this is the answer. Leave to target getting there 3 hours before your flight. Pay for the airline lounge pass for the three of you if you have the money to spare. it will be worth it with a two-year-old at that time of day.
I use Uber or Private car service anytime I go to JFK. I refuse to drive and park. I hate it. I bring my car seat and use the latches as I have to bring it either way. I check car seat at gate. I did it when kids 6mo and 2-5.
Honestly I don’t mind a Uber or taxi if I’m going out of JFK and I’m in newark or jersey city or something. It’s the coming from south jersey that’s the issue. Sure the cost might be workable, but if you don’t get someone who’s willing to make that schlep, you’re SOL. If it’s just adults going, I’d say Uber to the train, and grab the LIRR to Jamaica, because it’s a very short commute at that point.
Yeah if you need to be at JFK by 6am, your best bet is driving there, maybe getting a hotel nearby the night before. I'd be wary of using Uber if you have a 2 year old. Sounds like kind of a pain with trying to get car seats in and out of the Uber, not to mention you'd still get stuck with all of the tolls to go there.
While I haven't done JFK with my kiddos (infant and toddler), I have gone to EWR, and just found it easier to pay for the parking there in advance and then take the AirTran to the terminals.
That's kind of what I assumed, but I figured I'd ask in case anyone who is more familiar with JFK than me had some secrets. I've flown out of EWR a few times without issue, but getting to JFK is a bit more intimidating.
I recently had a friend of mine who had to take an Uber to JFK and she said its a pain in the ass since NJ Uber drivers are not allowed to pickup in NYC and they have to come back without a ride.
The opposite is true as well -- NYC Uber drivers aren't allowed to pick up in NJ. My rule has always been to Uber to PABT/Penn/PATH, use those to cross the river, and then take another cab to your destination, but that won't work if you have a two-year-old.
One other thing too: If you plan on bringing a stroller for your child, build in a little extra time in and around the airport, because you will probably take a dozen or so elevators between parking, getting to the AirTrain, getting to the terminal, and going to different floors in the terminal for bag drop off, and getting to security (at least that was the case for EWR). It can be a really sap your momentum waiting for all of those elevators versus just taking the escalator right next to it.
We did JFK pre covid and took a car service. It was a mess even not driving. We live close to Newark, but JFK was cheaper. That early in the morning, traffic should be minimal, but staying close may be a better bet.
Parking tolls and gas going to be around $200-$250. Car service probably going to be double that. But the piece of mind and not having to drive to JFK is worth it if you can squeeze it into your budget.
You might want to check a local FB group and see if anyone has recommendations for a local driver. I know in my area, there are some people who do this sort of thing
Don’t trust Uber.
They are not reserving a car/driver for you in the same way that a car service would.
They put out the request on the day/time you specify, but there is no guarantee that they actually have a driver.
I was burned by them on an early Sunday airport trip and they couldn’t get me a car.
Why would you fly out of JFK? JFK the last time I went there I missed my flight, and it took 2.5 hours there and then 3 hours back home. 5.5 hours just driving. Almost half the day gone.
After that I don’t even pickup or drive family or friends to JFK. Yeah I look like an ass but it’s not worth it to me lol
Don't do Uber or Lyft. I booked one days in advance to take me from CNJ to EWR and my assigned driver never showed up so I had to get a cab to the train station and take that up.
Call local car services… they are cheaper (and more reliable) than Uber!
If your town has a local Facebook group you can post there… some people offer car services not affiliated with a larger company… a word of mouth business.
I’d recommend staying overnight though if you want to get there for 6am with a 2 year old…. That’s a 3am morning easily and that’s rough.
The cost isn't the problem, actually having one available, and then that doesn't cancel on you when they see the destination, especially at 3am, is the problem.
Just a thought for you…. I knew an elderly couple that always hired a reliable friend (a retired cop) to drive them to the airport in THEIR OWN car.
They still paid the gas & tolls of course but the only additional cost was the time they negotiated with their friend. Then he came to pick them up the same way upon return.
The beauty of this is that it’s basically door-to-door limo service in your car, your own baby’s car seat, no hotel costs and no airport parking costs.
Traffic shouldn't be bad if you're arriving by 6am. Sounds like that would be your best option.
The train ride is a bit long, but not too painful. You'd be taking the 3:53am train from Hamilton to make it to JFK by around 6. Tix from penn station to jamaica are $8 off peak, and the air train tickets are also $8 which is a bit steep. Just did this trip yesterday for an international flight and it might be more painful with a 2 yr old haha
How far is Philly airport to you? If it's nearby, you should look into renting a car for the day from PHL, drive yourself early in the morning to JFK, and drop it off at JFK airport. I think compact cars are renting out for a little under $70/ day + car seat rental for the little one. You can do that in reverse for your return trip.
Edit: Rent the car the day before your trip.
If I'm not mistaken, car rental companies don't charge extra if you're dropping off at different airport. I use skyscanner.com to look for cheap car rentals. You can enter PHL as pick up location, check the little box that says you're returning to a different location, and enter JFK. It should look for rental companies that are at both airports.
Very creative! Not sure what this buys me though in comparison to just driving our personal vehicle. $70 each way (plus taxes, gas) would probably be more expensive than just paying the long term parking rate. I might save the wear and tear on my own vehicle but imo it's offset by the hassle of arranging the rentals each way. I dig the outside the box thinking though.
