + Subway

At off-peak times (late at night, weekends, etc.), taking a taxi the whole way (either to or from LGA) is usually fastest (often under 30 minutes). But as you get closer to Manhattan on weekdays, traffic often gets worse, and there are times when it can take well over an hour to get between LGA and even the closest parts of Manhattan.

At peak traffic times, therefore, you can actually save both time and money by taking a taxi part of the way and a subway the rest of the way, since subways tend to run very close to schedule even at the busiest times of the day.

[edit] How much does taxi + subway cost?

The NYC subway costs the same no matter where you take it. The regular fare is $2 per ride.

A taxi between LGA and Jackson Heights or Astoria should cost about $12 or less (determined by the meter). A livery cab from Jackson Heights to LGA should be $12 (as of summer 2006), which is negotiated between the driver and passenger before starting out (see below).

[edit] How do I take a taxi + subway from LGA to Manhattan?

From LGA, you should get in a taxi and ask to go to Roosevelt Ave and Broadway in the Jackson Heights section of Queens. From the subway station at that intersection, you can get the 7, E, F or R trains (or V train on weekdays), which will take you almost anywhere in Manhattan either directly or by changing to another train (see the official MTA subway map). The scheduled travel time to the first stop in Manhattan ranges from 11 to 20 minutes, depending upon which train you take.

An alternative is to take a taxi to Astoria Blvd and 31st Street in the Astoria Section of Queens. There you can get the N train (or W train on weekdays), which also goes to Manhattan. The scheduled travel time to the first stop in Manhattan (Lexington Avenue and 59th Street) is about 13 minutes.

Yet another alternative is to take a taxi to Roosevelt Avenue and Junction Boulevard in the Corona section of Queens. The subway station at that intersection is the closest to LGA's Central Terminal Building. From Junction Boulevard station, you can take the #7 local or express trains to Manhattan on weekday mornings. (At other times, only the #7 local operates.) The scheduled travel time to the first stop in Manhattan, Grand Central Station (East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan), is less than 25 minutes with either the local or the express; from Grand Central, the #7 train continues to Fifth Avenue/42nd Street, and Times Square, where the line terminates. Although the subway travel time from this station to Manhattan is a few minutes longer than from the other two stations, the taxi ride to the station should be shorter (and cheaper).

One other note: if taking a taxi from LGA to the subway, some cab drivers may give you a hard time. Taxi drivers often wait an hour or more for a chance to pick someone up at LGA in the hopes of scoring a $20-30 fare into Manhattan. When you ask them to take you to a subway that's only a $5-10 fare away, they may get grumpy. They are required, however, to take you where you want by the route you request.

[edit] How do I take the subway + taxi from Manhattan to LGA?

From Manhattan, you should take the E, F or R (or V on weekdays) to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave stop, or the 7 train to the 74th St-Broadway stop (the two stops are connected). In Jackson Heights, yellow cabs are often hard to find. But there are almost always livery cabs available (usually older Lincoln Town Cars), which are licensed and regulated by the T&LC. (Theoretically the license is only for phone-dispatch service, not to pick up street hails, but since yellow cabs do not serve these areas, the officials tolerate and accept the livery cabs' "off-license" work.) Make sure the car has a license plate that says "livery" or "T&LC" at the bottom, and agree on the fare with the driver BEFORE you start going, as these cars do not have meters. As of summer 2006, the going rate from Jackson Heights to LGA in a livery cab was consistently $12.

An alternative is to take the N (or W on weekdays) to the Astoria Blvd stop. From there you should also be able to hail a taxi or find a livery cab to take you to LGA.

[edit] Cheapest: Bus + Subway

The cheapest way to get between LGA and Manhattan is to take the bus in combination with the subway (or just the bus if you're going to certain parts of Harlem or Morningside Heights).

There are four buses to know: the M60, the Q33, the Q47, and the Q72. Click the links for current schedules for each bus, but remember that schedules are approximate.

Note that while the M60 stops at every terminal, neither the Q33 nor the Q72 serves the Marine Air Terminal, and the Q47 serves only the Marine Air Terminal. The Marine Air Terminal has very few flights (as of Summer 2006 only Delta Shuttle flights to/from BOS and DCA and Delta Connection flights to/from ORD).

[edit] How much does a bus + subway cost and how do I pay?

