Originally Posted by yogimax
This is actually the best way to go. Take the M-60 (outside the terminal, $2.00 in coins) to 31st Street in Astoria. Simply go up the stairs to the train and take the N or W six stops to 59th Street. It should be an easy journey!
Remember that the OP's destination is
50th Street, not 59th Street. So if the OP opts to take the M-60 to the N or W, and then the N or W to Lexington Avenue/59th Street station, the OP should then transfer to a downtown #6 train, and take it one stop to 51st Street. And if the OP pays for the M-60 with coins, the OP will
not get a free transfer to the subway; only Metrocards offer free transfers between bus and subway. So the earlier advice to purchase a Metrocard at one of the Hudson News stands in the terminal should be followed.
Personally, I think that the easiest way to make this particular trip is to take the Q-33 bus to its last stop in Jackson Heights, and then transfer to a Manhattan bound E or V train to Lexington Avenue/53rd Street. This station offers both escalators and an elevator, making it convenient for passengers with luggage.