Hi all, we will have a lot of time to kill between flights. I was wondering if there would be enough time to go out and maybe get to check out the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis island. That's figuring an hour there an hour back and an hour to see the sights. I know they say you should be at the airport 3 hours before international flight departure but is it really necessary? I don't want to risk missing the flight but also don't want to sit in the airport for 6 hours. If the Statue of liberty is not really an option is there anything else near the airport to see/do between flights or would it be best to just hang out and explore JFK?
Thanks for any suggestions in advance.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
You don't have time for Statue of Liberty or Ellis island. The boat journey just to get to the two sites is time consuming. You have time for a quick trip to Manhattan. Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach station and catch the A train to Manhattan (cheapest option), or Airtrain to Jamaica Station and catch the LIRR commuter trains to Penn Stations (fastest/more expensive). Another option is to take the A-train the opposite direction to Rockaway Beach and enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk. It's been reconstructed after being destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. It's very close to JFK.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
748 posts
I would recommend the AirTrain to LIRR option. Penn Station is a block from the Empire State building and about 10 blocks from Times Square. You will have a very short time but you can get a glimpse of NY. You can take any train heading to Penn Station. On the way back, most trains stop at Jamaica. Just ask at the info booth
Posted by
Texas
158 posts
I wouldn't worry about finding something to take up your time.... our 6 hour layover at JFK quickly turned into a 2.5 hour one due to the first flight's delay. I think it's a reasonable amount of layover time for an international trip.
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
I am sure others have a different opinion and my experience is limited. Based on my 2 trips through the airport it is a zoo and one of the most poorly run, inefficient and misinformed airports I have ever been in. I avoid it when possible. So six hours to get from one plane to another in JFK barely seems like enough time to me. Things may have changed or perhaps it was just my experience(s) there, but I wouldn't try and see anything else.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
There have been recurring problems at Penn Station over the past month, starting April 5 when we were in New York on our way back from South America. The latest was April 25 but could happen again. I would not chance it before an overseas flight.
http://www.metro.us/news/local-news/new-york/penn-station-LIRR-suspended-Amtrak-NJ-Transit-delays
And the Statue of Liberty is definitely not an option, as the line can be hours long. We were walking in that area and heard announcements to that effect.
Posted by
124 posts
Hello Jen,
Like the others commenting I suggest forgetting Statue of Liberty.
New York's traffic can be some of the worst.
If you need to explore perhaps traveling from Queens into Brooklyn is an option.
My recommendation is read a book. Sorry.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Ok thanks for the tips! I think I will just stay at rhe airport and not risk missing my flight.
Posted by
Freedonia
16274 posts
What you could do is inquire at your airline about purchasing a one day pass to their frequent flyer club. Usually comfortable, quiet place to relax, free food and booze, computers to use, tv, etc. It beats sitting in the crowded terminal.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Or have a massage.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1888 posts
If you have global entry or TSA Precheck and are departing on a participating airline you can probably have 2 hours in NYC. I'd do it just to have a nice meal in the city, that way I can avoid the food on the flight.
Michael has outlined the travel options.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
A couple of years ago, I had a much longer connection time, about 11 hours as I remember, and after considerable thought, I gave up on spending time beyond the airport. Among the other questions, I do not remember that I ever found any kind of baggage storage. I went the "airline club lounge" route. Lufthansa's was pretty good, as I remember.
Posted by
Everett, WA, US
85 posts
If you're arriving at terminal 8, add at least 30 min to your travel time in each direction.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7802 posts
That airport is b-o-r-i-n-g, having spent several hours there. There's one good restaurant (The Palm Bar & Grill) in the international section; otherwise, go upstairs and gaze at the paintings.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
Staying at the airport is a good idea. You can eat and do some walking around which is a good idea when you have to sit for a long time on the plane later on. If you are a frequent flier, your airline might have a lounge available for use.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11875 posts
If you are in business or 1st class you should get entry to your airline's lounge ( at no additional cost).
If not you should check their website to see what a day pass costs.
Many have shower facilities, so getting refreshed and some drinks before your flight might be the thing to do. A day pass may not cost anymore than travel into and out of the city, and leave you in better shape to "hit the ground running" at your destination.