The basic bus or subway fare in NYC is $2, and you should pay with a Metrocard. The Metrocard is the only way to get on the subway, and transfers to a bus are free (unless you bought a SingleRide Metrocard). Buses take Metrocards and coins (no bills!), but a Metrocard is preferable since transfers to the subway are free with a Metrocard if made within two hours of when you start your journey. (If you use coins on the bus, you can get a paper transfer to another bus, but you'll need to pay again to transfer to the subway.)

Metrocards are sold at most newsstands at LGA, but not on the bus. Start asking at the first newsstand you see when you get off your plane, since occasionally the newsstands near the baggage claims run out of Metrocards. There are two kinds of Metrocards: pay-per-ride and unlimited. Unless you plan to ride a lot of public transportation during your stay in NYC, a $7 pay-per-ride card makes the most sense for most travelers, and is the easiest kind of card to find at the newsstands. A $7 card gets you $8.05 of credit, which is good for four rides (not including the free transfers noted above) with a nickel left over if you want to top up the card.

If there is more than one person in your party, you can swipe a pay-per-ride card again for each person who boards the bus. When you transfer to the subway, however, you should only swipe ONCE at the turnstile. The turnstile will recognize that you have more than one transfer available, and each person who used that card to board the bus will be able to pass through the turnstile into the subway without swiping again.

[edit] Where do I find the bus at LGA?

Follow signs at your terminal to ground transportation and look for signs for public buses. There is at least one bus stop outside each terminal.

[edit] Where do the buses go?

The M60 travels west from LGA along Astoria Blvd, then crosses the Triboro Bridge to Manhattan and continues west on 125th St to Amsterdam Ave. From Amsterdam it turns on 120th to Broadway, and then turns on Broadway to its terminus at 106th St. The M60 can therefore take you directly to destinations along the 125th St corridor in Harlem or in the Columbia University neighborhood of Morningside Heights.

Available subway transfers from the M60 include the N train (and W on weekdays) at Astoria Blvd and 31st St in Astoria, Queens, the 4/5/6 trains at Lexington Ave and 125th St in Harlem, Manhattan, the 2/3 trains at Lenox/6th Ave and 125th St in Harlem, the A/C/D trains (and B on weekdays) at St. Nicholas Ave and 125th St in Harlem, and the 1 train at 116th St and Broadway in Morningside Heights.

The Q33 and Q47 both terminate at the Jackson Heights 74th Street bus terminal. From the bus terminal, there are easy signs pointing you to the 7, E, F and R trains (and V trains on weekdays only), all of which go to Manhattan.

The Q72 terminates in Rego Park, at the 63rd Drive/Queens Boulevard subway station, served by the R (and, on weekdays only, V) trains. But the Q72 also stops at the Junction Boulevard (elevated) subway station, served by the #7 train. Junction Boulevard is an express stop on the #7 train, meaning that on weekday mornings, both express and local Manhattan-bound trains stop there. (At other times, only local Manhattan-bound trains serve the station.) Scheduled travel time on the Q72 from the Central Terminal Building at LGA to the Junction Boulevard #7 station is 12-18 minutes, depending on time of day. Scheduled travel time on the #7 train from Junction Boulevard to Grand Central Station in Manhattan is about 20 minutes for the express, and about 25 minutes for the local. The trip from Junction Boulevard to Times Square in Manhattan is about three minutes longer.

Take a look at the subway map to see which train will get you closest to your destination in Manhattan. If you are traveling from the Delta/Northwest, USAir, or Central Terminal at LGA to midtown Manhattan, you may just want to board the first local bus that comes along (i.e., M60, Q33, or Q72), and transfer to the subway at the appropriate connecting point.

[edit] How do I get to LGA from Manhattan via subway + bus?

If you're near the M60 route in Morningside Heights or Harlem, you can simply get on the M60 and go straight to LGA.

If you're in another neighborhood, you can take the E/F/R/V to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave stop or the 7 to the 74th St-Broadway stop and look for signs for the Q33 or Q47. You can take the N/W to the Astoria Blvd stop and follow signs to the M60. You can take the A/B/C/D/2/3/4/5/6 to 125th St and find the M60 stop on the south side of 125th St. Or you can take the 1 train to the 116th St stop and find the M60 stop on the east side of Broadway.

Note that the E/F are probably the best if you're convenient to one of those trains for three reasons: (1) those trains run express in Queens, so they'll get there a little quicker than the R, V or 7, (2) you avoid the potential bottleneck of taking the M60 bus over the Triboro bridge by taking the subway to Queens (also an advantage of the R/V/7 and N/W), and (3) they allow you to get on the Q33 or Q47 at the first stop, giving you the greatest chance of getting a seat (also an advantage of the R/V/7).

