How to get around in New York City?

How To Get Around In New York City?

What are the best ways to get around in New York City?

How to get around in New York City? One of the most common questions when traveling to a new city. Figuring out how to get around efficiently and cost effectively is important when traveling to a new city. Visiting a new city can be a ton of fun, but pricey if you don't know your way around. We have created a list of some of the most popular transportation options available in New York City during your sports trip. Plan the ultimate trip with the help of our travel experts and don't get caught unprepared when traveling to a new city!

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New York City is composed of five boroughs. While Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of Long Island, and the Bronx is attached to the US mainland. The islands are linked by bridges, tunnels and ferries.

Manhattan is roughly 13.4 miles long and about 2.3 miles wide at its widest. Except at its northern and southern tips, the borough’s avenues run roughly north and south, and streets run east and west. One-way thoroughfares are common, with traffic moving east on even-numbered streets and west on odd-numbered streets. Fifth Avenue divides the island into east and west sides (for example, locations on 57th Street west of Fifth Avenue are designated “W. 57th St.,” and east of Fifth Avenue, they’re “E. 57th St.”). As you move farther east or west from Fifth Avenue, street addresses increase, usually in increments of 100 from one block to the next. For north-south avenues, 20 blocks equals a mile, and the street numbers increase as you go uptown. Blocks can be a useful measure of distance, but keep in mind your direction: walking uptown from 1st Street to 6th Street is about a quarter of a mile, but walking the same number of blocks crosstown, from First Avenue to Sixth Avenue, is approximately a mile.

Check here for helpful NYC maps and guides.

How to get around in New York City?

Elite Sports Tours recommends the best way of getting around the city is either by walking or taking the subway. Here is a list of options on how to get around in New York City:

  • Subways - The easiest and quickest way to travel around NYC is by the subway.
    • Operates 24/7
    • For $2.75 (the cost of a single ride when using a pay-per-ride MetroCard), you can use the system citywide and transfer to other subway lines as many times as you need, as long as you don’t exit through a turnstile.
    • You can transfer from subway to local bus or vice versa within two hours of using your pay-per-ride MetroCard (all transfers are free with an Unlimited Ride MetroCard, but it cannot be used at the same subway station or on the same bus route for at least 18 minutes, nor can it be used on an express bus).
    • Subway stations on the same line are generally about 8 to 10 blocks apart on local lines (the stops on express trains are usually farther apart).
    • The subway does not travel to Staten Island. To get there, board the free Staten Island Ferry or take a bus.
  •  Taxis - Best option for groups of 2-4 people
    • You can get anywhere in Manhattan for $10-15, split between a group it is not much more than a subway ride and eliminates any hassle of getting lost as well as extra walking.
    • Hail down yellow taxis whose numbers are illuminated on top
    • Available 24 hours a day
    • Minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 50 cents every fifth of a mile or every minute, depending on how fast you’re traveling
    • Tip 15-20%

  • Rideshare
    • Uber
    • Lyft

  • Bike
    • Citi Bike - New York City’s bike-sharing system. There are about 10,000 bikes at around 600 stations which are available 24/7.

  • Scooter
    • Lime - Find their scooters on the sidewalk, purchase time through the app.

These are some of the best transportation options when trying to figure out how to get around in New York City.

How to get around in New York City?

# of New York Airports: 3

  1. John F. Kennedy International Airport
  2. LaGuardia Airport
  3. Newark International Airport

How to get to and from the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest airport within the state of New York and the most commonly used for international tourists traveling to New York City. This international airport is one of the busiest in the country serving 62,551,072 passengers in 2019. 

Located just 16 miles southeast of Downtown New York, it is quite easy to get to and from JFK. If you are flying in for a sporting event be sure to leave your self-plenty of time, traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to be late to the game!

Below are your best available options for how to get to downtown New York from JFK so you can start your sports getaway!