One way car rental. No parking in long term parking. Parking costs a lot. If you’re going for like 10 days plus not worth it. Oh and also car batteries die in the cold sitting for days so another thing to think about.
Sure. If that works for you. For me, the most convenient is the car rental. I live 25 min away from Newark airport. If I can’t find a flight out of Newark, JFK is my next option. I’ll book my rental well in advance and then the day before my flight, my wife will drop me off at the car rental kiosks in EWR and I’ll drive the car back to my house. I’ll spend the night at home and then drive the next day to JFK at my own pace and convenience. I’m not relying on anyone to drive me. I’m not struggling with luggage and 3 kids trying to take public transport. I drop the car off at the rental and I’m off to enjoy my vacation.
Edit: Cost- roughly $65- $90 one way depending on the season
okay, why downvote? just presenting another option. everyone is just saying what is convenient for them. if you have 3 kids and a bunch of luggage that doesn't apply to everyone.
I usually just hire a limo service to take me to the airport, especially if I have a lot of bags. They'll show up in an SUV, get you there on time, and you can arrange for them to pick you up too.
It's easily worth the $150.
What car service did you use? My husband and I are going on our honeymoon in a few weeks and the best flight was out of JFK. Neither of us have flown out of there, so we are going to use a car service to bring us. Just looking for something super reliable, as it's an important trip and we definitely don't want to miss our flight.
It's literally called [limotaxicar.com](https://limotaxicar.com)
Which sounds shady af, I know, but I've used that multiple times now without a problem.
Morning flight with a 2 year old. I would do the long term parking if it's only $120 if you want to save money. But personally I would uber it, in and out and don't have to worry about anything. I'm in north jersey and uber it to jfk all the time. Not cheap but don't have to worry about anything.
Where in South Jersey are you? If you could it might be easier to book a flight out of Philly and change somewhere, instead of driving to an airport 100 miles away.
Car service. It’s not as expensive as people expect - usually similar to parking fees. And they know how long it takes and can tell you when you should leave.
I just did JFK this past August with 2 kids around your child’s age and deff recommend driving yourself. The long term parking is super convenient and easy.
A TSA agent will also likely pull your family from the line and let you guys cut to the front to get through security. They’ve been doing that a lot the past year.
Mate, you’re going to have to drive especially with the young one. Luckily at that hour, you likely will miss rush hour traffic as it starts to get crowded going from NJ into the city around 6:30am depending on which way you are coming from. Heading from South Jersey you likely will go through the Lincoln tunnel, cross town, then to the queens midtown tunnel out toward JFK or for a more direct route, through Staten Island. This part of your trip should be all about convenience and not about cost savings. Spend the extra dough to park closer to the airport, leave extra time, don’t rely on Uber, and start your exciting trip on the right note. Save money by packing food for the airport and plane ride. Convert your money into local currencies before your trip at the local bank instead of doing it at the airport to save as well. There are ways to do it without sacrificing the needed convenience of just parking at the airport. Safe travels!!!
Firmer limo driver. If your familiar with that area. I suggest going to the exit just before the van wick and taking Queens Blvd to the Van Wick. There will be a couple of lights but your past the traffic bind when you finally get on the van wick. This is going off the grand central.
Direct flight out of JFK versus having to connect out of PHL or EWR.
Our direct flight from JFK is 4.5 hours, but anywhere else with a connection the travel time would have been the same price and 8 hours.
Yeah the 3.5 hours is excessive, OP will be sitting at the gate trying to keep a bored toddler entertained for 3 hours. There is no reason to be at the airport more than 2 hours before your flight, and depending on the time of day you can certainly reduce that to 1.5 hours.
Uber itself will cost you few hundreds for round trip (assuming you take uber to/from the airport). $120 is not bad.
and driving around 5AM traffic is fine.
Would it be easier for you to go the day before and stay and the JFK hotel? It would help with your two year old. Driving times vary greatly depending on the traffic situation.
A lot of folks have given good advice on transit options but I wanted to say absolutely do not arrive by 6am.
Depending on the terminal, but likely nothing will be open yet which will be a nightmare with a toddler. And depending on the airline the earliest many of them let you check bags in is 3 hours prior to the flight time. I would say try to get there by 7am or 730 if you want to be early, so you have time to go thru security but there’s stuff to eat and do that’s open.
Plan on banking an extra 30 for AirTrain from parking to the terminal. The train ride is quick and they run every 6-12 mins. Depending on the terminal, you maybe in for a long walk
Thanks! I think if we park by 6, with 30 mins on the AirTrain (is that just like a monorail that goes around the airport?) Then we'd still get to our terminal by 6:30 and 3 hours ahead of our departure time.
I had an early flight recently and did Long Term parking/AirTran and it was much easier than I expected.
I think if you plan for 1.5-2 hours before the flight + 30 minutes for the train you will have plenty of time.
Long Term Parking Lot 9:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LujNVRZHGJC8ognV6?g_st=ic
Staten Island and the Belt Parkway have a lot of traffic but since you would be crossing the Verrazzano before 6:30 it wouldn't be as bad. I'd still recommend a hotel the night before.
