The right choice depends on where you’re staying, how much luggage you have and when you land. The train from Jamaica is the fastest way to Midtown, the subway is cheap and runs around the clock, and a taxi costs a flat fare to anywhere in Manhattan. Here you’ll find the fares, where to get off and what to do at night. For the rough conversions I’ve used about £0.75 per dollar.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on rental cars at Booking.com.

At a glance

• AirTrain and Long Island Rail Road: $14 (about £10.50) off-peak and $16 (about £12) at peak times, 20 minutes from Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, and the LIRR runs around the clock.
• AirTrain and subway: $11.75 (about £8.80), changing at Jamaica to the E or J line or at Howard Beach to the A line, and the subway runs around the clock.
• Q3 and Q10 buses: $3 (about £2.20) including the transfer to the subway. It’s the cheapest option, but it’s slow and involves several changes.
• Taxi: A flat fare of $70 (about £52) to anywhere in Manhattan plus surcharges, tolls and the tip, and around 55 minutes on average according to Uber.
• Uber, Lyft and Uber Shuttle: The app shows the price before you book, and Uber Shuttle is a shared minibus with fixed stops in Midtown and Downtown.

Finding your transport at the airport

JFK has several terminals, and the airport is in the middle of a major redevelopment, which means airlines can move to a different terminal. So check the terminal on your ticket before you fly.

The AirTrain is the airport’s own train, and you just follow the signs for the AirTrain from the arrivals hall. The ride between the terminals is free and takes less than ten minutes, and you only pay when you exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach. If you need help at the ticket machines, the airport has staff in red uniforms.

Licensed taxis wait at the official taxi rank outside each terminal. Uber and Lyft pick up at the signposted Ride App Pick-Up zones, which you’ll find by following the signs after baggage reclaim, and at some terminals the zone may have moved because of the construction work, so follow the directions in the app. In the arrivals hall of each terminal, the Port Authority has a Welcome Center where you can get official help with your onward journey. You can see it all on the airport’s transport page.

1. AirTrain and Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station and Grand Central

The fastest way by public transport is to take the AirTrain to Jamaica and change to the Long Island Rail Road, which everyone calls the LIRR. The airport itself calls it the best option, and from Jamaica the train takes around 20 minutes to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in Manhattan. From Jamaica, the LIRR also runs to Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.

The AirTrain runs every 5 to 15 minutes, and the screens at the stations show any changes. The LIRR runs around the clock, but the timetable varies with the time of day, so check the next departure in the TrainTime app or on the screens at Jamaica. Suitcases, pushchairs and luggage trolleys are all allowed on the AirTrain.

The train suits you if you’re staying in Midtown or Chelsea and want to get there quickly. The catch is that you pay twice: first for the AirTrain when you go out through the gates at Jamaica, and then for the train ticket, which you need before you board. The MTA describes the route in its guide to JFK.

Fares and tickets

The AirTrain costs $8.75 (about £6.60), and children under 5 ride free. For the train, you buy a CityTicket, which is valid for LIRR journeys within New York City. It costs $5.25 (about £3.90) off-peak and $7.25 (about £5.40) at peak times, so the whole journey costs $14 or $16. Peak times cover weekday trains arriving at the New York stations between 06:00 and 10:00, or leaving them between 16:00 and 20:00.

Children under 5 ride the LIRR free, and up to four children aged 5 to 17 travel for $1 (about £0.75) each with a fare-paying adult. Buy your ticket in the TrainTime app or from a machine at the station. If you wait and buy it on the train, it costs $7.75 to $8.50 (about £5.80 to £6.40) extra. A CityTicket is valid until 04:00 the night after the day you bought it. The fares are listed by the MTA under CityTicket.

You pay for the AirTrain at the gates with a contactless card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or an OMNY card. If several of you are travelling together, the AirTrain has a group fare with OMNY, where the first person pays $8.75 and each person after that pays $4.50 (about £3.40), for up to five people and a maximum of $26.75 (about £20). Everyone has to tap within five minutes. The rules are on the airport’s AirTrain page.

Where to get off the train

Penn Station: The station is at 34th Street and 7th Avenue in Midtown, right on the edge of Chelsea. Here you can change to the A, C and E subway lines at 34 St-Penn Station, and the E runs one stop south to 23 St in Chelsea and one stop north to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal by Times Square.

Grand Central Madison: The LIRR’s station at Grand Central in the eastern part of Midtown. Choose it if your hotel is on the east side of Midtown, and from there you can also continue out of the city on Metro-North.

Atlantic Terminal: The LIRR’s terminus in Brooklyn. If you’re staying in Brooklyn, you can ride direct from Jamaica without going via Manhattan, which saves you a change with your suitcases.

2. AirTrain and subway to Manhattan and Brooklyn

The subway is the cheap option, and it runs around the clock. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and change at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport station to the E or J line. The E runs express through Queens for most of the day and continues through Midtown, Chelsea and SoHo to World Trade Center, while the J runs through Brooklyn to Williamsburg, the Lower East Side and the southern part of Manhattan.

The other route goes via Howard Beach, where you change to the A line. It runs through Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan and on up Manhattan’s west side to stations including 14 St, 34 St-Penn Station and 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal. The MTA charges the same fare for both routes, so choose the one that suits your hotel.

The subway suits you if you’re travelling light. There are lots of stops, and at night some lines run as local trains, so the journey takes longer. Both Jamaica and Howard Beach have wheelchair-accessible connections to the subway, and if you rely on lifts, the MTA advises you to check them before you travel. Take the E towards World Trade Center, because Jamaica Center is one stop in the wrong direction. You’ll find the timetable on the MTA’s E line page.

Fares and tickets

A subway ride costs $3 (about £2.20), however far you travel, and with the AirTrain that makes $11.75 (about £8.80) in total. Up to three children under 44 inches, around 112 centimetres, ride the subway free with a fare-paying adult, and children under 5 ride the AirTrain free. Weekly passes and other unlimited tickets aren’t valid on the AirTrain, so you always pay for that part separately. The fares are listed by the MTA.

Paying by card: OMNY

You pay by holding a contactless bank card, your phone or your watch against the reader. The system is called OMNY, and you don’t need to sign up or download an app. At Jamaica, you tap first at the AirTrain gates and then again when you enter the subway. If you’d rather have a card, you can buy an OMNY card from the machines at the subway stations at Jamaica and Howard Beach and pay in cash or by card. You can no longer buy a MetroCard.

If you use the same card or the same phone every time, you pay no more than $35 (about £26) over seven days on the subway and local buses, and a transfer between the subway and a bus within two hours is free. The cap covers the subway and buses, not the AirTrain. Read more about OMNY’s fare cap.

Where to get off

Midtown and Times Square: The E stops at Lexington Av/53 St, 5 Av/53 St and 7 Av and continues to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, where there’s a passageway to Times Sq-42 St. Many of the places I’ve gathered in my guide to things to do in New York are within walking distance of here.

Chelsea: Stay on the E to 23 St. If you’re staying in the northern part of Chelsea, you can also get off at 34 St-Penn Station.

SoHo: The E stops at Spring St in the middle of SoHo, which I call the best area in my guide to where to stay in New York. You ride from Jamaica without changing, and you can see hotels in SoHo here.

Lower East Side and East Village: Take the J to Delancey St-Essex St in the middle of the Lower East Side. The East Village is further north, so with big suitcases a taxi is the easiest way to cover the last stretch.

Williamsburg: The J stops at Marcy Av in Williamsburg before it crosses the bridge into Manhattan, so you stay on the same train all the way from Jamaica. You can see hotels in Williamsburg here.

Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn via Howard Beach: The A stops at Jay St-MetroTech in Brooklyn and at Fulton St, Chambers St and Canal St in Manhattan, among other stations. Take a train towards Manhattan, and get off at the stop closest to your hotel.

3. Q3 and Q10 buses: the cheapest option

If you want to avoid the AirTrain fee, you can take an ordinary MTA bus. The AirTrain between the terminals and Lefferts Blvd station is free and takes around eight minutes, and at Lefferts Blvd you’ll find the Q10, which runs towards Kew Gardens, where the MTA shows connections to the E and F subway lines, among others. The Q3 stops at Terminal 8 and at Lefferts Blvd and runs to Jamaica, where you can change to the F line at Jamaica-179 St.

