Originally Posted by
ijgordon
Without seeing what Google/Apple Maps or Citymapper says, I'd probably say #3 is fastest, then #4 (slightly faster than #2 probably even with the extra same-track transfer to E in Queens). #1 is probably slowest (unless you're even further downtown) and I believe the AirTrain is only shuttling between Howard Beach and Federal Circle so you'd have to transfer there for the AirTrain to the terminals.
But it's all probably within 10 minutes of each other in terms of travel time, and at any given moment may also depend on which train(s) is (are) arriving sooner. And certainly LIRR would be most frequent during afternoon rush.
I'm usually on the first flight in (redeye) or the last flight out (westbound TCON) on a weekend, so the LIRR schedule isn't particularly great for me. I have the same problem with NJTransit to/from EWR today (one train every 40 minutes on weekend mornings).
My initial thought was that starting on an E train would be fastest, but you make a good point about the same track transfer. I hadn't considered that. I'm actually a couple blocks uptown from W4th, technically 14th/6 Ave is the closer station for me, so starting on an F train is easier too.
Originally Posted by
Repooc17
What's the time factor, what about budget?
4 if you have time, and want to save money (E or F to Kew Gardens to Q10 bus - $2.75) I don't know what you are planning to do at at Queens Plaza or Forrest Hills if you going to the airport. Forrest Hills does have LIRR station, but it does not have a lot of frequency, and then you should do # 3 from the start anyway.
3 if you are running tight on time
Note E train is not running to/from Airtrain station on weekends until early August.
Direct rail connection involves transferring F to E at Queens Plaza or Forest Hills (or any of the shared trackage express stops along Queens Blvd). I find I lose a lot of time either waiting for scheduled service (NJTransit/LIRR) or transferring (NJTransit/LIRR to subway, or subway to subway).
I'm more thinking ahead to if/when JFK AirTrain adds OMNY anyway, as I'm more or less committed to UA through the rest of the year.