Limo Service just CANCELLED...Need Help getting to JFK

[Helene]

We were set to use Limo service to JFK this Friday (2am pick-up).

Just got the call this afternoon, they are cancelling, sounds like they are going belly up. I have $178 tied into the deposit, which I've asked for back, but she (owner) said "I'm not sure we'll have it to you this week". I'll likely have to fight that fight after we get back from the cruise.

My dilemma.....We have no choice now but to drive. Another Limo Service will be $600+ and I do not have the extra cash to throw out there right now.

How hard is it to get to JFK?? I was thinking @ doing park-n-fly through the Ramada. Anyone with experience going there? I'll be coming in from Pennsylvania, across I-80. What will tolls be as we get closer to NY?

TIA for any help you can offer

Helene

 

[summerrluvv]

Can't help you with tolls, but why not just park at JFK? It's 10 per day in long term parking and my experience has been that it doesn't fill up like LGA's long term lot does.

 

[GIOny]

I'm not sure of the directions from the way you are coming but I am going to assume you will either have to cross either the George Washington Bridge or the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels, I believe all 3 of these crossings without Easy Pass will run you $6.00. From there you are going to have to take another bridge or the Queens/Midtown tunnel to get into Queens which should be $4.50 without Easy Pass. I can't think of any other tolls that may occur but I could be wrong since I really don't travel from that direction. Once you get on the Van Wyck or the Belt Parkway you will see plenty of signs for JFK but give yourself plenty of time because you will hit traffic. Summer is right about the $10.00 parking, it's a pretty good deal. I see that you had a 2am pick up so what you may want to do is go the night before and there is a hotel you can stay at right at JFK. Is that the park and fly you are talking about? To bad you couldn't of gotten a flight out of Newark, that would of been alot easier for you. Good Luck

 

[nono]

Yeah, just take Rt. 80 across the GW Bridge, and then go south to JFK via Rt. 678. You'll get directly there. There's other ways to go, but if you have to travel super-early in the morning, this is less turns and hassles.

So, this would mean a toll coming out of PA into NJ on that bridge, the GW and the Whitestone bridges...tolls would be under $20 total.

Good luck, and I'm not surprised they are going belly up charging $178 from PA to JFK...that seems just too darn low when it is unlikely they'll have a fare for the ride back. I hope they refund your money!! Did you pay via credit card? If so, I'd call your credit card company right away to dispute on the charge.

 

[nezy]

Do Not take Queens Midtown tunnell!

I go to JFK often and use long-term parking. It is very easy and if you have e-z pass you can use that to pay.
If coming over the GW Bridge after you go under the buldings jsut after the bridge get to your right for the Harlem River/FDR combo. (Stay in middle lane and then right lane to enter the Tribourough bridge lane). While on the Harlem River Drive you will see Yankee Stadium on your right across the river. At about 125th street you will exit for the Tribourough Bridge-toll $4.50 ( I think). After toll make sure to stay right going to QUEENS.

After TRibourough this becomes Grand Central Pkwy. You will pass Shea Stadim(NY Mets)and Arthur Ashe(tennis) Stadium on left, Stay on GCP until split to Van Wyck Expwy. Van Wyck will lead you into the airport as well as long term parking. Long term parking turn off is right after you see The Ramada hotel. Good Luck.

Sorry about the limo problem and I hope you get your $$ back.
Try to have a good trip and put that all behind you.

 

[Helene]

Thanks for all your help.

To NONO & NEZY, a few more questions:

Are both of your directions the same, or do they slightly differ? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I've never driven into the city before, always take a bus. Therefore, I am not familiar with any of these street names, location of bridges, etc.

Mapquest directions are as follows:

I-80 to I-95/NJ Turnpike
I-95 N, exit 68B (left)to G. Washington Br.
Back to I-95 N
I-95 to I-678 (exit 10) to Whitestone Bridge
follow to JFK from there

Are the signs to JFK clearly marked. My one BIG concern is getting lost at 4-5am in the city. Should we be concerned @ safety should that happen (I know, I know, I sound like a scared country girl. AND I AM!!!)

Perhaps an even bigger worry, assuming we make it there, is getting back out after our return. Are the signs easy to follow, roads OK to navigate back to I-678? Again, we'll be doing this late(we arrive @ 9PM) and my biggest fear is getting lost.

Can you tell I'm a little worried??? Thanks again for all your support and help!

Helene

 

[nono]

All three sets of directions will get you there...the mapquest ones are actually the same as mine, but you know how mapquest sometimes makes it seem like you are changing roads when you aren't? It's that technically the names of the roads change...and Nezy's directions are spot on too. I took you a slightly longer way so that you weren't having to look for a lot of signs and read directions (!) in the dark.

I wouldn't worry too much about getting lost -- there are signs! You will also see signs for LaGuardia airport too as you are basically heading that way as well until you are heading south on the final part of your trip. Many of the neighborhoods you will be driving through are fine, but like anything unfamiliar, could be intimidating!

 

[sixcats]

I haven't used JFK long term, but www.avistarparking.com has worked well for us for a few years now.

 

[ToyStory]

We used to go over the Whitestone Bridge, but now we go over the Tribrough Bridge instead. One time traveling to JFK I told my husband to go that way instead since I heard it was faster and it was. He was why didn't you tell me that before. Now he prefers going that way.