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Don't do it. Traffic gets gridlocked, street parking is difficult at best, and parking lots are ridiculously expensive (while all garages are required to conspicuously post rates near their entrances, the city adds a parking tax of 18.625% that may make your final cost astronomical). It's easier to catch a bus, take the subway, grab a cab, or even walk. If you must drive, you should know these rules: the speed limit is 35 mph. Seat belts are required for everyone in the front seat and children in the back. It is illegal to turn right on a red light. When parking on the street, read the signs carefully. Illegally parked cars are swiftly towed. If you're parking regularly on a less-than-busy street, you should employ some form of theft protection. Never leave valuables in your car.
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Subway: The New York subway can be intimidating, initially confusing, and dangerous at night. But it's the cheapest and most efficient way to get around New York. Get a free subway map at a token booth, familiarize yourself with it and carry it with you. Subway stations are often (but not always) designated by posts with green lights. Look for them at main intersections. Watch out for entrances labeled "Uptown Only" where trains only go north or "Downtown Only" where trains only go south. Also, realize that some trains run express and only stop at major stations. Fare $2, but you'll need to purchase a MetroCard, available at subway stations, newsstands and hotels. The subway is open 24 hours, but it's not wise to ride alone after 9 or 10 at night. The transit authority operates three subway lines: The IRT, IND, and BMT. The BMT line (trains B, J, L, M, N, Q, R) runs from downtown Manhattan to Queens and Brooklyn. The IND line (trains A, C, D, E, F, Z) runs through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The IRT (trains #1-#7) begins in Brooklyn, runs through Manhattan, and terminates in the Bronx. The IRT has two main lines: The Seventh Avenue line (trains #1, #9) serves the West Side and the Lexington Avenue line (trains #4, #5, #6) serves the East Side. To go crosstown (east and west), take the S at 42nd Street, the L at 14th Street or the #7 between Grand Central Station and Times Square. For specific information, call 718-330-1234 or 243-7777. Bus: Buses aren't as fast as the subway, especially if they get stuck in traffic, but many tourists prefer them. Many find the system easier to understand and appreciate that they can see the city while traveling. Bus stops are designated by a blue sign with a bus emblem and route number. Also, the curb is usually painted yellow at bus stops. Most routes run 24 hours, though service is infrequent late at night. Fare is $2, payable by MetroCard, or exact change in coins (no pennies). Note that fare boxes don't accept dollar bills. Transfers are free, good for one intersecting route within two hours. Buses marked "Limited-Stop" stop only at major cross streets. Free bus maps are available at Grand Central Station or Penn Station. For specific information, call 718-330-1234. Taxi: Cabs are the most convenient (and most expensive) way to get around, though not always the fastest. In Manhattan only use medallion cabs, clearly recognizable by their medallion up top. Avoid gypsy cabs, which are unlicensed, usually uninsured, and whose drivers will most likely try to rip you off. You can hail a cab on the street or pick one up at a hotel. Check the rooftop light to see if a taxi is available: if only the center panel is lit, the driver is ready to pick up passengers. If the entire light is on or off, the cab is occupied or off-duty. Fares are $2.50 upon entry, $0.40 for each fifth-mile and every two minutes of waiting time. There is an additional $0.50 charge between 8 PM and 6 AM and a $1 surcharge between 4 PM and 8 PM. Up to four people can travel in one cab for the same price. In case of lost property, call 212-NEW-YORK.
| Airport |
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 LaGuardia International Airport (LGA)
JFK International Airport (JFK)
Three major airports serve New York. International flights arrive at John F. Kennedy International (JFK), or Newark International Airport (EWR). La Guardia Airport (LGA) handles domestic flights. JFK is located in Queens about 15 miles east of midtown Manhattan, a 50-to-60-minute drive. Newark is in northern New Jersey about 16 miles west of midtown Manhattan, a 40-to-60-minute drive. La Guardia is located in Queens, about eight miles east of midtown Manhattan, a drive that can take as little as 20 minutes, but, depending on traffic, can be closer to an hour or more. Average trip-time is around 45 minutes. Transportation from the airports to midtown Manhattan: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Hotel Courtesy Vans: Many hotels provide free van service for their customers from the airport. Check when making reservations. Locate the vans outside the baggage claim area. Bus & Subway:For Manhattan, take the Q10 bus (Green Bus) to Kew Gardens to connect with the A, E, F, J or Z subway lines. Bus fare is $1.00 off-peak, $1.50 peak (6 AM - 10 AM; 3 PM - 7 PM). Subway fare is an additional $2. Light Rail & Subway: The AirTrain JFK light rail system provides free transportation between terminals at JFK. For a fee, you can also use it to reach bus and subway stops outside the airport. For Manhattan, take AirTrain JFK (departing every 4-12 minutes) to the Howard Beach subway stop and catch the A train or the Jamaica subway stop for the E, J or Z lines. When leaving the airport, AirTrain JFK costs $5; subway fare is an additional $2. The trip to most Manhattan locations will take about 60 minutes. Express Bus: New York Airport Service Express Bus (718-875-8200) leaves for various Manhattan locations every 15-30 minutes between 6 AM and 11 PM. Fare is $15. Trips take 45-65 minutes, longer in heavy traffic. Shuttle: Airlink (877-599-8200; 718-560-3900) offers shared door-to-door service Manhattan for $17. SuperShuttle Manhattan (800-258-3826) also offers shared door-to-door service; fares range from $13 to $22. Taxis: Cabs can be found outside the baggage claim area. A trip to downtown costs a flat fare of $45 plus $4-$6 in tolls. It should take 40 to 60 minutes. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Hotel Courtesy Vans: Many hotels provide free van service for their customers from the airport. Check when making reservations. Locate the vans outside the baggage claim area. Bus: The New Jersey Transit Authority (NJTA) #107 bus runs to the Port Authority terminal in Manhattan between 4:55 AM and 12:40 AM. Shuttle: Newark Liberty Airport Express runs to the Port Authority terminal in Manhattan every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 2 AM. The ride takes 15-20 minutes, longer at peak periods. Call 877-8-NEWARK or 908-354-3330. Olympia Trails Airport Express runs to Penn Station, Grand Central Station, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Buses leave every 20-30 minutes from about 6 AM to midnight; the ride takes about 45 minutes. Call 212-964-6233, 908-354-3330 or 877-894-9155. Taxi: Cabs can be found outside the baggage claim area at terminals A, B, and C, between doors 4 and 5. A trip to downtown will cost $40-$60 plus $5 in tolls. It should take 25 to 45 minutes. La Guardia Airport (LGA) Hotel Courtesy Vans: Many hotels provide free van service for their customers from the airport. Check when making reservations. Locate the vans outside the baggage claim area. Subway/Bus: Catch the Q33 bus from the lower level of any terminal (except the Marine Air terminal where you can catch the Q47 bus to the same destination) to the Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Queens. From there you can transfer to any of the E, F, G, R, V or #7 trains into Manhattan. Another option is to take the M60 bus into Manhattan. Its route goes across 125th Street, down Broadway to 106th Street, where you can connect with various East Side and West Side subway lines. Allow 90 minutes for a trip to Midtown Manhattan. Shuttle/Limousine: Ground Transportation Information Counters, located on the lower/arrivals level of all terminals, have information on shared-ride vans, limousines, and other transportation. Look for the signs or call 800-AIR-RIDE (247-7433). Taxi:Cabs can be found outside the baggage claim area. A trip to downtown will cost about $25, plus $4-$6 in tolls. It should take 30 to 45 minutes. Group taxi rides are available; ask at the dispatch line.
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LaGuardia International Airport