Getting from JFK Airport to the Port Authority Bus Terminal

The Cheapest Way In and Out of the Country

Port Authority Bus Terminal -- New York, NY

After baggage claim…

Pass the taxi signs.

Pass the welcome center.

Follow AirTrain sign.

AirTrain platform (terminals) display indicate specific station destinations

Example: Track 1 to Jamaica Station 3 minutes

(1st stop – Terminal 1 / 2nd stop – Federal Circle / etc.)

Jamaica Station: NY Subway E – J – Z / Sulphin Blvd – Archer Ave. Station / LIRR Station

SIGN:
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Buses Long Island RR
Exit to Street NYC Subway E – J – Z
Baggage Cart Drop Off

(COULD HAVE TAKEN A BAGGAGE CART ALL THE WAY TO THE SUBWAY!!!)
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AirTrain Exit Fee: $7.75 + $1 for new Metro Card

Subway E – J – Z & NYC Buses: Add $2.75

Every time I’ve combined these fees, I end up having to pay twice for the subway because, “It’s a different system.”

Well, I guess they’ve gotten a lot of complaints, because it now does appear to be the same system…

But I still paid for it separately and kept both receipts.

Follow subway signs.

When going through turnstiles you may have to swipe a few times before it takes. – Make sure you have your receipts.

Also: Leave luggage in front of large swing gate, do the turnstile ordeal, THEN push swing gate open and retrieve luggage.

Take elevator to “E” train level.

The platform you want is “E” 8 Ave local via 53 St., NOT “E” to Jamaica Ctr.

When the train comes, wait for recorded voice to say it’s a local train before getting on.

This is the Sutphin Blvd – Archer Ave stop.

12 stops to Port Authority…

(It’s taken me this long to take notes because it’s an easy system to understand, BUT that doesn’t help when you’re worrying about it beforehand.)

1st stop -- Jamaica – Van Wyck

2nd to last stop -- Rockefeller Ctr.

Last stop -- 42nd Street

SIGN:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Exit 8 Avenue
Port Authority A – C – E
Bus Terminal
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Take elevator to Lower Mezzanine level.

SIGN:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Exit 8 Avenue & Port Authority ↑
A – C – E
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Walk down long corridor.

Continue following signs.

(As of Jan.8, 2021, level 2 was closed and buses were leaving from gates 60 to 85 -- Lower Level)

Note: To avoid last minute scrambling, locate Peter Pan gates. – The bulletin board only displays Greyhound bus information. Nasty little shock if you’re already counting down to departure time.

(Best bargain I found was on GotoBus.com --Peter Pan $33 – Only 30 minute research unless you want to pay $7.95 for wi-fi)

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OKAY…

That’s what happens when you do everything right…

Here we go.

IF YOU MISS YOUR STOP -- 42nd Street / Time Square…

First, let me say this; if in doubt, get off early, not later. That way, all you have to do is wait for the next train.

IF you get off later…

Well… I got off at 34th Street…

Not only do you have to go to the other side of the station (both trains on the platform you’re on continue in the same direction), but that’s just the beginning of your journey.

You’ll get to 42nd Street, but not the part of 42nd Street you’re looking for.

I ended up taking an “E” train from an “F” 63 St to Jamaica platform

(Update Bulletin: “F” will not serve this station overnight and all weekend. / “E” will stop here instead)

You KNOW I was reading EVERY sign I could find.

I got off at the next station and had to ask a couple of police offices how to get to the Port Authority. …..

I needed to take the “7” train which was one flight up…

NO ELEVATOR.

That means I had to drag one suitcase up, and then run down to drag up the other one.

I finally got on the train, and got off at the next stop – Time Square / 42nd Street. …..

OH WHAT FUN!!!

i.e.--- DON’T MISS YOUR STOP!!!