Transfers from subway-to-bus work the same as bus-to-subway. If you transfer within two hours of your initial Metrocard swipe, you won't be charged again.

[edit] Other Options: Shared Vans and the NY Airport Service Bus

The Official LGA Ground Transportation page lists a couple other services worth considering.

[edit] Shared Vans

Shared van services like SuperShuttle and Airlink are mainly useful in two situations:

  1. You have more than 4 people (the max that can fit in a taxi) and you want to ride together.
  2. You are traveling solo and think you'll have trouble handling your luggage on the subways and buses (which generally involve stairs and can get quite crowded) or you want door-to-door service for some other reason, but you simply can't afford a taxi.

The problems with shared vans are that you have to wait for them to fill up before they leave, and they can make up to a dozen stops at other riders' destinations before taking you to your destination, making it take forever to get where you're going (or requiring them to pick you up super early if you're headed to the airport). There's also traffic to worry about.

The bus + subway option is far cheaper than shared vans and is usually faster (because of traffic). A taxi isn't that much more expensive and is always faster.

[edit] NY Airport Service Bus

There is also the NY Airport Service bus to Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station. The bus generally runs every 20 minutes (see the schedule in the link above) and costs a half to a third of what a taxi costs, but significantly more than the public bus + subway. It's mainly useful if you are headed to one of these transit hubs and don't want to deal with public buses and subway transfers. Note, however, that the same bus goes first to GCT, then to the PABT, and finally to Penn, so it can take quite a while to get to Penn Station, and because it's a large bus, it can be even more vulnerable to traffic than a taxi.

[edit] JFK to Manhattan

JFK Airport is located in the Borough of Queens, which is part of New York City. It is quite far from Manhattan, but the opening of the AirTrain has made JFK much more convenient by providing efficient connections between JFK and the NYC Subway and the Long Island Railroad.

The Official JFK Ground Transportation page lists all the major airport transportation options.

[edit] Fastest to Downtown or Midtown East--Period: US Helicopter

US Helicopter offers scheduled helicopter service between JFK's Terminal 3 and either the Downtown Heliport (near Wall Street and the Financial District) or the Midtown East Heliport (Located at 34th St. and the East River) in Manhattan.

For those originating in Manhattan, you clear TSA at the heliport and do not have to deal with security again at JFK if you're flying Delta. All Delta operated flights are at Terminals 2 and 3, which are connected airside. All other airlines will require changing terminals and re-clearing security as if you were connecting to/from a Delta flight at Terminal 3.

Upon arrival at either Heliport you can either find a taxi to your destination, or US Helicopter will arrange a car service for you.

US Helicopter previously served Terminal 9, home to AA. But as of May 14, 2007, they moved to Terminal 3.

See the Official US Helicopter site and ticketing system for further details or to book your flight.

[edit] How much does US Helicopter cost and how do I pay?

US Helicopter costs $159 or more for a one way flight as of June 2008. Discounts are sometimes available on their website. You can pay by credit card online or over the phone, and theoretically in cash at the airport or heliport.

[edit] How long does US Helicopter take?

Helicopters run once an hour and take an unbeatable 8 minutes to complete the journey. Passengers arriving on DL can have their bags checked directly to their helicopter flight, and passengers departing on DL can clear TSA security at the heliport and check their bags through to DL.

[edit] Most Convenient: Taxi

Taxi can be a very convenient way to get between JFK and Manhattan, but it is not cheap and can get very delayed by traffic. There are two major traffic bottlenecks: the East River, separating Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens, and the Van Wyck Expressway, which is the main artery leading to JFK.

[edit] How much does a taxi cost?

As of December, 2006, taxis between JFK and anywhere in Manhattan are a flat $45 fare + any toll and tip in either direction. The toll shouldn't be more than $4. It is customary to tip 15-20% for good service. See details of the taxi billing structure (http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml here]).

Taxis can hold up to 4 passengers (no more) and generally have pretty big trunks that can hold quite a lot of luggage.

[edit] How long does a taxi take?

The time it takes a taxi depends on the route selected by you (or the driver) and how much traffic there is along that route. There are a number of possibilities for getting between JFK and Manhattan, and the most direct route to your destination may not be the fastest due to traffic. Drivers usually have good instincts about which routes to avoid, or you can ask if they've heard the traffic report recently.

