JFK Air Train

Having just written about the poor service of Super Shuttle, I realized I should also be commending the merits of the Air Train. Because it is mass transit, it defies any traffic jam that could prevent your airport shuttle or taxi from getting you to the airport on time. From Penn Station on the LIRR, you can get to JFK in 40 minutes - now that's amazing for a one way trip for under $15. If you opt for the subway from Midtown, that should run you about $10 and that usually takes a little longer - about one hour and 15 minutes. If you're not familiar with NYC, stick close to other passengers who also have luggage with them. This is a very popular method for New Yorkers and visitors to get to the airport, so you should be in good company. For late or early morning hours, the LIRR remains a pretty safe option for getting to Manhattan; for obvious reasons, avoid the subway between 11 pm - 7 am if you are not familiar with the city. more

Tired of paying over $40 plus tip and toll for taxis or car service to JFK Airport? Try the MTA Air-Train. Very Convenient from Manhattan - take the E train (subway) towards Queens to Sutphin Blvd. and follow clearly marked signs to the Air Train. You can even use your Metrocard (except unlimited ones). If you don't have enough money on your Metrocard, you can add extra to pay the $5 per person to the airport - there are helpful MTA staff available at the Air Train ticket machines. Stops at various terminals and car rental center. Posters on the air train tell you which airline is at which terminal and announcements are clearly heard. This is a clean brightly lit sleek monorail that avoids all that horrible city traffic. Very do-able esp. if you only have carry on luggage. Much faster than any car especially during rush hour. Yes, you do have to use elevators/escalators and walk a bit but it is safe and user friendly and once you try it, you won't go any other way. more