Planning a family trip to New York: Transport tips from the airport

**Collaborative post**

Landing in New York can be hectic at the best of times, but it’s even harder when you’ve got kids with you. Trying to navigate an unfamiliar airport with lots of luggage and tired kids is no fun – and that’s before you even hit the city itself. Without a plan, you can end up making rushed decisions in a crowded arrivals hall. So, it’s a good idea to have your transport options nailed before you land. Here are some transport tips from the airport which will help your family trip to New York to get off on the right foot.

Should you rent a car?

If you want the simplest route from the airport, you can rent a car in New York as soon as you land. This is probably the best option if you’re staying outside of Manhattan, or if you need extra space for a stroller and bags. You can pick up your vehicle at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark and head directly to your accommodation without transfers. You’ll still need to budget for tolls and parking, but that’s often worth it for the convenience of having your own rental vehicle.

However, if you’re staying in Manhattan or more central areas, it’s worth noting that traffic can be a huge issue for drivers. It’s often quicker to get the subway or even to walk around Manhattan – especially if you’re travelling at peak times. If your kids are capable of exploring the city on foot for longer periods, or of getting subways and buses without too much hassle or confusion, this may work out faster and more conveniently than a car in more central areas.

Getting the AirTrain

The AirTrain runs directly to Jamaica Station and Howard Beach. It’s ideal for quickly getting into the centre of the city, but you will need to navigate bags and kids through stations and onto trains. The AirTrain operators do their best to make the service as child and luggage-friendly as possible, but with a lot of luggage and very young children, a car or rideshare might be an easier option.

Taxis from JFK

There are taxi ranks outside all three of the major New York airports. Taxis from JFK have a flat fare to Manhattan, which is useful for travellers on a budget or without much currency on them. It’s also pretty easy to catch a taxi at JFK – you simply join a clearly marked taxi line outside Arrivals, and a dispatcher will assign a car to you. Your journey time to your hotel will depend on traffic – which, as mentioned, can be very slow-moving in central New York.

Rideshares from JFK

If you’re planning on getting a rideshare from JFK, think about where you’ll meet your driver. Pickup points at JFK can vary by terminal, and signs can be unclear if you have just landed. Check your app before you leave the building so you know which level or exit you need. Keep your children close while you wait, and keep your luggage grouped so you can move quickly when your car arrives.

Travel from LaGuardia

LaGuardia does not have a train connection, which makes travel decisions more straightforward to a certain extent. Taxis and rideshare services are widely available, and the journey into Manhattan is shorter than from JFK. If you land during off-peak hours, you can reach most central areas relatively quickly. Buses connect the airport to subway lines, but you may find a taxi easier with children and luggage.

Bear in mind that pickup areas can be busy during peak arrival times. Walk to the marked zones rather than stopping near the terminal doors, as drivers will not collect passengers there. Follow the signs for your terminal and check the zone letter in your app if you are using a rideshare service. This will cut down confusion when several cars arrive at once and help you to identify your driver quickly.

Travel from Newark

Newark is in New Jersey, so you need to think about the border crossing when planning your journey into NYC. The AirTrain Newark connects the airport to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where you can catch a train to Penn Station in Manhattan. Pick this route if you want to avoid road traffic on the way into Manhattan. However, you will still need to handle luggage across platforms and train carriages.

If you book a taxi or private transfer, the driver will take you straight to your hotel, but the price can change with traffic and time of day. Check the time of your arrival before you choose how to leave the airport. If you arrive during rush hour, road travel can slow down significantly. During those periods, you may get into Manhattan faster by train than by road. If you land late in the evening, you may get a quicker taxi ride because the roads are quieter.

Planning makes perfect

Knowing how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel can help a family trip to New York to start without a hitch. Before you travel, write down your plan in simple steps. Know your terminal and the next stop on your route. Save directions on your phone in case you lose signal. If you are taking a train, check the route in advance so you are not figuring it out on the platform. Getting from the airport into New York does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be deliberate.