Cheapest way JFK TO NY CBD?

[PLANT]

Hi all,
Have used the multi pickup $25US from CBD... is there a cheaper way for return trip?

 

[drron]

If you don't have much luggage the cheapest options are the A or E subway connecting to the Air Train-$7.50.

 

[thommo9]

Subway is as cheap as it gets and what is more New York than catching the subway.

Don't be worried about your luggage taking up room, as long as it's next to you, no one will mind.

It's a daunting experience for a first timer but after your first ride, it will set you up to use it for the rest of the stay.

 

[Hvr]

Totally agree with getting the subway. But travel lightly, not many stations have easy to find elevators to get to the surface.

 

[dajop]

Subway a great option. If near Penn station, Long Island Rail Road is also a good/quick option, catch train to Jamaica and then change there to Airtrain. Fare to airport will be either $9 (weekends), $12 (weekday off peak) or $14.50 (weekday peak).

 

[albatross710]

Subway a great option. If near Penn station, Long Island Rail Road is also a good/quick option, catch train to Jamaica and then change there to Airtrain. Fare to airport will be either $9 (weekends), $12 (weekday off peak) or $14.50 (weekday peak).

I agree that the subway is a great way to access JFK although I haven't done it but would be happy to next time.

Arriving into JFK & NYC for our first time with two people we opted for the fixed price yellow cab offer to Manhatten....all up $55 for two people, tolls, tip and luggage. When we started calculating the subway line changes, the various stairs and the couple of blocks we had to walk when we got to (in our case) Grand Central Station...it just seemed cost effective.

Different if I was travelling solo and I didn't have Mrs Albatross to provide for.

Alby

 

[Baysider]

As others have said, the subway is easy. Ask for a copy of "The Map" at the station where you change from the airport train to the subway, that will make the experience less daunting. Be prepared to lug suitcases up stairs at your destination stop.

 

[Alanslegal]

Totally agree with getting the subway. But travel lightly, not many stations have easy to find elevators to get to the surface.

It is a good idea to peruse the subway map and find stations with wheelchair access. I always find hotels close to those stations so then I can access the subway to the airports

 

[PLANT]

Got the bus from Philly and used the subway out to upper westside... Had to convince others with to take subway then cab..... Used us soldiers to confirm it for them!
Have climbed stairs with bag..... Just not done the airport trip via train.

 

[ShaneN]

It is a good idea to peruse the subway map and find stations with wheelchair access. I always find hotels close to those stations so then I can access the subway to the airports

Agreed. Subway is easy. On the A and E trains accessible stations include those at 34th and 42nd Streets. For subway map see http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/subwaymap.pdf

 

[High Horse]

Jamaica Station then LIRR to Penn Station is much faster (and nicer) than the Subway from Howard Beach. Both stations have lift access. It is dearer though ($5 + $7 vs $5 + $2.50). You can buy beer on the LIRR!

 

[ShaneN]

Jamaica Station then LIRR to Penn Station is much faster (and nicer) than the Subway from Howard Beach. Both stations have lift access. It is dearer though ($5 + $7 vs $5 + $2.50). You can buy beer on the LIRR!

I knew you could buy beer almost anywhere in New York, but did not know this extended to the LIRR.

Yes, Long Island Railroad is much faster and more pleasant. For a start it is above ground for much of the way. The subway from Jamaica is entirely underground. However it is more expensive (although not by a lot), and the OP asked for the cheapest way. Also if you are not going to somewhere near Penn Station you still need to connect to the subway at extra cost.

 

[QF029]

Hopstop is a great resource for using the subway generally including trip options from JFK.

 

[Bindibuys]

Another vote here for the subway. We had 2 bags each (yes - a Mother/Daughter shopping trip) we just avoided stairs, used lifts/escalators.

 

[PLANT]

MTA 7 day card get you from JFK to city and back aswell as unlimited in NY?
Get in airport at 2200hr.... will be able to get to upper west side 103st at that time of night?

 

[dajop]

MTA 7 day card get you from JFK to city and back aswell as unlimited in NY?

MTA 7 day card will get you to/from Airtrain stations near the airport (Howard Beach or Jamaica). There's $5 airtrain fee at the interchange between the airtrain and subway.

 

[PLANT]

Get in JFK airport at 2200hr.... will be able to get to upper west side 103st at that time of night?

 

[JohnM]

Get in JFK airport at 2200hr.... will be able to get to upper west side 130+st at that time of night?

Unlike London, the subway in NYC is 24/7, I think you will find.

 

[QF029]

Get in JFK airport at 2200hr.... will be able to get to upper west side 130+st at that time of night?

Definitely not an issue with services. I don't know that area well so can't comment if it's any less safe than central park down.

 

[dajop]

Get in JFK airport at 2200hr.... will be able to get to upper west side 130+st at that time of night?

Just go to google, find your address on google maps, and get directions to there from the terminal you will be landing at in JFK, it will show the quickest route to get there. Or use New York MTA website. Subways run 24/7 as pointed out above, I assume AirTrain does also.