Getting from JFK Airport to the iconic New York Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square can seem a bit daunting with all the options, but don't worry! This comprehensive guide will break down every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to your destination.
Are you ready to navigate the vibrant energy of New York City? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understanding Your Transportation Options
First things first, let's look at the main ways to get from JFK to the Marriott Marquis. Each has its pros and cons regarding cost, time, and convenience. Consider your budget, the amount of luggage you have, and your tolerance for navigating public transport after a flight.
Sub-heading: Public Transportation - The Economical Choice
New York City's public transport system, while sometimes overwhelming, is often the most cost-effective and, surprisingly, often the fastest way to get around, especially during peak traffic hours.
AirTrain JFK + Subway (E Train): This is the most popular public transport option. It's a combination of the AirTrain that serves JFK airport, connecting you to the subway system.
AirTrain JFK + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): A slightly faster, but generally more expensive, public transport option that also involves the AirTrain, but then connects you to the LIRR for a quicker ride into Manhattan.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Sub-heading: Private & Semi-Private Options - Comfort and Convenience
If you're traveling with a lot of luggage, a group, or simply prefer a more direct and comfortable ride, these options are for you.
Taxi: The classic New York yellow cab. It offers a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan, plus tolls and tip.
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): Similar to taxis, these offer on-demand car services, with varying prices based on demand and vehicle type.
Private Car Service/Shuttle: Pre-booked services offering door-to-door transportation, often with a meet-and-greet at the airport. Shuttles are shared and thus usually more affordable than private cars.
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| How To Get From Jfk To Marriott Marquis |
Step 2: Choosing Your Route - Detailed Breakdown
Now let's dive into the specifics of each method.
Sub-heading: Option 1: AirTrain JFK + Subway (E Train) - The NYC Experience
This is a fantastic option for budget travelers and those who want to experience the city like a local.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Cost: Approximately $11.40 (AirTrain fare: $8.50 + Subway fare: $2.90).
Time: Around 50-60 minutes, depending on wait times and connections.
Best for: Budget travelers, those with manageable luggage, adventurous types.
Step 2.1: Locating the AirTrain at JFK Upon exiting your terminal at JFK, follow the signs for "AirTrain." The AirTrain is a free service within the airport terminals. You'll board the AirTrain that goes to either Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station. For the Marriott Marquis, Jamaica Station is your best bet as it offers direct subway connections to Times Square.
Step 2.2: AirTrain to Jamaica Station Ride the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. This ride typically takes about 10-15 minutes. You will pay the AirTrain fare when you exit the AirTrain at Jamaica Station. You can pay with a MetroCard (available for purchase at vending machines at the AirTrain exit) or by tapping your credit/debit card or mobile wallet (OMNY) directly on the turnstile.
Step 2.3: Transferring to the E Subway Line Once you've exited the AirTrain at Jamaica Station, follow the signs for the "Subway" and specifically the E train (blue line). The station can be a bit busy, so stay aware of your surroundings. The E train is known for its direct route into Midtown Manhattan.
Step 2.4: E Train to Times Sq-42 St Station Board the E train heading towards Manhattan. Your destination is the Times Sq-42 St station. This ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes. The E train stops directly at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is connected to the Times Sq-42 St subway complex.
Step 2.5: Walking to the Marriott Marquis Once you exit the subway at Times Sq-42 St, the New York Marriott Marquis (located at 1535 Broadway, between 45th and 46th Streets) is just a short walk away. You'll emerge into the vibrant heart of Times Square. It's about a 5-minute walk from the subway exit. Look for the hotel's prominent signage.
Sub-heading: Option 2: AirTrain JFK + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) - The Quicker Public Transport Option
If speed is a priority and you don't mind a slightly higher fare, the LIRR is a good alternative.
Cost: Approximately $13-$19 (AirTrain fare: $8.50 + LIRR fare: variable, usually $4-$9 off-peak, $5-$9 peak).
Time: Around 30-45 minutes.
Best for: Travelers prioritizing speed, those with slightly more luggage than subway comfortably allows, peak hour travel when subway might be slower.
Step 2.1: Locating the AirTrain at JFK Same as Option 1, follow signs for "AirTrain" from your terminal.
Step 2.2: AirTrain to Jamaica Station Again, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. You'll pay the $8.50 AirTrain fare upon exit.
Step 2.3: Transferring to the LIRR At Jamaica Station, follow signs for the "Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)." You'll need to purchase a separate LIRR ticket. You can do this at ticket machines or with the MTA TrainTime app. Choose a train bound for Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station. Grand Central Terminal is generally closer to the Marriott Marquis, but both are walkable or a short subway/taxi ride away.
Step 2.4: LIRR to Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station The LIRR ride is much faster than the subway, typically taking 20-30 minutes.
Step 2.5: From LIRR Station to Marriott Marquis
From Grand Central Terminal: The Marriott Marquis is about a 15-20 minute walk from Grand Central Terminal, or a very quick taxi/ride-share or a couple of subway stops (e.g., take the S shuttle from Grand Central to Times Sq-42 St).
From Penn Station: The Marriott Marquis is also about a 15-20 minute walk from Penn Station, or a quick taxi/ride-share or one subway stop (e.g., take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W trains from 34 St-Penn Station to Times Sq-42 St).
Sub-heading: Option 3: Taxi - The Convenient Classic
For a direct, door-to-door experience, a yellow taxi is a popular choice.
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Cost: Flat fare of $70 from JFK to Manhattan, plus tolls and tip. Expect to pay between $85-$110 total.
Time: Approximately 25-60 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
Best for: Travelers with lots of luggage, groups, those who prioritize convenience and don't mind the cost.