∙ Subway: You can get to downtown New York by subway, along the E, J or Z trains, though if you are heading to Midtown you will probably want the E Train. Your total transportation time is anywhere from 60-90 minutes. The subway would cost you just about $10.50 USD, making it by far the cheapest option though that is balanced with a longer commute. If you are landing during the day you will need to keep in mind that the subway will be extremely busy with limited room for luggage. If you want to take the subway, you will need to take the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station. 

∙ Commuter Train: You will also be able to get to downtown New York via the Commuter Train, Long Island Railroad. Which is the train line that connects Long Island with Manhattan. Your total transportation time is just 35 minutes and the commuter train takes you to Penn Station, where you can connect to subway lines if needed. The train would cost you just $15.50 USD. Similar to the Subway you will need to take JFKs AirTrain to Jamaica Station where you will find the Long Island Railroad.

∙ Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown New York may be your best bet in terms of convenience. Taxis from JFK do offer a fixed rate to Manhattan of $52 US, with that being said if there are any tolls along the route you will be charged for those as well. It is roughly a 45 minute drive, which varies due to the New York traffic. There are taxi stands located outside of each terminal, be sure you select one of the official New York yellow taxis.

∙ Sedan Service/Limo: JFK is serviced by many different limousine companies. You pay for the added luxury of riding in a limo in New York, with the average trip costing $100 USD. The companies have options at your disposal including classic limos, sedans, SUVs and buses. Similar to a cab the commute time can vary, though is generally a 45 minute drive to downtown New York, of course depending on traffic.   

∙ Rental Car: Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative to secure a rental car for you before your trip! JFK offers ten different car rental options, including Enterprise, Budget and National. You can find a rental car counter at each terminal's arrival level.  

∙ Ride Sharing: Uber services JFK to downtown New York. Ride sharing combines ease with affordability making for a perfect option when choosing how to head to New York from the airport. The ride takes roughly 45 minutes and you can expect it to cost from $50 to $70 USD, though this of course can vary depending on time of day, etc. Each arrival terminal will have signs for a designated Uber pickup location.  

∙ Airport Shuttles: Many private shuttle companies off transportation from JFK to hotels and various locations in downtown New York. The airport shuttle generally begins at $19.00 per person for one way. Airport Shuttles generally run every thirty minutes, if you ask an airport rep once you have arrived they will be able to assist with a shuttle.

For getting to Downtown New York from JFK we recommend taking a Taxi. Cabs from JFK provide you with a completely stress free commute and come at a relatively fair cost. Alternatively, the commuter train is another great option as it is your quickest transportation method and takes you to Penn Station which is within a few blocks to many great Manhattan hotels.

 

How to get to and from the LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the largest domestic airport within the state of New York and the most commonly used for domestic tourists traveling to New York City. This airport is one of the busiest in the country serving 31,084,894 passengers in 2019. 

Located just 9 miles east of Downtown New York, it is quite easy to get to and from LGA. If you are flying in for a sporting event be sure to leave your self-plenty of time, traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to be late to the game!

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown New York from LGA so you can start your sports getaway!

∙ Subway: You can get to downtown New York by subway, along any of the 7, E, F, M or R subway lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Ave. The subway can be accessed via the Q70 SBS bus. Your total transportation time is roughly around an hour similar to the bus. The subway would cost you just about $2.75 USD. If you are landing during the day you will need to keep in mind that the subway will be extremely busy with limited room for luggage. 

∙ Public Transit: You will also be able to get to downtown New York via the Q70 bus from all terminals. Your total transportation time is roughly an hour. The bus would cost you just $2.75 USD, therefore you need to decide if time or affordability is more important. The Q70 bus can be accessed from each other arriving at terminals (A, B, C, D).

∙ Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown New York may be your best bet in terms of convenience. Taxis from LGA are priced via a meter, though with it being roughly a 20-30 minute drive, which varies due to the New York traffic. You can expect to pay anywhere from $47 - $61 USD. There are taxi lines located outside of each terminal building, be sure you select one of the official New York yellow taxis.

