Transportation Suggestions From JFK to Connecticut
An Overview
Getting from JFK (New York's main airport) to Connecticut can be a challenge. The information below is intended to help you determine what alternatives you have to choose from. You will want to consider convenience, schedules, comfort, connections along with price. The information provided here can become out of date quickly, so always check the web links for up to date pricing and schedules. ICF cannot provide pick-up service, but if you do have questions you may e-mail us prior to your departure and we will try to help.
Air transportation between JFK and Bradley Airport (Hartford) is available, but has not been included because it is usually too expensive. Renting a car is also an option, but has not been included because students are unlikely to have a U.S. license and it requires returning the vehicle to an off-campus location.
Your first challenge is to get out of JFK. There are three choices that most students will want to consider.
A limousine service is available that will take you from JFK to Bradley Airport in Hartford. The price is $80. Getting from Bradley to UConn by mass transit is difficult. Go to our web page Bradley Airport Travel for details about traveling from Bradley to UConn. Bradley is about 40 minutes away from UConn by car.
A second means of transportation out of JFK is by bus to Grand Central Station in downtown New York City. The price is $15. Grand Central is a train station where you can get a train (Metro North) to New Haven, CT. The price from Grand Central to New Haven is between $19 and $24 depending upon the time of day. New Haven is still 75 minutes by car from UConn, so having someone meet you here is still difficult.
A third way out of JFK is by what is called AirTrain. This is a short train ride to a subway station (Jamaica station). The subway will connect you to one of three major transportation facilities in New York City (NYC). The cost of AirTrain is $5. From Jamaica station you will connect to Grand Central Station (train station), Penn Station (train station) or New York Port Authority (bus terminal). The subway cost is $2.
University of Connecticut (UConn) students now have another option out of New York City
Recently Lucky Star Bus Company added a stop in Vernon, CT on its New York City to Boston, Massachusetts bus route. Vernon, CT is not far from UConn, just about 20 minutes away. The bus stop is at Burger King Restaurant at Exit 67 of I84. This is very easy for UConn students to find. Of course you will need to arrange for transportation from the bus stop to campus, but if you know someone with a car, they will find the location much easier than Bradley Airport or Hartford.
The price one way from New York City to Vernon is $15. The trip from NYC to Vernon takes about 2.5 hours.
Directions to the Lucky Star terminal: Take the B or D train and get off at the Grand Street.station. When you get out of the station you will see Chrystie Street. The terminal is located at 55-59 Chrystie Street, New York City next to the Comfort Inn. Chrystie Street is in the Chinatown section of NYC.
This MapQuest link (Bus Terminal) will show Chrystie Street on a map.
The best transportation from JFK to Lucky Star will be added at a later date.
What to do from Grand Central, Penn Station or New York Port Authority
From Grand Central you only have one choice and that is a commuter train called Metro North. This train is not your best option, but it does run more regularly than does Amtrak out of Penn Central. The train you should take will only get you to New Haven, CT where you will have to have someone meet you. If this isn't possible, then use another option. The cost to New Haven is $19 to $24. You will find the seats made of hard plastic, similar to a subway seat.
From Penn Station take a train (Amtrak) to Hartford. Hartford is about 35 to 40 minutes from UConn. If you use this option, you should arrange for someone to meet you in Hartford to take you to UConn. The cost of Amtrak from Penn Station to Hartford is between $39 and $52 depending upon the time of day. The seats are reasonably comfortable and the trip and the trip will take between 2 3/4 and 3 hours.
From New York Port Authority take a bus either to Hartford ($25) or Storrs ($30). Storrs is the location of UConn. While taking the bus directly to Storrs is the best option, the schedule is limited to twice daily during mid-week. The bus trip to Hartford is between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. The bus trip to Storrs is about 4 hours.
Links to check schedules, prices, maps and other information