Time to Manhattan can range from 20 minutes (if no traffic and you're travelling the most direct route) to over 2 hours (if the route you take is jammed).

[edit] What about car services?

The luxury car services, where the driver waits for you near the baggage claim area, have the disadvantage that you have to walk out to the parking lot where the car is parked. Because of ongonig construction at the American Airlines terminal (T8-9), parking is limited and the driver will have to meet you curbside, as opposed to at baggage claim. [September 2006]

The less expensive services require you to make a reservation in advance, and the car will park somewhere other than the airport parking lot. Once you've gotten your baggage, you call the car service with your location and the dispatcher will direct the driver to you. This may take 15 minutes (or more if there's traffic).

They are typically more expensive than taxis.

[edit] Fastest at Rush Hour: AirTrain + LIRR

The Van Wyck Expressway at rush hour = fuhgetaboutit (as they say in Brooklyn). Unless you want door-to-door service (i.e., your bags are difficult to roll around), you are much better off taking the AirTrain to Jamaica and taking the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Jamaica to Penn Station in Manhattan.

Official AirTrain JFK site LIRR schedules

[edit] How much does the AirTrain + LIRR cost and how do I pay?

The AirTrain costs $5 per person per ride (unless you are a frequent rider, in which case certain discounts are available). A ten-trip AirTrain Metrocard, valid for six months, is also available for $25. If you are traveling on AirTrain with a group, consider purchasing the ten-trip, since it can be used by each member of your group.

The LIRR costs $3-7 between Jamaica and Manhattan, depending on the time of day and day or week. Peak fares are $7 each way, and are for weekday travel on trains scheduled to arrive in Penn Station between 6 and 10 AM or depart Penn Station between 4 and 8 PM. Off-peak fares are $5 each way, and are for travel on all weekday trains other than peak trains. The online schedules will display whether a train is peak or off-peak, as will the departure board in the stations. (The published times above are approximate - specifically, there is a 4:01p departure that is considered off-peak, so check the schedules.)

On weekends, you can use a $3 "CityTicket" on the LIRR between Jamaica and NY Penn Station. CityTickets are purchased via their own option (they will not show up if you select Jamaica to NY Penn) on the ticket vending machines, and are valid only on the same day it is purchased.

When heading to JFK, you can purchase your LIRR ticket at any LIRR ticket vending machine (TVM) in Penn Station. When heading from JFK, you can purchase your LIRR ticket at the TVMs in the Airtrain station. There are several located before you go through the AirTrain turnstyles, on the right-hand side, to the right of the Metrocard vending machines.

TVMs accept bills up to $50, coins, and credit/debit cards. They only give change in coins, however, and only up to $17.75, so using big bill for a cheap ticket is a bad idea unless you don't mind carrying around a lot of coins.

Most LIRR TVMs will also give you the option to add a Metrocard to your ticket. You can add either a $5 metrocard, which will be valid for one transfer to/from the Airtrain, or you can add a larger amount (with a 15% bonus for cards of $7 or more), which can be used on the AirTrain as well as on the NYC subway/bus system. When coming into the city for a few days, this may be a good option. Your LIRR ticket will be "printed" on the back of the metrocard.

Note: unlimited-ride Metrocards (i.e., 1-day, 7-day, 14-day, 30-day) are not accepted for the AirTrain transfer. You will need a pay-per-ride Metrocard.

[edit] How long does the AirTrain + LIRR take?

The AirTrain takes about 10 minutes to get to Jamaica Station. It takes about 5 minutes to switch from the AirTrain to the LIRR, and the LIRR takes about 20 minutes to get from Jamaica to NY Penn Station.

If your flight arrives at Terminals 1, 2 or 3 at JFK, you can cut a few minutes off of your AirTrain ride by taking the "internal" AirTrain to the Terminal 8/9 stop and switching there to the "external" AirTrain to Jamaica. This way you avoid having to go all the way around to all of the terminals.

Going to JFK Termainls 8/9 you can do the same trick: get off the "external" AirTrain at Terminal 1 and switch to the "internal" AirTrain to 8/9.

[edit] Cheapest: AirTrain + Subway

Taking the AirTrain to the subway is a more economical option than the LIRR (especially at times when peak tickets are required on the LIRR). It can also be faster if you are traveling to parts of Manhattan not easily accessible to Penn Station.

