The Manhattan - JFK transfer

Before travelling I read up on the web about getting from JFK to Manhattan. It sounds a bit complicated at first but after seeing the same information in a couple of places it looks do-able – and certainly quicker than a transfer by road during the afternoon rush hour. You catch the Airtrain to either Jamaica Station or Howard Beach and then hop on the Metro into Manhattan. It’s a different Metro line depending which Airtrain stop you get off, and they go to different parts of Manhattan.

Something you don’t quite appreciate when you’re used to the London Underground, is that on the New York Metro the platforms are not line-specific. So the next train might not be going your way! No matter: I opted for the Howard Beach – A-line option which goes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which I know is an easy walk from Times Square. To avoid walking in the wrong direction when I got to street level (which I always do in London!) I even packed a compass. The train ride took just over an hour, partly above ground and through some inner-city parts of New York City. Even the main stations in Manhattan don’t seem particularly smart.

On my return trip it’s a Sunday afternoon so presumably the roads are OK. But in the interests of economising I decide to take the same route back to the airport. I print off my boarding pass before checking out of the hotel.

I know that I don’t want a Lefferts Blvd train but a Far Rockaway or Rockaway Park as the former does not go to Howard Beach.

Arriving at the Port Authority Terminal in good time (some 3-and-a-half hours before departure) I use my Metro card to get through the turnstiles. I’m looking for the A-line platform, of course. But suddenly I spot a notice saying ‘For JFK take the E-line to Jamaica Centre Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue’. 

Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue!!! This is a new one! Not mentioned at all on the websites I’d looked at before coming! Still, they must be recommending this for a reason.

I duly descend the steps to the E-line platform. There are announcements through the tannoy like “the something train to X is 4 stops away”. The train comes in. It isn’t going to Jamaica Station. Another train comes in. The carriages have destination displays saying “Jamaica” among other things. But I know there is more than one station with ‘Jamaica’ in the name and how do I know this one stops at Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue?!! Do I get on it, and risk travelling 1 hour to end up in the wrong place?

Unlike on the London Underground there are NO MAPS ANYWHERE. There are NO helpful “Next train” displays anywhere either.

I decide I need help. I let the train go and walk back up the steps to the concourse. There are several platforms branching off this, and several entrances/exits, but NOWHERE is there anyone to ask. There’s a phone you can pick up for assistance but I with the noise here I don’t think it will be easy to use. And it’s probably for when you’re being mugged, anyway.

Then I notice, the other side of the turnstiles, an information desk. Bugger! If I exit the station I’m going to have to put more money on the Metro card to get back in again! All this time I’m trying not to look like a lost tourist (difficult): those are always the people who get mugged in New York crime shows.

I decide to follow the recommended route and return to the platform ...but here’s a notice of Sunday repair works resulting in bus transfers - and it’s on the E-line in Jamaica. Oh no!

I’m standing on the E-line platform, dithering, when a train pulls up on the next platform – according to the display on the side of the carriages it’s going to Lefferts Boulevard – must be the A-line! Right – perhaps the next one is going to Rockaway!

I cross over the bridge to the next platform. And wait. And wait. A train comes but it isn’t even an A-line train. I get hassled by someone wanting sponsorship.  I wait some more.

On this platform there aren’t even any announcements. After some 25 minutes I now have rather less than 3 hours before take-off, and I’m still an hour away from JFK! Shit! Anxiety levels are rising exponentially. And I start to wonder if the Rockaway trains are only about once an hour. Maybe that’s why they recommend you getting the E-line! If only there was some information somewhere!

I decide to take the E-line after all, and cross back over. But before the next train comes, another one comes in on the A-line platform I’ve just left. To Far Rockaway!!!

I run to the steps like a demented Usain Bolt impersonator, take them 3 at a time, hurl myself down to the platform, and leap onto the train. On my way at last! The rest of the journey is uneventful.

New York public transport = piece of cake.