Originally Posted by
Dovster
rapb329, firstly, let me welcome you to FlyerTalk.
Secondly, I have to tell you that I think you are making a mistake. With 5 people, including one in a wheel chair and a 6-year-old, you should not be thinking about walking between terminals and then taking trains into NYC.
Instead, go to
http://www.carmellimo.com/ and see how much a wheel-chair accessible vehicle, large enough for all of you, and your luggage, will cost in each direction.
I think you will find that the difference in cost between getting a van like this (which includes the driver) and paying for 5 train tickets and baggage storage is not very much -- and it will be much more convenient.
Have to agree with this, I take Carmel from LGA or JFK every time in the city because it is easier and usually cheaper than cabs, however for OP Carmel may not work because they have a maximum of 4 to a car.
If you try to do trains you are looking at a $5 per person fare for the AirTrain to Jamaica, then transferring to the LIRR to go to Penn at $3 a person. So you are looking at a minimum of 2 hours of travel by train to get to midtown at $40 each way plus lugging children and a wheelchair through public transport. Cabs have a $45 flat fee from JFK to downtown plus tolls and tip (usually a ride to manhattan from JFK will cost you about $60). Carmel is about $40 + tolls and tip (though coupons are usually available, and Carmel gives you 500 miles per car per reservation). With 5 people it gets difficult because most cabbies will not take 5, and Carmel is a 4 person max as well so you would have to get 2 cars, however the upside is that you get into the city in 30-45 minutes.
Also if you decide not to stash your luggage at T4 and you take LIRR to Penn, you can stash your luggage there too for about the same price.