JFK International Airport AirTrain

Here is how you can get there( all these means of transportation are safe):
1. By public transportation:
Take Airtrain from any terminal on track 1 to Jamaica Station( be careful - on that track there are two alternating trains going to different routes; check the sign above the doors as the train arrives; the red colored sign is Jamaica one). Then take subway line E to 42nd street stop (cost-$7.25). You children will pay full prise.
2. By Taxi:
Yellow cab (from JFK to any point to Manhattan) costs flat rate of $45 + bridge toll($5.50). The price is for the whole taxi, not per passenger.
3. Bus/Shuttle:
There is a bus called NYAS(New York Airport Service)that leaves any terminal every 20 min and goes express to Times Square. It costs $15/passenger. Children under 12 years old are free if accompanied by a full fare adult. Limit one free child per full fare adult.

JFK_E

It takes between 10min to 20 min to get to Jamaica station.
Yes, probably this is the best way to get there(excluding a taxi from JFK to your hotel, but it will be pricey).
You will be able to get a cab Westbury station to your hotel.
JFK_E

Here is how you can get there:
1. By public transportation:
Take Airtrain from any terminal on track 1 to Jamaica Station( be careful - on that track there are two alternating trains going to different routes; check the sign above the doors as the train arrives; the red colored sign is Jamaica one). Then take subway line E to 23rd street stop (cost-$7.25).
Walk south on 8th ave 3 blocks and make right on w20 street. The address is block away - between 9th and 10th Ave .
2. By Taxi:
Yellow cab (from JFK to any point to Manhattan) costs flat rate of $45 + bridge toll($5.50). The price is for the whole taxi, not per passenger.
3. Shuttle:
There is shuttle(look for it at Ground transportation counter or Welcome Center) that goes to any point in Manhattan for $18.50-$25 per person.
JFK_E

The yellow cab will cost you flat fare of $50.50 in either direction. There is no traffic jam early(before 5am) in the morning.
For you to catch your early flight you have to leave the hostel 3am if you planning to take subway - something that will not suggest you to do.
There is door-to-door shuttle that will take you from JFK to your hostel and then back. Reserve it at Ground transportation(Welcome Center) counter in Terminal 7. It costs $18.50.
On your way back you have to arrange the shuttle at least 24 hours in advance( and they will pick you up in front of the hostel). Here are the details:
-Air Link - http://www.goairlinkshuttle.com/;
By phone: 6am to 10:30pm
212 812-9000
Toll Free: 6am to 10:30pm
877 599-8200
- Super Shuttle - http://www.supershuttle.com/;
(800) BLUE-VAN (800-258-3826)

Here is how you can get from JFK to your hostel by public transportation:
Take Airtrain from any terminal on track 1 to Howard Beach Station( be careful - on that track there are two alternating trains going to different routes; check the sign above the doors as the train arrives; the green colored sign is Howard Beach one). Then take subway line A to 59th street/Columbus Circle stop and there transfer to subway line B or C going uptown. Get off at 103rd street stop . Total fare:$7.25 per passenger;Travel time ~1:30 min.
After you exit the subway walk three blocks north on Central Park West street and make left on 106th street - the hostel is a half a block away.
JFK_E

1. By train:
Take Airtrain from any terminal on track 1 to Jamaica Station( be careful - on that track there are two alternating trains going to different routes; check the sign above the doors as the train arrives; the red colored sign is Jamaica one). Then take subway line E(or LIRR) to Penn Station, where you take NJ Transit Rail(or Amtrak) to Newark Airport Railroad Station. There you take Newark Airtrain to Newark Liberty Airport.Cost~$15-$25; travel time 1.5-2 hours.
2. By shuttle:
It is called State Shuttle, it costs $30/passenger and you can book it at Ground Transportation(Welcome Center) counter. The shuttle leaves JFK every hour.1.5 hrs travel time;
3. By bus:
NYAS express bus from JFK to PA bus terminal, and then bus to Newark Airport; fare ~$22; time - 1.5 hrs.
JFK_E

Take Airtrain from any terminal on track 1 to Jamaica Station( be careful - on that track there are two alternating trains going two different routes; check the sign above the doors as the train arrives; the red colored sign is Jamaica one). Then either:
-take subway line E to Penn Station(total fare - $7.25;~1 hour) or
-take LIRR train to Penn Station(faster;total fare ~ $12, less on the weekends; 35-45 min.)
JFK_E

Hi Walter,
On a train from Baltimore you will end up at Penn Station in Manhattan. From then you can take :
-either LIRR train to Jamaica station and then Airtrain to JFK Terminals ;
-or subway E(direction Jamaica,Queens) to Sutphin Blvd and then Airtrain to JFK Terminals ;
The first option is faster(almost 30 min faster), the second one is cheaper($7.25 versus ~$12).
JFK_E