Manhattan - Transportation, beyond the Yellow Cab!

 

Numerous routes exist for traveling to Manhattan from the three primary airports that border this exquisite city.

Two of these airports are located within the bounds of New York State – John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). Additionally, in the neighboring state of New Jersey, the Newark (EWR) airport is situated.

Despite the abundance of transportation choices in any major urban area, this segment will outline the most budget-friendly alternatives catering to our financial considerations, all while ensuring secure passage to the core of Manhattan.

JFK Airport to Manhattan

Riding the train in New York has a unique appeal due to its 24/7 operation, allowing you to use the subway to and from JFK Airport at any time.

To begin your journey, you must acquire an MTA MetroCard, priced at 1 USD.

Upon reaching the airport, purchase an Air Train ticket when transferring from Jamaica Station to the connecting lines. The Air Train fare is 8.25 USD. Once at Jamaica Station, you have various options for purchasing rides: a single ride costs 2.90 USD, a 7-day pass is available for 34 USD, and a 30-day pass can be obtained for 132 USD.

When returning to the airport, you'll need to pay the Air Train fee again.

For single rides, multiple users can swipe the same card, deducting 2.90 USD from the balance with each swipe. However, with weekly or monthly passes, only one user can swipe the card. While technically possible to swipe it again after 5 minutes, some officers may view this as suspicious activity and may prompt you to buy a new card for each user.

Opting for a weekly or monthly pass also has the advantage of connecting with local buses served by OMNY, reaching districts not covered by trains. If you purchase a single ride, you can connect with buses within 2 hours for free. OMNY also offers contactless payment with your card or NFC, paying per ride 2.90 USD up to 34 USD within 7 days, getting unlimited rides during this term.

LGA Airport to Manhattan

Your best public transit option from LaGuardia Airport is the LaGuardia Link Q70, a free bus that travels nonstop from the airport to the subway lines R, M, F, E, and 7 in Jackson Heights, Queens.

The LaGuardia Link Q70 is free. You do not have to pay to board the Q70 at LaGuardia Airport. To continue your trip on the subway or another local bus, use OMNY by tapping your contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, or wearable device each ride for 2.90 USD. You can also purchase and use a MetroCard taking advantage of the weekly or monthly pass.   

You can also take the M60-SBS from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan. From there, you can connect to the A, C, B, D, 2, 3, 4, 5, a long 125th street, the line 1 at 116th street, or the N, W in Astoria, Queens.

M60-SBS service costs 2.90 USD. You must pay the fare before you board. Use OMNY by tapping your contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, or wearable device on the bus. You can also use your MetroCard. If you buy the weekly or monthly MetroCard pass can connect with the buses or if you go by a single ride, you can connect within 2 hours.

website: new.mta.info

EWR Airport to Manhattan

Arriving at EWR airport is sometimes underestimated when traveling to Manhattan. However, it provides an alternative and cost-effective option to experience the cityscape from the train's interior.

The optimal choice is to utilize the NJ TRANSIT train service, which operates from 5 AM to 11 PM. Trains depart from the station approximately every 15 minutes, and the journey to Penn Station in New York takes around 30 minutes. Be cautious not to confuse Penn Station in New Jersey, as it is an intermediate station.

A one-way ticket costs 15.75 USD, and if you plan to fly back from EWR, a round-trip ticket is available for 31.50 USD per Adult.

To board the train, locate the Air Train at EWR Airport; this transport to Broad Street Station is complimentary. From there, board the NJ Transit train, making sure to follow the signs directing you to New York.

Alternatively, a more economical route to Penn Station involves purchasing a single ticket from Broad Street Station to Penn Station in NJ. Subsequently, transfer to the PATH line from Penn Station in NJ to Penn Station in New York. Each ticket for this journey costs 2.75 USD but be aware that transferring between lines may take 50 minutes or more.

Apps and Local Transportation

    
  MyMTA- Why to have it?
Gives you trains and station info in real-time, service alerts, and special locations around the stations.

CitiBike- Why to have it?
The best app so far to rent a bike with single, daily, or yearly passes and see NY over wheels. Free download, can register any card.

  

  Mapway- Why to have it?

  Mapway allows you to save train maps offline, sometimes internet fails, so Mapway can save your day. Free download.

NJ Transit - Why to have it?

Gives you trains and station info in real-time, cashless tickets with cards and PayPal, and can be downloaded from the US only. Free download.

Lyft - Why to have it?

Getting a taxi shouldn’t be expensive, and Lyft proves it,  cheaper than Uber, available all the time, and earn Delta Skymiles with every ride. Free download.

Moovit - Why to have it?

Is not just another transit app, dedicated to passengers with hearing or visual disabilities, Moovit helps you to catch a train, and buses to find accessible stations. Free download.

I hope this information helps you hit the ground running on your NYC trip!