Getting About in New York and its Airports

GETTING ABOUT

JFK International Airport

JFK is New York's main international airport and is located 15 miles south-east of the city.

Buses
The New York Airport Service Express runs every 20 minutes between 06h00 and midnight, costs USD15 and takes around 45 minutes to reach Manhattan. There are a number of public buses that run between the airport, Queens and Brooklyn, where you can get connections to other parts of the city via the subway train network. Most buses cost USD2. Note that public buses demand that you have the correct change, so make sure you have at least a couple of dollars worth before boarding. Note that if you have a metrocard you can transfer between buses and subways for free.

Subway

By far the cheapest option is the subway, costing just USD2 to downtown. The Long Term Parking Lot bus takes you to the Howard Beach station for free. Once on the train the journey takes around an hour and runs between 06h00 and midnight.

Taxis

Taxis into the city take between 30-60 minutes. There can often be queues at the rank but they are facilitated by taxi dispatchers, who will also tell you the approximate cost to your destination. Any journey to Manhattan will cost a flat fare of USD45, plus bridge-tolls, to the first destination. Extra charges apply for evening and night journeys.

Newark

16 miles south-west of the city, Newark also handles international flights.

Buses

Newark Liberty Airport Express: For USD15 this bus service, which leaves every 20-30 minutes, will drop you off at any of the main Manhattan landmarks. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Further details and schedules can be found by calling Tel: +1 (1)877-894-9155.

Taxis

A more expensive option at from around USD35 upwards, taxis usually take around 40 minutes to reach the city. Taxis leave from ranks outside the terminal, usually facilitated by a taxi dispatcher. There is a flat fare system in place for most destinations in the city. Extra charges apply for evening and night journeys.

La Guardia

Just eight miles north-east of the city La Guardia handles almost exclusively domestic flights.

Buses

From La Guardia the New York Airport Service Express runs to Manhattan. The fare is USD12 and the journey time is around 45 minutes. Public buses including the M60, Q33 and Q47 run to Manhattan and Queens, and connect with the subway network. Cost per journey is USD2. You need the exact change on the bus to pay for your ticket. Note that if you have a metrocard you can transfer between buses and subways for free.

Taxis

Taxis cost roughly USD30 and make the journey to the city in around half-an-hour. Extra charges apply for evening and night journeys.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Operating 24 hours a day, New York's subway and bus systems are a cheap and efficient method of getting around. Recently renovated, the NY subway now ranks as one of the safest and most convenient in the world but is also one of the most congested.

Subway

Used by over 4.3 million people each day, the subway system serves nearly all areas of NYC and is the best value method of transport in the city at just USD2 per journey. If planning to use public transport for the duration of your stay a Metrocard costs USD7 for 24hrs unlimited travel on the subway or bus. A 7-day Metrocard costs USD24.

Metrocards can also be used on a pay as you ride basis. For example a USD10 Metrocard of this type gives you six journeys on a bus or subway - and a free transfer between the two on each journey. For casual users of public transport it is the handiest type of travel card available. Maps of the subway can be obtained from stations and are posted on walls and noticeboards.

Buses

The bus system operates routes not served by the subway such as crosstown (east-west) journeys and outlying districts. Since buses stop every two blocks, progress can be slow but fares are very reasonable at USD2 for any length of journey. Note that you need the exact change when boarding a bus so always keep a couple of dollars handy. Alternatively invest in a Metrocard.

Ferries

The Staten Island Ferry offers wonderful views of downtown Manhattan and is free to ride; it departs from Battery Park Pier.

NY Waterway operates ferries from New York to Tarrytown, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, Long Island, Queens and the Liberty Science Center. For further details contact Tel: +1 (1)800-533-3779. The two docks are located at Pier 78, W. 38th Street at 12th Avenue and Pier 17 at South Street Seaport. You usually pay at the dock before boarding for most services.

TAXIS

A distinctive NYC feature, the yellow cabs that are plentiful throughout the city serve as a quick and easy means of getting from A to B. You can catch one from a rank outside major buildings and hotels, or alternatively simply stick your hand into the air and shout out - you'll get a cab sooner or later. Note that there is often competition for free cabs, and fortune favours the bold.