The bus costs $3, the same as the subway, and if you change to the subway within two hours using the same card, the transfer is free. That means the whole journey costs just $3 (about £2.20). According to the MTA, the Q10 runs around the clock. You pay with a contactless card, your phone or an OMNY card, or with exact change in coins, but not with notes.

On the other hand, the journey takes a long time and it’s a hassle with big suitcases, so I’d only choose the bus if you’re travelling light and want to save money. You’ll find the timetable on the MTA’s Q10 page.

4. Taxis, Uber and Lyft

A yellow taxi from JFK to Manhattan costs a flat fare of $70, wherever you’re going in Manhattan, and the fare is per car. The meter and the receipt show the flat fare. If you have several stops in Manhattan, the flat fare only covers the first one, and after that the meter starts again. The taxis wait at the official taxi rank outside the terminal.

On top of that come the surcharges listed by the TLC, the city’s taxi regulator: $0.50 (about £0.37) in state tax, a $1 (about £0.75) improvement surcharge, a $2 (about £1.50) airport fee when you’re picked up at JFK, $2.50 (about £1.85) for trips to Manhattan south of 96th Street and $0.75 (about £0.56) in congestion charge south of 60th Street. On weekdays between 16:00 and 20:00, it costs $5 (about £3.70) extra. Bridge and tunnel tolls and the tip are also extra.

So for a hotel in SoHo at 17:00 on a weekday, it comes to $81.75 (about £61), before tolls and the tip. The airport estimates $80 (about £60) to Williamsburg and $90 (about £67) to Downtown Brooklyn. The rates are listed by the TLC, and you’ll find the estimates on the airport’s taxi page.

Uber and Lyft pick up at the signposted zones, and the app shows the price before you book. Uber puts the average journey time between New York City and JFK at 55 minutes, and the airport warns that the construction work can make pick-ups by car slower. Always check that the number plate matches the one in the app.

Uber Shuttle is a shared minibus that you book in the Uber app, with fixed routes to places including Times Square, Port Authority, Grand Central, Penn Station, Chelsea and Greenwich Village. You can bring one suitcase of up to 20.5 kg and a small bag, and the price is shown in the app. The airport also mentions the shared services Airlink New York and ETS Air Shuttle. See the routes at Uber Shuttle.

Private transfer

If you’re landing late with children, or there are several of you with a lot of luggage, you can book a private transfer from JFK to Manhattan here. The driver waits for you, the price is agreed in advance, and up to 105 minutes of waiting time is included if your flight is delayed. If there are up to nine of you, you can book a larger private transfer from JFK here.

Onward travel around the New York area straight from the airport

If you’re not heading into Manhattan, you can take the LIRR from Jamaica straight out to Long Island. The LIRR has 11 branches and runs around the clock, and you’ll find the routes at Long Island Rail Road. If you’re travelling on from New York later by Amtrak train to another city on the East Coast, you can buy your train ticket in advance from Omio.

If you’re catching a flight from another airport, JFK estimates a taxi at $60 (about £45) to LaGuardia and $160 (about £120) to Newark, before surcharges and tolls. To Nassau and Westchester, the taxi runs on the meter to the city limit and at double the rate from there, and for trips to New Jersey, Connecticut and Suffolk, you agree the fare with the driver before you set off. If you’re landing at Newark or LaGuardia instead, read my guide to getting from Newark and LaGuardia to Manhattan.

Getting back to the airport

By subway, take the E towards Jamaica Center to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport or the A towards Far Rockaway to Howard Beach-JFK Airport. Be careful with the A, because trains to Lefferts Blvd don’t go to the airport. From either station, take the AirTrain on to your terminal.

By LIRR, take a train that stops at Jamaica from Penn Station, Grand Central Madison or Atlantic Terminal, and buy your ticket before you board. The MTA advises you to sit at the front of the train, so you have a shorter walk to the AirTrain at Jamaica. The subway and the LIRR run around the clock, but at night some subway lines run as local trains and the LIRR runs to a different timetable, so allow plenty of time if you’re catching a very early flight.

A yellow taxi from Manhattan to JFK also costs the flat fare of $70 plus surcharges, but the airport fee only applies when you’re picked up at the airport. Taxis and cars normally drop off in front of the terminals. When there’s construction work at the terminals, the drive can take longer, and the airport then recommends public transport, so check the airport’s traffic and construction alerts before you set off. The airport doesn’t give a fixed time for when you should arrive, so follow your airline’s advice.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s what I’d recommend, depending on where you’re staying:

SoHo: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the E direct to Spring St. With a lot of luggage, a flat-fare taxi is the easiest option.

Lower East Side and East Village: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the J to Delancey St-Essex St, and take a taxi for the last stretch to the East Village if you have big suitcases.

Chelsea: Take the AirTrain and the LIRR to Penn Station, which is on the edge of the neighbourhood, or the E direct to 23 St.

Williamsburg: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the J to Marcy Av with no further changes.

Midtown near Times Square and Grand Central: The AirTrain and the LIRR to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison is the fastest option. The E to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal is cheaper.

If you land at night: The subway and the LIRR run around the clock, but at night some subway lines run as local trains. After a long flight, a flat-fare taxi is the easiest option.

If there are three or four of you: Four people pay $43.25 (about £32.50) for the AirTrain at the group fare plus four CityTickets. A taxi to Midtown or SoHo off-peak costs $76.75 (about £58) before tolls and the tip, so roughly twice as much, but it takes you to the door without any changes.

Practical tips for getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan

Use the same card all the way. The fare cap on the subway and buses only works if you use the same card or the same phone every time. A physical card and the same card in your phone count as two different cards.

Buy your LIRR ticket before you board. On the train, it costs $7.75 to $8.50 extra, so download the TrainTime app while you’re waiting for your luggage.

Only take a taxi from the official taxi rank. The airport asks you to ignore people in the terminal who offer you transport, because many of them drive without a licence or insurance. Use the official zones for yellow taxis, Uber and Lyft.

Check the lifts if you have heavy luggage or a pushchair. The MTA has a page showing the status of lifts and escalators and advises you to check it before you travel. Jamaica and Howard Beach both have wheelchair-accessible connections between the AirTrain and the subway.

Choose your hotel with the connection in mind. The E runs direct from Jamaica to Spring St, so you can see hotels in SoHo here. The J runs direct to Delancey St-Essex St, where you can see hotels on the Lower East Side here, and to Marcy Av, where you can see hotels in Williamsburg here.

If you’re not sure which neighbourhood suits you, read my guide to where to stay in New York, and you’ll find ideas for your trip in my guide to things to do in New York.

The post JFK Airport to Manhattan - Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

In this guide, I tell you more about the city’s best areas and recommend hotels in New York that are centrally located in good locations.

I’m a Danish travel blogger who used to have a travel agency that did tours to New York City – so if you still need help finding where to book your hotel after reading this guide, please comment below, and I’ll try and help you out.

For a first visit, compare Midtown for the classic sights and Broadway, SoHo or the Lower East Side for restaurants and downtown neighbourhoods, and Chelsea for the High Line and galleries. Choose Williamsburg for its own food and nightlife scene, then check the subway trip to the places you plan to visit. Compare the final price including taxes and mandatory hotel fees.

So let’s get started with the guide: where to stay in NYC?

Best areas in NYC

If you’re in a rush – here’s the overview of the best area to stay:

• Soho – my favourite area to stay in New York
• Lower East Side & East Village – stay here for the best vibes in Manhattan
• Midtown – best area to stay for families (near Times Square)
• Chelsea – best area to stay to feel like a New Yorker
• Williamsburg – the coolest area for trendy travellers

Click on the area above to see the best hotel deals.

1. Soho – my favourite area to stay in New York

Yep, I just chose the best area in New York. Soho is located in Manhattan’s Downtown, and many also call Soho ‘the real New York’.

I love Soho, which combines many of the good things I like about New York. There are many people here, as there are everywhere in the city, but it feels less intense than further north in Manhattan.

Check out the best hotel deals in Soho.

There are still many small side streets where you can sneak down and then be rewarded with finding an excellent coffee shop.

There is also Broadway, where the shopping opportunities are eminent – just ask my girlfriend, who could spend many days just shopping in Soho

Soho is a safe area, by the way; there are a lot of tourists here, but it’s not annoying.

