Introducing JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK) is one of the international airports for New York City. The airport is the hub for Delta Airlines, (Terminals 2 and 3), and American Airlines (Terminal 8); Air France (Terminal 1); Lufthansa (Terminal 1); British Airways (Terminal 7), and Virgin Atlantic (Terminal 4). Each of these airlines provide several flights daily into JFK. In addition, there is the low-cost carrier, JetBlue, which occupies Terminal 5. To go from terminal to terminal, you can take the free AirTrain. If you are going to use this airport, make sure you know which terminal your flight arrives at or departs from. It takes a while to get from one part of the airport to the other.
Conveniences
Left luggage services are available in the Arrivals areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 4. There are plenty of ATMs (almost all charge a small fee). Luggage trolleys are available either for a fee of $3 (Terminals 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and all departures) or free (Terminals 1 and 4). There are many hotels in all categories close to the airport and most run shuttle buses to/from the airport.
Taxi
The most convenient way to get out of JFK is to take a taxi. But I must warn you in advance that if there many flights arriving at the same time, you may have to wait a while before getting your taxi. It costs a flat $45 to go anywhere in Manhattan, excluding tolls which is around $4 and tips, which is around 15-20% depending on the level of service. To take a taxi, just follow the signs "Ground Transportation" and "Taxi".
The taxis will use the meter if you are going anywhere other than Manhattan. During peak periods, you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for a taxi. There are also touts hawking illegal taxis at grossly inflated prices. However, if you are good at bargaining, you may get a ride for $35-40, and save the hassle of waiting in line.
Car Service
You can also call a Car Service or Limousine to pick you up at the airport, to take you anywhere in Manhattan. This costs $60+ for locations within Manhattan.
Airport Shuttles
The JFK Airport Shuttle costs around $17-$20 for rides to Grand Central Port Authority, Penn Station, Bryant Park, and Midtown Hotels.
Coach
There are coach buses from JFK and La Guardia to Grand Central Station and Penn Station. The New York Airport Express has a service to Grand Central Station, Penn Station, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal for $15 per person. Trans-Bridge Lines runs an infrequent service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal for $12. SuperShuttle operates a service with blue vans to Manhattan hotels for about $25.
Commuter Train
The JFK AirTrain, which stops at every terminal, runs to Jamaica station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). There are many trains on the LIRR to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. The journey takes 20-25 minutes. Total time from the airport to Penn Station is about 45 minutes.
Subway
Take the JFK AirTrain to Howard Beach station. There, board the "A" subway. This is the train to take if you are going to the Downtown area such as the Financial District. Alternatively, take the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica station and connect with the "E" and "J/Z" subways. Take the "E" train if you are going to Midtown area, such as Times Square.
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