Don't Get SCAMMED when Arriving in NYC (Airport Mistakes to Avoid!) 

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I absolutely hate it when tourists get scammed, like the scam artists who stand in or near Battery Park and sell fake Statue of Liberty tickets to unsuspecting tourists.

Wow! The Port Authority waiving the $8.25 AirTrain fare on a regular basis and then reinstating it 5 minutes later seems like the biggest scam to me. Just shows you how inefficient they are and it isn't fair to their paying customers.

Tip $15-20 a Uber? That's crazy, it doesnt happen anywhere else in the world. Maybe $5 for exceptional service.

That purple bus seen in the background at 0:27, my company actually handles those buses. My current job consists of driving those same buses around the Terminals, usually 1,4 and 8. I say this because I can't stress just how much toursts get scammed by those fake taxi drivers. I've heard stories of these fake taxi drivers lying to tourists and intentionally dropping them off at the wrong place for a high price. One driver dropped some tourists at Federal Circle (5 minutes away from the Terminals), told them it was Manhattan (their intended destination), and actually charged them $100. Another driver charged some tourists $70 to "cross the bridge into Queens", even though both JFK and LGA are in Queens so you don't have to cross any bridges if Queens is your destination. If you're a tourist coming to NY, I'd recommend either getting in a yellow cab or taking an Uber. When you're getting into the car of these fake taxi drivers, you're essentially getting into a random strangers car. They could be the next Ted Bundy and you wouldn't know. Even then, I've also heard of Ubers and actual taxi drivers dropping people off at the wrong terminal and telling them that they're at the right terminal (even though they're clearly not in the right place). Be vigilant in NY, or any city for that matter

Hi, great video as always! Just wanted to share a tip for the SUPER BUDGET travellers out there. I'm actually surprised it wasn't included in the video. I also didn't see it in the comments yet. 1) Take the free AirTrain ride from any JFK terminal to the Lefferts Blvd AirTrain Station. You will get out of there for free there since you only have to pay for the AirTrain if you are exiting it at either of the final stations (i.e., Howard Beach or Jamaica). No need to pay for the crazy expensive $8.75 ticket (as of November 2023)! Yay! 2) Take the Q10 bus to the Kew Gardens Rd/80 Rd where you will transfer to the E (blue) subway or the F (orange) subway (depending on where you are going). The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. The service is on a large articulated bus which has some special racks for big checked luggage. You might see lots of airport employees and locals using this bus so feel free to ask them for help if you are lost. Importantly, the transfer from the bus to the subway is free within the first 2 hours so it will be free for you on this route. The only thing you will have to pay for is the bus ride. You don't pay for the subway later. 3) Walk from the bus stop to the subway station and get to wherever you need on the E or F subway. For instance, you can get to NY Penn Station (West side of Manhattan) in around 30 minutes on the E train or reach upper Manhattan on the F train in roughly the same time. You can also change the subway line later on. All for just $2.75 (or a single subway ticket price whenever you are reading this). You can't go lower than that! Alternative solution: If you don't fancy a long ride on the bus you can also get off the Q10 bus at the Lefferts Blvd/Liberty Ave bus stop after around 15 minutes and transfer to the A (blue) subway. The name of the subway station is Ozone Park/Lefferts Blvd. Again, you can transfer for free and continue your journey on that train having already paid $2.75 for the bus. Many of my friends use this solution to get to their homes in Brooklyn. You can also get to, for example, Lower Manhattan (Fulton St) in around 30 minutes. Google Maps links for the lazy ones: 1st leg: maps.app.goo.gl/cyGP3951ukh5vpnQ7 2nd leg: maps.app.goo.gl/s8JXvoNn1vQboGV17 The alternative way: 1st leg: maps.app.goo.gl/CcoyF8eykYqEYXTY9 2nd leg: maps.app.goo.gl/CWjBWXGA74qsF3gJ9 This works great especially if you are not in a rush, such as after your flight (and not when heading for one). The only downside of this solution are the waiting times between the AirTrain and the bus and the bus and the subway so you have to take some extra time for this into account but they usually come pretty frequently. The total travel time from JFK to Manhattan (or the other way back) should take you around 1.5 to 2 hours max, depending on my experience. Personally, when catching a flight, I usually go with the LIRR + AirTrain solution since it's the fastest and the most reliable one. It's not so cheap though, especially nowadays. Please, feel free to check this route yourself, perhaps even make a short video about it. I've seen some on RU-vid already but they aren't that well-made as your video and lack an in-depth commentary and visual cues. Hope this helps! Note: This is absolutely a legal and legitimate way to get in and out of JFK. There is nothing wrong in skipping the AirTrain fare. The free transfer between the bus and the subway is absolutely legal and legitimate too. It's just not many people seem to know about this way of travelling. And it's really hidden in plain sight - even the official MTA subway maps mark the route of the Q10 bus :)