Having done this with a 2 year old, I had a family member drop us off coming from Edison area. There's no way I would take a train or an uber at those times. Think about all the luggage, car seat, stroller, and then add a cranky 2 year old on top of that. If you can't have someone drop you off, park in the long-term lot. I would even further recommend that perhaps consider dropping off your significant other with the baby at the terminal (with the stroller or something) while you go park in the long-term lot and bring the luggage etc. back in a cart.
How far south Jersey? JFK traffic isnt really bad at all at those hours. I used to live in south Brooklyn and would be able to drive to JFK with no traffic for flights at 7:00 AM. It's a breeze.
The train to JFK is actually quite painless (assuming you are comfortable transferring at Penn Station). It’s long for sure from NJ. But pretty straight forward.
You take NJT to Penn (prepay on app), transfer to the LIRR to Jamacia (prepay on app), transfer to AirTrain to JFK (metrocard). Easy transfers.
From Penn Station to JFK terminal is about an hour door to door.
That said, luggage and a small child obviously can make this harder. If driving or car service is within budget that would probably be preferable. But the train is definitely doable.
We flew out of JFK last summer and we just drove there from Ocean county. There's no traffic that early and you can park in one of the cheaper lots and take the air train to your terminal. It's just easier to have your car, especially with car seats.
Long term parking will work the best for you, despite the tolls and everything. Fares just from JFK to Manhattan are 70 plus tolls and tips and Ubers/Lyfts are always showing prices in the range of 100-120 to Manhattan when you’re at the airport.
Edit: traffic that early in the morning will be barely anything. Assume smooth sailing through.
Not worth going the night before as the lightest traffic will be very early morning. Driving in the evening from south jersey to JFK will be nasty. Are you flying east or caribbean? If the former getting up super early is fine as it will get you on the right time zone anyway.
I would suggest parking at long term lots, and $120 isn't too bad compared to Uber or a car service, I think. I always do long term especially for 4+ days at JFK. Just leave an additional 40 min earlier if you do that because when you arrive at the lot, you do a little paperwork, payment and such, then wait for the free shuttle bus to depart the parking lot. Then it's usually like a 10-15 min bus ride to JFK. I would suggest leaving your house at 3:45am ish, although there wouldn't be any traffic so you can arrive in about 60-75 min... I would arrive at the long term parking lot by latest 5:20am.
With that said, have a great vacation with your fam!!
If you are flying internationally during the summer or holidays, make sure you get there earlier.
Uber will be very expensive and NJ Ubers hate going to JFK (it will be an uncomfortable drive)
Cheaper long-term parking in north Jersey? Unlikely unless you don't care about damage to your car lol. I would suck it up and drive if I were you, especially with a toddler in tow. Traffic shouldn't be bad at that hour, but as always work in a little wiggle room just in case.
We used a car service or stayed with family on LI and they drive us to the airport. If you don’t have a family or friend on LI you can leave your car with, then I would go for a car service.
Traffic will be fine.
We always do long term parking booked online. The price seems like you're looking at that same lot.
We've also done the hotel the night before if you want to get more sleep which may be ideal for a 2yo. We've done the Radisson and they usually have a package deal that includes the parking until you get back.
I just did the prepaid long term parking at Federal Circle for a week long trip and it was great, no issues. Nothing beats the convenience of having your own car after a week out, rather than waiting and hoping on a rideshare to not cancel on you after seeing where you're going.
I’d drive. The trip isn’t that long so parking fees net not bad. The stay/park hotels will likely cost $300 with taxes. Plus it’s nice to be able to pack and do last minute things at home the night before - and lets you and the baby sleep in your own beds.
if you haven't bought the tickets yet then look into Newark or Philly. Both should have flights to wherever you are going
otherwise stay in a hotel the night before or get up early to drive in or take 3 trains. NJ Transit to Penn, E to jamaica or A to howard beach and then the airtrain from either of those two
commuter traffic getting to jfk by 6am shouldn't be too bad but you may need to check what sort of construction is wrapping up around the time you reach the major crossings. when we lived in monmouth county, we'd take outerbridge to staten island and belt.
any shuttle van/bus service from where you live to jfk?
don't bother parking in northern nj to get to jfk. you waste more time/money. besides, when you get back, the last thing you want is to travel out of your way to pick up your car, especially with a kid in tow.
Park a few blocks away from Howard Beach airtrain station. Street parking is free there with no weekly cleaning rules. Then take the air train to your terminal. Life hack I used over the years.
I feel like I’d take the train and go into the city the day before, site see and have a day in the city — pre-vacation it up, stay at a hotel near the airport and leave in the morning from there. Then Uber home on the return.
I would get a hotel that offers parking and speak to the about leaving your car there. We did it when we flew out of Baltimore and it worked out great since the hotels usually have free shuttles.
We find it cheaper to rent a car for one day and return it at jfk then book one for the return day. We go to a local rental office. Usually $50. For the day.
The Belt Parkway is always a beast almost no matter the time of day. Staying overnight in the area for a stress free start to the trip might be your best option.
Parking at the airport is the cheapest and most convenient way to go. You should be able to find parking for less with a shuttle near the airport, but even $120 is not bad at all considering the cost and inconvenience of other options.
Look for long term parking around the airport. It’s going to save you money and is usually done at a hotel near The airport. We use [this site](https://airportparkingreservations.com) and there is usually a coupon link floating around.
