Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

August 23, 2009 8:53 PM

Please recommend a simple route on public transportation to go from JFK airport to White Plains Airport (Westchester County).

Something cheaper than a taxi is desirable, but I don't want to change buses a dozen times either.

We are flying into JFK, but I don't want to rent a car at those prices. We'll be staying near White Plains, and their airport has much cheaper rentals.

Thanks!

(I asked a couple of weeks ago about cheaper rentals at JFK. Thanks to all those who offered suggestions then, too!)

posted by SLC Mom to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

http://bit.ly/eEQQt - Google maps route using public transit. Obviously the times would change depending on when you are traveling, but I can only imagine they would be a little shorter in the day time.
posted by arcticbluejay at 9:03 PM on August 23, 2009

You can get the airtrain/subway to Grand Central in Manhattan, and a Metro North train to North White Plains. Google Maps does a great job on these things, which always amazes me. You'll want to change the end point on the directions to match your hotel and will most likely need a short cab ride at that end.

Elaborations: The subway is better than real trains for getting to Grand Central; you will take the airport light rail (Airtrain) to a nearby subway, and one connection between subway lines. This step might be a royal pain in the ass if you have a lot of bags, but that's the subway for you. The Metro North to North White Plains is an easily navigated commuter service that runs quickly and frequently.
posted by nowonmai at 9:16 PM on August 23, 2009

From Grand Central you want to take the Harlem line to White Plains, cross the street to the Bus Station and take the Airlink bus to Westchester County Airport.
posted by mlis at 9:34 PM on August 23, 2009

Best answer: The most convenient way is to take the AirportExpress shuttle bus for $15 from JFK to Grand Central, hop on the Metro North (~$8 or $7 depending on time) to the White Plains station. From White Plains I'm sure there's a Bee Line bus to the airport, but the buses aren't fantastic, but I'm sure you can get a cab to the airport for ~$15. (Or do what MLIS said about the Airlink bus.) Having made this trip many many times, I can assure this is the best way. (However, for even more convenience, call the Westchester Express shuttle service and it's $55 from JFK to White Plains.)
posted by ruwan at 3:13 AM on August 24, 2009

I'm not quite sure if you're flying out of White Plains at any point. Could you look for an off-airport location near JFK where you could rent?
posted by mdonley at 12:30 PM on August 24, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks everyone. I do prefer to avoid the subway with luggage.
I think we will take Westchester Express for the trip up, when we are loaded with luggage,and the train on the way back, when I will just have carryons.
posted by SLC Mom at 5:54 PM on August 24, 2009

Response by poster: I actually ended up fiding a $45 day rate from National at JFK.
However, it was through an international booking agent (like Travelocity/Expedia/etc, but in Europe) that I linked into through a web search engine. They were comparing Expedia/Orbitz, etc, and threw in the European site and let me book it.
posted by SLC Mom at 8:27 AM on September 24, 2009