From Airport to Times Square

[gaft24]

Posted: 10/25/18 at 1:43am

Hi everyone!

Question: My sister and I are going to New York the second week of December... originally we were taking the red-eye from Tuesday to Wednesday, but the airline cancelled that flight and switched us so now we don't get into JFK until 4 PM on Wednesday. We intended to see at least one show that day, but now I'm not sure if we'll make it on time... we wanted to see Mean Girls or Anastasia that day, but they are at 7 PM and 7:30 PM respectively, so.... do you think we can make it? I'm debating on getting tickets soon so any advice would be a lot of help!

Also, if we do get there, any tips/knowledge of storing luggage? We are staying up in Harlem so I know for sure we can't make it if we try to drop that off first.

[Speed]

Posted: 10/25/18 at 3:35am

I wouldn’t count on it. It’s rush hour and you have to drop off your bags in Harlem. I’d say don’t buy the tickets in advance. Buy them when you get there if you get there in time.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 10/25/18 at 8:34am

You could do it if your plane arrived on time and you did not have checked luggage.  If you take the Air Tran and E train (at Jamaica Station) combination to Times Square it will take approximately one hour, fifteen minutes.  A little shorter or a little longer depending on the subway train.  You have to walk a good distance before you catch the AirTrain.  You would have to walk double time.  There are a couple of baggage storage companies in Times Square.  They are not that expensive. But that may take about 20 minutes of your time.   Another alternative, is for someone on here, to suggest a hotel close to those theaters, who have "friendly" luggage men who would not turn down a $10 tip to hold your luggage.  Just say, you have somewhere to be and will check into hotel later.  Then after the show, get your luggage and exit to your transportation to Harlem.  My concern for you would be, checking into your hotel so late.  As long as they know, you may not be there to check in until 10:30/11:00 and don't give away your rooms.  You may want to wait until you are actually at the theater to purchase your tickets.  Your options may not be as good or more expensive, but at least if something goes wrong you didn't waste money on the tickets.  It can be done.  Once flying into Laquardia on a Saturday afternoon, my plane was late.  Shared a cab and bought my standing room ticket in less than 40 minutes from getting off plane.  Made the curtain by 10 minutes.  Of course, that is a different airport.

[haterobics]

Posted: 10/25/18 at 9:07am

If the airline cancels a flight, you usually have the option of picking the new flight you want or canceling that one and rebooking. So, seems easier to do that and book one that gives you extra time.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 10/25/18 at 9:23am

Tentatively scheduled to land at 4pm during the peak of afternoon traffic?  If you’re arriving into JFK, expect almost 2 hours in traffic.  LGA could be about 90 minutes plus.  Times Square is in the middle of Manhattan and one-way street congestion is heavy until about 11pm-midnight.   Arriving at 4pm, taxing to the gate and collecting baggage can be a 45 minute process with no delays.  Expect to be in an Uber or cab around 5pm.   Now do the math.  

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/25/18 at 9:27am

whether you make it would be dependent on delays which are unpredictable. I would wait until you reach the city to buy a ticket. The most efficient path from JFK is airtrain>LIRR to Penn Station; check luggage; buy ticket; enjoy show. 

luggagehero has made storage options ubiquitous easy and cheap. By Penn Station you also have lots of conventional places. Some of them will also print out tickets for you if you want to buy online.