Originally Posted by
OpsCheckOK
Can anyone shed light on what the NJ to JFK commute would be like? It takes me about 40 minutes to EWR on I78 and I know that JFK could only be 1.5 hrs in good conditions. I’m just wondering if anyone can tell me how long it took for it to get “old.” Granted, it would probably only have to be done a few times per week max with the 2hr callout from the closest NYC airport.
I currently leave 2 hours for my PHL commute gone/parking/shuttle/gate for a ULCC. Just making my list of pros and cons. (Yes, one pro will be “it’s not a ULCC.”)
Hello! I live near Trenton, NJ and have been a NYC commuter for 5 years.
JFK Best Time: 1h15m, that's at 1am with no one on the road and I'm blasting 70-80mph.
JFK Worst Time: 3h, that's with rush hour + multiple accidents + detours. This maybe happens once a year.
LGA Best Time: 1h20m, again with no one on the roads.
LGA Worst Time: 2h45m, forced to go through Manhattan at Rush Hour
Route Notes:
- If you are going to JFK, there is really only one way and that is the Verrazano to the Belt Parkway. If both are clogged, you're gonna have a bad time. Avoid End Times between 3pm and 6pm. Avoid driving East towards the Verrazano at sunrise, and avoid driving West away from the Verrazano at sunset.
- If you are going to LGA, you're in luck as there are multiple routes to the airport.
- LGA route #1 is to take the Turnpike or I-80 to the George Washington Bridge. I hate this route as the GW approach can clog up and you are forced to pay for another bridge right after it (Tri-Borough). Your GPS will routinely tell you this is the fastest way (and it's probably correct). Use if you're really in a hurry.
- LGA route #2 is to go to the Verrazano then the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. I enjoy this way because it is a straight shot to LGA once you're past the worst area (where it passes close to the Brooklyn Bridge).
- LGA route #3 is to go through Manhattan. This should ONLY be used either as a last resort when both the GW and Verrazano are clogged, OR when it is late at night. Coming from LGA, it is also possible to completely go through Manhattan without paying tolls (Williamsburg Bridge to Holland Tunnel). This is not possible in the opposite direction. Use only past 10PM or before 5AM.
I will never be over it. I drive for Doordash and Lyft, and love cars in general. NYC highways and bridges have only gotten better in the last 5 years. I used to take a train to JFK, but realized it was 3 hours and twice the cost of driving. Embrace your inner New Yorker and be prepared for Mario Kart-style defensive driving.
