Raleigh to Paris with 8hr layover in NYC

This could depend on which airport. This article is a humorous explanation of the time you need to get to various areas and what the airports are closest to. Chances are, you could logistically make it happen, particularly if you choose one thing that you plan to do, but you'd have to decide if it's worth it.

I've done a long layover (about 10 hours) in Atlanta with my husband coming back from Spain; we had time to go eat dinner with some family members and then come back; this one felt worth it. My husband recently chose an itinerary with a long layover at CDG because he wanted to make a quick trip into Paris to see the Atelier des Lumières. He was able to do it, but felt stressed about getting back on time, then got back too early and still ended up waiting around bored. My own personal preference is to do that kind of thing on the way back home, when it's not so big of a deal if something goes wrong.

Which airport exactly, and have you been to NYC before so you could just hit the ground running? I think with 8 hours you should have some time to do something limited in the City (even with the transport and check-in times which you should allow ample time for). I don't think I could stand being in an airport that many hours either.

Speaking from a person that lives in NYC, I would say it is worth a trip to Manhattan particularly lower Manhattan to visit the 911 memorial and various places in that area. I assumed the layover is at JFK. From the airport, you can the air train to Jamaica train station, then take the Long Island Railroad toward Penn Station 34th Street. From 34th street take the local Metro E train to the last stop World Trade Center. Total trip should be 1 hour and 20 minutes from airport to lower manhattan through public transport. If you don't want the hassle of changing trains then take an uber. Public transport would be the cheapest. Message me if you need more info on stuff to do there during those 8 hours.

I'll be flying into LaGuardia from Raleigh.
I've been to NYC a few times, but it's been a few yrs since. I don't mind limiting time to just walking around and getting a bite to eat.
I totally get that about leaving, stressing about getting back in time and getting back too early. I've done the same myself.

Thanks,
Candace

Ooops! Make that JFK!

is it possible? sure, but in those 8 hours, figure you have to stow your luggage somewhere, take an hour to get into Manhattan, an hour back, and get to the airport 3 hours before your international flight. That leaves less than 3 hours to see anything. If all you want to do is maybe see the 9/11 memorial and then take a ride up to the top of one world trade center, I would say you have enough time, but just barely.

Or to give yourself a little more time and save some money, have lunch in Brooklyn Heights. Great views of lower Manhattan and nice area to stroll.

Okay. Great! That sound like a good idea about Brooklyn Heights. Thanks so much!

I was also going to mention the Delta nonstop RDU-CDG. Or the American RDU-LHR and then transfer to Paris.