Originally Posted by
FlyinHawaiian
Agree with others that the A/Howard Beach combo is probably a better ride from WTC, but for someone not familiar with the subways, E might be a better choice as if you get on at WTC, one cannot get on a train heading in the wrong direction or, in the case of the A, a train going in the right direction, but on the wrong line
Not true. There are a few rush-hour trains on the E that end up following the F line to 179th St. Happened to me a few years ago, and I assume I didn't hear any announcements because I had no idea this was the case (and I know a fair amount about the subways) and had my headphones in.
And according to Google maps, the E train takes 10 minutes longer from the WTC area compared to the A. But getting on at the first stop and guaranteeing a seat is not bad though that probably offsets the less convenient transfer to the AirTrain at Jamaica.