A friend is flying DL BOS LaGuardia, DL shuttle LaGuardia to JFK, JFK home - don't ask why the routing! Anyhow, how much time for that bus ride? Best case; worst case?

Sylvia

I would give it at least an hour depending on the time of day. Between 7:30-10:30am, and 4-7PM AT LEASE 2 hours.

Flip

The official connecting times listed on the Port Authority's web pages is 30 to 45 minutes, but I would say that is being very optomystic. Without any traffic or anything and if you show up just as the bus is ready to leave maybe, but I'd follow flipside and allow at least a couple of hours during the rush hour, and extend that into the evening and on weekends if they are working on the airtrain at Kennedy.

The website, by the way is at:

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/connframlga.htm

I'd say 1-2 hrs as well, and it is very, VERY variable! http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/eek.gif

Time or money! You always pay with one or the other in life, it seems - and sometimes even with both! http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/biggrin.gif

The last time I "bussed it" airport to airport in the NYC metro area was averal years ago and actually was to JFK from EWR and it was extremely long and quite tortuous at just over 2 hrs! http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/frown.gif

Hang in there, though! You'll eventually get there! http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif

Definitely allow plenty of time, especially with all the construction that's going on at JFK.

I did LGA-JFK on a sunday evening a week or so ago by bus and found it to be inexpensive, comfortable and relatively quick.

Why spend money on cabs?

Stephen

I have a 4 hr connect on Thanksgiving Friday (between noon and 4). Assume that if I have no bags to collect, taking the bus would be no problem?

Satish-ny posted a way to get between the two by public transportfor 42 (need to buy a fare card).

Q33 bus to Jackson Hts/Roosevelt Ave
E train to Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike
Q10 bus to JFK

My experience of the public transit route:

Took 1:45 even with good connections and will cost about $4 (might be worth going to the Hudson news stand to buy a Metrocard for $7, at least you have $2 left).

Just a heads up at Kew Gardens. There are several bus stops for the Q10 though only one is used! When you come up the stairs to street level, turn left at the top of the stairs through a little arcade and the bus stop is there. If you go straight ahead, there are 2 bus stops marked Q10 for JFK but these are not used, at least all the time.

The bus goes to terminal 5 first (walkable to T4 if you are in a hurry), then 6, 7, 8/9 before looping back to 1, 2,3 then finally 4.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by terenz:
might be worth going to the Hudson news stand to buy a Metrocard for $7, at least you have $2 left</font>

I'd be almost certain that the $7 MetroCards are one-day passes, and not stored value cards--the MTA doesn't issue $7 stored value cards for sale at newstands. The stored value cards are sold in denominations of $4, $10 ($12 on card w/bonus), $20 ($24 on card w/bonus), and higher. Oh, and last time I checked, even if it was a stored value card, $7-$4=$3. http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif

Although the one-day pass achieves the same goal, unless you are making the return trip on the same day (by 3am), you've just wasted $3.

Basically, the cash fare for each boarding is $2 (coins only accepted on buses); however, by using a MetroCard, you get one free transfer between the subway and a bus (you can get one free transfer between buses whether you pay cash or use MetroCard). Thus, using a MetroCard saves you one fare, as the trip between LGA and JFK is bus-&gt;subway-&gt;bus.

Looking at the list of merchants on the MTA web site, it looks like the Hudson News locations at LGA only sell the $10 (and higher) pay-per-ride MetroCards. Thus, your options are as follows:
Buy the $10 MetroCard with $12 worth of rides on it, and keep it for future use with $8 worth of rides. Pay cash for the entire trip (again, making sure you have enough coins for the bus), which would result in a total of $6. Pay cash on the first bus, and then buy a $4 MetroCard when you reach the subway station (the smallest amount available). Use the MetroCard for the subway and the second bus. Although this also has an up-front cost of $6, you will have $2 left on the MetroCard for use in the future.


Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by EnhancedByCO (edited Nov 30, 2003).]

