New York City-arriving at JFK and transport to hotel

This may offer an idea of cost
https://www.jfkairport.com/transportation/taxi-service

OR

Ask your hotel what taxi should cost to get their location

Hi
New Yorker here. I just googled this to confirm. There is a set fare from JFK to Manhattan plus additional surcharges. The Ser fare is $70 plus about $10 in surchages. You will also be charged for the toll and will need to add a tip. So minimum is $100. I took a cab from JFK to my home on the East side and it came to $120. You will be arriving during rush hour and then going across town so it will be a traffic filled trip. There will be a line for the taxis. Do not take a car from someone approyyou. Wait on the line.
Alternatively you can take the Air train from JFK to the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica you pay for this NY Metro card which you can get there. Then get a LIRr train to Penn Station or Grand Central ( buy a separate ticket at machine). Get a cab or uber from there. This will be cheaper but more trouble. I have done this when the taxi line and uber lines were crazy but its a bit of walking and carrying suitcases. Training s to Penn Station and Brand Central are frequent.
You can also do uber....they have made that better as the uber driver will tell you where to go . the price will vary.
Hope this isn't overwhelming. I vote for the cab unless the line is more than an hour.( its usually not)

I second dianejay's advice -- absolutely do not accept a ride from anyone approaching you in the terminal. Even if they tell you stories like there's a strike (which there happens to be right now) so the fixed fare is waived, or the taxi line is shut for the day, or international arrivals have a different taxi line, or they will be cheaper -- ignore ignore ignore and go to the official taxi line.

Alternatively you can take the Air train from JFK to the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica you pay for this NY Metro card which you can get there. Then get a LIRr train to Penn Station or Grand Central ( buy a separate ticket at machine). Get a cab or uber from there.

A couple of friendly corrections / clarifications here:

• MetroCard is no longer sold as of this year. You can pay the AirTrain fare (and, incidentally, the NYC Subway and bus fare) with any contactless payment method, i.e. any bank card that has tap payment capabilities, or any phone that can do so.
• You can buy an LIRR ticket at the machines, but I find it faster to do so on the TrainTime app, which is definitely the MTA's best app.
• More of an FYI, if you take the train to Penn Station, both the 1/2/3 and A/C subway lines (all of which go through the Upper West Side) stop there.

Just make sure the LIRR strike is over; there are no trains now.

Thanks for the replies.
Would this be an okay plan?
1. Take the airtrain to the Long Island Railroad at Jamaica.
2. Take the Long Island Railroad to Penn Station.
3. Take the 1 or 3 to near hotel. Would an uber be easy to locate at this point if we decided to uber the last part? How would we find the uber?
4. Can we use one phone to pay for all these tickets or must we have a card or the app ready to use?
I am wondering how this would be for 2 70ish people with a backpack and a rolling suitcase?
Is it fairly easy to use escalators to get to the right levels to keep going where we need to go?
I ask because I personally don’t always want to use taxis ( not the expense so much, other reasons).
Thanks for the help with this!

I've done what you suggst...AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR (but to Grand Central) numerous times.

If you can manage a short walk with your luggage you should be okay. (There are elevators down to track level for the LIRR at Jamaica.)

At Penn Station, the app will show you where to pick up the Uber. I would suggest this over the subway with luggage especially at night.

The other option is a car service that will meet you as you exit baggage claim and drive you to your hotel. You will know the price ahead of time.

1. Take the 1 or 3 to near hotel. Would an uber be easy to locate at this point if we decided to uber the last part? How would we find the uber?

The same way that you call any Uber or Lyft -- i.e. open the app and request the ride; it will show you where the pick up is.

1. Can we use one phone to pay for all these tickets or must we have a card or the app ready to use?

While you can use your phone to pay for everything, the details are different:

• AirTrain: tap and pay, no registration required. You can use 1 phone to pay for both people.
• LIRR: you must buy a ticket in the TrainTime app (or use the machines). You can buy 2 tickets in the same app on 1 phone.
• Subway (and bus): tap and pay, no registration required
  • If you will be taking the subway multiple times throughout your visit, there is an advantage in each person using their own payment method. This is because once you've paid $35 in fares for a 7-day period, any additional rides during that period are free. However, this fare capping only works if each individual uses their own payment method, and consistently uses the same payment method throughout the 7-day period (and I do mean "the same" -- the same bank card in physical form and in Apple Pay/Google Wallet form are not considered the same).

I am wondering how this would be for 2 70ish people with a backpack and a rolling suitcase? Is it fairly easy to use escalators to get to the right levels to keep going where we need to go?

I, personally, take and have taken the subway with luggage at any time of day (including after midnight and at 4am) and am not concerned about safety. However, escalators in the subway system are scarce; the LIRR is definitely better on that front.

