What's the best way to get from JFK to Manhattan (1st ave)?

When you get to JFK take the Air Train to the subway and then take the subway to 1st ave. Ask in JFK which Air train and which subway stop and subway you need to take. This is much cheaper than a taxi. TAxi about $45 each way. Air Train and subway $ 15 round trip.

 

http://www.panynj.gov/airtrain/
This is the link to the Air Train website. It includes a trip planner and links to the subway system map(s). Look it over and you'll be fine.

 

i remember that air train construction was causing some ridiculous delays on the van wyck. i haven't taken that highway in a while because of all that construction

 

I actually recommend taking supershuttle. it's about 19 bucks one way or 38 round trip (you do the math), but it picks you up at JFK and drops you off anywhere you want in manhattan. Taking the subway can take awhile...but then again, watch out for rush hour traffic.

 

I second this, especially if you're unfamiliar with the subway/train system.

 

Airtrain + Subway - $7 ($5 for Airtrain, $2 for subway) - Take the Airtrain to the Howard Beach Stop (Station A). Then, take the Manhattan-bound A Train subway. At Broadway Junction, transfer to the Manhattan-bound L Train. The L Train will travel through Brooklyn, and the first stop in Manhattan is at 14th St. and 1st Ave.


This option, or the ones above, will get you to your destination.

 

Cheapest, as stated above, is Air Train to subway but this will take a long time and is a pain. The fastest is to take a cab but its more expensive. I'm pretty sure its a flat rate of $30 + tip (it might have gone up a little but it is a flat rate mandated by the city TLC and does not include any tolls ).

 

flat rate from JFK to anywhere in Manhattan is $45 + tolls (usually $4.50) and tip. just make sure you either go to the legit taxi line (they even give you a receipt with the taxi's medallion number) or make sure the non-legit taxi driver says the ride is $45 + tolls. i've told friends this and still found out that they took a taxi ride for $70+ dollars, not counting tip. don't get hosed.

 

There is a better and cheaper option than taking a cab. I don't recommend the air train if you have luggage with you because you will need to switch trains a lot. Anyhow, there is a bus service called NY Air Express http://www.nyairportservice.com/. It will take you from the airport to Grand Terminal or to Penn Station. From there you can take the subway which is $2.00 a ride. Depending on where in 1st ave you are going you can either walk or take a cab. You can always check the MTA website http://www.mta.info/. I hope this help.

PS I've taken the bus several times and is pretty reliable. Good luck!