What is the quickest strategy to get to JFK airport? Watch us race to JFK through practice, subway, cab and Blade helicopter


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 affordable — and the speediest — strategy to get from Occasions Sq. in New York Metropolis to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
To assist our readers select the most suitable choice for their very own journey, we in contrast the New York City subway, an iconic yellow cab, the Lengthy Island Rail Highway 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).
If you happen to’re on a funds, the subway is the most affordable strategy to get to the airport. Interval. Irrespective of the place you’re within the metropolis, you are by no means removed from a subway station and connecting on the AirTrain JFK could be very simple. It’s essentially the most environment friendly choice for most individuals. Certain, the practice will get crowded throughout rush hour, but it surely’s virtually all the time quicker than sitting in gridlocked visitors aboveground.
On the draw back, navigating the subway — discovering the correct platform, selecting the perfect automotive, hurrying up and down stairs, and squeezing by means of throngs of individuals — could be tough, particularly in case you’re hauling round baggage.
Relying on the station (and your stage of consideration), it’s simple to get confused and find yourself on the incorrect platform. You additionally must be sure you have your MetroCard pre-loaded (you’ll be able to’t use a month-to-month limitless move or tap-and-go) to pay for the AirTrain. In any other case, you will must construct in further time to purchase a ticket.
Associated: There’s a new way 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 if in case you have 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 far more comfy, with loads of room to unfold out and chill out.
Keep in mind, in case you’re hailing a cab within the metropolis, search for a cab with the rooftop medallion mild illuminated and provides the driving 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 definitely a speedy choice to succeed in the airport. Be warned, although. Visitors in New York Metropolis could be unpredictable — development, an accident or only a busy visitors day on the roads could cause severe delays. We additionally paid almost $100, which is much more costly than utilizing public transportation.
Associated: Why yellow cabs are (again) your best bet in New York City
Tanner Saunders on the Lengthy Island Rail Highway
We paid: $13.25 (a $5 one-way Lengthy Island Rail Highway metropolis ticket and an $8.25 AirTrain ticket).
Having the ability to catch a direct practice 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.
Although the new JFK route will certainly get busy, Tanner was in a position to snag a seat on a virtually empty practice that was clear, comfy and spacious, particularly in comparison with the subway. Touring with baggage and taking the Lengthy Island Rail Highway is a superior expertise.
The brand new Grand Central Madison terminal is attractive. Nonetheless, it may be tough to seek out and requires taking a number of escalators. Transferring from the LIRR at Jamaica Station isn’t a enjoyable expertise because of crowding.
It is also not splendid that you just both must 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 a minimum of each half-hour between Grand Central Madison and Jamaica Station, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority stated it would seemingly enhance frequencies. Tanner’s fare additionally displays an off-peak value — it could possibly price extra to take the LIRR throughout peak days and instances. If you happen to’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).
Pace is the secret right here. With the Blade helicopter ride taking simply 5 minutes, it was going to be very tough for the remainder of the workforce 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 town and of JFK (nice in case you additionally adore planes).
Is it essentially the most environment friendly strategy 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 shortly eat away at your time-saving. This was not a problem from Occasions Sq..
Nonetheless, it might be in case you’re touring from a lot farther away and navigating heavy visitors. The Blade expertise is admittedly far dearer than different strategies, too, however at peak instances, a cab might be virtually the identical price, if no more.
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