New York City Travel Answers

I went to NY for the first time last year. I *never* normally take taxis but from JFK to a couple of blocks from Penn, I did...long flight, late-ish arrival, solo female traveller etc etc. As there are 4 of you I'd suggest you just get a taxi from JFK to Penn. It's a fixed rate from the airport. 45USD plus tolls and tip when I visited and the same rate is posted on the official airport page: panynj.gov/airports/jfk-taxi... Don't take just any taxi. Go to the taxi dispatcher (you'll see the lines of yellow cabs) and you'll get sorted speedily enough. Ignore those who try to tout for custom.

Taxi cabs from JFK are easy and convenient, especially following a long flight. We use them each time we return home from Europe. The45 flat rate + toll charges + tip usually total60-$65. There are less expensive ways to get into the City. Super Shuttle (supershuttle.com/Locations/J... is one alternative. We have used this service; we found it to be just as good as a taxi cab, though not as private. Reservations are necessary for a seat on the Super Shuttle; you can use the web site to reserve a seat, or four in your case. Enjoy the Big Apple!

Yes, I paid my driver 60USD to Midtown Manhattan and when I checked (being a Brit i am not used to tipping as a norm) he said 'that's a good tip'. So that was ok! :-) That's actually cheaper than using Supershuttle, which is quoting me 19USD per passenger for JFK>Penn Station.

There are 4 possible ways. The least expensicve way is to take the train from the plane to Jamaica Station and then the subway (E train) to 34th Street which is at Penn Station. This is about a 45 minute trip give or take a couple of minutes. Second is a bit more expensive is via the train to the plane to Jamaica Station and then Long Island Rail Road directly into Penn Station (probably the shortest trip if you happen to catch the train right away). Also the least amount of stops as well. This could take 30 minutes to an hour depending on catching the train. Third is a taxi which will take you anywhere in NYC however the cost is not cheap but you don't have to lug your baggage all over. This can take an hour or longer. Final and 4th way is private car service. Same as taxi but can be far more expensive.

panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airt... This link may help you better understand what gabesz is talking about... Hey, I'd take the taxi too, for 4 people...remember that you pay one fare for a taxi, but per person for a train... Bill

With a party as large as four persons it is hard to beat the fixed rate cab rate of 45 per cab plus tolls and I too would recommend you take this option. However Gabe's suggestion of the train to Jamaica station and then the Long Island Railroad into Penn Station will likely get you there more quickly depending on the time of day you arrive. The latter is an easy train ride although the size of the Jamaica station can be a little overwhelming the first time you visit. For parties of 1 to 2 this is definitely the most cost effective and efficient way to go. I think the last time I went the cost per person was about 11.