re: Getting from JFK to Grand Central during the parade?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 10:52pm

All rental cars are GONE. We're flying into JFK trying to get to Poughkeepsie. What's the best way for a family of four to get from JFK to Grand Central Station on Thanksgiving day?

The parade is going to be a problem, I suspect...

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/22/06 at 2:08am

Take the A train (subway) from JFK to 42nd Street Times Sq, then take the Shuttle (S train) to Grand Central.

For the four of you, it will cost $8.00 total.

Updated On: 11/22/06 at 02:08 AM

[liotte]

Posted: 11/22/06 at 8:29am

Actually, the JFK airtran is $5, plus the $2 subway fare.

[Capt_Fluellen]

Posted: 11/22/06 at 9:31am

I've found that it's faster to take the airtrain from JFK ($5) to Jamaica Station and get the "E" train rather than going to Howard Beach and getting the "A" train. If you take the "A" train, it will stop about 30 time before you get to 42nd Street/Port Authority. Then you have that long walk to the "S" shuttle. It's a slightly longer airtrain ride, but the "E" train only stops 10 times and gets you to 51st and Lexington, were you can transfer to the "6" train to Grand Central. Total cost of trip = $7 per person.


Updated On: 11/22/06 at 09:31 AM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 11/22/06 at 11:21am

The parade shouldn't really affect you if you are going to Grand Central. There are many options open to you based on how much you want to pay.

The ones mentioned by other users using public transportation are the cheapest, but also the slowest.

You can also check into the NY Airport Shuttle which is a bit more expensive, but reliable. This will put you out right in front of Grand Central.
http://www.nyairportservice.com/

Another option is to get a yellow cab at JFK. But if you are going to that expense (probably around $50) you might as well book a private car. One that I've had luck with is Tel Aviv
http://www.telavivlimo.com/rates.html

One more note: If you are going to POK on Metro North remember this. Thanksgiving Day is very crowded. There are no reserved seats on Metro North and they will just continue to sell tickets. In order to avoid standing for 100 minutes, I would advise you to get to Grand Central half an hour before your anticipated train so that you can board the moment the train is ready.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 11/22/06 at 11:33am

The Airtrain and Subway is slow but sure, it might be over an hour.

You could aslo take a Taxi from the airport to Grand Central 42nd/Lexington/Park. The parade is on Broadway, I can't imagine the parade being that big a problem on the east side. There is a flat rate for Taxi's to anywhere in Manhattan.

(This is what I would do) Take a taxi to Queensboro Plaza (in Queens) and take the Manhattan bound 7 Train (next stop) to 42nd. It's not really the most logical way to get from JFK to midtown, but it might be a rough day for commuting.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/22/06 at 12:22pm

Thanks guys!! Originally we had a private car to take us all the way to Poughkeepsie from JFK which would be $170, but I *knew* we could do it cheaper.