There are a myriad of ways to come and go from JFK Airport. They can be somewhat confusing unless you're in the know about each option. To help you understand which ground transportation might be the best, the airport has a Ground Transportation Desk, adjacent to the baggage collection in all terminals. This desk has information about ground travel along with pertinent phone numbers, information on how and where to take cabs, rent cars, take buses, trains and subways to all parts of New York City. Rather than wait until you're at JFK, it might be wise to review the options ahead of a trip there.
AirTrain JFK
A new method of travel to and from the city is to take AirTrain, a very affordable, but somewhat arduous, mode of travel. On the positive side, the cost is only $7 per person and it takes less than an hour to get to downtown Manhattan. On the negative side is the fact that travelers must carry their own luggage, and getting into the city requires a ride on a subway or the Long Island Railroad, since the train doesn't go the entire way. This is ideal for the budget traveler who doesn't mind changing from the train to another mode of transport.
Other Options
Taxis into Manhattan run from $40 to $50 and more during rush hours. For a bit more money, visitors can hire a town car or limo either online before the trip or at the airport itself. Rental cars are available, but travelers need to take a shuttle bus to the various rental agencies, and rentals are not inexpensive. It's preferable to make a reservation for a car rental prior to arriving at JFK.
There are some companies that offer shuttles into the city. No reservation is needed when traveling from JFK, but reservations are needed when going to the airport. Rates are per person and run from $13 to $19, but there is a savings if a round-trip ticket is purchased. Most shuttles make stops at many New York hotels. Unlike taxis and limos, these are not available 24 hours a day.
Parking
There are a number of possibilities for parking at JFK, but none of them is particularly budget friendly. The least expensive at the airport itself is the long-term parking, which costs $18 for up to 24 hours and $6 for each additional 8-hour period after that. There are several daily parking lots that are more expensive. The parking areas are broken down into colors for easier recognition, and charge $3 for the first half hour, $6 for up to 1 hour and $3 for each additional half hour, up to a $33 maximum for each 24 hour period.
There are other parking options, but much further away and you need to take a shuttle to and from them. They range between $15 to $20 a day, which is quite a savings for a bit of inconvenience.