Arriving at JFK Airport; how does the taxi queue work?
I'm planning a trip to NYC in a month from now, and was looking for a taxi from JFK to Manhattan.
I've read that there's a queue for taxi in every terminal.
How does it work?
How can I recognize it?
How can I recognize a legit taxi?
How much will it cost to take the taxi from JFK to Manhattan? Is there a fixed fare?
Best Answer
To answer your questions:
How does it work? Leave the arrivals terminal and the taxi ranks are opposite the doors. You will see signs for taxis clearly inside and outside of the terminal. Queue and wait your turn. There is usually a representative for the airport or someone official at the head of the queue asking you where your destination is.
How can I recognize it? There is a queue of people with luggage on the opposite side of the road with a steady stream of yellow taxis flowing into the bay. Only taxis and buses are allowed to enter this part of the airport.
How can I recognize a legit taxi? They're usually yellow in colour. Only legit taxis are allowed here.
How much will it cost to take the taxi from JFK to Manhattan? Is there a fixed fare? There is a fixed fare to Manhattan. $52 plus tolls, tax and tip. Other destinations are usually on the meter.
I would like to add some points that have yet to be mentioned.
- Dont accept an offer for a taxi inside the arrivals lounge (gypsy cab). They're always people touting for business in the airport. This is illegal. A polite no will deter them. They are not very demanding so dont worry about them.
- There is almost always a representative from the airport or NYTA at the head of the queue asking you where you want to go when its your turn next. They are legitimate workers helping people who are lost. They may also help with luggage.
- If your destination is not Manhattan always have your destination address and a fair understanding where it is in relation to New York. NY taxi drivers are not like London cabbies and don't have 'the knowledge' of the city. My first time I did not know where we were going and the driver got lost and took the long way to my destination. If you are going to Manhattan and are on the grid you will be fine.
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How do taxis work from JFK?
Taxis at JFK Airport charge a flat fare of $52 for trips between the airport and Manhattan. Taxis impose a $4.50 surcharge during peak hours (4-8 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays), for a fare of $56.50. There is also a NY State tax of 50 cents added to trips within New York, but not for trips to NJ.Where do I pick up arrivals at JFK?
The first-floor Arrivals Hall is the meeting place for arriving passengers in Terminal 4. You can park at one of the free Cell Phone Lots waiting lots if you are picking up family or friends at JFK.Is taxi cheaper than Uber JFK?
If you're considering which service to take to the airport, the cheaper option is almost always Uber. In fact, there are only three major airports (New York's LaGuardia Airport, New York's JFK, and Boston's Logan Airport) where it's cheaper to take a taxi instead of an Uber.How do you call a yellow cab in NYC?
You can't call a yellow cab company in New York, so calling #TAXI won't connect you to a traditional taxi dispatch. Instead, dialling #8294 will connect you to a livery service or 'black car' company, which is quite handy given it seems impossible to find a number to call for a ride in New York.How to get from NYC airports to city center without getting ripped off
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Answer 2
You should read the information on the Port Authority Website with regards to your question.
The only taxis that are allowed to pick up at the JFK airport are NYC T&LC's Yellow Taxis, so look for them. Normally you would see a "Taxi" stand with a booth outside the terminal and a line of taxis there.
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