Getting from JFK to NYC and back...

[almostwitty]

I'm basically flying through JFK airport on my merry way to see shove_this_job  in April. And I'm stuck for a good five hours in JFK en route (so I can see a ye olde friend of mine on the way back!)

Does anyone know the practicalities of getting out of JFK, heading into New York City, doing something quintiessentially New York-ian (or just grabbing a bagel in Manhattan) and then getting back through JFK to catch the flight out? Is it do-able in five hours or so? Or shall I just give up and try to make a nap-time bed on an airport seat somewhere?

Comments

[skarlettfever.livejournal.com]

There is a train that runs from JFK to Manhattan with the help of the Long Island Rail Road.
I think its called AirTrain-something like that-
You take the AirTrain on the Jamaica Line into Queens to the Jamaica Station-and I think that station has another name too.
When you exit the train you pay $5 for the AirTrain and depending on the time of day $5-$7 for the Long Island Rail Road ticket.
This train stops at Penn Station in Manhattan.
:)

[almostwitty]

Do you happen to know how long it takes or how reliable it is? :)

[skarlettfever.livejournal.com]

It's all on a schedule-it took me less than an hour from getting on the first train to exiting at Penn Station.
During rush hour the Long Island Rail Road trains run every 8 mins I think-off rush hour every 12 maybe?
Are you claiming your bags and going thru customs at JFK?
If you can re-check your bags before heading out on the train I would advise that-toting my luggage with me was no fun.

If you get thru customs quickly enough, I would plan to be back at JFK with an hour and a half to spare before your next flight.
That would leave you about an hour in Manhattan if the trains are on time :)