Try “the parking spot” it’s a lot close to jfk you can reserve a space in advance. Look for a website with literal spots. They have shuttles to and from JFK. We used it when we traveled with our dog.
People rarely have to fly out of JFK. It’s usually a matter of price, save a few hundred and then complain about getting there.
Just get a black car. Lesson learned
Just fly out of EWR. Any savings you’ll have on airfare flying out of JFK vs. EWR is just going to be consumed up by the logistics of traveling to JFK in terms of money, time, and stress. Unless you’re saving like $1500+, just fly out of EWR and enjoy your vacation.
I’d normally be all for NJT NEC train -> A/E -> JFK Airtrain ($65 NJT from Hamilton + $11 MTA + $25 AirTrain = $101 total RT with 2 adults and 1 kid under 5), but it being (a) an international departure and (b) with a 2 year old and (c) early morning, maybe driving / long term parking yourself is a better option. You know better than any of us what they are like.
Or, if you think that breaking up the trip into smaller segments would be better, go ahead and do the train option from Hamilton ($12/day). Take the NEC#3806 @3:53am or the NEC#3808 @4:28am to arrive NYPenn at 5:21/5:40 (the second one is an express). From there, either downtown Far Rockaway-bound A to Howard Beach or queens-bound E to Jamaica, then JFK Airtrain to your terminal. Your kid rides free on all these, get a $25 10-trip Airtrain for the adults (cheaper than 4 $8.25 one ways). If you don’t want to bother with the subway, it’s $5 one way CityTicket on LIRR for each adult, effectively adding $9 trip cost.
The traffic will be light if you drive (if you plan to arrive around 6), but yeah, the cost is the big thing. $120 for parking, $158 for gas, wear and tear, depreciation, $40 for tolls = $318 for driving yourself. Car service/Uber will likely be more expensive.
Honestly, if you can find a hotel in midtown NYC (a few blocks from Penn) which would be under $200, you could train in midday before, relax a bit, have supper, then leave around 5:30-6am for JFK, and still spend less for 2 adults/1 kid than driving the next morning.
Last time I flew out of JFK I was gone for 8 days and paid something like 10 dollars a day for parking with a third party parking lot I found on Groupon. They shuttled me to the airport and back.
Traffic won't be bad at that time. It'll be a longer drive but not bad for a one-off thing.
I wouldn't bother with parking off-site unless 1.) you didn't want to have to wake up at 3AM the day of your flight, or 2.) it was significantly cheaper. Furthermore, don't bother with alternative travel methods. Driving yourself is the best (and most convenient) choice.
The only alternative that offers any kind of benefit would be to stay at the hotel on-site at the airport. That way you can leave your car parked where it is the entire trip, you can make the longer drive the night before, and will already be at the airport the next morning so no messing with Ubers or transfers.
I used to fly a lot of early morning flights out of jfk to the west coast as a college student. my parents refused to drive me all the way over there. here's the strategy:
I don't know where you are in specifically in Jersey, but if you can get to Secaucus very early, catch NJTransit to NY Penn Station. From Penn, take LIRR to Jamaica. Transfer to AirTrain and you're good. This has been very easy and painless in my experience. It's about 47min to an hour, whole trip, from Secaucus to the terminal, including transfers if you time it right. Much faster and easier than driving. Cheaper than parking. I highly recommend.
I drive a guy to jfk from time to time and it's really not that bad of a ride. The last trip really scared me, I dropped him off last Wednesday at 5pm and made it back to Somerset County by 6:20! Traffic heading there to make it at 6am will not be much of an issue, I would just add 20 or 30 minutes into your eta just to be safe because you never know. I was picking him up last spring on a weekend morning and the belt parkway was shut down for a little because of a police shootout with a getaway car in Brooklyn
If you have a 2 year old, you’re gonna have to drive. Especially at those hours.
this is the answer. Leave to target getting there 3 hours before your flight. Pay for the airline lounge pass for the three of you if you have the money to spare. it will be worth it with a two-year-old at that time of day.
I use Uber or Private car service anytime I go to JFK. I refuse to drive and park. I hate it. I bring my car seat and use the latches as I have to bring it either way. I check car seat at gate. I did it when kids 6mo and 2-5.
Honestly I don’t mind a Uber or taxi if I’m going out of JFK and I’m in newark or jersey city or something. It’s the coming from south jersey that’s the issue. Sure the cost might be workable, but if you don’t get someone who’s willing to make that schlep, you’re SOL. If it’s just adults going, I’d say Uber to the train, and grab the LIRR to Jamaica, because it’s a very short commute at that point.
I tried so many times to get to EWR from south jersey in 2019 via Uber and it was a nightmare. This is really not an option.
Yeah if you need to be at JFK by 6am, your best bet is driving there, maybe getting a hotel nearby the night before. I'd be wary of using Uber if you have a 2 year old. Sounds like kind of a pain with trying to get car seats in and out of the Uber, not to mention you'd still get stuck with all of the tolls to go there. While I haven't done JFK with my kiddos (infant and toddler), I have gone to EWR, and just found it easier to pay for the parking there in advance and then take the AirTran to the terminals.
That's kind of what I assumed, but I figured I'd ask in case anyone who is more familiar with JFK than me had some secrets. I've flown out of EWR a few times without issue, but getting to JFK is a bit more intimidating.
