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9 am subways aren’t scary - people are traveling around for work. I’m a man so I can’t say anything with confidence on how you would feel but I think it’s pretty safe!
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Ah thanks for the insight! I was thinking that a part of the increase in crimes were bc office workers aren’t returning to the office as much, so the crazies feel even more confident to act out. But that’s good to know there are reg people traveling for work!
I’m 5’4 and 100 pounds and I’ve taken the J to/from JFK three times this year, as early as 7am and as late as 9pm. I had no issues! If I get on a car with people who make me feel nervous, I move to a different car at the next stop. The news on the subway is tragic and it means that I don’t ride it mindlessly or distracted/not paying attention, but I do still ride it. I understand not wanting to, but keep in mind the travel time by car is less consistent than by subway. I think that time of day in that direction will be fine though :)
This (is written by a New Yorker - bain). That said, all this should be standard operating procedure for any trip anywhere in NYC.
You can also call/find a local cab stand in your area (the cabs we took before Ubers existed) for half the cost and still be comfortable. Call 20mins to give them time to arrive. The subway can be a lot no matter what time of day. Go to google put in your zip code and cabs. It will give you a list and you can get price points.
While there's definitely been an increase in folks with mental illness on the subway, I feel like most of the incidents are actually on the platform so I don't think riding it for that long will be a problem. When it was summer I was taking it into deep Brooklyn on weekdays. I would personally still take the train.
- woman
M here but I would say go with the subway. JFK traffic at any time of day is always a gamble, so taking the subway at least you know how long it would generally be (yes, subways can have some delays but a subway train isn't going to be sitting for an hour in bumper-to-bumper traffic). Plus you can see what the cost difference is (and does your Uber quote include a tip?)
In terms of the safety angle which is probably the bigger concern of yours, if I try to consider any risks of the subway vs. of taking Uber, I don't think the subway is really that much riskier -- lots can go wrong in an Uber too. I would be hesitant to view "crazy" and "unsafe" as the same thing though
Of course it might be that none of this makes you feel any safer, and that I understand too
Also traveling light helps a lot -- I see in another comment here you're traveling with just a backpack. I often do the same. But a backpack or a suitcase or too -- as long as you haven't packed more then you can handle and as long as you are reasonably physically fit -- people handle luggage on the subway all the time, with little difficulty and it's pretty normal.
Your safety is paramount so please take an Uber.
I take an Uber to JFK as a matter of safety and convenience
Alternative middle option that might feel safer - take the LIRR to Jamaica/AirTrain connection. It’ll probably take a little longer than the J and will be somewhat more expensive, but nowhere near the price of the Uber.
FWIW I take the subway all the time during working hours alone, but never have a reason to be on the J train so can’t speak to that line specifically.
First world problems
Subway. I’ve taken this route before and it’s really smooth. Also a 25 yo woman
How far are you from closest LIRR? Maybe Uber to LIRR and the hop on the air train to Jamaica to cut costs
If you could afford it, just Uber
You can also take the LIRR (from Penn) to Kew Gardens and catch the q10 bus there to JFK. Just an option. I live in Kew and that’s what I do. It’s prob not the most direct from the city, but this would be about $13 total.
Factor in the increased cost of transportation and call it a day. Your safety and peace of mind comes first…Always!
The subway at 9am is fine. But I still Uber to the airport because I am lazy :)
I took the train to jfk and there weren't any issues. There are people on weekends. It's nyc
How long is this subway ride? There’s no guarantee that you will be safe at anytime tbh, but if it was me I would take the subway to the air tran because it is during the day and most likely will have other riders on it. If I was 9 at night or before 7 in the morning I would be more nervous. I understand about wanting to cut costs, I would do the same if it was easier for me to get to the airport with public transportation
I don't think it'd be scary at 9am but I'm also a man. I will say though that the ride takes the same time as a car basically or sometimes faster if you were to get heavy traffic. Also if you opt for a car, take a taxi, it'll cost a bit less than uber. They have taxis right at the exit door from JFK and they do a fixed price to manhattan. Sometimes they'll add in a toll or some taxes but should still come out cheaper than uber
Yellow cab has a flat rate of $52 to/from JFK and Manhattan. You can also try booking a car service ahead of time. I’ve seen some less expensive options.
Pro
With tips and tolls realistically this is also $70+
Train is fine - especially in daylight
Instead of subway, I take LIIR from Pen Station to Jamaica station (where air train is), gets there in 19-22 min and costs a few more dollars than subway.
My preference is Blade Helicopter, you will get there in 5 min, then another few min for the Suburban to bring you to the terminal. Pre pandemic they had promos for $99 which isn’t that much more than taxi (I think regular price $199).
Chief
Took the train at 1am last night. It was fine.
Take taxi, if you want to save a bit either the yellow cab or maybe local taxi business near you. One charged me $45 for JFK.