If you want to go by bus (yes I know this post is a wee bit old), follow cordelli's link and take the NY Airport Express bus which leaves every 30 minutes for $11. Don't rely on a taxi as you might have to wait a while for one and if there is traffic, you will have a nervous breakdown watching your meter increase as you move nowhere.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by EnhancedByCO:
[B] Basically, the cash fare for each boarding is $2 (coins only accepted on buses); however, by using a MetroCard, you get one free transfer between the subway and a bus (you can get one free transfer between buses whether you pay cash or use MetroCard). Thus, using a MetroCard saves you one fare, as the trip between LGA and JFK is bus-&gt;subway-&gt;bus.

Thus, your options are as follows:
Buy the $10 MetroCard with $12 worth of rides on it, and keep it for future use with $8 worth of rides. Pay cash for the entire trip (again, making sure you have enough coins for the bus), which would result in a total of $6. Pay cash on the first bus, and then buy a $4 MetroCard when you reach the subway station (the smallest amount available). Use the MetroCard for the subway and the second bus. Although this also has an up-front cost of $6, you will have $2 left on the MetroCard for use in the future.


B]</font>

Although I don't recommend using the Q-33/subway/Q10 route to get from LGA to JFK, if one is going to do it, it can be done for $3.00-$3.50, depending on the time of day. Here's how: Both the Q-33 and the Q-10 are "franchise" buses, operated by private companies under an agreement with the City of New York. The cash fare on these buses is NOT $2.00; it is $1.50 during peak hours, and $1.00 during off-peak hours. Pay cash for the Q-33 bus (either $1.00 or $1.50, in coin), and ASK FOR A TRANSFER. When you get to the subway station, use your Metrocard (if you already have one) or purchase a single-ride ticket for $2.00 from the Metrocard vending machine (coins or currency accepted), and use your Metrocard or the single-ride ticket to enter the subway system. When you get to Union Turnpike Station, use the transfer you obtained from the Q-33 to board the Q-10. (The transfer is valid on ANY local bus within the five boroughs for up to two hours from time of issuance; the two bus routes do NOT have to intersect.)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by guv1976:
Although I don't recommend using the Q-33/subway/Q10 route to get from LGA to JFK, if one is going to do it, it can be done for $3.00-$3.50, depending on the time of day.
</font>

Why don't you recommend this?

I'm going to have an overnight transfer/layover from LGA to JFK and am evaluating my options.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MKE-MR:
Why don't you recommend this?

I'm going to have an overnight transfer/layover from LGA to JFK and am evaluating my options.</font>

The bus/subway/bus option is a bit cumbersome but is the least expensive option if money is truly the most important factor.

Here is another option for you to ponder: Take the NY Express Bus to the Jamaica Station and then take the Airtrain to JFK. It is easier than the MTA option and only a little more expensive. $5 for the bus which runs every 30 minutes, $5 for the Airtrain which runs much more often than that. It might be fun to try the newest transportation to JFK.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MKE-MR:
Why don't you recommend this [transferring from LGA to JFK using 2 buses and a subway]?

I'm going to have an overnight transfer/layover from LGA to JFK and am evaluating my options.</font>

If you are not under time pressure to transfer from LGA to JFK, do not have much luggage, and are interested in the cheapest possible transfer, this is an option. I ordinarily would not recommend it because of the time involved, and the fact that you have to drag whatever baggage you do have onto and off of two buses and a subway. The New York Airport Bus Service bus which runs between the two airports would be a more comfortable ride, and would usually be faster, but it is more expensive. If cost is your biggest concern, you can certainly try the two-bus/one-subway route. Bon voyage!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by guv1976:
If you are not under time pressure to transfer from LGA to JFK, do not have much luggage, and are interested in the cheapest possible transfer, this is an option.
The New York Airport Bus Service bus which runs between the two airports would be a more comfortable ride, and would usually be faster, but it is more expensive.
</font>

Thanks for your input, both of you.
Upon further consideration, I'm going the one-bus/two-train route &lt;the AirTrain from Sutphin&gt;. Cost is $7, but it seems a little easier, and I'm more comfortable on trains than buses. I can spare the $4 extra, I think. http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/wink.gif

Also, the NY Express won't be running--I don't get in until midnight and I leave again at 7AM.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MKE-MR:
Thanks for your input, both of you.
Upon further consideration, I'm going the one-bus/two-train route &lt;the AirTrain from Sutphin&gt;. Cost is $7, but it seems a little easier, and I'm more comfortable on trains than buses. I can spare the $4 extra, I think. http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/wink.gif

Also, the NY Express won't be running--I don't get in until midnight and I leave again at 7AM.</font>

Ok....I'm a little lost. You will be taking the one bus, two train route? Please elaborate especially since you are arriving at LGA at midnight. I just want to make sure you are ok. http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif

I assume that MKE-MR plans to take the Q-33 to Jackson Heights (one bus), the E train to Sutphin/Archer/Jamaica Station (train #1), and then JFK AirTrain to the airport (train #2).