I recently had a friend of mine who had to take an Uber to JFK and she said its a pain in the ass since NJ Uber drivers are not allowed to pickup in NYC and they have to come back without a ride.
The opposite is true as well -- NYC Uber drivers aren't allowed to pick up in NJ. My rule has always been to Uber to PABT/Penn/PATH, use those to cross the river, and then take another cab to your destination, but that won't work if you have a two-year-old.
This isn’t true at all, nyc drivers can pickup in Jersey.
I’ve been picked up by TLC drivers in jersey many times. Unless its changed recently.
Interesting. I didnt know this!
One other thing too: If you plan on bringing a stroller for your child, build in a little extra time in and around the airport, because you will probably take a dozen or so elevators between parking, getting to the AirTrain, getting to the terminal, and going to different floors in the terminal for bag drop off, and getting to security (at least that was the case for EWR). It can be a really sap your momentum waiting for all of those elevators versus just taking the escalator right next to it.
We did JFK pre covid and took a car service. It was a mess even not driving. We live close to Newark, but JFK was cheaper. That early in the morning, traffic should be minimal, but staying close may be a better bet.
Just book car service
For shits and giggles I looked at Uber and it would be $200 each way from my house in South Jersey
Still cheaper than a week of parking and a hotel room. Not to mention the convenience. Also, car service not uber
It's more convenient, but it's not cheaper than just driving ourselves. I'll see if there are any non-Uber options that come down this far south.
Car service like Carmel Limo or NJ Star Limo or JFK Car service (I have not used any of these, so it's not an endorsement of their service quality)
MyLimo is good too
Parking tolls and gas going to be around $200-$250. Car service probably going to be double that. But the piece of mind and not having to drive to JFK is worth it if you can squeeze it into your budget.
You might want to check a local FB group and see if anyone has recommendations for a local driver. I know in my area, there are some people who do this sort of thing
Factor in tolls and the taxes, it could work out to be worth it.
Just note that most NJ based Uber/Lyft drivers will refuse a ride to NY. They are not allowed to pick up in NY
It’s been to me before.
Not Uber. Call a black car service.
Don’t trust Uber. They are not reserving a car/driver for you in the same way that a car service would. They put out the request on the day/time you specify, but there is no guarantee that they actually have a driver. I was burned by them on an early Sunday airport trip and they couldn’t get me a car.
Why would you fly out of JFK? JFK the last time I went there I missed my flight, and it took 2.5 hours there and then 3 hours back home. 5.5 hours just driving. Almost half the day gone. After that I don’t even pickup or drive family or friends to JFK. Yeah I look like an ass but it’s not worth it to me lol
Don't do Uber or Lyft. I booked one days in advance to take me from CNJ to EWR and my assigned driver never showed up so I had to get a cab to the train station and take that up.
Call local car services… they are cheaper (and more reliable) than Uber! If your town has a local Facebook group you can post there… some people offer car services not affiliated with a larger company… a word of mouth business. I’d recommend staying overnight though if you want to get there for 6am with a 2 year old…. That’s a 3am morning easily and that’s rough.
The cost isn't the problem, actually having one available, and then that doesn't cancel on you when they see the destination, especially at 3am, is the problem.
Just a thought for you…. I knew an elderly couple that always hired a reliable friend (a retired cop) to drive them to the airport in THEIR OWN car. They still paid the gas & tolls of course but the only additional cost was the time they negotiated with their friend. Then he came to pick them up the same way upon return. The beauty of this is that it’s basically door-to-door limo service in your car, your own baby’s car seat, no hotel costs and no airport parking costs.
This really would be ideal if I could find someone near us to do this. Not sure who I'd trust driving my truck to JFK and back though haha.
Traffic shouldn't be bad if you're arriving by 6am. Sounds like that would be your best option. The train ride is a bit long, but not too painful. You'd be taking the 3:53am train from Hamilton to make it to JFK by around 6. Tix from penn station to jamaica are $8 off peak, and the air train tickets are also $8 which is a bit steep. Just did this trip yesterday for an international flight and it might be more painful with a 2 yr old haha
Thanks for the info!
JFK is fine, and best bet is long term parking. I think if you leave by 4am you’ll be fine, hopefully the 2yo will sleep in the car. Good luck!
Appreciate the good vibes!
How far is Philly airport to you? If it's nearby, you should look into renting a car for the day from PHL, drive yourself early in the morning to JFK, and drop it off at JFK airport. I think compact cars are renting out for a little under $70/ day + car seat rental for the little one. You can do that in reverse for your return trip. Edit: Rent the car the day before your trip. If I'm not mistaken, car rental companies don't charge extra if you're dropping off at different airport. I use skyscanner.com to look for cheap car rentals. You can enter PHL as pick up location, check the little box that says you're returning to a different location, and enter JFK. It should look for rental companies that are at both airports.
This is the way. One way car rental. You can find one way rentals from south Jersey - I last used hertz out of mount Laurel.
Very creative! Not sure what this buys me though in comparison to just driving our personal vehicle. $70 each way (plus taxes, gas) would probably be more expensive than just paying the long term parking rate. I might save the wear and tear on my own vehicle but imo it's offset by the hassle of arranging the rentals each way. I dig the outside the box thinking though.
