V-Flyer

Given that a lot of limos are the same price as the taxis, has anyone a recommendation for a limo between jfk and manhattan? I'll be on VS45 on the 14th and have tickets at 7 for the Rangers!!!!

Not sure about the limos but your comment about rangers got me thinking.
I'm assuming this a sporting event of sorts but I would be more worried about making that to be honest.
I was on the 45 in nov and got into manhattan sometime after 9 after a near 3 hr wait at immigration and done it again a couple of weeks ago and whilst a lot better still didn't get to the hotel til about half 7.
Not trying to put a dampner on things ,just thought I'd let you know
Blacky

Blacky1 wrote:I'm assuming this a sporting event of sorts

:0 :0 :0

The New York Rangers are an ice hockey team ... an amazing one at that to you Islander fans out there

Blacky is quite correct, the timing of the VS45 is pretty rubbish for clearing immigration, with a couple of other flights landing at the same time. Which class of travel are you in? parts of PE and Upper should be through in about 45mins-1hr 30, the rest of the plane... well Blacky took 3!!

In terms of transfers, if not using a VS CDC, I love arriving into Manhattan in a good old yellow cab across the Queensboro Bridge.. call me old fashioned. Traffic will not be that friendly either that time of day, depending on where you are staying you may want to think about an approach from the northern bridges.. timing will be very tight from plane to ice though

Sorry back to the OP, people have recommended Dial 7 and Carmel Limos in the past.

Heard nothing but good things, although have yet to use these services myself, for me it is all about the CDC or the yellow cab

Hope that helps 8D

Public transport (Air-train + subway) is often quicker between JFK and Manhattan that time of day.

As mentioned already though, the 45 can be a nightmare for immigration - 2.5hrs last time I did that flight !

Carmel are excellent and come with the Tonty 'paw of approval' you can also get cash back via Quidco if you go to the Carmek website via the Quidco site.

Last month there were no problems when I accidentally booked a car for 8AM instead of 8PM. - no arguments from the driver or the office when they phoned me only concern that I got my car at the right time.

tontybear wrote:Carmel are excellent and come with the Tonty 'paw of approval' you can also get cash back via Quidco if you go to the Carmek website via the Quidco site.

Last month there were no problems when I accidentally booked a car for 8AM instead of 8PM. - no arguments from the driver or the office when they phoned me only concern that I got my car at the right time.

Have you actually been paid on any Quidco cashback for Carmel? I've had to raise a claim as it's been 10 months!

Also, Carmel turned up in an old people carrier (Dodge Caravan) when they picked us up in April - subjected to blaring chinese radio and a filthy car. (Complained but got nowhere!). The return was excellent, but I was put off them.

Jamaica to Penn on the express train = 35min guaranteed. Even if you are in on time, and out of immigration in a hour, two hours is going to be tight to get to a hotel, drop bags and get to MSG. The express train will do the job far more efficiently, even if you have to figure out what to do with your bags. I'm impressed you would even consider it!

The LIRR train is indeed quick and cheap (20-25 minutes), but you do have to get to Jamaica on the AirTrain, which is a bit of a drag. All told it can take an hour to get into Manhattan if things go against you, but obviously driving can be worse.

You might make it. I see that at this time of year the 45 leaves at 1300 and arrives at 1605. If you are through immigration in 1 hour, you have a chance.

Flew vs45 in UC on 9th of Jan, immigration took about 20- 25 minutes, Used Dial 7 for transfer to hotel in manhatten and the they were very good it cost me $48 inc tolls.
We were in our hotel by 5:40pm

at240 wrote:The LIRR train is indeed quick and cheap (20-25 minutes), but you do have to get to Jamaica on the AirTrain, which is a bit of a drag.

Indeed it will take almost an hour; drive is less reliable.

Just wanted to post back with my results.

Landed at 3.30, immigration took an hour (despite being 40 people from the front of the queue. Sitting in the bubble in economy really helps), got the LIRR, got to the hilton fashion district (won't be staying there again), even managed to fit in a chipotle dinner and then to madison square garden by 6.45

Got in early then ,top result getting in early ,did you take off early ?
Unusual to make up the time
Blacky

I'm not addicted to the word early by the way

Blacky1 wrote:I'm not addicted to the word early by the way

.... there it is again

woggledog wrote:.. managed to fit in a chipotle dinner and then to madison square garden by 6.45

Chipotle away?

Nice one woggledog, enjoy the game?

I think we set off on time actually, so I was surprised that we landed early...

I would certainly recommend the LIRR though. The air train to jamaica is indeed a bit of a drag, but it's worth it.

I will, however, NEVER complain about any UK rail station again (even Euston). Penn station is such a bad design. there is a single entrance / exit to the platforms and the platforms are announced just a few mins before the train arrives. Add to this 200 ish people. With luggage....

Anyway, had a great time, the Rangers lost, but enjoyed it all the same. Thanks folks!

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