A few links:

[edit] How much does the AirTrain + subway cost and how do I pay?

The AirTrain costs $5 per person per ride (unless you are a frequent rider, in which case you can purchase a Metrocard with 10 AirTrain rides for $25, valid for 6 months). The subway costs $2 to go anywhere in the system, also payable with Metrocard. Transfers between trains are free at any station indicated as a transfer point on the subway map.

The easiest way to get a Metrocard is from the vending machines when you get off the AirTrain. Metrocards come in unlimited and pay-per-ride varieties. Unlimited Metrocards will not work on the AirTrain, but you can use a pay-per-ride Metrocard for both the AirTrain and the subway. A $7.85 Metrocard will give you $9 credit (good for an AirTrain ride plus a subway ride).

[edit] How long does the AirTrain + subway take?

The AirTrain takes about 10 minutes to get to either Jamaica Station (for the E train) or Howard Beach (for the A train). It takes about 5 minutes to switch between trains.

The E train between NY Penn Station and Suthphin Blvd-Archer Ave takes 35-45 minutes. The A train between Howard Beach and the Financial District takes about 45-60 minutes.

If your flight arrives at Terminals 1, 2 or 3 at JFK, you can cut a few minutes off of your AirTrain ride by taking the "internal" AirTrain to the Terminal 8/9 stop and switching there to the "external" AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach. This way you avoid having to go all the way around to all of the terminals.

Going to JFK Termainls 8/9 you can do the same trick: get off the "external" AirTrain at Terminal 1 and take the "internal" AirTrain to 8/9.

After planning for connection timing delays, expect a total of 60-75 minutes to/from Penn Station on the E subway line, compared to 45-60 minutes using LIRR.

[edit] Is there an even cheaper way?

Yes, the Q10 and Q10 Limited bus connect JFK to the A train's Lefferts Blvd stop or the E/F trains' Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike stop. (The Q10 runs local, making every stop along the route; the Q10 Limited makes fewer stops.) The buses on these routes do not have luggage racks (be prepared to hold your luggage in your lap or slide it under your seat) and can be very slow.

See the Q10 schedule for further details.

The B15 bus connects JFK to the New Lots Avenue stop (served by the 3 during the day and the 4 late nights). However the bus has the same downsides as the Q10 and the train makes every local stop and is very very slow. The only reason to choose this route is if your destination is an area of Brooklyn served by the 3.

See the B15 Schedule for further details.

Both the Q10 and B15 operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with reduced frequencies between midnight and 5:00 AM. The Q10 Limited now operates 7 days a week as well, from approximately 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, and with reduced hours on weekends. All of these buses arrive and depart from Terminal 4 at JFK, and do not stop at any other terminal at the airport. If you are arriving at, or departing from, a different terminal, you can ride the JFK AirTrain for free between Terminal 4 and any other terminal. Transfers between bus and subway are free if you use a Metrocard. See the LGA section for further details on how transfers and Metrocards work. You should be able to buy Metrocards at newsstands at JFK. If you don't have a Metrocard, you will have to pay in coins on the bus (no bills) and you'll still have to buy a Metrocard to transfer to the subway.

[edit] Other Options: Shared Vans and the NY Airport Service Bus

[edit] Shared Vans

Shared van services like SuperShuttle and Airlink are mainly useful in two situations:

  1. You have more than 4 people (the max that can fit in a taxi) and you want to ride together.
  2. You are traveling solo and think you'll have trouble handling your luggage on the AirTrain and subway/LIRR or you want door-to-door service for some other reason, but you simply can't afford a taxi.

The problems with shared vans are that you have to wait for them to fill up before they leave, and they can make up to a dozen stops at other riders' destinations before taking you to your destination, making it take forever to get where you're going (or requiring them to pick you up super early if you're headed to the airport). There's also traffic to worry about.

The AirTrain + LIRR/subway options are cheaper than shared vans and usually faster (because of traffic). A taxi is much faster, but more expensive (unless you have 3-4 people, in which case the taxi starts to get almost as cheap as the shared van).

[edit] NY Airport Service Bus

There is also the NY Airport Service bus to Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station. The bus runs every 20-30 minutes most days (see the schedule in the link above) and costs a little more than the AirTrain + LIRR. It's mainly useful if you are headed to one of the transit hubs and don't want to deal with figuring out or carrying luggage on the trains or subways. Note, however, that the same bus goes first to GCT, then to the PABT, and finally to Penn. If you're going to Penn Station, AirTrain + LIRR will therefore be much faster.

