Brief Item of Some Import

Typically, when people visit us in NYC, questions arise about transportation from the airport upon arrival. There are several options actually (none of them actually being very good). One tip that will help you avoid confusion: the whole city is largely a grid of streets and avenues, so try to know the intersection closest to your destination. The address will suffice, but the intersection is safer to avoid mixing up streets and avenues.

1) The best bet, particularly if you can coordinate with one or more additional passengers is to arrange a car to pick you up. They will wait for you at baggage claim with a sign, so you can feel really big time. The price is just about the same as a cab and you won't have to wait in the line for cabs. The numbers are easy to remember. You can do either: (212) 666-6666 or (212) 777-7777. The price varies depending on the airport, but it's in the neighborhood of 40-50 bucks. Obviously, the more people the better.

2) You can take a cab. This is pretty easy too, but the line can be somewhat long at times. Even still, it moves fast. There's also some "freelance" cab drivers, who will probably stalk you to let them drive you in their 1987 Ford Windstar. This is probably not a greaet choice.

3) Outside the baggage claim at every airport are buses that take you directly to either Grand Central Station (east side) or Port Authority Bus Terminal (west side). This is $11 bucks one-way or $20 bucks round trip. This is a good cheap way to go if you are travelling solo. The buses outside JFK and LaGuardia are called Airport Express and the one at Newark is called Olympia Trails. I've taken them all and they are totally reliable.

4) You might see some signs for the Air Train, but don't bother. This thing is worthless. It takes you to another train station that is far away and involves connecting to more trains and subways.

5) Finally, it's probably worth checking with your hotel. They might have a free shuttle.