In your situation I might consider taking the LIRR -- assuming the strike ends! -- and then a rideshare/taxi from Penn Station. To me taking the subway and then another car from there -- how far is your hotel from the closest subway station? -- is a bit convoluted. (You'll have plenty of time to take the subway throughout your trip!)

From JFK, you can also take either the E subway (same station as the LIRR) or the A subway (Howard Beach station). They both will get you to Penn Station. The A subway continues up into the upper west side, although it’s an express and doesn’t stop at all stations (and some stations have a lot of stairs).

This might be a good alternative if the LIRR is not running. My son lives in NYC and I often take the subway from the airport with no problem.

Our hotel is a five minute walk from 1, 2 and 3 according to google maps.
Is it either stairs or elevators in the subways or are there escalators?
We might just get an uber at some point along the way.

Is it either stairs or elevators in the subways or are there escalators?

Most stations do not have escalators -- some newer stations (e.g. 72, 86, 96 St on the Q train or 34 St-Hudson Yards on the 7 train) and bigger hubs like Grand Central, Columbus Circle or Union Square have escalators, but it is the minority.

For elevators, the easiest way is to look at the official subway map and identify ADA-accessible stations. Do note that elevators can break down in the system, so if you are absolutely reliant on them (which doesn't sound like the case), you should check the escalator/elevator outage page.

For the 1/2/3 trains on the UWS -- 66 St, 72 St and 96 St have elevators. As far as I'm aware, 79 St and 86 St on the 1 train are stairs-only.

I often take the subway from the airport with no problem.

I always take the subway to and from JFK to midtown Manhattan. Easy and inexpensive. My wife, though, uses Carmel car service, as she's uncomfortable on the NYC subway. I've never had any problems, nor have I seen any. The car service is, I believe, generally both less expensive and nicer than the usual taxicab.

@Aaron makes excellent points that subway-using tourists should be aware of.

One other consideration - vehicular traffic in , and to and from Manhattan is brutal , especially at rush hour(s) If you pack light, and have wheeled luggage , the subway is your best bet . Even if you need to hump it up a flight of stairs , that isn't the end of the world

I am still trying to figure this out.
Can we get a subway from JFK to Penn Station?
Or do we take the airtrain, then either the LIRR. or the A or E, to Penn Station?
I don’t think I want to sit in rush hour traffic if we can move along faster another way.
Our hotel is close to the 72 street stop. So there is an escalator there?

AirTrain to Jamaica , then LIRR to Penn Station , then #1 IRT to Upper West Side https://www.mta.info/tripplanner/results/Sutphin%20Blvd-Archer%20Av-JFK%20Airport%20%5BE%5Bslash%5DJ%5Bslash%5DZ%5D/40.700486%2C-73.807969/Broadway%20%26%20W%2079th%20St%2C%20New%20York%2C%20NY%2010024%2C%20USA/40.7838957%2C%20-73.9800922/1779221152/D/B%2CX%2CC%2CR/X/804/false/null/null As per Aaron's Post , 72st has an elevator

I don’t think I want to sit in rush hour traffic if we can move along faster another way.

Rather be in the crush of commuters on all the trains?

For those from there, what do all the train fares add up to?

AirTrain to either Jamaica for the E train or Howard Beach for the A train. Both trains eventually get to Penn Station. You can go a bit further than Penn Station on the A train to Columbus Circle/59th Street and transfer there to the 1 train. Study a subway map before you go and look at the MTA’s website for lots of good information about fares, stations, schedules and more. https://www.mta.info/

I recommend a subway or train for most of your journey if you think you can manage it. On my last trip to NYC, I was coming from Europe and had experienced delays, so I was exhausted and lazy and took a taxi. What a mistake! It was rush hour, the highway was like a parking lot and it took about 1-1/2 hours to an address near the Brooklyn Bridge. With tip, cost about $135. The subway would have been quicker and FAR cheaper.

Joe32f - The AirTrain costs $8.75. Subway fare is $3.00. I don’t know what the LIRR fare is, but it’s likely $10 or less.

The AirTrain and subway fares can now be paid by swiping a credit card. It used to be that you had to wait in line at machines to get tickets. Big improvement!

" Rather be in the crush of commuters on all the trains? " The general movement of commuters at that time of day is from Manhattan to the outer boroughs , the suburbs , and the exurbs . Less crush going toward Manhattan . No guarantee ,of course , but something to consider .

I would just take the subway (E train) from the Airtrain at Jamaica. I think adding a 3rd mode (LIRR) in between is a little loopy.

Note: There are escalators and an elevator for the AirTrain. Using the LIRR only takes approximately 20 minutes from Jamaica Station to Penn Station with elevators and escalators available. Using the E subway line takes about 40 minutes and there are stairs involved. There may be an elevator somewhere but it was not readily apparent. I just took the E line from Jamaica station on Sunday due to the strike.