Step 3.1: Locating the Taxi Stand After collecting your luggage, follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" and then "Taxis." You'll find official taxi stands outside each terminal. Only use licensed yellow cabs from these stands. Do not accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal.
Step 3.2: Boarding Your Taxi A uniformed taxi dispatcher will direct you to the next available cab. Provide the driver with the Marriott Marquis address: 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
Step 3.3: Enjoy the Ride Sit back and relax as your taxi takes you directly to the hotel. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during weekday rush hours.
Sub-heading: Option 4: Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft) - App-Based Convenience
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Ride-sharing apps offer a similar door-to-door experience to taxis, with the convenience of pre-booking and cashless payment.
Cost: Varies based on demand (surge pricing), vehicle type (standard, XL, luxury), tolls, and tip. Generally comparable to or slightly higher than taxis.
Time: Approximately 25-60 minutes, dependent on traffic.
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers, those with specific vehicle preferences, groups who can split the fare.
Step 4.1: Requesting Your Ride Once you've collected your luggage, open your preferred ride-sharing app. Enter "New York Marriott Marquis" as your destination. The app will usually direct you to a specific pickup zone outside your terminal.
Step 4.2: Meeting Your Driver Head to the designated ride-share pickup area. Confirm the vehicle's make, model, and license plate number match what's displayed in your app before getting in.
Step 4.3: Direct to the Hotel Your driver will take you directly to the Marriott Marquis.
Sub-heading: Option 5: Private Car Service/Shuttle - Premium & Group Travel
For the ultimate in comfort, or if you're traveling with a large group, a pre-booked private car or shuttle is ideal.
Cost: Private cars can range from $90-$175+, plus tolls and tip. Shared shuttles typically cost $19-$35 per person.
Time: Approximately 30-75 minutes, depending on traffic and number of stops for shuttles.
Best for: Families, groups, business travelers, those seeking maximum comfort and minimal hassle.
Step 5.1: Booking in Advance It's highly recommended to book private car services or shuttles in advance of your arrival. Many companies offer online booking or phone reservations. Research reputable companies like Carmel Limo, Dial 7, or airport shuttle providers.
Step 5.2: Meet & Greet If you've booked a private car service, your driver may meet you inside the terminal with a sign bearing your name. For shuttles, you'll typically follow signs to a designated pick-up area.
Step 5.3: Relax and Arrive Enjoy a comfortable and direct ride to the Marriott Marquis. Shuttles may make several stops to drop off other passengers, extending travel time slightly.
Step 3: Final Tips for a Smooth Journey
Consider Peak Hours: NYC traffic can be brutal, especially during weekday rush hours (roughly 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM). Public transport like the subway/LIRR is less affected by traffic.
Luggage: If you have multiple large bags, consider a taxi, ride-share, or private car. Navigating subways with excessive luggage can be challenging.
OMNY/MetroCard: For public transport, consider using OMNY (tap-and-go with your credit/debit card or mobile wallet) for seamless payments. Otherwise, purchase a MetroCard at vending machines.
Maps Apps: Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Citymapper for real-time directions and transit updates. They are invaluable for navigating the subway and walking directions.
Hotel Address: Always have the Marriott Marquis address handy: 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
Enjoy Times Square! Once you arrive at the Marriott Marquis, you'll be right in the thick of it. Take a moment to soak in the dazzling lights and energy of Times Square.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
How to find the AirTrain at JFK? Upon arriving at any JFK terminal, simply follow the clear signage for "AirTrain." The AirTrain is a free service that circulates between all terminals, parking lots, and car rental facilities.
How to buy a MetroCard for the subway? You can purchase a MetroCard at vending machines located at any AirTrain station exit (like Jamaica Station) or at any subway station. They accept cash, credit, and debit cards. Alternatively, you can use OMNY by tapping your credit/debit card or mobile wallet directly on the turnstile.
How to know which subway line to take to Times Square? From Jamaica Station, the E train (blue line) is your best and most direct option to Times Sq-42 St.
How to get from Penn Station to the Marriott Marquis? From Penn Station, you can either take a short 15-20 minute walk east on 34th Street and then north to 45th Street, or take a quick subway ride (1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W trains one stop to Times Sq-42 St) or a short taxi/ride-share.
How to get from Grand Central Terminal to the Marriott Marquis? From Grand Central Terminal, the Marriott Marquis is about a 15-20 minute walk west, or you can take the S (Shuttle) subway train one stop to Times Sq-42 St. A taxi or ride-share is also a quick option.
How to avoid traffic from JFK to Manhattan? The most effective way to avoid traffic is to use public transportation, specifically the AirTrain + Subway or AirTrain + LIRR combination, as these operate on their own dedicated tracks.
How to pre-book a private car service from JFK? Many reputable private car service companies (e.g., Carmel Limo, Dial 7) allow you to book online or over the phone in advance. Provide your flight details and desired pick-up time.
How to calculate the total cost of a taxi from JFK to the Marriott Marquis? The flat fare from JFK to any Manhattan destination is $70. You will need to add tolls (which vary but can be around $6-$10 depending on the tunnel/bridge used) and a customary tip of 15-20% of the fare.
How to identify an official New York City taxi? Look for the yellow color, the medallion number on the roof and doors, and the "Taxi" light on top. Only use taxis from official taxi stands.
How to get around Times Square from the Marriott Marquis? The Marriott Marquis is centrally located in Times Square, making most major attractions easily walkable. You're also steps away from the Times Sq-42 St subway complex, which connects you to numerous subway lines to explore the rest of the city.
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