In Soho, as mentioned, there are also pleasant side streets with little traffic, and you can just wade around and enjoy the lovely buildings.

Watch a short video from Soho below to get an impression of the area – the guide continues below the video:

Incidentally, Soho is right next to Little Italy and Chinatown – both are must-see areas and places to go in New York.

Another good thing about Soho is that there are several Subway lines to choose from here, which means that you can easily and quickly get around to the other parts of the city, both in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

It’s also easy to get to/from Newark and JFK airports, so it all just works – also with the practical details that matter a lot on your trip to New York. If you’re flying into Newark or LaGuardia, my guide to getting from the airport to Manhattan walks you through your transport options. If you’re landing at JFK, my guide to getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan explains how to get into the city.

I am a fan of Soho and would like to recommend finding a hotel in the area.

Places to stay in Soho

Let’s look at a few different hotels in the area below.

Nice hotel in Soho – citizenM New York Bowery

 The hotel has this cool bar attached, so you also save the trip to the Empire State Building if you stay here

And then to a somewhat different hotel, the fantastic citizenM New York Bowery.

citizenM New York Bowery is a compact-room option near the Bowery, on the Lower East Side edge of the downtown area. I would compare it for a short stay where location and shared hotel spaces matter more than a large bedroom; check the room’s occupancy limit before booking for a family.

Here you get a super-modern hotel in Soho; actually right in the area I like best, east of Broadway towards the Lower East Side right off the Bowery Subway St. In my eyes, it doesn’t get any better in terms of location in New York.

I honestly don’t have much else to say about this hotel – if you’re looking for a good hotel in Soho, book here. There is a cool lounge/bar in the reception area, free wifi and even an (almost) rooftop bar with a formidable view of the city (see more photos from the hotel at the link below).

Compare the total rate with other downtown hotels on your dates. A small room can work well for a city break, but does not automatically mean the lowest price.

See more photos and book the hotel here.

NoMo Soho

NoMo Soho could also be mentioned in the same ballpark.

There are slightly more rooms here, the hotel has half a star more and the price is also just a few percent higher. Again a hotel with a perfect location in Soho, incredibly good reviews and a very modern interior.

It is a slightly larger hotel with 263 rooms, two bars and a restaurant. The advantage compared to citizenM is that NoMo has a large number of different room types.

So if you e.g. are a family with children traveling to New York, you can book into a room type with room for the children.

See more about NoMo Soho and book the hotel online here.

2. Lower East Side & East Village – stay here for the best vibes in Manhattan

On my first trip to New York, I stayed in the Lower East Side (right on the border with the East Village) and was sold immediately.

Here you stay in New York without feeling trapped in a ‘Disneyland New York‘ – understood in the way that NYC (and all other big cities) can feel a little fake if you are in the most touristy area.

It’s not the case with the Lower East Side or East Village. There is a vast selection of good restaurants, bars and cafes in these areas.

See current offers for hotels in the Lower East Side.

Again, a small video showing the East Village and Lower East Side, so you can get an impression of the area – the guide continues below the video:

While Soho is undoubted quite a touristy area (though not in a bad way), the Lower East Side and East Village feel much more like an area with a local feel in New York.

The Lower East Side also has plenty of classic New York fire escapes.

I would recommend all types of travellers to stay here, but it might be perfect for young people who also want the opportunity to have a few drinks at a super cool local bar – and come home with a good story from an area where the neighbour may not have been recently, even if he has been to New York several times

“LES” is one of my favourite areas in New York and, without a doubt, the first place I look for cheap hotels when I go to the city.

The area is within walking distance of Soho, so you are close to all the excellent shopping opportunities but also away from (most of) the tourists.

Incidentally, LES is also close to Williamsburg, an exciting area you should visit on your trip to New York – more about Williamsburg later…

The Lower East Side is an excellent place to stay on a city break in New York.

Have you seen my guide to the best things to do in New York City?

Places to stay in Lower East Side & East Village

Hotels in these parts of town are usually cheaper than Soho or Midtown, so you can find good deals on accommodation here.

Cheap hotel in a good location – The Ridge

I stayed right next door to The Ridge on my recent trip to New York, so I can attest that the location is excellent.

The hotel also gets excellent reviews (8.2 out of 10) and looks like an awesome offer for a good but affordable hotel in New York.

The hotel is located on East Houston Street, which divides the Lower East Side and the East Village, so you are right in the middle of two of the best areas of New York.

In addition, you are only 2 minutes by subway from Soho (or a 5-10 minute walk, depending on how you define the ‘border’).

As such, the hotel is not fancy; it is a 3-star hotel with nice rooms, a private bathroom and a prominent location.

And as a side note, I can mention that one of the city’s best bars (if you ask me), Fools Gold, is a stone’s throw from the hotel

If you are looking for a cheap and good hotel in a great area, have a look at The Ridge – not to be confused with The Ritz in London

See more and book online here.

Hotel Mimosa

A similar hotel (cheap & good) is Hotel Mimosa, a little further south in the Lower East Side – right next to Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho.

It also gets good reviews (also 8.5 out of 10) and has some charming rooms.

See more photos and book online here.

Luxury hotel with rooftop bar and room view of the NYC skyline – Public

I stayed a single night at Public when I recently travelled to New York. It was a memorable experience because this is a well-executed, fabulous hotel.

The Public Hotel was designed by Ian Schrager, who has been one of New York City’s local heroes since 1977 when he became known for Studio 54.

The aim of Public has undoubtedly been to create a beautiful hotel for those who have the wallet in order – because it is not exactly cheap to spend the night here.

There is a rooftop bar, the possibility to book rooms with extra good views, and several bars, cafes and restaurants. So it is a massive hotel with almost 400 rooms.

The rooms themselves are brand new and modern, but the bathroom itself was a bit strange – the sink was, for example, not in the bathroom, but out in the room itself…

A little weird, but nothing to stop you from staying here if you’re considering this.

See more about the hotel and book online here.

3. Midtown – best area to stay for families (near Times Square)

Midtown Manhattan, especially around Times Square, should be on your radar whether it’s your first time in New York City or you’re a returning visitor.

Firstly, the location is unbeatable. Midtown is smack in the centre of everything.

You can quickly head uptown or zip downtown with a brief subway or cab ride. And if you’ve got kids in tow, Times Square is like a real-life carnival.

There are giant stores like M&M’s and Hershey’s that turn a simple shopping trip into a delightful adventure.

Midtown also puts you near Broadway theatres and Bryant Park, giving families several options between the bigger sightseeing visits.

See the best hotels in Midtown here.

If it’s your first NYC trip, Times Square is iconic. It’s the city in a nutshell. The lights, the buzz, the theatres, and, of course, Broadway shows – it’s New York at its most vibrant.

Speaking of vibrant, let’s talk food and drinks. There are some great places to unwind and refuel. Jimmy’s Corner is a must-visit if you’re into a more old-school vibe.

The Tailor Public House near Madison Square Garden serves up some fantastic Irish-American dishes for those wanting something more hearty.

• I once (accidentally, of course) smashed a glass in this bar, and the staff were extremely kind about it – so I always like to come in here and get a beer and tip the staff extra good

Let’s not forget the landmarks and things to do in Midtown.

From Times Square, you’re just a short walk away from the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, the history-packed Rockefeller Center, and the green haven that is Central Park.

Bryant Park is a little gem where you can relax amidst the city’s chaos.

Lastly, Times Square has this round-the-clock energy, which feels exciting and gives a sense of safety. And the great part? You’ve got a range of places to stay, from budget-friendly to super luxe.

If you want a taste of New York, with its blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, Times Square and the broader Midtown area should be your go-to.

It’s a brilliant area to stay if you want to experience the NYC you’ve seen in movies, and if you’re coming to the USA with children, then you can’t go wrong if you choose a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Places to stay in Midtown Manhattan

When I had my travel agency, I used to go to New York to research new hotels – and I stayed in many different places in Midtown as many of my clients wanted to stay near Times Square.

So let me share some of my favourite hotels in Midtown in different price ranges.

Hyatt Regency Times Square

Hyatt Regency Times Square is the current hotel at the former Crowne Plaza Times Square address on Broadway. It is worth comparing if you want to stay close to the theatres and Times Square.

It’s one of those places where you step outside and boom – you’re right in the thick of the iconic New York scene. Bringing the family? This hotel’s a winner. 