AirTrain to LIRR to Penn Station is very easy. You’ll probably arrive in Manhattan long before a taxi makes it to the bridges crossing the East River. From Penn Station you can continue with the clearly marked subway lines, a waiting taxi, or an uber, etc. There will be at least one set of stairs exiting most of the subway lines.

Not to complicate things - but there is also an Uber Shuttle that runs from JFK to Penn Station and Port Authority (I take this often from LaGuardia to Penn Station when staying in Chelsea). Should run you about $25/each or so, compared to the $80-$100+ an Uber to Penn Station would cost. Gets you to midtown, then you can decide on taking the 1 or getting an Uber/Taxi to your destination. Getting the shuttle works the same as getting a regular Uber - if you plug in Penn Station or Port Authority as your destination, the shuttle option should just pop up. You can also use the app to book a regular ride ahead and that will give you an idea of cost - google says an Uber from JFK to UWS can be up to $160 depending on time of day and destination.

You could also contact your hotel, as they may have suggestions for the best options.

I agree with others about lugging bags onto the subway - it can be done, but working escalators and elevators are not guaranteed. After a day of travel, getting into NYC in the evening, I personally would want to make it easier and would spring for the Uber from JFK, or do the Uber shuttle to Penn and another Uber to the hotel. Figure out a cheaper way to do the return if you want!

Thanks everyone for these ideas and for helping me get a fuller picture of the options!
I am now looking at the uber shuttle as an option. I wonder, is that price, maybe 25.00 or so, for both of us or per person, because usually the price will be for the group traveling?

How is the trip's price calculated?
Shuttle prices may vary depending on various factors including a rider’s point of origin, departure, time of request, and/or the availability of promotional discounts. The upfront price of the trip will be displayed to you prior to reserving your Shuttle ride.
https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/airports/jfk/shuttle/

I don't uber, but it looks like it is per person, and the price .... ? ( My guess is you find out when you initiate the reservation process)

Does the hotel have a suggestion for a fixed rate car service?

The Uber shuttle is per person, so your total would be $50, plus a tip if you choose to tip. The shuttle itself is a 14-person transit van, and the driver loads and unloads your bag from the back. I love it from LGA, even with 2 people it's easily $30-40 less than a regular Uber. I take it to Penn, and my hotel is about 4-5 blocks from there.

Not knowing where your hotel is on the UWS, it's hard to advise. Personally, I have to be saving a chunk of time/money to manage train changes, stairs, etc. with luggage (and I am a light packer!). I mean, saving $10 barely gets you a coffee in NYC lol. To really compare, plug in JFK to your hotel in the Uber app and see what pricing is. Then see what pricing is from Penn to your hotel. It's possible that the shuttle cost + uber to hotel will be close to what it costs to just Uber from JFK, hard to say. I do use the book ahead option for the shuttle (book it when I land) - I've never been on one that was full or overbooked, but you never know!

For the traintime app, what if you don’t know which train you will make it in time for? Can we buy tickets and just board the next train?

I think the train/subway options are great if you are familiar with the area, have minimal luggage and arriving not too late.
I do think you would be best with taxi or Uber/shuttle. Depending on the your return flight time, you could venture on public transportation once you are familiarized with location and subway/train stops.

I lived in NYC years ago and go visit often. But during my last visit in the winter, I arrived at 7pm with my then 9 year old child. I just paid for an Uber. I already factored that cost when booking that flight as I knew I wouldn't want to navigate public transport alone with her at that hour.

I hope you have a wonderful time in the city!

Thanks so much everyone! Just wanted to report on this part of our travels.
We arrived at JFK slightly ahead of schedule.
We found the Airtrain easily and got on and arrived at Jamaica in 15 min or so. Paid 8.75 for each of us using our one phone, when we arrived at Jamaica.
Followed signs for LIRR. An employee helped us by telling us if we paid on board we could get the senior rate so it was 3.50 for each of us. After a 5 min wait for the train we took the 17 min ride to Penn Station.

We followed signs for the 1,2 and 3 trains and took a 3 to 72nd street. Paid 3.00 each at gate before getting into the metro system by using iphone.
We asked for help a couple of times and everyone was helpful.
We climbed one set of stairs at 72nd street station. About 20 steps I think. Otherwise we used elevators or maybe there was an escalator in there.
Thanks everyone for helping us figure out the options!!

@mlstimetotravel - well done! Thanks for reporting that you managed public transportation. I hope you have a great time in the city.

Always wonderful to me to see positive feedback about the transit system of a US city. There aren't that many good ones, but I think New York's is very good.