Be aware that although the Q-33 bus does run late at night, service is infrequent. Here's a link to the Q-33 schedule:
www.triborocoach.com/summer2003pdfs/Q33%209_02_01%20s.pdf (http://www.triborocoach.com/summer2003pdfs/Q33%209_02_01%20s.pdf)


[This message has been edited by guv1976 (edited Jan 08, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by guv1976:
I assume that MKE-MR plans to take the Q-33 to Jackson Heights (one bus), the E train to Sutphin/Archer/Jamaica Station (train #1), and then JFK AirTrain to the airport (train #2).

Be aware that although the Q-33 bus does run late at night, service is infrequent. Here's a link to the Q-33 schedule:
http://www.triborocoach.com/summer2003pdfs/Q33%209_02_01%20s.pdf
</font>

That is what I thought he meant but I wanted to make sure. The E runs about every 20 minutes late night. So that is another factor to consider.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by guv1976:
I assume that MKE-MR plans to take the Q-33 to Jackson Heights (one bus), the E train to Sutphin/Archer/Jamaica Station (train #1), and then JFK AirTrain to the airport (train #2).

[This message has been edited by guv1976 (edited Jan 08, 2004).]</font>

Bingo http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif
And yep, I got the schedule and checked. I'll probably have to wait for the bus at LGA, then wait at Roosevelt (not worried, as it's a large station), and then wait at the AirTrain as well (also not worried, as it's inside the "security" of that extra $5). Still beats other alternatives at that time of night (ruling out car service and cab for cost reasons).

I'll post a trip report most likely, as this is a crazy itinerary for the AA 2getstheworld promo and therefore might have some passing interest in it (nights spent in airports and such).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MKE-MR:
I'll post a trip report most likely, as this is a crazy itinerary for the AA 2getstheworld promo and therefore might have some passing interest in it (nights spent in airports and such).</font>

I'll look forward to reading about your transfer experience from LGA to JFK. When you are waiting for your connections, I would like to ask you to look around and pretend you are a woman travelling alone with the same amount of luggage and of course at the same time. Would you recommend a woman (wife, sister, mother, daughter, girlfriend, friend) do the same transfer you are doing. Thanks!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Analise:
When you are waiting for your connections, I would like to ask you to look around and pretend you are a woman travelling alone with the same amount of luggage and of course at the same time. Would you recommend a woman (wife, sister, mother, daughter, girlfriend, friend) do the same transfer you are doing. Thanks!

</font>

From reading the other thread, I can see you have a very definite opinion about the Jamaica station and this whole transfer method.
I will definitely try to look at it objectively and report back (you assume I'm male, and you happen to be right).

One of the things that grates on me most in this world is the differing expectations of safety between the genders. I hate hearing my female friends say "well, sure, you can do that, but I sure as he!! couldn't!" Not because it's not true, but because it is! I hate that about the world we live in.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MKE-MR:
From reading the other thread, I can see you have a very definite opinion about the Jamaica station and this whole transfer method. I will definitely try to look at it objectively and report back (you assume I'm male, and you happen to be right).

One of the things that grates on me most in this world is the differing expectations of safety between the genders. I hate hearing my female friends say "well, sure, you can do that, but I sure as he!! couldn't!" Not because it's not true, but because it is! I hate that about the world we live in.</font>

I assumed you were male for two reasons:

1. The MR as part of your name (just a guess on my part)
2. I don't know any woman who would want to take public transportation between the two NYC airports in the middle of the night.

Yes I wanted your opinion as I'm curious as to how much time it takes to do what you are doing in the middle of the night. And I am curious about who is waiting with you at bus stops and subway platforms. Yes I have a "definite opinion" about Jamaica as I have been there many, many times. Opinion based on experience is more accurate than opinion based on hearsay.