Finding spacious rooms in the city is like striking gold, and this place delivers. The kiddos will have enough space to move without bumping into everything. 

I stayed in this building in 2019, when it was the Crowne Plaza, and thought it was good value at the time. That experience predates the Hyatt rebranding and renovation, so use the current room photos, inclusions and reviews when choosing a stay now.

For families, compare the actual bed configuration and occupancy limit. Also include Hyatt’s mandatory daily destination fee and applicable taxes when comparing the total with another hotel.

This hotel ticks many of the right boxes for a genuine NYC experience without the cramped spaces.

See more photos and book here.

Hard Rock Hotel New York 

If you’re considering splurging a bit on your NYC trip, the Hard Rock Hotel should be on your radar. It’s a five-star hotel, and believe me, they earn every one of those stars. 

First off, the location? Top-notch. You’re smack in the middle of everything, so you’re not spending half your trip in cabs or the subway. 

Now, about the hotel itself – it’s got that classic Hard Rock vibe, a bit of rock ‘n’ roll, and a bit of luxury all wrapped up in one. 

Guests who’ve stayed there often talk about the plush rooms and the top-tier service. If you’re a music fan, the memorabilia is a trip down memory lane. 

So, this place is a no-brainer if you’re after that blend of style, luxury, and a dash of rock history.

See more photos and book here.

Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West

Okay, if you’re looking to get a bang for your buck in NYC, especially around the Times Square area, the Courtyard by Marriott is a solid pick. 

No kidding, this place defies the norm for a city notorious for its teeny-tiny rooms and gives you space to stretch out. 

The rooms are surprisingly spacious, which is such a rarity in the heart of Manhattan. 

And if you’re on a bit of a budget? It’s a lifesaver. You’re not compromising on comfort but also not breaking the bank. 

Also, the location is spot-on, making it easy to dart around the city. 

See more photos and book here.

Pod 51

Pod 51 might be your go-to spot if you’re on a tight budget but still want to stay in Manhattan.

This is one of the places I stayed on my latest trip to NYC, and it indeed does what it says on the tin.

It’s basic, but it does the job and does it well.

At Pod 51, check the bathroom arrangement as well as the bed type. Some of the lowest-priced categories use a shared bathroom, while other rooms have private bathrooms. This can make a bigger difference to your stay than a small saving in the nightly rate.

They’ve got this rooftop terrace that’s a total gem. Grab a drink, head up there, and enjoy the city vibes.

It’s a bit further from Times Square compared to the previous hotels, but Midtown East is a nice area in its own right.

So, if you want to save money without staying way out in the burbs, give Pod 51 a look.

See more photos and book here.

4. Chelsea – stay in a classic New York area

Chelsea is not an area I know very well, but despite my limited acquaintance, I can still recommend staying here on a trip to New York.

Among other things, we find one of New York’s most special sights; The High Line. The High Line is an old railway that now functions as a footpath raised several meters above the busy streets.

Check out the best hotels in Chelsea here.

It’s fantastic that you can wander around and enjoy the view of the hectic city life.

At the end (or beginning depending on where you start), at the southern part of The High Line is another reason to stay in Chelsea, Chelsea Market.

Chelsea Market is an exciting market with food, vintage clothes and various hawker market-like shops/stalls. Super cool and a place you can spend many hours.

Of course, we also have to have a video showing Chelsea:

I still need to explore Chelsea in detail, but I would definitely consider staying here on a future trip to New York. The Flatiron District, just east of Chelsea, is also an excellent area with many cool shops.

Places to stay in Chelsea

I’ve stayed in a few different hotels in Chelsea and always loved it. Here are a few of my favourite hotels in Chelsea.

Cheap place to stay in Chelsea – Chelsea Savoy Hotel

Chelsea is not a cheap area, but I have found a hotel that can be booked relatively cheaply – by NYC standards.

It’s called the Chelsea Savoy Hotel and has an excellent location close to, among other things, 5th Avenue, Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, all of which should be passed by when visiting New York.

It’s a 2-star hotel, but it gets great reviews (8,6 out of 10) and looks like a wonderful little hotel for those who want to save money on their stay in NYC.

Read more about the hotel and book online here.

Hampton Inn Chelsea

If you want to stay in a hotel that is a bit more luxurious but still on the low end of the price range, look at the Hampton Inn Manhattan-Chelsea.

Here, there is also the option of choosing rooms with two double beds, so it can quickly become quite a cheap place to stay in New York City for families with children.

5. Williamsburg – the coolest place to stay for trendy travellers

Williamsburg is the only area on my guide on the best places to stay in NYC, not in Manhattan, but it has topped the charts for the coolest area in the world for many years, so it’s not like you’re arriving in a complete mecca without tourists.

However, Williamsburg has a feel I have yet to experience in Manhattan.

In Williamsburg, you will find countless cool coffee shops and the best vintage shops, and in general, there is just a more chilled atmosphere here than in Manhattan.

It’s a very cool and trendy area, so there’s an insane amount of hipsters and some extremely cool bars.

Check out the best hotels in Williamsburg.

But let’s get straight to the point about hipsters – because what exactly is a a hipster area?

In Copenhagen, it’s Vesterbro, but it’s also Vesterbro that all tourists want to experience. Just as in London, where all young people flock to Shoreditch. In Berlin, it’s… all areas of Berlin

When an area is named a ‘hipster area’, it’s just because there is a good mix of bars, shops and restaurants – that’s how I interpret it, anyway.

It also fits perfectly in Williamsburg, where I felt right at home, and I don’t see myself as a hipster in any way…

Let’s take a little video from Williamsburg here:

Williamsburg can work well for Manhattan sightseeing, but choose your hotel around a useful subway station and check the actual journey. Do not assume it will be cheaper than Manhattan: popular Williamsburg hotels can be expensive, especially at busy times.

So if you’re a super trendy hipster, you can choose to find a hotel in Williamsburg on your trip to New York

Places to stay in Williamsburg

Compare Williamsburg on its own merits: restaurants, bars and a different neighbourhood feel from Midtown. For a tight budget, compare the total rate and room size with Manhattan alternatives before deciding.

Cheap hotel in New York’s cool area – Pod Brooklyn

The pod hotels are located in several New York places, but the Williamsburg hotel is (according to my research) somewhat cheaper than the others. As the name suggests, this is a tiny room with a bathroom and a very low price compared to more traditional hotels in New York City.

Pod Brooklyn has a near-perfect location in Williamsburg, so if you’re okay with staying in a tiny room, consider booking this place to stay in NYC.

Pod Brooklyn scores a whopping 8.8 out of 10 on satisfaction from previous guests, and several tell good stories about a very modern hotel.

Check out the hotel here.

Hotel with rooftop pool in New York City

One of the most incredible hotels in Williamsburg has to be The William Vale Hotel.

I stopped by and checked it out myself when I was sneaking around in Williamsburg, and it is an impressive hotel with 5 stars and scores top marks in reviews from previous guests.

There is even a swimming pool with a view of the Manhattan skyline, so you expect it to be expensive. However, it’s not crazy expensive – because we are still ‘out’ in Williamsburg, it is cheaper than similar hotels in Manhattan.

If you are looking for an amazing hotel with a rooftop pool in New York, I think this is the place to book.

If there is room in your budget for one or more nights here, then it is worth all the money – especially in the summer, when you can enjoy the pool.

See more photos and book online here.

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best areas and places to stay in New York City. If New York is one stop on a longer trip through the USA, I’ve also written a guide to where to stay in New Orleans, a city with a music and food scene all of its own. And if you’re continuing up the east coast and across the border into Canada, you can read my guide to where to stay in Montreal. For Caribbean beaches and rainforest after the big city, see my guide to where to stay in Puerto Rico. If you’d also like to see Niagara Falls, you can continue north to Toronto and visit the falls on a day trip from there. Here’s my guide to where to stay in Toronto. If you’re heading south along the East Coast instead, you can take an Amtrak train to Union Station in the capital, and my guide to where to stay in Washington, D.C. covers six areas, from Penn Quarter to Georgetown.

If you’ve got any questions about your trip to New York please comment below.

You can read all New York City travel guides here.

FAQ:

The post Where to stay in New York? 5 Best Areas + Places to Stay in NYC 🇺🇸 appeared first on Destination Well Known.

