Travel to and from New York airports by public transport

[cleanandclothed]

I have looked in the guide book, and on the airport websites, and googles, and I still don't understand how to do it or how much it costs. Is it very difficult/not worth it?

DH and I are arriving at JFK, and departing from Newark, and while in NY will be staying on the Upper East Side. Trying not to be too extravagant so want to avoid taxis where possible, but I am pregnant so don't want to much stress/carrying luggage.

Can anyone help with simple instructions and prices?

You can get to Newark by bus (leaving from Port Authority). Newark by bus

Also the link to get to/from JFK.

You can get the airtrain from any terminal in JFK which costs $5 and takes you to a station called Jamaica. Depending on your terminal, this will take max 15 mins. You can then get the train from Jamaica to Penn station, this takes about 20 mins. I think this will cost about $7. From Penn you can either get the subway uptown or jump in a yellow cab. However, there is a fixed fee for a taxi going from JFK to anywhere in Manhattan, I think they can only charge you $40 (sorry, might be $45).
Sorry, I don't know anything about Newark.

If its your first time, just take a cab. The fare is fixed at $45 (I think) plus tip. Getting the train is a bit of a pita, especially as you'll then need to get the subway to the UES.

I second just taking a taxi, it's $45 + tolls and tax, using public transport is a bit of a pain in the arse and the last thing you will want to do after a long flight.

$45 well spent IMHO. Did train once and regretted it.

The AirTrain from JFK takes you to the subway and you can take the A train to Manhattan - easy peasy.

Get a Metrocard at the subway station (can pay by card) for either a fixed amount, or a set period of time.

Get NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Newark Airport. All trains marked EWR stop at the airport. Confusingly the city of Newark station is called Penn station.

Have a great time :)

Thanks so much. Will see how we feel after the flight but it doesn't seem so confusing now!

I would take a taxi; you won't want to carry suitcases and deal with NYC public trasnport after an 8.5 hour flight. You won't be too extravagant.

It's not at all confusing. If you have one rolling bag each, you'll be fine.

You normally arrive into NY around lunchtime from the UK - the subways won't be too full. You'll get a seat on the A and see a bit of Queens (and some of Brooklyn) before you go underground.

I'd far rather take the subway than catch a cab from Queens to the UES.

Thanks so much everyone - we took the trains/subway etc from NYC as suggested. Fine and easy to see what to do as you all suggested.

Coming back we took a cab to Newark - we had to leave at 5am and at that time every minute was precious so preferred the convenience of having a cab from the door.