∙ Sedan Service/Limo: LGA is serviced by many different limousine companies. You pay for the added luxury of riding in a limo in New York, with the average trip costing $85 USD. The companies have options at your disposal including classic limos, sedans, SUVs and buses. Similar to a cab the commute time can vary, though is generally a 20 – 30 minute drive to downtown New York, of course depending on traffic. Limo services are located within the Terminal B Parking Garage on Level 2.

∙ Rental Car: Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative to secure a rental car for you before your trip! LGA offers ten different car rental options, including Enterprise, Budget and National. Rental Car companies can be accessed from the Rental Car Shuttle Transfer Point at Terminal A.  

∙ Ride Sharing: Both ride sharing giants Uber & Lyft service LGA to downtown. Ride sharing combines ease with affordability making for a perfect option when choosing how to head to New York from the airport. The ride takes roughly 20 - 30 minutes and you can expect it to cost from $33 to $40 USD, though this of course can vary depending on time of day, etc. You can find the ride sharing pick up locations in the Terminal B Parking Garage, Level 2.  

∙ Airport Shuttles: Many private shuttle companies off transportation from LGA to hotels and various locations in downtown New York. The airport shuttles range from $23 - $28 USD per person for one way. Airport Shuttles are a fantastic way to get to midtown without breaking the bank, though arrival times can vary due to the fact that most shuttles make stops at different properties. 

For getting to Downtown New York from LGA we recommend taking an Uber or Lyft. Ride sharing from LGA provides you with convenience at a very affordable cost. Alternatively, if you are willing to sacrifice some time to save a considerable amount of money look into a public transit option. 

How to get to and from the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the largest airport within the state of New Jersey and the most commonly used for international tourists looking for a less crowded option while traveling to the New York City. This airport is one of the busiest in the country serving 46,336,452 passengers in 2019. 

Located just 18 miles southwest of Downtown New York, it is quite easy to get to and from EWR. If you are flying in for a sporting event be sure to leave your self-plenty of time, traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to be late to the game!

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown New York from EWR so you can start your sports getaway!

∙ Train: You can get to downtown New York via trains that are provided by NJ Transit. The EWR AirTrain picks you up from your terminal and takes you to the Newark Airport train station, where you will want to catch the train to Penn Station. Your total transportation time is roughly around 40 minutes. The train would be your cheapest option, with a cost of just about $15.25 USD. If you are landing during the day you will need to keep in mind that the subway will be extremely busy with limited room for luggage. 

∙ Bus: The Newark Airport Express bus provides service to Port Authority, Bryant Park or Grand Central Terminal, the bus picks you up directly from your terminal. The total transportation time is about 45 – 60 minutes depending on where you are being dropped off. The bus would cost you just $18.50 USD for a one way ticket, though you can also purchase round trips if your return flight is also out of Newark. 

∙ Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown New York may be your best bet in terms of convenience. Taxis from EWR are priced via a meter, though with it being roughly a 30 -45 minute drive, which varies due to the New York traffic. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 - $70 USD. There are taxi lines located outside of each terminal building along the arrival levels.

∙ Rental Car: Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative to secure a rental car for you before your trip! EWR offers ten different car rental options, including Enterprise, Budget and National. Rental Car companies can be accessed at Station P2 and Station P3.

∙ Ride Sharing: Both ride sharing giants Uber & Lyft service EWR to downtown. Ride sharing combines ease with affordability making for a perfect option when choosing how to head to New York from the airport. The ride takes roughly 30 - 45 minutes and you can expect the average Uber to cost around $44 USD, though this of course can vary dependant on time of day, etc. 

∙ Airport Shuttles: Many private shuttle companies off transportation from EWR to hotels and various locations in downtown New York. The airport shuttles start from $26 USD per person for one way. Airport Shuttles are a fantastic way to get to midtown without breaking the bank, though arrival times can vary due to the fact that most shuttles make stops at different properties. 

For getting to Downtown New York from EWR we recommend taking the train as most times it will be the quickest and most cost friendly way to get downtown. Alternatively, if you are willing to pay the price a Cab or rideshare is a great way to have a stress free commute.

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