From Newark, the choice is between the train, the express bus and a taxi, and from LaGuardia it’s between the bus and subway or a taxi. The right choice depends on where you’re staying and when you land. Here you’ll find fares, journey times, where to get off and what runs at night. For the rough conversions I’ve used about £0.76 per dollar.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on rental cars at Booking.com.

At a glance

• Newark, AirTrain and NJ Transit train: $17.25 (about £13), around 30 minutes from the airport’s rail station to New York Penn Station, runs from around 05:00 to 01:00.
• Newark, Newark Airport Express: $23.50 (about £18), 50 minutes to Port Authority Bus Terminal, runs from 05:30 to 22:45.
• Newark, bus 62 and PATH: Around $5 (about £3.80) to World Trade Center, the cheapest option, runs all night.
• Newark, taxi: $60 to $80 (about £45.50 to £61) to Manhattan depending on the zone, before surcharges and tolls.
• LaGuardia, Q70 and subway: $3 (about £2.30), free bus to the subway in around 15 minutes, runs around the clock.
• LaGuardia, M60: $3 (about £2.30), around 20 minutes to the subway in Astoria, runs around the clock.
• LaGuardia, taxi: Typically $30 to $52 (about £22.50 to £39.50) to Times Square on the meter, before surcharges and tolls.
• Uber and Lyft: An average of $87 (about £66) for an UberX from Newark to Midtown according to Uber, and the app shows the price before you book.

Finding your transport at Newark and LaGuardia

Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark has three terminals. Terminal C is United’s, Terminal B is used by many international airlines, and Terminal A is shared by airlines including American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue. On the arrivals level, Level 1, each terminal has a Welcome Center offering official help with onward transport.

The AirTrain is the airport’s own train, and it’s free between the terminals. It has stations at Terminals B and C, while from Terminal A you walk for around 15 minutes along a covered walkway or take the free shuttle bus, which runs every 5 to 10 minutes from 04:00 to midnight. NJ Transit’s ticket machines are in all three terminals and at the rail station.

The Newark Airport Express stops outside the arrivals level at all three terminals. For a taxi, go to the official taxi rank. Uber and Lyft pick up on the arrivals level opposite Terminal A and in front of Terminal B, and on Floor 3 of the car park at Terminal C. Follow the signs for Ride App Pick Up. See more on Newark’s transport page.

LaGuardia Airport

At LaGuardia, scheduled flights use Terminal B and Terminal C. Delta has Terminal C, and airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue and United use Terminal B. The free All Terminals Shuttle runs around the clock between the terminals, and there’s a walkway between Terminals B and C.

MTA buses stop outside each terminal, so follow the signs for public transit. The taxis wait at the official taxi rank. Uber, Lyft and pre-booked cars pick up on Level 2 of the car park at Terminal B and in the innermost lane by the arrivals hall at Terminal C. See more on LaGuardia’s transport page.

1. AirTrain and NJ Transit train from Newark to Penn Station

The train is my first choice from Newark if you’re staying in Midtown, Chelsea or further south in Manhattan. First you take the AirTrain to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, a ride the airport puts at 7 minutes from Terminal C, 11 from Terminal B and 20 from Terminal A. There you change to an NJ Transit train on the Northeast Corridor or the North Jersey Coast Line, which runs to New York Penn Station in around 30 minutes.

The AirTrain runs every 3 to 5 minutes from 05:00 to 23:00 and every 15 minutes at night. When the AirTrain isn’t running, the airport runs shuttle buses instead, and you’ll need to allow extra time to get to the rail station. NJ Transit runs frequently every day of the week, and according to the MTA the trains run from around 05:00 to 01:00. If you land later than that, it’s bus 62 and PATH or a taxi.

There are no baggage fees on the trains and no limit on the size of your suitcase. The thing to watch out for is the names, because the train first stops at Newark Penn Station after around 5 minutes, and that isn’t New York. Amtrak also stops at the airport station, but you need a separate ticket and the price varies, so for most people NJ Transit is the simplest option. See more at Amtrak.

Fares and tickets

An adult ticket to New York Penn Station costs $17.25 (about £13). The price includes the AirTrain fee, which otherwise costs $8.75 (about £6.60). Children aged 5 to 11 pay half price, and up to three children aged 4 and under travel free with a fare-paying adult. At weekends and on public holidays, up to two children aged 5 to 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

Buy your ticket in the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App or from a machine. If you wait and buy it on the train, it costs $5 (about £3.80) extra, and according to the MTA the train crew only take cash. You can’t pay contactless as you board the trains. You’ll find fares and departures at NJ Transit.

How your ticket works with the AirTrain

Between the AirTrain and the platforms, you go through ticket gates, where the AirTrain fee is charged. With an NJ Transit ticket to or from the airport, the fee is already paid, and NJ Transit’s own advice is to keep your ticket, because it covers the AirTrain. If you don’t have a ticket, you pay the $8.75 at the gates with a contactless card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The rules are on the airport’s AirTrain page.

Where to get off

Newark Penn Station: The first stop, and it’s still in New Jersey. Only get off here if you’re heading for the southern tip of Manhattan, because PATH runs from here to World Trade Center. The airport puts the journey at 45 minutes from the airport station, and PATH has its own ticket, which costs $3.25 (about £2.50).

New York Penn Station: The terminus is at 33rd Street and 7th Avenue, beneath Madison Square Garden on the edge of Chelsea. The A, C and E subway lines stop at 34 St-Penn Station. The E runs south to 23 St in Chelsea and Spring St in SoHo, and north one stop to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal by Times Square.

Onward from Penn Station: For Williamsburg, take the A or E to 14 St and change to the L towards Bedford Av. For the Lower East Side and the East Village, change at W 4 St-Washington Sq to the F towards 2 Av and Delancey St-Essex St, though with big suitcases a taxi is easier.

2. Newark Airport Express to Midtown

The Newark Airport Express is Coach USA’s airport bus, and it’s the easiest choice if you’re staying near Times Square, Bryant Park or Grand Central and want to avoid changing. The bus picks up at Terminals A, B and C in that order and stops in Manhattan at Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park and Grand Central. The timetable allows 50 minutes from Terminal A to Port Authority and 1 hour 10 minutes to Grand Central.

The first bus leaves Terminal A at 05:30 and the last at 22:45, with between 15 and 45 minutes between departures. The bus uses the same roads as everyone else, and late in the afternoon the timetable allows five extra minutes. You’ll find the day’s departures at Coach USA.

Fares and tickets

A single ticket costs $23.50 (about £18) and a return ticket $39.50 (about £30), so you save $7.50 (about £5.70) by buying a return straight away. There’s a discount for seniors. The ticket is valid on every departure in the timetable and for all three stops in Manhattan, and you buy it from Coach USA online or in the company’s app. The fares are listed on the airport’s public transport page, which doesn’t give children’s fares.

Where to get off the bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal: The first stop, on 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenue near Times Square. The subway station here has the A, C and E lines and is connected to Times Sq-42 St.

Bryant Park: The second stop, at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue, around ten minutes later. The 7 stops at 5 Av and the F at 42 St-Bryant Pk.

Grand Central: The last stop, on 41st Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue in the eastern part of Midtown. The 4, 5, 6 and 7 lines stop at Grand Central-42 St.

3. Bus 62 and PATH from Newark: the cheapest option

If you want to travel as cheaply as possible, or you land in the middle of the night, there’s a third way. NJ Transit’s bus 62 runs from the terminals to Newark Penn Station, and from there PATH runs to World Trade Center. The MTA calls this the cheapest route and puts the bus at around $1.90 (about £1.45). PATH costs $3.25 (about £2.50), so you pay around $5 (about £3.80) in total, and it’s the route the MTA points to when the trains stop for the night.

Bus 62 runs every 15 minutes or more often on weekdays and Saturdays, and at least every half hour on Sundays and at night. You pay in NJ Transit’s app, by card or with exact change on the bus. The route is described in the MTA’s guide to Newark.

4. Q70 bus and subway from LaGuardia to Manhattan

LaGuardia has no rail station, so the cheap way to Manhattan is the bus and the subway. The bus is called the LaGuardia Link Q70, it’s free, and it runs non-stop from Terminal C and Terminal B to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av subway station, which is also called 74 St-Broadway. The ride takes around 15 minutes in normal traffic, and the bus continues to Woodside.

