Getting to the airport in New York City, like other major cities, can be stressful. Luckily, there are many ways to get there, so you can choose what's best for you. The most expensive options include taking a taxi or car service, and the least expensive (and slowest) is through public transportation. Each option is adequate, although public transportation can take significantly longer than taking a car.
Take a cab. If you live in the New York City metro area, where taxis are always readily available, you always have the option of taking a cab to the airport. Taxi pickups in New York are not usually scheduled by phone, with most New Yorkers -- and even travelers --- hailing a cab by raising a hand on the side of the street. New York cab drivers understand this is a universal sign that you need a ride. If the street you are on does not get enough traffic (residential cross streets, for example), you will likely need to walk to a busier intersection. Be clear about which airport you are going to and ask what the fair is likely be before you leave the curb. Some cabs take credit cards, but many still do not, so also ask about your payment options ahead of time. The standard tip for a New York cab driver is 15% of the fare and it is standard practice to tip a little extra for a ride to the airport.
Book a shuttle service. These services usually fill up passenger vans of travelers and take them to the airport all at once. Super Shuttle is a commonly used company for this service. If you're going to take a shuttle, be aware that the shuttle will pick up and drop off many passengers, so allow plenty of time to get to the airport using this method. Look up the phone number for the shuttle and schedule an appointment, or book online. Super Shuttle vans may be booked early, or as late as the day of the flight. Have your credit card ready when you make the appointment because most shuttle services will require you to pay in advance.
Get on a bus. The least expensive way --and often the slowest way-- to get to the airport is via a bus. La Guardia is serviced by the M60 and Q33 bus. Check the MTA web site for the nearest pick up, then take the subway or bus to the nearest M60 or Q33 pick up. Pay for the bus with a metro card or exact change (coins only). Listen for the bus announcements and watch for your drop off point. To alert the bus driver when you're at your stop, push the yellow strip lining the bus walls and rails. This will tell the driver to pull over at the next stop. Exit the bus through the back door. Wait until the green light goes off over the door, then push the handles to open it. Note that there are no buses that go directly to JFK, so if you are going to take public transportation, you must go by subway.
Take the subway. JFK is serviced by the A train. Walk or take the subway or bus to the nearest A line train. Once down in the subway, stand on the platform and wait for the train. Take any A train that says it's going to JFK or Far Rockaway-Lefferts Blvd. (some A trains do NOT go to JFK -- only take the trains mentioned here). Exit the train when it announces the JFK shuttle stop. Follow the crowd of people going to the JFK shuttle terminal. You will need to pay additional fare to get to JFK International Airport, although the amount is minimal. Take the shuttle train and listen to the announcements for your terminal. Note that there are no trains to get to Laguardia, so if you are going to Laguardia on public transportation, you must take a bus.
Call a private car service to pick you up. These cars are usually black luxury cars. The most popular car service in Manhattan is Dial 7's. Go to the company Web site and call the phone number provided to schedule your appointment. Ask for the fare before you finish booking your ride. Prepare for your driver in advance, meaning have your bags packed and ready to go before the car arrives.When the driver is outside your house or apartment, he will call you on the phone number you've provided. Once you arrive at the airport, be sure to tip your driver the standard 15% amount.