A couple of things to keep in mind about LIRR City Tickets purchased on the TrainTime app… 1. Once tickets are activated they are valid for 1 hr. So don’t activate them until the train is at the station and boarding. 2. If you wait to activate your ticket until the conductor comes around to check tickets, you may be hit with a fine for making the ticket checker wait. It really depends on the ticket checker’s mood. I’ve forgotten to activate my ticket on occasion but never been fined. I’ve heard it happen to others, though. The fine is the difference between the City Ticket discounted fare ($5 or $7) and the cost for a full fare ticket. The last thing to remember is that City Tickets are only for inter borough travel. If your destination happens to be Long Island, you can’t use City Ticket.

Thank you Barr, you're the best. You made my first trip to NYC in 2022 a memorable one. I was alone, I took the airtrain to Jamaica and from there I took LIRR to PENN station. There I spent some time relaxing in the Moynihan Train Hall before taking an uber to my hotel next to Battery park in lower Manhattan. You are indeed the best channel ever to enable first timers like me to tour NYC like pros and enjoy Fort Tryon 😂 Thank you again, Barr.

Just went on a solo trip to NYC a month ago, it was a short trip (2 days only) and these tips helped so much. I could easily use the subway from JFK into Manhattan and the LIRR as well since I went to a concert at UBS Arena. Both were super easy to use and these videos were so helpful. Got a little lost in the subway at first but once I found the right way everything was super easy. It was my first trip to New York and these videos made it the best, I would want to visit again for a longer time

Your detail and advice on this video is superb. So well researched and I am sure you will save plenty of people some money if they follow your hints and tips. Everything you would need to know seemed to be covered. If people don't recognise Jon as the best New York RU-vidr and view the channel then they are missing out. Everything is covered and done in a simple way. Nice work again Jon.

So glad you showed the subway... Transit workers and most people are kind to point you in the right direction too

On our last trip I requested a quote for a wheelchair accessible van from JFK to Midtown. The travel agency of a major European airline forwarded me a quote for some $800. I asked them whether I get to keep the van for that price. If not, then I'd respectfully decline. We ended up taking the AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station for cca $30. BTW: there are elevators at Jamaica for the E train and all platforms of the LIRR too: if you have luggage, or a wheelchair or both, you can take the elevator.

Great video Jon. I used your videos when I planned a trip to NY Feb '23. I find your advice always easy to understand.

Your vlogs were super helpful on our trip a couple of months ago. We took Revel from JFK and the driver had issues finding us due to construction at that terminal but it was still the best experience and price overall.

If you have a lot of time, not much luggage and it is during the day. You can get to Manhattan from JFK for $2.90 Take the AirTrain get off at Lefferts Blvd and catch the B15, Q10 or Q3 bus.  Q10 to transfer to the E train at Kew Gardens station is usually the fastest. AirTrain within terminals is free, bus is $2.90, transfer to subway is free.

Hey Jon, so my next visit to NYC will be my fifth visit. Even though I'm an experienced traveler it's good to be aware of some potential new scams in NYC.

Hey Jon, it’s Vinny 😎. Yeah, this is very good information for all the tourist coming into New York City. You have given them so many options and what to look out for. Great video Jon 💪🏽

Really enjoy watching, entertaining and helpful. Thank you.

Great video! We went to NYC earlier this year and found using the Subway super easy. One of the scams we were a bit unsure about was a stall selling an 'unlimited Metro card' right after using the AirTrain. Quite a few tourists queued and paid but we opted not to as I hadn't seen anything of the like in any of your videos or on the MTA site. I'm fairly sure it's not a thing but just a warning to anyone reading! Thanks as always Jon, we'll be back soon!

