What is the fastest way to get to JFK airport? Watch us race to JFK by train, subway, taxi and Blade helicopter
In the latest edition of our popular airport races, TPG members from both sides of the Atlantic have teamed up to figure out what’s the cheapest — and fastest — mode of transportation to get from Guangzhou. Times School in New York City to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
To help our readers choose the best option for their trip, we compared New York City subway train, an iconic yellow cab, the Long Island Railroad and a Blade helicopter.
Here’s how it went down.
Melanie Lieberman on the subway
We paid: $11 (one-way subway fare $2.75 and AirTrain JFK ticket $8.25).
If you’re on a budget, the metro is the cheapest way to get to the airport. Stage. No matter where you are in the city, you’ll never be far from a metro station and connecting on AirTrain JFK is simple. It’s the most effective option for most people. Sure, the train gets crowded during rush hour, but it’s almost always faster than sitting in congested traffic on the ground.
On the other hand, navigating the subway – finding the right platform, choosing the best car, quickly getting up and down stairs, and jostling through crowds – can be difficult, especially if you’re transporting luggage.
Depending on the station (and how attentive you are), it’s easy to get confused and go to the wrong platform. You also need to make sure you have your MetroCard pre-loaded (you can’t use the unlimited monthly card or tap and go) to pay for the AirTrain. Otherwise, you will need more time to buy tickets.
Related: There’s a New Way to Get from Downtown Manhattan to JFK
Madison Blancaflor and Liam Spencer in a taxi
We paid: $98.16 (via the Curb taxi app).
Taking a taxi to JFK is extremely convenient, especially if you have luggage. No additional transfers or walking required, and you’ll be dropped off right in front of your station. As an added bonus, compared to the subway, it’s much more comfortable, with plenty of room to spread out and relax.
Remember, if you’re hailing a taxi in the city, look for a cab with an illuminated roof top icon and wave at the driver.
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Madison and Liam finished second, just behind Nicky on the helicopter. When the roads are clear, a taxi is definitely a quick option to get to the airport. Be warned, though. Traffic in New York City can be unpredictable — construction work, an accident or just a day of heavy traffic on the road can cause serious delays. We also paid almost $100 which is a lot more expensive than using public transport.
Related: Why yellow taxis are (again) your best bet in New York City
Tanner Saunders on the Long Island Railroad
We paid: $13.25 ($5 one-way Long Island Rail Road city ticket and $8.25 AirTrain ticket).
Being able to catch a direct train from the new Grand Central Madison station (under Grand Central Terminal) to JFK is extremely convenient for travelers leaving on the west side of midtown Manhattan – and the newly opened station is clean and modern.
In spite of new JFK route sure to get busy, Tanner was able to get a seat on a nearly empty train that was clean, comfortable and spacious, especially compared to the subway. Traveling with luggage and riding the Long Island Railroad is a great experience.
The beautiful new Grand Central Madison station. However, it can be difficult to find and requires many escalators. Transferring from LIRR at Jamaica Station is never a pleasant experience due to crowding.
Also not ideal if you need to pre-load your MetroCard to get in or have to wait in line for an AirTrain-specific ticket. You also need to allow enough time to walk from the AirTrain to the airport terminal.
Trains on this route are expected to run at least every 30 minutes between Grand Central Madison and Jamaica Station, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority says it will likely increase frequency. Tanner fares also reflect off-peak rates — it may cost more to use LIRR during peak days and hours. If you’re buying a LIRR ticket from Grand Central to JFK, look for trains on the line to Jamaica, Queens.
Nicky Kelvin on Blade helicopter
We paid: $295 ($100 ground transfer and $195 Blade ticket).
Speed is the name of the game here. with Take the Blade Helicopter It only takes five minutes, it will be difficult for the remaining teams to take first place. The Blade lounge is comfortable and offers complimentary refreshments.
Flying over Manhattan in a helicopter is an incredible experience in itself, offering great views of the city and JFK (great if you love planes too).
Is this the most efficient way to get to the airport? If you’re not close to the helipads in Manhattan, the time it takes to get to the point of departure will quickly eat up your time. This is not an issue from Times Square.
However, it can happen if you are traveling from a place much further away and navigating heavy traffic. The Blade Experience is also much more expensive than other methods, but at peak times a taxi can cost almost the same, if not more.