[edit] EWR to Manhattan

Newark Airport is located in the City of Newark, New Jersey, a few miles southwest of Manhattan. It is quite convenient to the West Side of Manhattan and Lower Manhattan (including the Financial District) by road and rail.

The Official EWR Ground Transportation page lists all the major airport transportation options.

[edit] Fastest to Downtown or Midtown East--Period: US Helicopter

US Helicopter offers scheduled helicopter service between EWR Terminal C (serving most CO flights) and either the Downtown Heliport (near Wall Street and the Financial District) or the Midtown East Heliport (Located at 34th St. and the East River) in Manhattan.

For those originating in Manhattan, you clear TSA at the heliport and do not have to deal with security again at EWR if you're flying Continental. Most Continental flights are at Terminal C and there is an airside shuttle from Terminal C to Terminal A, where most other Continental flights are. All other airlines will require changing terminals and re-clearing security as if you were connecting to/from a Continental flight at Terminal C.

Upon arrival at either Heliport you can either find a taxi to your destination, or US Helicopter will arrange a car service for you.

See the Official US Helicopter site and ticketing system for further details or to book your flight.

[edit] How much does US Helicopter cost and how do I pay?

US Helicopter costs $159 or more for a one way flight as of June 2008. Discounts are sometimes available on their website. You can pay by credit card online or over the phone, and theoretically in cash at the airport or heliport.

[edit] How long does US Helicopter take?

Helicopters run once an hour and take an unbeatable 8 minutes to complete the journey. Passengers arriving on CO can have their bags checked directly to their helicopter flight, and passengers departing on CO can clear TSA security at the heliport and check their bags through to CO. Note that some CO flights depart from Terminal A at EWR. CO has a free "airside" shuttle between Terminals C and A that allows you to avoid reclearing security. For other airlines, however, you will need to reclear security at EWR.

[edit] Most Convenient: Taxi

Taxis are probably the most convenient way to get to Manhattan from EWR. But be warned that they are very expensive, and traffic can slow you down.

[edit] How much does a taxi cost?

Taxis charge according to a detailed system of zones and surcharges. Most destinations in Manhattan cost $40-60 + tip and toll, depending on where you're going and what time it is. Tolls will be at least $5.75 for most destinations in Manhattan ($0.75-1.15 for the Turnpike + $5-6 for the tunnel). Taxis are generally cash-only. Note, as of March 2007, there have been reports of increases in the base fares of EWR taxes, and the above link is no longer valid.

[edit] How long does a taxi take?

Taxis can take anywhere from 20 minutes (to get to destinations near the Holland or Lincoln Tunnels when there is no traffic) to an hour or more (if there is traffic or you need to get to the East Side).

[edit] What about car services?

The two largest car services serving EWR and Manhattan are Dial 7 (formerly Tel Aviv) and Carmel. As of October, 2006, both charge in the range of $43-50 (depending on the time of day) plus tolls and tips. Both also often have coupons available, either on their website or often in the in-flight magazines.

Reservations are not needed in advance, but are recommended if you are arriving or departing during a peak time. Whether you have a reservation or not, you should call immediately upon arrival so they can dispatch a car to the airport for you.

There are many other car services that are more reliable, have fancier cars, and will have someone meet you at the airport rather than making you go outside to find the driver. These other services are more expensive than Dial7 or Carmel, however.

[edit] Fastest at Rush Hour: AirTrain + NJ Transit Train

Because traffic at the tunnels from New Jersey to Manhattan can get terrible at rush hour, and the trains run most frequently at those hours, the best option at peak times is to take the AirTrain monorail from your terminal to the Newark Airport Train Station, where you can transfer to the NJ Transit trains to Manhattan.

If you are headed to Lower Manhattan, however, it is cheaper (and often faster) to take the NJ Transit train only to Newark Penn Station and take the PATH train to the World Trade Center station. This avoids the cumbersome transfer to the subway from the train at New York Penn Station.

Do know however that there are no special luggage racks available on the NJ Transit trains (though some seats near doors fold up to make room for wheelchairs, bicycles, and luggage). Thus navigating NJ Transit can be a bit difficult if you have more than just a carry-on.

Links:

[edit] How much does the AirTrain + NJT Train cost and how do I pay?

