EPIC 4-WAY NEW YORK RACE to JFK Airport | Helicopter vs LIRR vs Taxi vs Subway 

As a New Yorker, I need to point out two things 1. It would have been a lot easier and faster to take LIRR from Penn station 2. It would have been A LOT easier to go to 42nd street for the E train

Taxi runs the risk of getting stuck on the Van Wyck Expressway. The $5 railroad fare is only during the off peak hours and you must be sure to select the “City Ticket” option. The fare for Airtrain has gone up another 25 cents since this was filmed to $8.25, making the full fare with the subway $11

As a TPG loyalist, I really wanna see a shake up in how future videos are conducted. For example, to make it more fair for all the team who partake in the videos, there needs to be a more democratic system akin to the earliest episodes so that it isn’t just Nicky in the highest upper class/luxurious travel method, it has been done before where Liam was in Qatar first class and QSuites as well as Jean and Ben in their respective first classes; to see Liam’s reaction in say Emirates First Class, Singapore Airlines (suites) or ANA First Class (The Suite) would be awesome to watch in a future TPGUK video. I get Nicky is the boss of the company so has a higher stake in what class of travel he gets to choose but it would just be nice to see more equal opportunities.

No, I was dying. I wanted to tell her that the E train is downstairs all that time! As for the cab, isn't there isn't a flat cab fare to JFK? As for Blade that's an infliction on the whole city, a constant racket as the billionaires save 30 minutes.

If only Tanner knew taking the LIRR from Penn Station was the better option from Times Square. Just take the 1, 2, or 3 one stop south to 34 Street-Penn Station and you can exit right to the LIRR concourse. Although absolutely gorgeous, Grand Central is a labyrinth to get through! The Grand Central Madison escalators are 182-feet long and the LIRR section is 140 feet deep! But as deep as GCM is, it's still not the deepest station in the city. That title goes to...191st Street on the 1! Which is 173 feet/53 m deep and even has a pedestrian tunnel where you feel like you've entered another dimension with all the artwork and graffiti it tends to have. It was featured in the 2021 movie In the Heights. When the Luton DART opened and people were complaining about the £4.90 fare, my New Yorker self was laughing, saying "At least you don't have to pay $8.25 for it!" The AirTrain fare is absolutely ridiculous, and it doesn't encourage people to take transit, it DIScourages! Though you COULD go around it by taking the Q10 bus to Lefferts Blvd on the A from Lefferts Blvd on the AirTrain, as the only stops on the AirTrain with fare gates are Howard Beach and Jamaica.

Using Grand Central Madison for the LIRR when it was in it's reduced schedule phase makes no sense. Should have taken the 1 to Penn Station and would have been on a LIRR train to Jamaica in half the time it took here. If this was done again today, I would think LIRR would be fastest, every single departing train stops at Jamaica.

Don't always do the rich guy stuff with Nicky please...

Great video. I loved my ride on the Blade helicopter but in value-for-money terms it's hard to justify. Plus, as you found, a key factor can be your start/end point's proximity to the West 30th Street heliport. Another factor with all the options is luggage. Blade will only take one cabin-size piece, so if you have larger items they are either collected earlier in the day or dropped off some time after arrival, depending on your direction. The inconvenience of luggage on the train or subway needs no expansion here. For me the options with hand baggage only would be subway or LIRR plus AirTrain. With luggage, a cab or Uber, though the Van Wick Expressway can be very frustrating at times. Blade's service is great and the views of Manhattan from the helicopter are fantastic, but the cost - especially when you factor in extras for luggage and car service - make it a special treat rather than an everyday contender. Rob

I'd never thought I'd be watching "The Amazing Race: Commute to JFK" edition in 2023. This is amazing.

Anyone else notice the stock footage they used for 'JFK' Was Actually Laguardia?

"And Tanner...went to the wrong train." Mel saying that...the irony is strong with this one. Mel can't blame the subway for this one. There are signs in that station that clearly label where the E is. You also have to consider the fact the reason the NYC Subway is like this is because it's the result of different competing companies being combined into one. It can be confusing, yes, but the MTA holding it all together (with over 400 stations btw) and still making it work is a feat. Especially a system as old as NYC's! And it's one of the only systems in the world that runs 24/7, every day of the year! Not even our beautiful Pyongyang Metro is that way! We have two lines, the Hyoksin Line (which means renewal) and the Chollima Line (which is a winged horse in Korean mythology that can travel a thousand li/500 km in a single day) with sixteen stations total. Our metro is over 110 meters deep and because of that, it can double as bomb shelters in case of war. Our metro is famous for using old Berlin U-Bahn Class D rolling stock, but we've built rolling stock in-house.