The Q70 runs around the clock, with 8 to 10 minutes between buses during the day and around 20 minutes at night. You board through any door without a ticket, and the bus has luggage racks.

At Jackson Heights, you change to the subway, which runs 24 hours a day. The E, F, M, R and 7 lines stop here. The MTA says the whole trip can take an hour or more, depending on the route and the traffic. The trip works well if you’re travelling light, but it’s a hassle with several big suitcases. You’ll find the MTA’s own directions in its guide from LaGuardia to Manhattan.

Fares and tickets

The Q70 is free, so you only pay for the subway, which costs $3 (about £2.30) per ride, however far you travel. Up to three children under 44 inches, around 112 centimetres, ride free with a fare-paying adult. The fares are listed by the MTA.

An alternative is to stay on the bus to Woodside and take the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station or Grand Central. The ticket is called a CityTicket and costs $5.25 (about £4) off-peak and $7.25 (about £5.50) at peak times. You buy it separately in the TrainTime app or from a machine, and not every train stops at Woodside.

Paying by card: OMNY

You pay by holding a contactless bank card, your phone or your watch against the reader on the turnstile. The system is called OMNY, and you don’t need to sign up or download an app. If you use the same card or the same device every time, you pay no more than $35 (about £26.50) over seven days on the subway and local buses, and if you change between the subway and a bus within two hours, the transfer is free.

Where to get off

Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av: This is where almost everyone gets off the bus. If in doubt, take the E towards World Trade Center, because it runs express through Queens to Midtown, Chelsea and SoHo.

Midtown: The E stops at Lexington Av/53 St, 5 Av/53 St and 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal by Times Square, among other stations, and continues to 34 St-Penn Station. The 7 towards 34 St-Hudson Yards runs to Grand Central-42 St, 5 Av by Bryant Park and Times Sq-42 St.

Chelsea and SoHo: Stay on the E to 23 St in Chelsea or Spring St in SoHo.

Lower East Side and East Village: Take the F towards Coney Island-Stillwell Av to 2 Av or Delancey St-Essex St.

Williamsburg: On weekdays, the M runs direct to Marcy Av during the day. Otherwise, take the F to Delancey St-Essex St and change to the J, which has Marcy Av as its next stop.

5. M60 bus from LaGuardia to Astoria and Harlem

The M60 is a Select Bus Service route that runs from the airport through Astoria in Queens to Manhattan, where it follows 125th Street through Harlem and ends on Broadway at 106th Street. According to the MTA, it stops at all of the airport’s terminals. It’s the best choice if you’re staying in Harlem or the northern part of the Upper West Side, and it stops at the Astoria Blvd subway station, where the N runs to Times Sq-42 St and 34 St-Herald Sq, among other stations.

The timetable allows around 20 minutes from Terminal B to Astoria Blvd and just under an hour to the end of the route. The bus runs around the clock, around every 10 minutes during the day and around every half hour in the middle of the night.

The ride costs $3 (about £2.30), and you pay at one of the bus doors with the same contactless card as on the subway. If you change to the subway within two hours, the transfer is free. To pay in cash, you need exact change in coins for the machine at the bus stop, and you pay before you board.

6. Taxis, Uber and Lyft from Newark and LaGuardia

From Newark, taxis to New York charge the airport’s official flat fares and don’t run on the meter. To Manhattan south of 14th Street, the trip costs $60 (about £45.50), between 14th and 50th Street $65 (about £49), between 51st and 96th Street $70 (about £53), between 97th and 185th Street $75 (about £57) and north of 185th Street $80 (about £61). The fare is per car, for up to four passengers.

On top of that, there’s an airport fee of $2 (about £1.50), $1 (about £0.76) per bag, hand luggage included, and $5 (about £3.80) if you’re going to the east side of Manhattan. During rush hour, trips to New York cost $10 (about £7.60) extra, and that applies Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 10:00 and from 15:00 to 20:00, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 21:00. Tolls, the congestion charge and the tip aren’t included, and the airport says other fees can add another $6.75 to $15.75 (about £5.10 to £12).

So for a hotel near Times Square on a weekday afternoon with two suitcases, that comes to $65 plus $2 plus $10 plus $2, a total of $79 (about £60), before tolls, fees and the tip. All the fares are on Newark’s taxi page.

From LaGuardia, the yellow taxis run on the meter. The fare starts with an initial charge of $3 (about £2.30), then 70 cents for every fifth of a mile or every minute in slow traffic. On top of that, there’s $5 (about £3.80) for trips to and from LaGuardia, an airport fee of $2 (about £1.50) when you’re picked up there, and smaller surcharges in the evening, during rush hour and in Manhattan south of 96th Street. Bridge and tunnel tolls are extra.

The airport estimates the fare itself at $30 to $52 (about £22.50 to £39.50) to Times Square and $34 to $57 (about £25.50 to £43) to Tribeca, before the tip, tolls and the congestion charge. There’s no extra charge for more passengers, for luggage or for paying by card. The rates are listed by the TLC, the city’s taxi regulator, and you’ll find the fare estimates on LaGuardia’s taxi page.

Uber and Lyft pick up at the signposted pick-up zones, and the app shows the price before you book. According to Uber’s own averages, an UberX from Newark to Midtown costs $87 (about £66). From LaGuardia, Uber’s average is higher than the taxi estimate, so compare the price in the app before you book. Both airports also have Uber Shuttle, a shared minibus with fixed routes to places including Times Square, Penn Station and Grand Central, which you book in the Uber app. According to Uber, it costs an average of $29 (about £22) from Newark and $32 (about £24) from LaGuardia.

Private transfer

If you’re landing late with children, or there are several of you with a lot of luggage, you can book a private transfer from Newark to Manhattan here. The price is agreed in advance, and waiting time is included if your flight is delayed. From LaGuardia, you can book a private transfer to Manhattan here, which has room for up to three people.

Onward travel around the East Coast straight from the airport

If you’re flying on from another airport, you can make the transfer by train and bus. From Newark to JFK, take the train to New York Penn Station, the Long Island Rail Road to Jamaica and the AirTrain JFK. From LaGuardia, take the Q70 to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av and the E to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport, where the AirTrain JFK runs to the terminals.

According to the airports’ estimates, a taxi costs $60 (about £45.50) between LaGuardia and JFK, $110 (about £83) between Newark and LaGuardia and $160 (about £121) between Newark and JFK, before tolls and surcharges. The routes are in the airport’s guide to travelling between the airports.

From the rail station at Newark Airport, you can also head straight out of the New York area. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional stops in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, among other places, and NJ Transit runs to Trenton in 68 minutes for $23.25 (about £17.50).

Getting back to the airport

For Newark, take NJ Transit from New York Penn Station with a ticket to Newark Airport, which you buy before you board. Not every train stops at the airport, so look for a plane icon or EWR on the departure board, and keep your ticket for the gates at the AirTrain. NJ Transit allows around an hour from Penn Station to the terminal.

The trains run from around 05:00 to 01:00. The Newark Airport Express is no use for early flights, because the first bus leaves Grand Central at around 07:00 and Port Authority a quarter of an hour later. The bus drops off at Terminals B, C and A in that order, and Coach USA recommends a departure that arrives at least three hours before an international flight from Terminal B and two hours before a domestic flight from Terminal A or C.

In the middle of the night, PATH and bus 62 are running, and otherwise it’s a taxi or an Uber. A yellow taxi from New York to Newark runs on the meter with a Newark surcharge of $20 (about £15), and you pay the tolls in both directions.

For LaGuardia, the subway, the Q70 and the M60 run around the clock. At Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av, follow the signs for the Q70 or the yellow plane icon, go out through the turnstiles and walk straight ahead to the bus lanes. The bus stops at Terminal C first and then at Terminal B. Neither airport gives a fixed time for when you should arrive, so follow your airline’s advice.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s what I’d recommend, depending on where you’re staying:

SoHo: From LaGuardia, take the Q70 and the E direct to Spring St. From Newark, take the train to Penn Station and the E from there.

Lower East Side and East Village: From LaGuardia, take the Q70 and the F to 2 Av or Delancey St-Essex St. From Newark, take the train to Penn Station and a taxi for the last stretch.

Chelsea: From Newark, the train is the obvious choice, because Penn Station is on the edge of the neighbourhood. From LaGuardia, the E runs to 23 St.

