JFK -Times Sq - JFK

We've staying in Times Sq for a few days and flying into and out of JFK.
Any suggestions on getting from JFK to Times Square and back again would be most appreciated.
We will have 3 suitcases so we don't want to use the bus or train.

Are Taxis the best bet or is it better to prebook a sedan?.

WE are flying home on the VS26 (0730hrs on a Saturday) what is the best time to leave our Hotel?.

Thanks in advance,
Tim & Chris

[ChuckC]

If your suitcases are not huge there's no reason to cancel out the train, particularly since it arrives one block from Times Square. The AirTrain at JFK takes you to Jamaica station where you transfer to the LIRR right to Penn Station. And the price is far less than a cab.

Most car services (try Carmel) will be $50 or more. If you have big bags either a car service or taxi are best.

For a 730am international flight you will need to be at JFK at least two hours ahead; plan for a 45-minute ride from your hotel though it will likely take only about 30 minutes if it's early in the morning.

Enjoy your trip!

Chuck-

[Neil]

Tim,

I would suggest that getting from JFK to Times Square, it is easiest to just grab a yellow cab from outside the terminal, there are loads of them there and its a fixed rate from JFK to anywhere in Manhatten, which is $45 + tolls and tip, so its usually about $60 all in. Plus by law they have to take you whichever way you want, and we always enter via the Manhatten bridge (upper level)and not the tunnel, this way you get great views of Manhatten Island as you enter it.

However for getting back from Times Square to JFK I would 100% say do not get a yellow cab, the fares back to the airport are not fixed and if you go at peak times the fares can be very very high. I would suggest that you ask your hotel conceirge to book you a private car, which should cost you about $70-80, but this will include tolls and tips all in. This way you will know exactly what you have to pay and aren't at the mercy of a taxi driver who can basically charge you whatever(although they are metered - but I have known some to take the "long route" on occasions).

We usually stay around Times Square and it takes about 40mins-1hr from Times Square to JFK depending on the traffic, but as your flight is early that shouldn't be a major issue.

Neil:)

Neil's right.

One alternative is to book a 777 7777 town car to meet you ... it's flat rate $55 plus tolls and tip and to my mind much better than queuing for a yellow cab, which at JFK can sometimes take half an hour or more ... you can even call them from the baggage hall and five mins later they'll have a car outside for you, and at just $10 more it's so much more comfortable than a grimy, dirty, cramped US cab!

On the return, 30 mins drive will be all it takes (like 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning, even Manhatten is quiet!).

Neil's right.

One alternative is to book a 777 7777 town car to meet you ... it's flat rate $55 plus tolls and tip and to my mind much better than queuing for a yellow cab, which at JFK can sometimes take half an hour or more ... you can even call them from the baggage hall and five mins later they'll have a car outside for you, and at just $10 more it's so much more comfortable than a grimy, dirty, cramped US cab!

On the return, 30 mins drive will be all it takes (like 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning, even Manhatten is quiet!).

[Neil]

Oh what I will also just say is that, whatever you do, don't take one of the limo's/private car's that are waiting by the taxi rank - they offer you great rates at the airport but I have known at least 2 people get stung once they have got to their destination - with the rate being nearly double, and you are not protected by the rules and regs like you are with the yellow cabs (or if you have booked your own private car)

I can honestly say I have not waited more than 5mins for a cab at JFK but maybe I'm just lucky.

Neil:)

When i have flown into JFK i have always pre-booked my transfer here in the uk with the likes of http://www.seligo.com or http://www.HolidayTaxis.com.

I find it better for me to have this pre-booked and paid for in advance and at least it is one less thing to worry about, but everyone is different.

Hope this helps!

Originally posted by Attitude23
Oh what I will also just say is that, whatever you do, don't take one of the limo's/private car's that are waiting by the taxi rank

I'd second that. You are either overcharged or find yourself sharing with 8 other passengers all sitting on their suitcases in the cramped interior of a stretch limo - not much fun at all.

I'd always take a taxi from JFK and a train - either subway or LIRR - to JFK but I guess with the early departure a car service would have to be the way to go.

Happy Journey.

Phil FM