Air Travel
When it comes to choosing an airport to fly out of, the options are wide open for Park Slope residents. The neighborhood is located at the epicenter of the NYC airport system, and any of the three major airports can be reached without too much difficulty.
Jump to...John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
By Car
Unfortunately there are no direct highway routes from Park Slope to JFK. Google Maps recommends taking the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) to the Van Wyck Expressway, but also points out the 32 minute trip may take up to an hour and a half in traffic. Atlantic Avenue is a popular alternative, and although it is a more local road it is a more direct route and allows you to change course in case of heavy traffic.
- Google Maps: Directions from Park Slope to JFK via the BQE and Van Wyck
- Google Maps: Directions from Park Slope to JFK via Atlantic Avenue
Time: 30-45 minutes
By Taxi/Car Service
The neighborhood car services will usually take you there via Atlantic Avenue, while the taxis prefer the BQE. This is likely a result of the taxi drivers' general unfamiliarity with Brooklyn and their hatred of the stop lights on Atlantic.
Time: 30-45 minutes
Cost: $40-$50 + tip
By Subway & AirTrain
For those who are more willing to spend time than money, JFK can be reached via subway and AirTrain. The AirTrain is a special rail line that connects JFK to various public transportation hubs. The AirTrain costs only $5 and is paid for with a Pay-Per-Ride Metro card (Unlimited-Ride cards not accepted).
Please Note: The lengthy travel time requires that you plan ahead and leave well before your takeoff time. Also keep in mind that you will have to transfer subways and may have to scale stairs, which can be significantly complicated by luggage.
Time: 1:30-1:45
Cost: $7 ($2 Subway + $5 AirTrain)
By LIRR & AirTrain
The AirTrain can also be accessed at the Jamaica station on the Long Island Rail Road. Trains regulary run from the Atlantic Avenue station to Jamaica, but you would probably want to check the schedules first to avoid a long wait.
Time: 45-60 minutes
Cost: $10-$12 ($5/$7 LIRR + $5 AirTrain)
LaGuardia International Airport (LGA)
By Car
Although LaGuardia seems far away, nestled in the north of Queens, its excellent highway access makes it just as accessible as JFK. The best way to get to there is via the BQE, and its probably the only route worth considering.
Time: 30-45 minutes
By Taxi/Car Service
Both taxi's and neighborhood car services will take you via the BQE, and it's usually pretty smooth sailing.
Time: 30-45 minutes
Cost: $40-$50 + tip
By Subway & Bus
Although there are still mass-transit options to LaGuardia, the infrastructure falls short of JFK and its AirTrain. Your best bet is taking the subway to M60 bus, which runs to all LGA terminals.
Please Note: The lengthy travel time requires that you plan ahead and leave well before your takeoff time. Also keep in mind that you will have to transfer subways and may have to scale stairs, which can be significantly complicated by luggage.
Time: 1:30-1:45
Cost: $2 (free bus transfer)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
By Car
Although it's not in New York, Newark is also suprisingly accessable from Park Slope. Google Maps recommends taking the BQE/278 to the New Yersey Turnpike, but if you want to avoid tolls try taking the Manhattan Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and US Route 1.
- Google Maps: Directions from Park Slope to EWK via the BQE
- Google Maps: Directions from Park Slope to EWK via the Manhattan Bridge
Time: 45-60 minutes
By Taxi / Car Service
Taxis and neighborhood car services usually avoid the NJ Turnpike because of the tolls, and instead most opt to take the Manhattan Bridge route.
Time: 45-60 minutes
Cost: $50-60 + tip
By Subway & AirTrain
The Newark AirTrain offers an alternative to automotive routes, and can be accessed from a various locations. The best one for us Park Sloper's is taking the subway to NY Penn Station and taking a train from there to the Newark AirTrain station. The cost of the AirTrain ticket is included in the NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket puchased at Penn Station, but can be purchased seperately for $5.50 at the Newark AirTrain station.
Please Note: The lengthy travel time requires that you plan ahead and leave well before your takeoff time. Also keep in mind that you will have to transfer subways and may have to scale stairs, which can be significantly complicated by luggage.
Time: 1:45-2:00
Cost: $17-$40 ($2 Subway + $15 NJ Transit or ~$38 Amtrak)