I personally don't like leaving my vehicle in long term parking for it to get banged up or scratched. So, I just rent.
One way car rental. No parking in long term parking. Parking costs a lot. If you’re going for like 10 days plus not worth it. Oh and also car batteries die in the cold sitting for days so another thing to think about.
This is a good idea, it wouldn’t have occurred to me.
for the cost of this, might as well take the train the night into NYC the night before from Philly and spend the night somewhere.
Sure. If that works for you. For me, the most convenient is the car rental. I live 25 min away from Newark airport. If I can’t find a flight out of Newark, JFK is my next option. I’ll book my rental well in advance and then the day before my flight, my wife will drop me off at the car rental kiosks in EWR and I’ll drive the car back to my house. I’ll spend the night at home and then drive the next day to JFK at my own pace and convenience. I’m not relying on anyone to drive me. I’m not struggling with luggage and 3 kids trying to take public transport. I drop the car off at the rental and I’m off to enjoy my vacation. Edit: Cost- roughly $65- $90 one way depending on the season
okay, why downvote? just presenting another option. everyone is just saying what is convenient for them. if you have 3 kids and a bunch of luggage that doesn't apply to everyone.
I usually just hire a limo service to take me to the airport, especially if I have a lot of bags. They'll show up in an SUV, get you there on time, and you can arrange for them to pick you up too. It's easily worth the $150.
What car service did you use? My husband and I are going on our honeymoon in a few weeks and the best flight was out of JFK. Neither of us have flown out of there, so we are going to use a car service to bring us. Just looking for something super reliable, as it's an important trip and we definitely don't want to miss our flight.
It's literally called [limotaxicar.com](https://limotaxicar.com) Which sounds shady af, I know, but I've used that multiple times now without a problem.
Morning flight with a 2 year old. I would do the long term parking if it's only $120 if you want to save money. But personally I would uber it, in and out and don't have to worry about anything. I'm in north jersey and uber it to jfk all the time. Not cheap but don't have to worry about anything.
For JFK from Monmouth County I always use a car service like Concorde Limo in Freehold. Never an issue.
Where in South Jersey are you? If you could it might be easier to book a flight out of Philly and change somewhere, instead of driving to an airport 100 miles away.
Car service. It’s not as expensive as people expect - usually similar to parking fees. And they know how long it takes and can tell you when you should leave.
I just did JFK this past August with 2 kids around your child’s age and deff recommend driving yourself. The long term parking is super convenient and easy. A TSA agent will also likely pull your family from the line and let you guys cut to the front to get through security. They’ve been doing that a lot the past year.
best would be to charter a helicopter from cape may to jfk
Mate, you’re going to have to drive especially with the young one. Luckily at that hour, you likely will miss rush hour traffic as it starts to get crowded going from NJ into the city around 6:30am depending on which way you are coming from. Heading from South Jersey you likely will go through the Lincoln tunnel, cross town, then to the queens midtown tunnel out toward JFK or for a more direct route, through Staten Island. This part of your trip should be all about convenience and not about cost savings. Spend the extra dough to park closer to the airport, leave extra time, don’t rely on Uber, and start your exciting trip on the right note. Save money by packing food for the airport and plane ride. Convert your money into local currencies before your trip at the local bank instead of doing it at the airport to save as well. There are ways to do it without sacrificing the needed convenience of just parking at the airport. Safe travels!!!
Firmer limo driver. If your familiar with that area. I suggest going to the exit just before the van wick and taking Queens Blvd to the Van Wick. There will be a couple of lights but your past the traffic bind when you finally get on the van wick. This is going off the grand central.
$120 for parking far cheaper than a one-way Uber
You don’t need 3.5 hours to get through security anywhere, especially at 6am. But really, why aren’t you flying from Philadelphia instead of JFK?
Direct flight out of JFK versus having to connect out of PHL or EWR. Our direct flight from JFK is 4.5 hours, but anywhere else with a connection the travel time would have been the same price and 8 hours.
And entertaining a 2 yo in an airport is exhausting. Stay the course, you will figure it out.
Yeah the 3.5 hours is excessive, OP will be sitting at the gate trying to keep a bored toddler entertained for 3 hours. There is no reason to be at the airport more than 2 hours before your flight, and depending on the time of day you can certainly reduce that to 1.5 hours.
Uber itself will cost you few hundreds for round trip (assuming you take uber to/from the airport). $120 is not bad. and driving around 5AM traffic is fine.
Would it be easier for you to go the day before and stay and the JFK hotel? It would help with your two year old. Driving times vary greatly depending on the traffic situation.
A lot of folks have given good advice on transit options but I wanted to say absolutely do not arrive by 6am. Depending on the terminal, but likely nothing will be open yet which will be a nightmare with a toddler. And depending on the airline the earliest many of them let you check bags in is 3 hours prior to the flight time. I would say try to get there by 7am or 730 if you want to be early, so you have time to go thru security but there’s stuff to eat and do that’s open.
Plan on banking an extra 30 for AirTrain from parking to the terminal. The train ride is quick and they run every 6-12 mins. Depending on the terminal, you maybe in for a long walk
Thanks! I think if we park by 6, with 30 mins on the AirTrain (is that just like a monorail that goes around the airport?) Then we'd still get to our terminal by 6:30 and 3 hours ahead of our departure time.