Williamsburg: From LaGuardia, the M runs direct to Marcy Av on weekdays, and otherwise a taxi is the easiest option. From Newark, take the train to Penn Station, the A or E to 14 St and the L to Bedford Av.

Midtown near Times Square and Penn Station: From Newark, take the train to Penn Station or the Newark Airport Express to Port Authority. From LaGuardia, take the Q70 and the E.

Midtown near Grand Central: From Newark, the Newark Airport Express runs right to Grand Central. From LaGuardia, take the Q70 and the 7.

If you land at night: At LaGuardia, the Q70, the M60 and the subway run all night. At Newark, the trains stop from around 01:00 to 05:00, and then it’s bus 62 and PATH or a flat-fare taxi.

If there are three or four of you: From Newark, four train tickets cost $69 (about £52), so a taxi at $65 plus surcharges isn’t much more expensive and takes you to the door. From LaGuardia, the subway costs just $12 (about £9.10) for four, but a taxi saves you having to change with your suitcases.

Practical tips for getting from Newark and LaGuardia to Manhattan

Don’t confuse Newark Penn Station with New York Penn Station. The train from the airport stops in Newark first, and the two stations are in different states. New York Penn Station is the one you want.

Bring a card for each traveller on the first day. A new card can’t pay for more than one person on the subway until the bank has approved it, so the first ride needs one card or one phone per person. After that, you can pay for up to four.

Travel light if you’re taking the subway. The MTA advises you not to bring more than you can carry yourself, and to use the lifts. Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av, 34 St-Penn Station, Times Sq-42 St and Grand Central-42 St are on the MTA’s list of accessible stations with lifts.

Only take a taxi from the official taxi rank. Both airports ask you to, and Newark warns against people not in uniform who offer rides or help with your luggage.

Choose your hotel with the connection in mind. If you’re staying in Chelsea, you’re at your hotel shortly after the train from Newark has pulled into Penn Station, and you can see hotels in Chelsea here. If you’re staying near Times Square, you have both the Newark Airport Express and the E from LaGuardia close by, and you can see hotels near Times Square here. The E also runs direct from Jackson Heights to Spring St, so you can see hotels in SoHo here, and the F runs direct to the Lower East Side, where you can see hotels on the Lower East Side here.

If you’re not sure which neighbourhood suits you, read my guide to where to stay in New York, and you’ll find ideas for your trip in my guide to things to do in New York.

The post Newark & LaGuardia Airports to Manhattan - Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

In this travel guide, I’ll share my favourite things to do in NYC that you should consider on your trip.

Depending on the length of your trip, it may be difficult to see all the sights, but I will give you an overview and then you can choose what to do and see.

However, there are some New York sights that you have to see. That’s why this travel guide starts with the best-known things to do in New York, as they are famous for good reason.

But don’t worry – I’ll further suggest some hidden gems and unknown experiences in this guide.

Let’s start with some of the best things to do in New York City.

1. New York skyline from a skyscraper – Top of The Rock

Manhattan’s skyline is tremendously impressive, but when you walk around the city’s streets, it’s hard to see how massive a city you’re walking around.

That’s why you have to take the elevator up in one of the city’s (many) skyscrapers and enjoy the view of the entire New York.

I recommend going up to the Top of The Rock, which is on top of the iconic Rockefeller Center.

But why not go up the Empire State Building?

Well, you can, but you know what you can’t see when you’re in the Empire State Building? The Empire State Building

From Top of The Rock you can see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park.

So I recommend buying tickets to the Top of The Rock and going up there while it’s still light out, so you get a feel for how unique New York City is.

Get tickets for Top of The Rock.

2. Central Park – NYC’s breather

If you’ve been up the Rockefeller Center, you understand how huge an area Central Park spans. Central Park is truly Manhattan’s breathing space, where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

I was quite surprised at how cool a park it is. We generally have some incredibly boring parks here in Copenhagen where I live, so it might take little for me to be impressed, but Central Park really is something else.

It would be a shame to travel to New York and not stop by Central Park. I’ve mapped out a route through Central Park that passes some of the best sights there:

The walk ends at the next thing to do in New York on the list.

3. American Museum of Natural History 

If you follow the walk through Central Park, you end up right next to the Natural History Museum, which is said to be one of the wildest in the world.

At the museum, there are, among other things, massive skeletons from dinosaurs, giant whales and almost everything you can imagine in natural history.

Suppose you are interested in natural history and are travelling to New York. In that case, you must stop by American Museum of Natural History , located next to Central Park.

You can buy special ‘fast-track’ tickets to the museum in advance at Get Your Guide here.

Other famous museums in New York cannot be missed – you can also buy skip-the-line tickets on Get Your Guide (simply click on the link to the Museum of Natural History above)

• Guggenheim
• Museum of Modern Art
• Metropolitan Museum of Art

Protip: consider getting the New York CityPASS to save 40% on 5 of the city’s major attractions.

4. Walk across The Brooklyn Bridge – best free thing to do in New York

Another iconic New York attraction (and it’s even completely free).

I recommend starting the walk on the Manhattan side, which will also be most convenient as most people stay in hotels in Manhattan – have you seen my guide to the best areas and places to stay in New York?

The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the things you have to do in New York.

However, remember to take a break and enjoy the view ‘back’ towards Manhattan, where you can, among other things, get a good look at One World Trade and generally all of Downtown Manhattan.

The following thing to do on the list comes right as you turn away from the Brooklyn Bridge.

5. DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

DUMBO is an area of Brooklyn with an exceptional atmosphere.

It goes slower than in Manhattan, and the architecture shows that there have been many factories here, which are now being transformed into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

From DUMBO, you can also take a boat trip on the East River – for instance, you can go up to Williamsburg, which I mention later in the travel guide.

6. Boat Tour in New York

A boat tour is another fantastic thing to do in New York. 

Not really an experience that requires much explanation; on a boat tour around Manhattan, you get a completely new impression of The Big Apple, and at the same time, you can enjoy the city’s skyline while sitting in calm surroundings.

There are many different boat trips, but the one I have found with the best reviews and a fair price is this 90-minute boat tour.

7. World Trade Memorial Museum

We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001, and on your trip to New York, I recommend everyone to go to ‘Ground Zero’ to see the area with their own eyes. It’s a memorable experience – you don’t leave with a big smile, but it’s one thing you’ll remember.

You can just go to the large memorial for the terrorist attack, but there is also a large museum that gives incredible insight into the events back in 2001.

You can buy skip-the-line tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum online at Get Your Guide here.

I recommend that as the queue for the museum can be very long – after all, it is one of the most well-known things to do in New York.

You can also use the New York CityPASS for the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

You can also enjoy Manhattan’s best views from the One World Trade:

8. Times Square by night

Another one of New York’s best-known sights – Times Square.

Yes, there is a lot of fun going on in the streets, and it’s a pretty big area with many advertising signs and – well, that’s about it, to be honest.

So I understand if it doesn’t sound super appealing, but it’s simply a must to make your way past Times Square – especially in the evening when the many impressions and lights shine through.

9. Grand Central Station

New York Central train station is impressive!

It’s an imposing building located centrally in Manhattan, so it’s easy to plan a trip to the terminal.

The Chrysler Building is next to Grand Central Station, so you can easily cross it off the list.

10. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is another of the city’s best-known and most iconic things to see. 

So it is another one of the city’s ‘must see’ sights, which many do not want to return home from NYC without seeing with their own eyes.

I wasn’t too impressed when I first saw the statue, if I’ve got to be honest – it’s just a statue after all, but I’ll admit it’s an iconic New York landmark, so of course, it’s on my list.

Countless boat trips go around the Statue of Liberty, and you can also book tickets for a trip up the dome (get an overview here), but in fact, you can go on a boat trip from Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty for free.

You’ve just got to jump aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

Just head down to the southernmost tip of Manhattan and grab the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal – remember to sit on the right side of the ferry if you want to see the Statue of Liberty!

And by the way, ignore anyone trying to sell you tickets for the Staten Island Ferry – it’s a free ferry for New Yorkers and tourists alike. So all “Staten Island Ferry tickets” are fake!

Get more information about the ferry here.

11. The High Line

A free thing to do in New York? Yes! The High Line is a disused, elevated train track, where green areas have been laid out, and you walk elevated above the streets of Manhattan.