You are just an amazing helpful man I ever know exist ❤ Thanks for the superb info and high quality vids Dreaming of visiting to NYC someday with your amazing super helpful tips.

I noticed similar scams in Oslo Norway. I order a local cab, couldn't see it so i figured i'd ask the cabs outside where i could locate my ride. One said it's not this cab, some other taxi told me to cancel my ride so he could take me instead, then the first on screams out the window "This is not your ride". Then thank f the local taxi calls my phone and tells me he's waiting outside of the peremiter, one love for local taxies, no bullshit.

Great video. Very helpful advices! Thanks!

Glad you're doing this video. I wish something like this existed when I first came to nyc, and started traveling in and out of the city. I always spent a fortune on Uber, simply because I was never confident enough to travel by cab. But lately, unless I have more than one suitcase, I just take the train. Takes much longer, but definitely cheaper 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you Jon…what ep full of golden advice. I found it very helpful having a global carrier that I switched to US roaming from home, it worked like a dream. Loved the cab and share ride apps comparison. Excellent ❤❤

Thank you for sharing your travel thoughts and tips. Very nice!!😊

Keep up the work. Love your videos.

The best SIM option for international travel is an eSIM. No need for a physical card and most modern phones that supports eSIM lets you use your primary SIM as normal, but switch to the eSIM for data. Super convenient.

Wow, this was packed with useful tips! Thanks for taking the time to make this.

Thank you for sharing Jon

Very useful video, great job 👍

For the LIRR at Jamaica Station, there are elevators that take you to the platforms. They are located on the opposite side of the escalators.

Great advice, thank you!

I'm coming over from Edinburgh Scotland in October and I've binge watched so many of your videos now. Thanks for all the hints and tips. Definitely lots of great recommendations.

Thank you for your great info. I love nyc! Just left there a couple weeks ago. Will be back in the summer. I do something different each time. Normally travel into the city by lirr to penn station. Never had a problem (last time got a free pass as you did). On route to jfk this time used hotel taxi...it was great @$85! Tip was separate but well worth the lack of stress!

Thanks for the tips!

Another route you can take is drop off at the Lefferts air train station and take the Q10 bus, (you'll need a metro card/OMNY/ tap to pay) ride the bus until you reach Liberty Ave and as you get off, to your left will be the beginning of the subway A line (whatever payment method you use to ride the Q10 bus whether it be a metro card/OMNY/ tap to pay you'll use to get onto the A train) and from there you can ride directly to 34th St Penn Station, 42nd St and Columbus Circle. (it takes average about an hour to reach those locations via the A train)

So far THE most informative Video on this Topic

Very helpful video! Happy Holidays

Excellent advice. I’ve always taken the Air Train to the subway. Now I’ll be taking the LIRR instead.

Great video and tips, thank you 🙏

Wonderful job as always Jon! And for those who are super cheapskates, there's always the option of taking the Airtrain to Lefferts Blvd station in order to get the bus into Queens and connect to the subway for $2.90 (free transfer with OMNY from bus to subway) therefore avoiding the Airtrain fee since Lefferts Blvd station is part of the Airtrain's free travel zone.

This video is very helpful. Especially since you run us through the transit part

This video is extremely helpful!

great information!!

We're about to go to new york in 8 days and your videos are helping to understand so much thank you!

I saw this happen to an elderly couple. This taxi driver kept trying to direct this elderly couple to an unmarked car. I told the elderly couple to come with me and said I knew them. I directed them to the marked taxi stand. They thanked me and told me this guy kept hounding them and they got scared. Just stand your ground, find a local and ask for some help. We locals hate these scammers as well!

Well said well said, every tourist needs to watch this!

I used the Air Train and LIRR when I visited recently and it was so easy! A really lovely member of staff at Jamaica Station helped me get the cheapest ticket to Penn Station, I’d definitely use the train again.

Wow so helpful thank you!

It used to be so much worse before the airtrain and dedicated taxi stand. You'd probably get approached about 20 times before making it to the street. Also I think the flat rate back to JFK from anywhere in NYC is worth mentioning.

