The city of never-ending entertainment provides multiple options to do just about anything. The simple journey between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport is no exception to that rule. While the Queens-based airport sits less than 15 miles from the heart of New York City, transport options and durations vary substantially.

Train

Regarded as the quickest and most reliable way to travel between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy Airport, train travel bypasses the street traffic and moves with a constant flow. First, catch the subway from Manhattan to Queens, choosing either the "A" train to Howard Beach or the "E" train to Jamaica Station. Transfer to the efficient AirTrain, which runs around the clock, carrying travelers from these major subway hubs directly to the airport. Also the most economical option, the complete journey takes 50 minutes from midtown Manhattan, 60 minutes from downtown Manhattan, and 75 minutes from far uptown Manhattan. Omit the subway journey and speed towards the airport 15 minutes faster for only a few bucks more on the Long Island Rail Road. Trains depart from Manhattan's Penn Station and arrive at Jamaica Station for direct transfers to the AirTrain.

Taxi or Car Service

Sit back and let yourself be driven, although the route tends to be nerve-wracking during weekday rush hours. Without any traffic, the journey lasts at least 30 minutes. Typical heavy traffic can extend the drive to more than 60 or 90 minutes. When traveling by car, allow extra time to accommodate normal traffic or construction along the way. Travelers into the area should think twice about renting a car from the airport and driving it into Manhattan, as street parking restrictions can be burdensome, and garage parking costs can be overwhelming. Long-term and short-term parking options are available on-site at the airport for Manhattanites with cars.

Airport Shuttle

When traveling to or from John F. Kennedy Airport between the hours of 5 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., consider NYC Airporter express shuttle buses, which operate between the airport and three major transit hubs in midtown Manhattan: Penn Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Grand Central Station. As with taxis, the length of the NYC Airporter journey is contingent upon traffic. The shuttle makes stops at each terminal within the airport, so allow extra time to load and unload at each of the pick-up and drop-off locations. Bookings can be made online, at each Manhattan hub or at any of the airport terminals.

Door-to-Door Shuttle

If you are leaving Manhattan and can't be bothered to travel to the main transit hubs to catch the NYC Airporter shuttle bus, book door-to-door transportation with ride share minivans. Go Airlink NYC (goairlinkshuttle.com) or Super Shuttle (supershuttle.com) provide a cheaper door-to-door alternative to taxis, but require a bit more time padding. Twenty-four-hour services pick up travelers who are farthest from the airport first, then move along the route making pickups as the shuttle gets closer the airport, dropping each rider off at his respective airport terminal. The Manhattan-bound journey follows the same principle of dropping off the closest rider first.

About the Author

Based in New York City, Lindsay Smith is a contributor for national news and lifestyle publications. Her journalism career began at network news outlets after receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College.

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