It’s a memorable experience to climb the stairs, walk south (my recommendation) and then get incredible views of the long, classic American streets here and there.

The High Line is a thing that should be on your list of must-do’s in New York – and if you start from the North and go South, you’ll end up at the next thing to do on my list.

12. Chelsea Market 

The indoor Chelsea Market has everything from vintage shopping, excellent wine bars and hip little street food places. 

It is undoubtedly a place where you can easily spend a few hours. I recommend either going there in combination with The High Line or saving it for a day when the weather is not suitable for the many outdoor experiences NYC offers.

I’ve embedded a video from Chelsea Market above so you can get an idea of what kind of place it is.

13. Friends Experience

If you watched TV in the ’00s and 2010s, which most of us did, you naturally know Friends.

In New York, you can experience the magic of one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms by visiting the Friends Experience in the heart of New York.

This two-story interactive adventure leads you right into the iconic world of Friends.

Sit in Monica and Rachel’s kitchen, take a selfie on the famous orange couch and order a coffee from Central Perk.

Immerse yourself in the show’s history with original costumes and props, and recreate your favourite scenes.

The Friends Experience is more than just an attraction – it’s a tribute to a show that has touched millions of hearts.

Read more and buy tickets here.

14. Experience gospel in Harlem

The Harlem area in New York is a gem for those wanting to experience gospel. 

Gospel is a music genre that has roots in the African American churches in the USA from the late 19th century.

Gospel has been a powerful voice in many of the USA’s social justice movements and has influenced various other music styles, from blues and jazz to R&B and rock and roll.

So here, you get more than just an exciting music experience – you delve into an essential part of America’s history.

On this 4-hour tour, you will wander through Harlem’s historic streets, visit famous locations such as the Apollo Theater and Columbia University, and finally end with an inspiring Baptist service, where the power of a live gospel choir will engulf you.

Find out more about the tour here.

15. Williamsburg – the trendy area in Brooklyn

Williamsburg is one of the New York areas most often described as the city’s hipster centre.

It doesn’t matter that much that an area is called one or the other. What counts for me is whether I like the area myself – and that is definitely the case with Williamsburg.

The atmosphere is more down-to-earth than in Manhattan, where things are always going fast. 

Williamsburg is a little calmer, and all the streets are not overpopulated with other tourists and honking cars – but that does not mean that there are no tourists in Williamsburg because there are.

But there are also many good cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. It doesn’t take long to get to Williamsburg from Manhattan by subway, so I recommend going there and experiencing a slightly different side of New York than the one in Manhattan.

It is, in particular, the area north of the Williamsburg Bridge and to Nassau Avenue that I recommend – around Bedford Avenue for example.

16. Smorgasburg – street food market in Williamsburg

Yep, we’re staying right in Williamsburg, where every Saturday (note: spring-summer-autumn only – see website for opening dates) is a large street food market.

Street food is upon us these years, but I was amazed by the quality of the food stalls at Smorgasburg. In addition, quite a few stalls specialise in American food that we can’t get anywhere in Copenhagen, where I live – and I have yet to see it anywhere else in Europe.

And if good street food isn’t enough to attract you, I can tell you that the area is in a park down to the East River. That means the market area offers a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline.

17. Chinatown 

I have since visited quite a few Chinatowns around the world. The one in Bangkok is the coolest so far, but Chinatown in New York almost beats it.

Here you feel like you’ve come to another country – and it’s not just in a single street or two.

Chinatown in New York stretches over a large area, teeming with Chinese people, restaurants only with Chinese writing and generally many strange shops, where you feel very far from the United States.

Check out my short video from Chinatown (although the text is in Danish I’m sure you’ll get a feel for the area):

A cool and exciting thing to do in New York. And by the way, Chinatown is super well located – almost right “below” Soho, where most tourists pass by at some point.

So come on down and experience Chinatown; I’m sure you won’t regret it. And it’s free!

I highly recommend Whiskey Tavern if you’re looking for a nice place to get a couple of beers in the area.

18. Little Italy – touristy but charming

Just north of Chinatown, we find another area dedicated to a country far from the United States, Italy.

Little Italy is different from Chinatown, and I’ve got to be honest here; it is a very touristy area where you have to be careful not to end up in a tourist trap of a restaurant.

However, it is quite fun to wander through the streets of Little Italy, which are markedly different from other areas of Manhattan.

However, remember to check Yelp, Google or Tripadvisor before entering a restaurant – there are so many good places to eat in New York, so it would be a shame to end up in a tourist trap where they serve bad food at high prices.

19. Soho – cosy side streets and good shopping

I touched briefly on Soho earlier in this travel guide and recommend visiting the area.

If you’re going to be shopping on your trip to NYC, you will probably naturally gravitate towards Soho, as there are many good shops in the area.

However, I especially love the side streets around Broadway. Here you find the beautiful cobbled streets with the classic New York fire escapes, small cafes and cosy shops.

Soho is just a great, cosy area and one of the areas I recommend staying in when you’re going to New York.

20. Outlet Shopping at Century 21

Technically not a tourist attraction, but undoubtedly an experience! Right next to the World Trade Museum, we find Century 21.

Century 21 Downtown is a massive outlet where you can save considerable money on well-known brands. I went (a bit) wild in the Calvin Klein underwear section and also found quite a few good Lacoste products.

There’s a lot of Calvin Klein in the men’s department, but also many other famous brands, so I recommend making a trip to this outlet in New York if you want to shop for very cheap clothes.

Tip: getting there around opening time is a good idea, as the store fills up quickly!

We arrived 5-10 minutes after they opened, where it was wonderful to walk around, but after about half an hour, there really started to be a stream of people.

21. Flatiron Building – an Instagram paradise

There isn’t much to tell about the Flatiron Building – just check out the picture above (or read the building’s history here), and then you know what it’s all about.

If you need an excellent photo for your Instagram or want to see beautiful, iconic buildings, then you should stop by the Flatiron Building in New York.

Fortunately, it is also a building located in an area where many tourists would still pass by.

22. Roosevelt Island Tramway

This is one of the more extraordinary things to do in New York, and very cheap. You can use your Metrocard to ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, a ski lift that takes you from Manhattan to the small Roosevelt Island in the East River.

The video above actually tells everything you need to know before taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway, so I won’t write much more

Please note that you cannot pay with cash – only Metrocard. Read more practical information here.

23. East Village & Lower East Side – best area for local vibes

The East Village and Lower East Side are my favourite areas of New York (closely followed by Williamsburg). The two areas exude history, beautiful buildings, and just another feel to them than elsewhere in Manhattan. You truly feel that locals are living here.

While I previously mentioned Soho as a good area (it is!), the East Village and Lower East Side are a little less populated by tourists, but on the other hand, these areas are packed with fantastic bars, cafes and restaurants.

If you want to go for a walk in the city with the cool New Yorkers, I recommend going on a pub crawl in the East Village.

Possibly start on the excellent Fool’s Gold

24. Sports in NYC

This is one of the things to do in New York you can quite easily forget. When we travel to New York, we are so obsessed with seeing as many things as possible that we (perhaps) forget that many big sporting and cultural events are taking place in the city.

Of course, baseball, basketball and ice hockey are some of the major sports.

Especially tickets for baseball are worth paying for, and it should be an incredible experience (I’m still missing my first visit to a baseball stadium) – think draft beer, hot dogs and a good atmosphere

Take a look at the calendar for concerts, sporting events and cultural events.

25. Shows & Musicals

And then there are always the fantastic musicals on Broadway, where shows like Aladdin, Phantom of The Opera and the like are always running – get tickets for Broadway musicals and other shows in NYC here.

26. Helicopter Tour over Manhattan

It’s not a cheap thing to do, but if you want to try something incredible on your trip to New York, you should try a luxurious tour of New York’s iconic skyline with a deluxe helicopter tour.

You will gain a completely unique perspective on the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Manhattan’s impressive skyline.

Find out more and book online here.

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in New York City and that you’re ready for your trip to the fantastic city in the United States. And remember to do your USA ESTA application if you’re not from the US.

If you’ve any questions about NYC or the things mentioned in this travel guide, please comment below, and I’ll help you.

Frequently Asked Questions about New York

Below I answer several questions about New York that travellers often ask.

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