On my last trip to NYC in January of this year, I also lucked out an got fee waiver at the end of the AirTrain. A nice surprise! Additionally I had the good fortune to take the LIRR into Grand Central the day after that segment opened, a train trip that takes less than 20 minutes. Once I arrived at Grand Central, I only had to walk across the street to reach my hotel. In total, it was under an hour between stepping off my airplane and getting settled into my hotel room (all for less than $7.00). As you pointed out in the video, there is no "down" escalator to the train platform at Jamaica Station, but there is an elevator for those with mobility issues or a lot of luggage.

Arriving to New York on Saturday. Spot on timing, Jon! :D

Great job on your information and report it's truthful and factual for everyone to see. God Bless Your Great Success 🙏♥️🙂

The last time I visit NYC I took a bus (right outside the airport) for $12 to the port authority.

Absolutely I always take the subway to and from the airports. Simple. Good video!!

Thank you ! Thank you ! For posting this

John you kick a__! You are so informative and knowledgeable and smart and friendly! You are the lifeline to big & beautiful NYC! Thank you very, very much!

Thanks for sharing about this, its twenty years since I was scammed by a Yellow Taxi in NYC, I complained to NYC Taxi commission who paid half the amount back into my bank account six weeks later. The Taxi Driver tried to use a file with costs in to tell me they were special Airport charges. I'm glad I got the difference returned. Others might not.

Brilliance. Everykne needs this airport arrival video. So nany will fall for this taxi scam.

❤thanks for the information

Good video. We should have more videos like this to protect people from scams.

Some great tips t Here, very useful! I've been to NY 3 or 4 times...last time did a shuttle...not again. Coming in from Australia the easiest way is Taxi.

A lot of tips apply to anywhere you go virtually anywhere. Like make sure your ride is good. Public transit is the cheapest and it’s actually quick - 30 minutes from JFK to manhattan (plus wait time for air train and LIRR)

My brother Jon always has the goods! Born in Brooklyn, now living in central Georgia. When I visit my city of birth, brother Jon's tips are worth their weight in gold!

There are these Chinese run "taxi" in Chinatown. I usually call a car ahead of time, and It was $35 + $5 tip last year. Your destination doesn't need to be Chinatown btw. They usually have someone handing out business card under the Manhattan bridge and in Flushing. This is more of a local thing, but it is by far the cheapest, most reliable and comfortable way for me to go to JFK or LGA.

I usually come through EWR when I go to NYC but in October I flew out of JFK. I took the subway/LIRR/Airtrain to get there and I swear I will never do it again!

We were there earlier this year. Just went straight for the licensed cabs and got to Long Island City for a decent price. We arrived quite late, so it was a good option for a first timer in NYC I think.

I've been lucky enough to have visited family in New York several times over the years and have tried (or fallen for!) most of these methods to get into the city. Thanks for this excellent overview, which I hope will prevent me from making more expensive/time consuming mistakes in the future. On another topic, would it be possible for you make a video or two showcasing a selection of the best vegetarian/vegan restaurants/diners/fast food outlets in the New York area? I tracked down a handful on my most recent trip in March, but I feel that I only scratched the surface.

I love you - knowledgeable, helpful , kind and very very cute xx I used to fly to JFK once per month and well things have changed in 8 years , that was the last time

Great. Useful video! Do you plan to make video about arriving via Newark Liberty airport? Thank you!

I was in New York over new years and the first thing that happened in the arrivals hall was a woman approaching me who then told me that I can get a better price by coming with her to a taxi. When I told her I’m not interested she insisted that I’m wasting money. I had to directly tell her that I don’t care until she finally left me alone.

Remember in the 90s landing in LaGuardia airport and stopping my bag from getting stolen. Flyer beware Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana

I'm a NYC local and I never even thought of taking the LIRR to Manhattan, or really anywhere both too and from within city limits. But that's genius, definitely a consideration for the next time I travel, since I live in midtown anyway.

Thanks for this - I have a trip in a few months, so this is useful. Is there anything you'd suggest differently if my hotel is not in Midtown, but in the Financial District?

