Getting from JFK to Midtown
 

Quite simply, what's the best way for 2 passengers. Car service? Taxi? Hotel Shuttle? Any deals you can think of?

Thanks?

I generally use a car service when arriving at JFK. There are many of them to choose from and their fares usually are from $30 - $35 (without tolls and tip), not very different from the taxis. At night, the taxi pickup area at some terminals (such as 7) is absolute bedlam. I typically reserve the car in advance and then call the 800 number when I arrive. I am given a car number to look for and they usually materialize about five minutes later. Over the last few months, I have been using Tel Aviv Limo (212) 777-7777, 1 (800) 222-9888 and don't have any complaints.

If you don't want to spend much money and don't mind a long uncomfortable ride via the "scenic" route (and I use this term very loosely), you could take the free bus to the last stop in long term parking and then grab the subway at the Howard beach station. You'd get there eventually http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

As a compromise, there is also a company that offers shared rides; you can inquire about them in the baggage claim area. You might be able to save about $15 or so, but the length of your trip would increase quite a bit, especially during rush hour or on a Sunday night.

The shuttle bus to the A train takes about 1.5 hours from the airport to midtown. For $1.50, and a guarantee you won't be stuck in traffic, I say it's worth it.

LarryU's correct on the car service angle. I have used just about every NYC car service and like Larry, right now I'm using TelAviv. I've been picked up in everything from a brand new Lincoln to a beat up old one--you never know. But either way there's much more room than in yellow taxis--some of which can hvae the driver's barrier so far back you'll swear your in coach on a charter flight.

CAR SERVICE TIP: when you make your reservation, tell them you want to pay cash--even if you want to pay with credit later.

The reason: Let's say three people arrive at JFK at the same time. They all have Tel Avivs booked: #1 with cash #2 with a voucer #3 with AmEx. In what order do they get picked up?

#1 first because they're afraid if they make you wait too long you'll hop and a cab (since you're paying cash) and they'll lose the fare.

#3 second because though you want to pay credit if it's too long, you might hop a cab.

#2 last because they know they're got you, since you want to use a voucher (someone else's money--generally).

Last January, I had booked a car for my trip back to JFK and told reservations that I would be paying by credit card. When I was finally deposited at terminal 7 and proffered my credit card, the driver put up a stink because he had been told it was a cash trip. I gave him the choice of accepting the credit card and bringing me back to midtown and he backed down.

So in order to use your trick, I guess the thing to do is tell the driver you'll be using a credit card once you get in the car.

For the record, I usually do not have to wait very long for Tel Aviv. However, one additional trick I would like to pass on is that, in terminal 7 at least, you should ask the driver to pick you up at DEPARTURES. In early July, I had arranged to meet the driver by arrivals (the default) and it took him about a half hour to get to me. The traffic in the immediate arrivals area was absolutely immobile; complete gridlock.

I've had good luck (at least from LGA) with 1-800-BOOK-A-LIMO (call 1-800-266-5254 or go to http://www.1800bookalimo.com ). Their affiliates seem to have all late model Town Car sedans or limos (note - this is a nationwide service - all the rates are posted at http://www.1800bookalimo.com/rates_usa.html ). The rates are higher than a car service - but this is more of an executive sedan/limo company. (Plus in other cities without the wide range of car services like NYC, this is a great alternative to waiting on the cab line.) From JFK a sedan runs $45, a limo is $70/$80/$90 for 6/8/10 passenger limos. From LGA it's a great deal: $35/$60/$70/$80 (Sedan/6/8/10 pax limo). These rates do not include a 15%-20% tip. I was paying Boston Coach $80 for a ride in their small Volvo sedans from LGA to midtown - now I can save money and have a Town Car - or pay the same thing and ride in a limo.

We also have special car services for Red Sox fans that make every trip via the Bronx. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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Rich - nothing better than a detour to the Grand Concourse - just not the same since they stopped the guys from jumping on the hood of the car as you came off the exit ramp to "clean" your windshield. Of course one can always ride the subway with Rocker when he's in town.

I've had the "they said cash trip" when I booked credit as well. Did just about the same thing as Larry U.

I've also had--several times--a driver claim he doesn't have the cash for the Triboro and wants it from me. Thank god most of them have EZ Pass now.

You Red Sox Bostonians certainly make the day for the Medallian hack drivers and for the Black Car drivers. With you out there, I wish I were still hacking (as I did many, many years ago) - but I would have been too honest then to rip you off - as obviously you are being currently - if you are paying what you say.

There is a $30 cap on a fare from JFK to "the city" - our word for Manhattan - plus toll and tip. $40 at most, unless you ask for the free Queensboro Bridge less expensive route. From LGA, the taxi fare will depend on the "city" destination. I pay $16-22 plus toll and tip. But, hey, if it is EA and you can get away with it, be my guest - take the limo. We love your Beantown money.

I'm like JS, use the A train from JFK, or the Q33bus/Eor7train, or the M60 on local streets from LGA. You could be there faster; and you will certainly have the money toward a nice Midtown NYC steak dinner.

BoSox Fans, as always --- WUNYear!

Regards

-k-



[This message has been edited by kappa (edited 08-19-2000).]

Car services, taxis and the subway all work fine, as described above, but nobody mentioned the express buses to Grand Central (where you can transfer to a free bus to certain other destinations). It's $13 from JFK.

Personally, unless I'm in a hurry or it's very late at night, I take the subway.

Bruce

an oldie: "beating the system" tip#41 rise above your station and ride a limousine from JFK to Manhattan http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/000332.html

another 'oldie': Getting from JFK to Midtown http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003256.html

Anyone know the schedule of the airport shuttle bus to the train station?