Getting From NJ to JFK on Strike Day

December 20, 2005 8:21 AM

MeFiNewYork, I ask you this. Today, I need to make it from Union, NJ to JFK Airport via public transit. I need to be at JFK by 7pm. I am leaving Union at 1:38pm, taking NJT to Penn Station, and LIRR to the Jamaica-JFK Airtrain. I am doing this with 100 pounds of luggage in a large rolling suitcase about the size of another person. There is a strike going on. Am I doomed?

(Addendum: There are no Virginia hams in my luggage this year.)

posted by brownpau to travel & transportation around New York, NY (10 answers total)

The strike only affects the MTA trains and busses -- not the LIRR or NJT.

It will likely be mighty crowded, but you should be fine.
posted by o2b at 8:25 AM on December 20, 2005

1-212-Blue-Van
posted by Pollomacho at 8:29 AM on December 20, 2005

You could also try Airlink New York
posted by Pollomacho at 8:30 AM on December 20, 2005

T-A-X-I
posted by UncleHornHead at 8:57 AM on December 20, 2005

Take NJ transit into Manhattan. Get as close as you can to Grand Central Station.
From there, you can catch a shuttle bus to JFK for about 15-20$. This is much cheaper than a cab.

Good luck.
posted by erd0c at 8:59 AM on December 20, 2005

I happen to like your Plan A. NJT is running, LIRR is running, the AirTrain is a breeze. Only problem for you will be the luggage shlep.
posted by werty at 9:09 AM on December 20, 2005

Your plan seems excellent. Just be sure to use your luggage as a weapon, as the LIRR from Penn to Jamaica will be mighty crowded.
posted by dame at 9:12 AM on December 20, 2005

Actually, that's the best way to get to JFK on a normal day. You should be fine!
posted by the jam at 9:20 AM on December 20, 2005

you'll be fine - - - I would destressify it and cough up the 40 or so bucks and cab it all the way....LIRR to jamaica will be hell if you are traveling in mid to late afternoon. This morning was Tokyo style packed in like sardine drama. Or better yet see if you can find someone else @ penn station headed to JFK and split that fare loco
posted by stavx at 9:34 AM on December 20, 2005

Thanks for the answers, everyone. The whole thing went seamlessly, except for a little surreptitious sneaking with a bunch of other JFK-bound riders through ill-placed barriers blocking off the elevator at Jamaica station. The whole trip took about two and a half hours from house to terminal, including waiting.
posted by brownpau at 10:30 AM on December 22, 2005