New York City Transporation Guide

Area Airports
New York City is served by three major airports: Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia
(LGA) and Newark (EWR). We do not recommend MacArthur Airport in
Islip, Long Island (ISP) due to it's distance from the city. The
reality is that any of the airports can services your needs and, each
has their drawbacks. The biggest problem is always traffic,
even though all three area airports are 20 miles or less from
Manhattan, it can often take an hour or more to reach Manhattan, and,
New York/New Jersey traffic is unpredictable and has no rhyme or reason.

Getting To Manhattan from the Airports
While this is your expense, it is recommended you either take a taxi or hire
a car service or shuttle service to transport you from the airport to
Manhattan. Public transportation is available but, it is not recommended since you will have luggage in tow.

From JFK (Kennedy)

• Taxis:
  $45 flat fare (plus tolls) to any Manhattan location. Taxis are
  available outside of every terminal and there is typically a taxi stand
  where you will be directed to a taxi. For destinations outside of
  Manhattan, consult the TLC Fare Guide. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the Taxi Rider's Bill of Rights.
  There is no additional charge for luggage and rates are based per car,
  not per passenger (up to four passengers). To return to JFK from Brooklyn or Manhattan, taxis will charge you the metered rate, plus any applicable
  tolls.
  
• Car Services:
  Pre-arrange for a car service to meet you at the airport, or call one
  when your flight touches down. This is a great option if you want to
  avoid waiting in line for a taxi or if you have a group larger than
  four people and want to arrange for a van or limousine. Try Limos.com at http://www.limos.com for free price quotes
  
• Private Shuttles: Several companies offer shuttles to Manhattan, including:
  
  
  
  • New York Airport Service Express Bus:
    Available from 6:30 a.m. - 11:10 p.m., these shuttles leave every 15-30
    minutes. Fare is $13 ($15 if you want to be dropped off at your midtown
    hotel), but you can save by buying roundtrip tickets online, as they
    are $22 (you can also buy discounted one way tickets online). One free
    child under 12 is included in the fare. You can choose to disembark at
    Grand Central, Port Authority or Penn Station, in addition to hotels
    between 31st Street and 60th Street. The ride takes about an hour.
    Return schedules and more information are available on their website.
    
  • Super Shuttle:
    Available 24 hours a day, this shuttle provides door to door service
    for your party. Fares are $15 - $19, depending on destination. No
    reservations are required to get from the airport to your destination,
    but they are required for your return trip to the airport. Consult
    their website or call 1-800-258-3826 for more information.
    
  
  

From LaGuardia (LGA)

• Taxis:
  Metered fare (plus tolls) to any Manhattan location. Taxis are
  available outside of every terminal and there is typically a taxi stand
  where you will be directed to a taxi. For destinations outside of
  Manhattan, consult the TLC Fare Guide. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the Taxi Rider's Bill of Rights. There is no additional charge for luggage and rates are based per car, not per passenger (up to four passengers).
  
• Car Services:
  Pre-arrange for a car service to meet you at the airport, or call one
  when your flight touches down. This is a great option if you want to
  avoid waiting in line for a taxi or if you have a group larger than
  four people and want to arrange for a van or limousine. Try Limos.com at http://www.limos.com for free price quotes
  
• Private Shuttles: Several companies offer shuttles to Manhattan, including:
  
  
  
  • New York Airport Service Express Bus:
    Available from 6:30 a.m. - 11:10 p.m., these shuttles leave every 15-30
    minutes. One-way fare is $10 ($12 if you want to be dropped off at your
    midtown hotel), but you can save by buying roundtrip tickets online, as
    they are $16 (you can also buy discounted one way tickets online). One
    free child under 12 is included in the fare. You can choose to
    disembark at Grand Central, Port Authority or Penn Station, in addition
    to hotels between 31st Street and 60th Street. The ride takes about 45
    minutes. Return schedules and more information are available on their website.
    
  • Super Shuttle:
    Available 24 hours a day, this shuttle provides door to door service
    for your party. Fares are $15 - $19, depending on destination. No
    reservations are required to get from the airport to your destination,
    but they are required for your return trip to the airport. Consult
    their website or call 1-800-258-3826 for more information.
    
  
  

From Newark, NJ (EWR)

• Taxis from Newark Airport:
  Metered fare (plus tolls) to any Manhattan location, approximately
  $50-75. Taxis are available outside of every terminal and there is
  typically a taxi stand where you will be directed to a taxi. There is
  an additional charge for luggage over 24 inches if the driver handles
  the bags, and rates are based per car, not per passenger (up to four
  passengers).
  
