New York - transport to/from airport

[Zespri2022]

Family of 4 flying in 8pm at night (have been advised likely 10pm by time we get through immigration). Need to get into Times Square area.

Online info seems a bit inconsistent around flat fares (seem to say $75 for a yellow taxi but others say if stuck in traffic cost can be huge) and looking at sites to book a vehicle in advance seem very expensive and with reviews suggesting if delays they won't wait.

We fly into JFK and out via Newark so keen to know what others recommend. Thanks!

We used dial7 they were great. Booked in advance and called when we got through with bags to say where they were.

When I went a few years ago I managed to get our family a cheap transfer through Expedia, was much cheaper than booking direct.

Airtrain then subway right into Times Square. Well signposted as you come out JFK. You get Airtrain to Jamaica Station, pay as you exit. E train into Manhattan. You can buy metro tickets at Jamaica Station. Subway exit 49 St Station, brings you out right at the red steps.

Thanks for suggestions.

7dial has some terrible reviews (although generally positive). If we were arriving in the day and without kids/luggage might do train/subway but probably not at 10pm after flying for 16 hours!

Take @Beaverbridge's advice.

There will be plenty of other people on the train with you.

It's the city that never sleeps.

We use lift every time we're in the states.
Better than Uber, cheaper than local taxis.

Get a yellow cab at the airport it’s a fixed fee before toll to manhattan

When we went to NYC 7 years ago I did research on this via the Tripadvisor forum (very good site). Everyone there said just get a yellow cab - there is a special place where they all wait. It was a fixed price of $45 I seem to recall - but will be more now obviously.

There’s a booth at JFK. We got a taxi in December for about $65 ( was rush hour too )

We always take a taxi to and from the airport. Last time we used a hotel shuttle we spent over an hour driving round Manhattan picking up from other hotels and then another hour driving round the various terminals at the airport. Think it’s still a fixed fare, no traffic jam charge.

Her a taxi from outside the airport. It's not expensive

Lift or Uber. Unless you’re travelling light and can manage your luggage on the train- if you are follow the suggestion upthread.

In the states I would avoid taxis like the plague unless you enjoy giving directions, being car sick and fearing for your life.

Fixed fee cab from JFK is the way to go. It doesn’t go up due to traffic.

We got a taxi - it's a fixed price plus tolls etc. Thr driving was fairly scary, especially on the return journey when the driver seemed to pay zero attention to lane discipline and just drifted across multiple lanes all the time while never checking his mirrors. And at about 70mph too! I have never been so scared in my whole life and did end up yelping at him to slow down. But I can't imagine lyft or Uber drivers being much better

Yellow cab is a set price from JFK to Manhattan. You have to add on tolls and tip but I've never paid more than I expected to.

You arrival time makes it very unlikely there will be traffic anyway, when I've arrived late it's always been straight through, no traffic jams.

When we went, admittedly quite a few years ago now, it wasn't much more expensive to get a limo transfer than a normal private car transfer and it was a fun way to arrive! Could be worth looking into.

For the way back, the train from Penn station to Newark is dead straightforward.

Just go to designated taxi booth at arrivals. Was very organised. Our taxi driver was a lunatic behind the wheel but the rest of the taxis we took were ok😂
as others have said it’s a flat fare but they do then add on the toll.
don’t ever agree to a taxi from someone who approaches you, always go to official taxi line.

Flat fare yellow cab from JFK to Manhattan.

Then get an Uber to Newark. The yellow cabs don’t like going out to Newark as it’s harder to pick up a return fair and they can get really stuck in traffic heading back.

I go several times a year with work and have tried all the options…..

Thank you everyone! Think we'll go with a yellow cab!

I've always just got a taxi