Fares between Newark Airport and New York Penn Station in Manhattan are currently $15 one-way. (July '07) There are no round-trip discounts available. The ticket includes transportation on the NJ Transit train between New York Penn Station and the Newark Airport AirTrain station, as well as the AirTrain access fee. When traveling to the airport, be sure to keep your ticket, which you will need to transfer to the AirTrain. Usually the conductor will remind you of this. When leaving the airport, be sure to take your ticket after passing through the turnstiles, as you'll need to give it to the conductor when you board the train.

Tickets are available from vending machines in the terminals near the AirTrain stations, as well as in the main AirTrain station near the turnstiles leading to the train. In New York, you can get tickets from vending machines scattered around Penn Station. Be warned, however, that lines can sometimes be long, as there are not enough machines, and the machines are VERY slow, particularly compared to the MTA (Subway/LIRR/MetroNorth) ones. Give yourself at least a 10 minute buffer to buy your ticket and board your train.

[edit] Is there a way to save a few dollars?

Yes, New Jersey officials apparently think that 1 + 1 = 2.5 (i.e., they charge more for a single ticket from EWR to New York Penn Station than they charge if you buy the ticket in two parts). Here's how to make 1 + 1 = 2 again:

On the way from EWR, buy a ticket to Newark Penn Station (instead of New York Penn Station) for $7.75 one-way (no round-trip tickets available and you can't change the origin on the EWR ticket machines). This ticket includes the AirTrain access fee and the NJ Transit ticket from the Airtrain station to Newark Penn Station. When the conductor comes to collect your ticket, tell him or her that you'd like to go instead to New York Penn Station. The conductor will charge you a "change of terminal" fee of $3.25 for a grand total of $11, which is considerably cheaper than the $15 they charge for a single EWR to New York Penn Station ticket.

On the way to EWR from Manhattan, you can change the origin on the ticket machine to Newark Penn Station and repeat the process above. Another option is to purchase a ticket to Elizabeth (instead of EWR), which is one station past the airport. The cost is $9.25 for an off-peak round trip (not valid on peak trains) or $5.50 one way (valid at all times). Then, just get off at the EWR airport station. It doesn't even matter if the train doesn't stop at Elizabeth--just tell the conductor you want to get off at the airport when he or she takes your ticket. At the airport you will need to purchase a separate AirTrain access ticket for $5.50 from the ticket vending machines near the turnstiles. This again brings the one-way cost of a ride from Manhattan to EWR to $11, and you can save a few cents more if you can use the off-peak round trip ticket. Note, however, that roundtrip tickets on NJ Transit can only be used in the direction indicated on the ticket, and only on off-peak trains (peak trains are trains arriving in NYC weekday mornings or departing NYC weekday afternoons).

Finally, senior citizens (over 62) should always buy their tickets between New York and EWR in two parts: the train fare should be paid on the train in cash to a conductor (seniors are not charged a penalty for buying on the train) and the AirTrain access ticket should be purchased from the vending machine at EWR near the turnstiles. A senior ticket between EWR and New York Penn Station normally costs $11.25 if purchased from the machine, but buying it in two parts as described above costs only $8 ($2.50 for the train fare and $5.50 for the AirTrain access ticket).

All prices above are as of July, 2007. Consult NJTransit.com for current fares.

[edit] How long does the AirTrain + NJT Train take?

The AirTrain takes 5-15 minutes to connect you to the train station, depending on what terminal you are coming from and how long you have to wait for the train. Be careful during off-peak hours (i.e., late-night and early-morning); the AirTrain may not run direct from the terminal to the NJ Transit train station and you may have to transfer. Pay attention to the signs & announcements, or ask a staff member.

The NJTransit train takes only about 20-25 minutes to get to Penn Station, but at many times of the day the trains run almost an hour apart, so if you miss the train, you can get stuck waiting for quite a while.

For detailed schedules see the NJ Transit website (select the "Northeast Corridor Line" for EWR to New York Penn Station).

[edit] Best Balance of Cost and Convenience: Olympia Trails Bus

At non-peak times, the Olympia Trails bus can provide a more convenient alternative to the AirTrain + NJ Transit Train option for roughly the same price. The bus stops first at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St and 8th Ave) and then goes across 42nd St stopping at 5th Ave and at Grand Central Terminal at Lexington Ave.

The big advantage to the bus is that it picks up directly from the terminals and leaves every 15 minutes for most of the day, while the AirTrain option requires you to take the monorail to the train station and connect to a regular train, which sometimes run at intervals of almost an hour apart.

