getting to jfk airport from manhattan

[cutout]

I'm leaving for the 'Cup in SA on Thursday morning, but have not had to fly out of JFK since living in NY. If I'm in a hurry, is it easier to just catch a cab from the lower east side to JFK? Will a cab driver refuse and tell me it's too far, or is it common to catch a cab there? (I realize the cab option is probably expensive) I know about the AirTrain but it would be double the time and would make me paranoid to cut it that close to my flight time.

[JustSheaNo]

It depends on how early it is. JFK from LES is usually $30-$40. If you are concerned about finding a cab, schedule a car service like dial 7s or Carmel, East Coast Executive, etc. They will quote you a rate over the phone, and you can pre-pay with a credit card.

A-train to JFK will be a pain in the ass early in the am. If its before rush-hour the train usually runs local all the way through Brooklyn.

When you don't have the time, peace of mind is always worth the money.

[crumbum]

I don't have any advice for you, but this reminds me of the time a couple of years ago when I was scheduled to fly from New York to Halifax on Christmas Eve. The hotel where I was staying in Midtown insisted I get on their shuttle almost four and a half hours before my flight (i.e. 5:30 am). I wasted a lot of energy arguing with the front desk guy over this and lost. Apparently the hotel had a policy in place, after a guest missed an international flight once, so that they could never be blamed for it again.

Anyhow this meant getting about three hours of sleep that night, then getting to the airport well over three hours in advance (which they recommend for international flights but which I think is a total crock of shit aimed at making you spend more money in the airport), after which my flight was cancelled and I spent all of that day and Christmas in the United waiting area.

But as I said, this really has nothing to do with you. I guess I'm still angry.

[cutout]

Thanks a lot guys. Carmel service is a decent deal and guarantees I'm on time.

[JonFromMaplewood]

Sorry to disagree, JustSheaNo, but I always take the A Train to JFK and it is a delight. 

I have always been on time and the shuttle from the subway to the gates is fast.  You save money and it is a lot faster (and more predictable) than automobiles.  I have compared times with my co-workers who usually take a cab and the difference is impressive.

But of course, as you already know, no matter what mode of transportation you take, there is room for disaster.  So always try to arrive an hour earlier than you have to.

[cutout]

Gotcha. I think I will take the trains when I return just to get to know the route. Leaving, I want to take a car just because it seems more direct/less complicated. But I'd like to get to know both options for the future. Glad to hear the train is reliable.

[JustSheaNo]

Sorry to disagree, JustSheaNo, but I always take the A Train to JFK and it is a delight. 

I have always been on time and the shuttle from the subway to the gates is fast. 

I have no doubt it is fast, and you are welcome to disagree. Speaking from the experience of having lived in Howard Beach and having had to rely on the A train at 4 AM was/is no picnic.  (Maybe I should have specified that before).

In any event, I hope cutout has fun at the World Cup.

[Sarah]

My eyes yet again deceived me, so I thought you'd decided to go to the airport by camel.   I wish my eyes had been right.

[Christina]

My eyes yet again deceived me, so I thought you'd decided to go to the airport by camel.   I wish my eyes had been right.

I thought the same thought, and I also wished the same wish.

[mizzfair]

Hey,
I've taken the train from Greenpoint to JFK.  It was no problem.  I just made sure I was on the correct A train.  Make to get on the one that goes to Howard's Beach as opposed to Lefferts Blvd.  I live in New Mexico with no decent public transportation and I managed to have no problems. 

Newark is another story especially with pinata.

[Martin]

The only real reason I wouldn't take the train is if I had a big-ass suitcase. Hauling one of those monster Samsonites up and down the stairs of subway stations is not that fun.

[Spike]

Hey,
I've taken the train from Greenpoint to JFK.  It was no problem.  I just made sure I was on the correct A train.  Make to get on the one that goes to Howard's Beach as opposed to Lefferts Blvd.  I live in New Mexico with no decent public transportation and I managed to have no problems. 

Newark is another story especially with pinata.

Actually, it is the A Train marked "Far Rockaway", which will take you to Howard Beach for the Airtrain. Another way is the E Train to the Sutphin Blvd/LIRR stop. The Airtrain is adjacent to the Jamaica LIRR station.