Within the newest version of our well-known airport races, TPG members from each side of the Atlantic teamed as much as discover out which mode of transportation is the most cost effective — and the speediest — approach to get from Instances Sq. in New York Metropolis to John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK).
To assist our readers select the best choice for their very own journey, we in contrast the New York Metropolis subway, an iconic yellow cab, the Lengthy Island Rail Street and a Blade helicopter.
Right here’s the way it went down.
Melanie Lieberman on the subway
We paid: $11 (a $2.75 single-ride subway fare and an $8.25 AirTrain JFK ticket).
When you’re on a finances, the subway is the most cost effective approach to get to the airport. Interval. Irrespective of the place you might be within the metropolis, you are by no means removed from a subway station and connecting on the AirTrain JFK may be very simple. It’s essentially the most environment friendly choice for most individuals. Positive, the prepare will get crowded throughout rush hour, but it surely’s nearly at all times quicker than sitting in gridlocked visitors aboveground.
On the draw back, navigating the subway — discovering the correct platform, selecting the very best automobile, hurrying up and down stairs, and squeezing by means of throngs of individuals — may be tough, particularly for those who’re hauling round baggage.
Relying on the station (and your stage of consideration), it’s simple to get confused and find yourself on the mistaken platform. You additionally have to ensure you have your MetroCard pre-loaded (you possibly can’t use a month-to-month limitless move or tap-and-go) to pay for the AirTrain. In any other case, you will have to construct in further time to purchase a ticket.
Associated: There is a new approach to get from midtown Manhattan to JFK
Madison Blancaflor and Liam Spencer in a taxi
We paid: $98.16 (by means of the Curb taxi app).
Taking a taxi to JFK is extremely handy, particularly when you’ve got baggage. There aren’t any transfers or extra strolling required, and also you’ll be dropped off proper in entrance of your terminal. As an added bonus, in comparison with the subway, it’s rather more comfy, with loads of room to unfold out and chill out.
Bear in mind, for those who’re hailing a cab within the metropolis, search for a cab with the rooftop medallion mild illuminated and provides the motive force a wave.
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Madison and Liam arrived second, surpassed solely by Nicky within the helicopter. When the roads are clear, a cab is actually a speedy choice to succeed in the airport. Be warned, although. Visitors in New York Metropolis may be unpredictable — development, an accident or only a busy visitors day on the roads may cause severe delays. We additionally paid almost $100, which is much more costly than utilizing public transportation.
Associated: Why yellow cabs are (once more) your greatest wager in New York Metropolis
Tanner Saunders on the Lengthy Island Rail Street
We paid: $13.25 (a $5 one-way Lengthy Island Rail Street metropolis ticket and an $8.25 AirTrain ticket).
With the ability to catch a direct prepare from the brand new Grand Central Madison station (beneath Grand Central Terminal) to JFK is extremely handy for vacationers leaving from the west aspect of midtown Manhattan — and the just-opened station is glowing clear and trendy.
The brand new Grand Central Madison terminal is beautiful. Nonetheless, it may be troublesome to seek out and requires taking a number of escalators. Transferring from the LIRR at Jamaica Station isn’t a enjoyable expertise attributable to crowding.
It is also not very best that you simply both have to have a MetroCard pre-loaded with cash to enter or should wait in line to buy an AirTrain-specific ticket. You additionally want to permit your self sufficient time to stroll from the AirTrain to the airport terminal.
Trains on this route are scheduled to function at the very least each half-hour between Grand Central Madison and Jamaica Station, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority mentioned it is going to seemingly enhance frequencies. Tanner’s fare additionally displays an off-peak value — it may possibly value extra to take the LIRR throughout peak days and instances. When you’re shopping for an LIRR ticket from Grand Central to JFK, search for trains on the path to Jamaica, Queens.
Nicky Kelvin in a Blade helicopter
We paid: $295 (a $100 floor switch and a $195 Blade ticket).
Velocity is the secret right here. With the Blade helicopter trip taking simply 5 minutes, it was going to be very troublesome for the remainder of the group to win first place. The Blade lounge is comfy and stocked with complimentary refreshments.
Flying over Manhattan in a helicopter is an unbelievable expertise in itself, offering unparalleled views of the town and of JFK (nice for those who additionally adore planes).
Is it essentially the most environment friendly approach to get to the airport? In case you are not close to the heliports in Manhattan, the time taken to get to the departure level will rapidly eat away at your time-saving. This was not a difficulty from Instances Sq..
Nonetheless, it might be for those who’re touring from a lot farther away and navigating heavy visitors. The Blade expertise is admittedly far costlier than different strategies, too, however at peak instances, a cab might be nearly the identical value, if no more.
