< Introducing New York City
Getting to New York
Passengers arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport
A major gateway to the US for much of the world, New York receives more than 48 million visitors a year. The city terminals can be crowded, but you will receive an efficient and friendly welcome whether arriving by air, sea, or overland. Knowing what to expect on arrival will make entry smoother, so read up on essential requirements and be ready with the necessary credentials when needed, including those for children.
US entry requirements
Citizens of 37 nations, including most European countries, do not need a visa to enter the US, but must submit the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form in advance. The Transportation Security Administration is the best source of information on security regulations.
Before landing, overseas visitor s need to fill in a Customs and Border Protection Agency form, with their passport details, flight number, an address in the US and the value of any gifts being brought in. Visitors can carry $200 in gifts without paying tax. Photos and fingerprints of non-residents over 14 years and under 79 years are taken as a security measure.
Arriving by air
John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Newark Liberty International (EWR), in New Jersey, are New York’s two main international airports. Both handle some domestic flights as well. The third major airport, LaGuardia (LGA), serves mainly domestic flights. Most major airlines, including British Airways, Continental, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and United Airlines, offer regular services to New York City. Rates are usually lower mid-week and lowest in the off-season (Nov–Mar), except for holiday periods.
Compare airline rates on websites such as
www.kayak.com,
www.expedia.com, or
www.orbitz.com. Travelers from smaller European cities may be able to save by flying first to London, where several airlines compete for passengers to the US. The non-stop flight from London to New York takes about 7–8 hours. Visitors from Australia and New Zealand have no non-stop options, but must land in Los Angeles for refueling. The flight to Los Angeles is 14 hours; with lay-over, the total trip is over 21 hours.
Airport transfers
The New York Airport Service operates buses between Manhattan and JFK ($15, $27 round trip per person) or LGA ($12, $21 round trip per person). Olympia Trails Airport Express runs express buses between Newark Airport and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal ($16, $28 round trip per person). Taxis are available near each drop-off point. Door-to-door shared minibus service between all airports and Manhattan is provided by Super Shuttle or Air Link for about $20 per person, but these take longer. Taxis to Midtown are available from the airports, as are private limo services such as Carmel or Allstate. Ask for a van if you are carrying strollers or heavy baggage.
The AirTrain is inexpensive, but difficult to manage with luggage. From JFK, it means a train ride from the airport to Howard Beach or Jamaica Station, from where subways A, E, J and Z go into Manhattan.
Arriving by sea
Cunard has many sailings from England to the US, while Regent, Princess, Carnival, MSC, NCL, Crystal and Oceania are among those cruising to and from Canada or Mexico. For cruise deals, check
www.cruisecritic.com or
www.cruises.com. Most cruise ships land at the main
Manhattan Cruise Terminal or the growing secondary
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.
Cruise ship on Upper Bay, with the Statue of Liberty in the distant background
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
Red Hook Terminal Pier #12; 7182462794
Manhattan Cruise Terminal
Twelfth Ave & West 55th St; 2122465450
Arriving by rail
Amtrak is the national rail system. Trains arrive at Penn Station, which can be crowded. Commuter trains from upstate and Connecticut arrive at Grand Central Terminal, a much more manageable station. Book in advance online with Amtrak and check for weekly specials.
Checking train schedules around the four-faced opal clock at Grand Central Terminal
Penn Station
33rd St, between Seventh Ave & Eighth Ave; 2126306401
Arriving by coach
Greyhound is the largest intercity US bus line, with economical services, across the country. Its newer buses are comfortable. Purchase tickets in advance online and receive them via email. In New York, all long-distance buses are headquartered at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where taxis are usually available. The bargain bus lines such as Bolt or Megabus from Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington, DC, usually arrive near Penn Station.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
Eighth Ave at 42nd St;
2125648484;
www.panynj.gov