I am very happy with your thorough and engaging explanation about these illegal individuals who ask travelers to use their cars for transportation, while they are scammers. I am glad to support your advocacy for legal transportation means and I seek your permission, on behalf of the official airport taxi service, to borrow a segment from your video and share it on our social media page, and I will give credit to you

You can also reach the A, E, F train by bus at terminal 8 . Buy a single, daily or weekly metro card before exit at Kiosk inside Howard Beach last stop Air Train (Do not exit ), than come back to terminal 8. Go downstairs and take the Q10 Bus. He stops close to A train and its last stop is at Kew Gardens-Union Tpke close to E, F Subway. Everitime I go to NY, I reach my destination in the same way the JFK workers do. Probably it takes a bit more time , but if you are in budget or prefer spend your money in a different way, You'll save a lot

Airport luggage trolley for rent !!!! Never heard of any other airports doing this ....Anyway thanks doing this video ,, the airport it self is scamming you...😊😊😊

Great video! I've been to NYC few times myself in the past. The official NYC yellow 🚖 is look for the medallion on the hood and license plate matches along with number, letter, number, number, etc! Uber I've used experienced in the past, always look at the license plate matches on your info from your phone as well the type of vehicle and color!

I already have Revolut, but I think I'll need cash to buy things like the pizza for 1 dollar and those kinds of things... Which app are you using to check where the ATMs are? Are there some at the airport? Do you recommend getting the cash there?

I have no intention of going to New York but i watched this intently for some reason lol

Thanks John for the great advice. I was wary of these scammers because of you. They’re right by the taxi sign at JFK, they look somewhat in a company uniform(some of them) and they say “taxi?” to you. I asked one are you really a taxi service and he just looked away. I don’t understand how they can so blatantly scam and get away with it with the authorities not stepping in.

Very useful tips about taking the LIRR to Manhattan, will definitely do this as a much nicer subway alternative. Thank you!

Take public transportation one stop away from the airport and then get an uber the price is often much much lower.

Thanks Jon.

Ty all these videos are helpful for people visiting for the first time👍 I was there over the weekend, my 2nd time, visiting from LA.. I took the air train to jamaica station, took the E train to 42nd vise versa on the way back, and moved around the city all for $30👍

I agree with other commenters that these videos are really helpful. It's not barr's fault but negotiating all this with apps is daunting for seniors.

I’m a native NYer, born and raised and still living in Brooklyn, and I was entertained and learned things I didn’t know 😭

WOW! this is great video

after beiing 3 Hours at JFK after landing due to a looooong line at the immigration check i wanted to take a taxi but there where no taxies and so i took the shuttle bus to the airtrain and after arriving at jamaica station they opend the portals for free so at the end of the day i arrived at my hotel and only spend 2,95 for the subway same thing on the return to jfk , these videos where really helpfull and gave me good info about what to do in Ny

If I’m not mistaking, Airtrain is now equipped with OMNY, which means it allows direct credit card payment just like the subway.

Love your content, we followed lots of your tips when we visited in june. Only slight negative from your videos is that if people make an effort to come over to say hi, be a little more welcoming, you do come across as quite dismissive and abrupt, I know its New York but giving a little time and warmth means a lot to people.

Thank you for you for the very detailed information, great video!! I do not live in the US and I was mindblown when I heard in your video that even taxi or rideshare drivers are expected to receive a 15 to 20% tip!! Really?? Where I live, it is actually illegal to even "suggest" a tip, either printed on the recepit or vocally by the staff. Tipping should never be mandatory, but optional.

nothing quite like meeting your subscribers irl ☺

I got a big yellow taxi from JFK to Times Square and in total was $100 but I asked to avoid all tolls. We had no stress and direct to hotel. However I’ve had many people try and scam me for a lift. Travel safe ❤

I have actually used shuttle services on my two trips to Manhattan from JFK. While it did take longer getting around the actual island, we got to the island quickly and it was considerably cheaper. I booked and paid for my rides in advance, so I only had to locate the shuttle desk and check in when I got to the airport

As a new yorker, great tips and tricks for put of towners jon!

Great a video,I had been driving for 32 years in New York City,and those drivers always are there. those dispatchers knew,and everyone are conecten. It is a big scammed.Also is bad for the turism. With all those problems after you visited “ the big apple’’ people will never comeback. It very sad

I've typically used the subway to go to/from JFK but I didn't realise taking cabs was that expensive, 100 bucks for an airport ride is wild :o

Hi, quick question. Any advice on if I want to rent a Turo at LGA, JFK airport? Are there scammers for rental cars as well?

Great video😅