[edit] How much does the Olympia Trails Bus cost and how do I pay?

As of summer 2006, the Olympia Trails bus is $14 one way or $23 roundtrip for an adult. Seniors and students age 12-16 pay $7 each way. Kids under 12 ride free with accompanying adult.

You can purchase tickets from the Ground Transportation desks near the baggage claims in each terminal, or you can simply pay on board the bus. Usually a ticket agent will come around to collect tickets or payment when the bus gets to Terminal C, but sometimes the driver will collect the fare.

[edit] How long does the Olympia Trails Bus cost take?

Schedule information is available at their website by selecting New Jersey/Newark Liberty Airport to New York/New York City from the pull-down menus on the left side of their page. Other links to information about the Olympia Trails bus on their website do not include schedule information (it's a terrible website). Also, note that traffic can significantly delay the bus at peak times.

[edit] Cheapest: NJ Transit Bus #62 + PATH Train

The NJ Transit #62 bus (see Bus #62 Schedule) will take you to Newark Penn Station for much less money than the AirTrain and NJ Transit train option. From Newark Penn Station, you can get the PATH train to Manhattan.

The #62 stops in front of Terminals B and C, and in the bus staging area to the side of Terminal A. For most of the day, it runs approximately every 20 minutes, making it a more frequent and far cheaper (though slower) option than the AirTrain to get from EWR to downtown Newark.

All PATH trains from Newark Penn Station travel through Jersey City to Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center site); from there you can catch a cab, bus, or subway to other parts of NYC. If you wish to go to Midtown, you should transfer at Journal Square to a 33rd Street PATH train, which stops at Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, and then goes up 6th Avenue with stops at 9th, 14th, 23rd, and 33rd Streets. See the PATH map.

Most buses used on the #62 route have a small luggage rack behind the driver's seat. Only small, rollaboard-style bags fit comfortably on this rack, however, and official NJ Transit policy limits you to one large bag and one small bag. The bus is often quite crowded, as many airport employees use the bus to commute to/from work; don't expect much room in the aisles to store your luggage.

[edit] How much do Bus #62 and the PATH cost and how do I pay?

Local fare on bus #62 is $1.35, payable on board in cash (bills and coins, but no pennies). The driver will not make change, so bring exact change if starting at EWR. If you are going from Newark Penn Station to EWR, you can buy a ticket from a vending machine before boarding the bus.

The PATH costs $1.75 each way. You can buy QuickCards (for the PATH only) or Metrocards (valid on the PATH as well as on NYC subways and buses) from vending machines, newsstands, and convenience stores in or near the stations. Transfers between the WTC PATH line and the 33rd St PATH line are free. Transfers to the NYC Subway are not included.

Prices are as of June, 2008.

[edit] How long do Bus #62 and the PATH take?

Assuming a short wait for the #62 and the PATH and minimal traffic heading through Newark, trip time from EWR to the World Trade Center station can take as little as 45 minutes. Allow well over an hour to get from EWR to destinations on the 33rd Street PATH line in Manhattan, however. See the Bus #62 Schedule and the PATH timetables for further details.

[edit] Other Options: Shared Vans

Shared van services like SuperShuttle and Airlink are mainly useful in two situations:

  1. You have more than 4 people (the max that can fit in a taxi) and you want to ride together.
  2. You are traveling solo to a destination other than the Port Authority Bus Terminal or Grand Central Terminal and don't want to take your luggage on (or figure out) the train or subway.

The problems with shared vans are that you have to wait for them to fill up before they leave, and they can make up to a dozen stops at other riders' destinations before taking you to your destination, making it take forever to get where you're going (or requiring them to pick you up super early if you're headed to the airport). There's also traffic to worry about. But if you fall into one of the above categories, shared vans may make sense for you.

[edit] Other Options: One-Way Car Rentals

If you are arriving at EWR on Thursday evening, or departing from EWR on Sunday evening or any time on Monday, some car rental companies have special promo rates on one-way rentals between EWR and Manhattan.

As of late April, 2007, National has the best deal ($25 for 24hrs). Avis also offers a similar, but less flexible rate.

Note that in general we strongly advise NYC visitors against renting a car unless you need to spend time in the suburbs. A car in Manhattan is a liability--not an asset, as driving in NYC is extremely different from driving anywhere else in the US, plus you have to pay for any tolls, parking (upwards of $50 a day in many lots) and gas. But if the timing works for you and you're familiar with driving in NYC, these special rates can be a good deal.

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