How to Get from JFK Airport to New York City

So you've finally arrived in the Big Apple, but don't know how to get from the airport to the city? Here is your quick guide to ground transportation options at JFK Airport in New York.

First of all, if you are completely clueless on how to get into New York City from JFK Airport, stop by the Ground Transportation desk near the baggage claim area. There, a staff member can inform you of all the various modes of transportation available from JFK to New York City. If your destination is not actually Manhattan, then the personnel at the ground transportation desk can also tell you the best ways to get to your destination, wherever that may be.

Taxi: Probably the simplest option, but not necessarily the cheapest. To take a taxi from the airport into Manhattan, all you need to do is to follow the signs from the baggage claim area to the taxi stand. There will be a taxi "dispatcher" who will guide you to the next available taxi. Taxis into New York City from JFK Airport have a flat fare of $45, but you will also need to include tolls ($5) and tip.

Blue Van / Super Shuttle: This is a national chain of blue vans which will take you from JFK Airport directly to your destination in New York City. You can make a reservation beforehand online at www.supershuttle.com, but it's not necessary. If you don't want to pay in the airport or on the van, though, you may prefer to make the reservation online. Even with a reservation, you will still need to call them to let them know you are waiting to be picked up. The best way to call them is to go to the Ground Transportation desk noted above, which will direct you to a phone to call the Super Shuttle dispatcher directly. The fare for the first person is $21 and $12 for each additional guest. If you are traveling with one or more persons, you might find a taxi or car service actually more economical and definitely a lot quicker. While this option is cheaper than a taxi, be aware that if your van is not full when they come to pick you up, you will have to wait around the airport for the van to pick up other passengers until it is full. Also, since the van will be carrying other passengers, you may be dropped off first or you may be dropped off last, depending on your ultimate destination and those of your fellow passengers. In other words, you could be waiting a long time to get to your hotel.

Car service: There are many car services available to you, and while you may think that this option is not economical, it's actually a lot more affordable than you might think. You may see the signs for various car services in the baggage claim for the number to call, or the ground transportation desk will also be helpful if you choose this route. Two common car service companies are Dial 7 (www.dial7.com) and Carmel (www.carmellimo.com). Rates range from $40-$45, depending on the time of day and do not include tolls ($5) or tips. You can make reservations online, which may have online discounts, but it's very easy to call the company when you are ready to be picked up. These companies always have cars standing by near the airport ready to pick up passengers and take you to your destination in New York, and they will usually arrive within 5-10 minutes of making the reservation over the phone. Bonus: You'll feel like a big shot getting picked up in your very own car for not that much more than the price of a regular taxi.

New York Airport Service Express Bus: For a fare of $15 (or $27 round-trip), this bus drops off passengers at several central locations in Manhattan. The bus will drop off passengers at Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Station, Penn Station, Bryant Park and several midtown hotels between 31^st and 60^th Streets only. The bus ride is approximately 1 hour minimum, depending on your drop-off point. The bus stop is located outside of the baggage claim area, but if you cannot find it, the personnel at the ground transportation desk should be able to direct you.

Public Transportation / Air Train: If you are completely new to New York, then this option is probably not for you. Also, if you have large luggage that you don't want to lug up and down subway stairs, then this option would not be for you. This is a combination of the Air Train from JFK Airport to another station like Jamaica or Howard's Beach, where you can transfer to a bus, subway or the Long Island Rail Road. The Air Train fare is $5. In addition to the Air Train fare, you will need the $2 fare for the bus or subway or more for the Long Island Rail Road ($5.25 - $7.25 depending on the time of day) directly into Penn Station.

Well, there it is. A summary of your shuttle service options to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan. Whichever option you choose, I hope it is only the beginning of a memorable trip for you to New York City.