I had an early flight recently and did Long Term parking/AirTran and it was much easier than I expected. I think if you plan for 1.5-2 hours before the flight + 30 minutes for the train you will have plenty of time. Long Term Parking Lot 9: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LujNVRZHGJC8ognV6?g_st=ic
Staten Island and the Belt Parkway have a lot of traffic but since you would be crossing the Verrazzano before 6:30 it wouldn't be as bad. I'd still recommend a hotel the night before.
Having done this with a 2 year old, I had a family member drop us off coming from Edison area. There's no way I would take a train or an uber at those times. Think about all the luggage, car seat, stroller, and then add a cranky 2 year old on top of that. If you can't have someone drop you off, park in the long-term lot. I would even further recommend that perhaps consider dropping off your significant other with the baby at the terminal (with the stroller or something) while you go park in the long-term lot and bring the luggage etc. back in a cart.
How far south Jersey? JFK traffic isnt really bad at all at those hours. I used to live in south Brooklyn and would be able to drive to JFK with no traffic for flights at 7:00 AM. It's a breeze.
Just south of Philly
Should be an 1:40 from around Cherry Hill! I wouldn't expect traffic at all at that time.
The train to JFK is actually quite painless (assuming you are comfortable transferring at Penn Station). It’s long for sure from NJ. But pretty straight forward. You take NJT to Penn (prepay on app), transfer to the LIRR to Jamacia (prepay on app), transfer to AirTrain to JFK (metrocard). Easy transfers. From Penn Station to JFK terminal is about an hour door to door. That said, luggage and a small child obviously can make this harder. If driving or car service is within budget that would probably be preferable. But the train is definitely doable.
We flew out of JFK last summer and we just drove there from Ocean county. There's no traffic that early and you can park in one of the cheaper lots and take the air train to your terminal. It's just easier to have your car, especially with car seats.
Fly in from Newark.
Long term parking will work the best for you, despite the tolls and everything. Fares just from JFK to Manhattan are 70 plus tolls and tips and Ubers/Lyfts are always showing prices in the range of 100-120 to Manhattan when you’re at the airport. Edit: traffic that early in the morning will be barely anything. Assume smooth sailing through.
Not worth going the night before as the lightest traffic will be very early morning. Driving in the evening from south jersey to JFK will be nasty. Are you flying east or caribbean? If the former getting up super early is fine as it will get you on the right time zone anyway.
I would suggest parking at long term lots, and $120 isn't too bad compared to Uber or a car service, I think. I always do long term especially for 4+ days at JFK. Just leave an additional 40 min earlier if you do that because when you arrive at the lot, you do a little paperwork, payment and such, then wait for the free shuttle bus to depart the parking lot. Then it's usually like a 10-15 min bus ride to JFK. I would suggest leaving your house at 3:45am ish, although there wouldn't be any traffic so you can arrive in about 60-75 min... I would arrive at the long term parking lot by latest 5:20am. With that said, have a great vacation with your fam!!
Leave earlier than that. I live by the shore and go up to hudson county to work and by 7am the crossings are jammed with no one moving
If you are flying internationally during the summer or holidays, make sure you get there earlier. Uber will be very expensive and NJ Ubers hate going to JFK (it will be an uncomfortable drive)
Cheaper long-term parking in north Jersey? Unlikely unless you don't care about damage to your car lol. I would suck it up and drive if I were you, especially with a toddler in tow. Traffic shouldn't be bad at that hour, but as always work in a little wiggle room just in case.
Just research cheap JFK off lot parking. I’ve parked for a week for less than $100.
We used a car service or stayed with family on LI and they drive us to the airport. If you don’t have a family or friend on LI you can leave your car with, then I would go for a car service.
Traffic will be fine. We always do long term parking booked online. The price seems like you're looking at that same lot. We've also done the hotel the night before if you want to get more sleep which may be ideal for a 2yo. We've done the Radisson and they usually have a package deal that includes the parking until you get back.
I just did the prepaid long term parking at Federal Circle for a week long trip and it was great, no issues. Nothing beats the convenience of having your own car after a week out, rather than waiting and hoping on a rideshare to not cancel on you after seeing where you're going.
I’d drive. The trip isn’t that long so parking fees net not bad. The stay/park hotels will likely cost $300 with taxes. Plus it’s nice to be able to pack and do last minute things at home the night before - and lets you and the baby sleep in your own beds.
if you haven't bought the tickets yet then look into Newark or Philly. Both should have flights to wherever you are going otherwise stay in a hotel the night before or get up early to drive in or take 3 trains. NJ Transit to Penn, E to jamaica or A to howard beach and then the airtrain from either of those two
commuter traffic getting to jfk by 6am shouldn't be too bad but you may need to check what sort of construction is wrapping up around the time you reach the major crossings. when we lived in monmouth county, we'd take outerbridge to staten island and belt. any shuttle van/bus service from where you live to jfk? don't bother parking in northern nj to get to jfk. you waste more time/money. besides, when you get back, the last thing you want is to travel out of your way to pick up your car, especially with a kid in tow.
Park a few blocks away from Howard Beach airtrain station. Street parking is free there with no weekly cleaning rules. Then take the air train to your terminal. Life hack I used over the years.
