Tim F asked:
4 of us flying into JFK with luggage. Without taking public transportation, what is the least expensive way to get to Manhattan? I know taxis are a flat $45, but at they large enough to carry 4 passengers and at least 4 large suit cases? Any help would be assppriciated.
It might be a little more than $45 if you get a larger vehicle. They do have the larger cars now tho.
Some cabs are actually mini-vans. See if you can get one of them.
SuperShuttle cost me only $19 each way from JFK to the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan’s Times Square. They are also 24 hrs. a day, so you basically have no hassle and can schedule pickups with no problem.
They use large vans and can accommodate about 10 passengers comfortably with luggage for each.
In the absence of public transport.
The shuttle buses can carry the suitcases, but the cost is per person. Thus the total cost would be about $80 and they will drop you at a pre-determined stop, not at your Hotel. That means you will need to get two cabs after you get dropped of at their stop in Manhattan.
A single cab (usually a Ford Crown Victoria) would not accomodate 4. So you would need two cabs at $45 a piece plus tip ($90 + 10-15%) . A few bucks more, but they will take you right to the door of where you are staying (The JFK flat cost deal is to anywhere in Manhattan).
I doubt if even the mini-van type cabs would accomodate four with large baggage. BTW they are the same price as any other cab.
So go for the two cabs and pay the extra up front. It is easier and will most like;y be cheaper in the long run.
You can request a mini-van taxi. They charge the flat rate plus about a dollar extra per bag. Super Shuttle charges per person.
For public transportation, take the AirTrain ($5.00 per person) to Jamaica Station then the Subway into Manhattan from there ($2.00 per person).