• Taxis to Newark Airport: Metered fare (approximately $69-75) plus return tolls and a $15 surcharge for a NYC Taxi to Newark Airport.
  
• Car Services:
  Pre-arrange for a car service to meet you at the airport, or call one
  when your flight touches down. This is a great option if you want to
  avoid waiting in line for a taxi or if you have a group larger than
  four people and want to arrange for a van or limousine. Try Limos.com at http://www.limos.com for free price quotes
  
• Private Shuttles: Several companies offer shuttles to Manhattan, including:
  
  
  
  • Newark Liberty Airport Express:
    Available from 4:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m., these shuttles leave every 15-30
    minutes for midtown Manhattan and every 2 hours to downtown Manhattan
    (from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.). One-way fare is $13, but you can save by
    buying round-trip tickets, as they are $22. One free child under 16 is
    included in the fare. You can choose to disembark at Grand Central,
    Port Authority or Penn Station, in addition to midtown hotels. The ride
    takes about ah hour. Return schedules and more information are
    available on their website.
    
  • Super Shuttle:
    Available 24 hours a day, this shuttle provides door to door service
    for your party. Fares are $15 - $19, depending on destination. No
    reservations are required to get from the airport to your destination,
    but they are required for your return trip to the airport. Consult
    their website or call 1-800-258-3826 for more information.
    
  
  

AMTRAK & New Jersey Transit
If you are arriving in New York City via AMTRAK or New Jersey Transit
Trains you will arrive at New York Penn Station. Penn Station can be
confusing to the first time visitor and, this guide is to help you find
your way around quickly and easily.

Your train is going to arrive under ground and there will be
stairs or an escalator up to the next floor. Elevator service is also
available, ask a member of the train crew for directions. Follow the
crowds to locate the exits and be sure to look for the 7th Avenue exit. If you
have trouble, police officers and National Guard members can be found
throughout the station and will help direct you to the right place. You
can go out the 8th Avenue but, it's slightly tougher to get a cab
on some days - other days it's easier. If you go out the 7th Avenue
exit, it's a safe bet. There is a cab stand right there.

Once upstairs from where your train comes in, follow the signs for the 7th Avenue exit and, again, take the escalator up to street level. Once outside, turn LEFT and you'll see small cab stand.
Get on line and there is almost always a line but, it does move quickly - unless it's raining. Then it takes longer.

There is usually a police officer there directing people in and out of cabs. When it's your turn, simply go to the next available cab. The driver will pop the trunk when he sees you have luggage in tow.

Right now, it's $2.50 the minute you put your foot in the door and then an additional
.40 each unit. For a further explanation of cab rates click this link: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml And don't forget to tip for the driver!


Getting Around Manhattan
Getting around Manhattan can be easy and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Tip: Avoid Pedi-cabs,
they are currently unregulated and are developing a fast reputation for
overcharging riders with very rude drivers. Pedi-cabs are currently in
a legal dispute with the city. Pedi-cabs are bicycle drawn carriages.
Do not accept rides regardless of how hard they try to persuade you!

New York City Subways 101
New to the New York City subway? Find out everything you need to know about
Find out where to buy MetroCards, learn how to get directions and
subway maps, and read up on subway safety and etiquette.

Where to Park in New York City
Get tips on parking in New York City and how to find an affordable parking garage.

Boat Trips Around Manhattan
Take a boat or ferry trip to catch stunning views of the Manhattan skyline,
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and bridges on the East River.

Port Authority Bus Terminal
Navigate your way through Port Authority Bus Terminal, the largest bus terminal
in Manhattan, New York City, and the United States. Most bus carriers
operate through Port Authority and travelers can find a wide variety of
shops, stores, cafes, delis, and restaurants.

MTA Subway Rules -- New York City Subway Guide
Keep your feet off the seats and your bag where we can see it. There are new rules for riding the New York City subway.

New Site Offers Transit Directions and Much More
Finally! No more peering at subway maps. Now you can get detailed directions
with the new Transit Advisor on www.trips123.com. Just select a street
or landmark for the "Leaving From" and "Going To" fields and get
directions by subway, bus, ferry, or train. Trips123.com also offers
up-to-date info on traffic and transit conditions.New York City Subway Map
A current map of the New York City subway system -- straight from the MTA.

Manhattan Bus Map
A pdf map showing Manhattan bus routes.

Manhattan Transit Service Advisories
Don't get stranded by a service change or track work. Check here for the latest service advisories and changes.

Taxi Passenger FAQ
Find out the rules regarding multiple-stop trips, riding in the front seat, fares to local airports, and much more.

Safety Tips For Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Get
safety tips for pedestrians and drivers. Approximately 200 pedestrians
are killed each year in New York City -- don't become a statistic!