Worried Friend

[lucyd]

I have been reading the threads related to JFK Taxi and Car Service and am undecided.

I would appreciate input as to how difficult getting out of JFK would be for two female travelers in their 70s with little experience.

It sounds easy to pick up our luggage, find our way to the taxis, and tell the driver the name of the hotel, but is it simple? We have never been to JFK and it sounds like a large and busy airport.

 

Is the taxi area well marked? Will there be additional fees?

 

Is a car service that would meet us at baggage claim easier? It would cost more but we will be arriving at 6PM after a flight for Los Angeles - we will be both tired.

 

Thank you Everyone

[Got2Cruise]

The taxi stand is right past the baggage claim area. It is easy to find. You must only use a yellow medallion taxi from the taxi stand. Wait on the line and wait for the dispatcher. Don't accept any rides from "nice" drivers approaching you for a ride. You should have the name of the hotel plus the exact address written down on a paper to avoid any confusion. This will only work if your hotel is in NY.

[138east]

What exact hotel are you going to? Do you have a cell phone?

 

The base rate to Manhattan is fixed and you add tolls, if any, and tip. However, if your hotel is not in Manhattan, it will be a metered fare and you might be better off with a car service.

[Noxequifans]

Here is a link to the NYC Taxi and Limo Commission website.

 

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml

 

Getting a yellow taxi is pretty straight forward. Follow the signs after you get your luggage and do not accept offers from anyone approaching you and offering a ride. There is a uniformed taxi dispatcher that will direct you to a cab. Yes, there could be a line for the taxis but it moves fairly quickly.

[lucyd]

Thank you for the info.

 

Will the driver tell us the amount of the tolls? I understand they have to use EZ Pass - but that the amount is deducted, or added?

[138east]

Thank you for the info.

 

Will the driver tell us the amount of the tolls? I understand they have to use EZ Pass - but that the amount is deducted, or added?

Tolls are added. Just ask the driver what you're being charged for. You should add a 18-20% tip to the base price.

[mking8288]

EZ-Pass toll rate is $5.76 and added to the fare meter at the end of the trip - and, you get an itemized, printed receipt (as required by law - keep it for your records/proof)

 

To/From JFK and any location in Manhattan:

• Onscreen rate is ‘Rate #02 – JFK Airport.’
  
• This is a flat fare of $52 plus tolls, the 50-cent MTA State Surcharge, the 30-cent Improvement Surcharge, and $4.50 rush hour surcharge (4 PM to 8 PM weekdays, excluding legal holidays).
  
• Passenger is responsible for paying all tolls.
  
• Please tip your driver for safety and good service.
  

The taxi dispatcher at JFK will give the passengers a slip with info about fares & riding, and the yellow taxi's license plate info.

A bonus tip, if "worried" - while getting in, take a quick smartphone picture of the taxi's rear with license plate. The taxi driver's photo license info is displayed inside the passenger compartment, as required - you can always take a quick picture, just in case. Everything should turn out fine, expect the ride to take about 1 hour to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, road conditions & weather, enjoy the view. These newest Nissan NV200 custom-built yellow taxi are nice !! (if you are lucky to get into one)

https://www.nissanusa.com/future-and-concept-vehicles/taxi-of-tomorrow

Premium (black) car service that offer meet & greet at luggage claims/arrival area is nice, but it costs more ... a lot more - plus, you still need to follow the driver - and ride the free AIrTrain to one of the remote parking lot with luggage ... As expected, you are paying for all of that (and, if you flight is delayed ... waiting time = more money) IMO, not necessary. JFK is really not that complicated or confusing comparing to LAX.

Edited August 6, 2017 by mking8288

[Andee]

Rather than the address of the hotel, tell the driver the cross streets, such as XYZ Hotel at 57th (st) and 7th (ave).

 

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[Noxequifans]

To reassure Lucyd; we have taken yellow cabs many times from JFK to Manhattan without a problem. I'd suggest using a credit card to pay for the trip .... it makes things easier. Also, a tip can be given on the credit card .... we usually give at least 15%.