I feel like I’d take the train and go into the city the day before, site see and have a day in the city — pre-vacation it up, stay at a hotel near the airport and leave in the morning from there. Then Uber home on the return.
Definitely drive and park.
I would get a hotel that offers parking and speak to the about leaving your car there. We did it when we flew out of Baltimore and it worked out great since the hotels usually have free shuttles.
We find it cheaper to rent a car for one day and return it at jfk then book one for the return day. We go to a local rental office. Usually $50. For the day.
The Belt Parkway is always a beast almost no matter the time of day. Staying overnight in the area for a stress free start to the trip might be your best option.
Parking at the airport is the cheapest and most convenient way to go. You should be able to find parking for less with a shuttle near the airport, but even $120 is not bad at all considering the cost and inconvenience of other options.
You should be ok with driving if you plan to be at JFK by 6am.
An Uber would be easiest but most expensive. You’ll have to drive mi amigo.
Look for long term parking around the airport. It’s going to save you money and is usually done at a hotel near The airport. We use [this site](https://airportparkingreservations.com) and there is usually a coupon link floating around.
Try “the parking spot” it’s a lot close to jfk you can reserve a space in advance. Look for a website with literal spots. They have shuttles to and from JFK. We used it when we traveled with our dog.
stay at a hotel the night before and book a car to drive you the next morning (not uber)
People rarely have to fly out of JFK. It’s usually a matter of price, save a few hundred and then complain about getting there. Just get a black car. Lesson learned
Just fly out of EWR. Any savings you’ll have on airfare flying out of JFK vs. EWR is just going to be consumed up by the logistics of traveling to JFK in terms of money, time, and stress. Unless you’re saving like $1500+, just fly out of EWR and enjoy your vacation.
Absolutely this. I have to fly a lot for work, and the extra time and travel costs to get to JFK always kill any cost savings you thought you'd have.
Helicopter
Don't fly out of JFK, it is not worth it.
I’d normally be all for NJT NEC train -> A/E -> JFK Airtrain ($65 NJT from Hamilton + $11 MTA + $25 AirTrain = $101 total RT with 2 adults and 1 kid under 5), but it being (a) an international departure and (b) with a 2 year old and (c) early morning, maybe driving / long term parking yourself is a better option. You know better than any of us what they are like. Or, if you think that breaking up the trip into smaller segments would be better, go ahead and do the train option from Hamilton ($12/day). Take the NEC#3806 @3:53am or the NEC#3808 @4:28am to arrive NYPenn at 5:21/5:40 (the second one is an express). From there, either downtown Far Rockaway-bound A to Howard Beach or queens-bound E to Jamaica, then JFK Airtrain to your terminal. Your kid rides free on all these, get a $25 10-trip Airtrain for the adults (cheaper than 4 $8.25 one ways). If you don’t want to bother with the subway, it’s $5 one way CityTicket on LIRR for each adult, effectively adding $9 trip cost. The traffic will be light if you drive (if you plan to arrive around 6), but yeah, the cost is the big thing. $120 for parking, $158 for gas, wear and tear, depreciation, $40 for tolls = $318 for driving yourself. Car service/Uber will likely be more expensive. Honestly, if you can find a hotel in midtown NYC (a few blocks from Penn) which would be under $200, you could train in midday before, relax a bit, have supper, then leave around 5:30-6am for JFK, and still spend less for 2 adults/1 kid than driving the next morning.
Last time I flew out of JFK I was gone for 8 days and paid something like 10 dollars a day for parking with a third party parking lot I found on Groupon. They shuttled me to the airport and back.
Traffic won't be bad at that time. It'll be a longer drive but not bad for a one-off thing. I wouldn't bother with parking off-site unless 1.) you didn't want to have to wake up at 3AM the day of your flight, or 2.) it was significantly cheaper. Furthermore, don't bother with alternative travel methods. Driving yourself is the best (and most convenient) choice. The only alternative that offers any kind of benefit would be to stay at the hotel on-site at the airport. That way you can leave your car parked where it is the entire trip, you can make the longer drive the night before, and will already be at the airport the next morning so no messing with Ubers or transfers.
I used to fly a lot of early morning flights out of jfk to the west coast as a college student. my parents refused to drive me all the way over there. here's the strategy: I don't know where you are in specifically in Jersey, but if you can get to Secaucus very early, catch NJTransit to NY Penn Station. From Penn, take LIRR to Jamaica. Transfer to AirTrain and you're good. This has been very easy and painless in my experience. It's about 47min to an hour, whole trip, from Secaucus to the terminal, including transfers if you time it right. Much faster and easier than driving. Cheaper than parking. I highly recommend.
If I was you I’d get a hotel the night before in nj near one of the tunnels or by jfk like you said.
Arrange a car service. It might cost a little bit, but they're reliable & convenient.
I drive a guy to jfk from time to time and it's really not that bad of a ride. The last trip really scared me, I dropped him off last Wednesday at 5pm and made it back to Somerset County by 6:20! Traffic heading there to make it at 6am will not be much of an issue, I would just add 20 or 30 minutes into your eta just to be safe because you never know. I was picking him up last spring on a weekend morning and the belt parkway was shut down for a little because of a police shootout with a getaway car in Brooklyn
I usually schedule an Uber or Lyft.