As for what grates you in terms of safety, there IS a difference as women alone are more of a target at night then men are. Rape has gone up in the city. Women are generally seen as weaker by these thugs then men are. I don't think anybody should travel at night the way you are doing but if someone is to do it, men will be safer than women.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Analise:
I assumed you were male for two reasons:

1. The MR as part of your name (just a guess on my part)
2. I don't know any woman who would want to take public transportation between the two NYC airports in the middle of the night.

Opinion based on experience is more accurate than opinion based on hearsay.

Women are generally seen as weaker by these thugs then men are. I don't think anybody should travel at night the way you are doing but if someone is to do it, men will be safer than women. </font>

Analise,

First, I want to say that I definitely didn't mean my comments to come across as abrasive, if they did. I thank you (and everybody else) for your help and opinions.

As to your comments:
1. Yeah, that "MR" actually stands for Mileage Run http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/biggrin.gif but I guess it could be "Mr." too. Never even thought about it when I set up an FT handle.

You're definitely correct about opinion based on experience--I was referring to the other thread about the AirTrain (linked to from FT Airports but somewhere over in FT Travel, I believe--it was a 3 pager) where there seemed to be a variety of opinions about the whole thing. You were the most active in your dislike of Jamaica, that was all I meant. I'm on 100% hearsay until Thursday night, so I wasn't by any means denigrating your opinion.

And as for your final comment, yes, men will be safer than women, this is true. But my point was that I don't have to like it. I wish &lt;idealism rant following&gt; that gender equality would allow men and women to feel equally safe (or unsafe) standing on a subway platform in the middle of the night. That seems like "the way it should be" and it saddens me that my female friends have to operate under more personal safety restrictions than I do as a male. &lt;/idealism&gt;

I'd love to get together with you, or other New York FTers, in person to continue this discussion or others, but I'm pretty much there only for transits between airports in the middle of the night http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MKE-MR:
Analise,

First, I want to say that I definitely didn't mean my comments to come across as abrasive, if they did. I thank you (and everybody else) for your help and opinions.
....

You're definitely correct about opinion based on experience--I was referring to the other thread about the AirTrain (linked to from FT Airports but somewhere over in FT Travel, I believe--it was a 3 pager) where there seemed to be a variety of opinions about the whole thing. You were the most active in your dislike of Jamaica, that was all I meant. I'm on 100% hearsay until Thursday night, so I wasn't by any means denigrating your opinion.
....

I'd love to get together with you, or other New York FTers, in person to continue this discussion or others, but I'm pretty much there only for transits between airports in the middle of the night http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/wink.gif</font>

I never thought you were abrasive or denigrating. So perish that thought! http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif As for my opinion about the Airtrain, I guess my numerous posts are self-explanatory. http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/thumbsup.gif

If you are ever in the city during the other 18 hours of the day, let the natives know so we can meet. http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif

I just took the city bus from kennedy to laguardia on mon aug6 2007 at 5:30pm and arrived to central terminal at 6:30. I could have cut the travel time in half by taking the bus from terminal8 instead of terminal1. The bus starts from t1 then goes all around then departs for lga. Actual travel time from jfk to lga was ~25min. FYI: I had also checked out the subway in case traffic was an issue (I asked the busdriver and he said no traffic issues... and he spoke truly in my experience). It's easy to go from airtrain to etrain to jackson hts and take q33 to lga. that last part ~2.8miles and scheduled for 30 min. lga to jacksonhts 74th st should take ~40 min by subway and eliminate 90% of traffic concerns. alt rte is 7train to 111th then q48 from 108th to lga. (1.5miles in 14min, or you could actually walk 1.5 miles in ~30min and eliminate all traffic issues). So worst case scenario should be 1.5 hrs even if you subway+walk. word to wise: travel light, you will need to schlep bags, & express bus ($13) is best if no traffic.

I just took the city bus from kennedy to laguardia on mon aug6 2007 at 5:30pm and arrived to central terminal at 6:30.

Do you mean the "New York Airport Service" bus, with a fare of $13.00? That is a private bus, not a "city" bus.