Once again Nicky takes the premium option, I mean, come on!!

This is the first time I've seen someone taking a taxi beat the LIRR to JFK. Probably because they started from Times Square instead of taking the subway from Times Square to Penn Station, and then taking the LIRR straight to the Jamaica AirTrain stop, and then to JFK

What were the actual time differences? In terms of making this informational, the time the challenge started really mattered for LIRR and of course there was the hiccup on the subway.

98 USD + gratuity for a cab ride to the airport is INSANE. You can fly from Paris to Barcelona return and with a friend for less.

ya'll are sooo underrated though you guys really need to put everyone's race time in the video. Like I have no idea how long public transit actually took in comparison to Blade.

Unsurprisingly Nicky took the fanciest option because that’s what he does in all the videos.

😁Love your competitive camaraderie and learning best ways of getting around! 👍

That platform at W 50th and 8th Ave is a bit wonky. Not only different platforms for the C and E trains, but no underground crossover to the downtown trains. However, it's not like there isn't any signage to say that the E-train platform is downstairs. Tanner's mistake was going to Grand Central. He walked to GC, then it takes almost 10 minutes for GC to the new LIRR platform. The train schedule is better with midday trains running about every 12 minutes. But Penn Station is still the better option, especially from Time Square. Hop on the downtown 1-train to W 34th/ Penn Station with a 2 minute walk to the LIRR platform (yes, the 3rd car from the front will be by the escalator at the Jamaica Station). The trains at Penn Station run frequently and around the clock. The LIRR at GCM shut down at night. AirTrain is now $8.25, but if there are 2-4 of you and you are using it coming and going, buy a 10 ride AirTrain card ($25). Up to 4 at a time can use it and good for 30 days after the first use. Tanner could have 20-30 minutes off his travel time going through Penn Station.

Why does Nicky always do the fancy stuff?? 🤨

I’m yelling at the screen rn. 😂 As someone who’s lived in NYC, WOW this was poorly coordinated. From homeboy not going to Penn Station to catch the LIRR to home girl taking the LOCAL E train to the far reaches of Queens. I say send some native NYers and I promise this race would be totally different

Ha, I just visited NYC for the first time this week & used all the transportation for the first time. 😅 We were going to take the LIRR but were worried about time so we opted for a Lyft to JFK. Joke was on us bc we ran into a pretty bad accident & everything was stopped. After several minutes our driver asked us when our flight was, then did a u turn on the freeway & drove back the other way. 😬 It was an adventure but at least we made it.

Great video!

The best video so far

Great video

Amazing really appreciated 😂👏🏻

That looks amazing 😂😂😂😂😂

Nicky always getting the fanciest option -.- #JusticeForLiam

Are you guys gonna do a jfk to London in all cabins and this is part 1 or did you guys stay or just go all economy back to London?

Interesting race, I live on west 42 st near Times Square. I was surprised that the taxi got there in under an hour. The only time a taxi ever got me to JFK that fast (45 min) was at 5 AM. Its usually 1h 15 or longer by taxi. Subway is still the best bang for your buck. I like the LIRR Train but the E train is closer to my home via Port Authority where there are ramps and escalators to get down to the subway. Also the E from 42 st can be 45 min to your terminal. Also if you are staying father downtown like 14 st and below the A the is better at getting you to the Air train.

Great race with lovely locals - what fun. Thanks for sharing. Stay well and positive. Hello from London : - ) xx

You all are fantastic, but Melanie has my vote to win it!

1:57 There's a hotel Hyatt Centric that was down the street on W 45 St/Times Square there's taxi's that sit out front. Its not a standard yellow taxi, it a SUV black car and they usually have standard rates to the airport.

We did subway and air train from Penn in December cost us $6 as got free tickets with using subway during our stay in NYC and with luggage it was so easy

I’m glad they used the 47th street entrance for GCT and didn’t go to 42nd St

Love you!!!!

Also maybe instead of 2 people taking a cab. Maybe one should have tried Uber/Lyft?! I think most New Yorkers use those apps for rides more then cabs. 🚕 I myself (not a New Yorker) prefer the subway!!! 🚇 I am still in aww how the subway can take you to almost anywhere in New York….if not you can also hop on the bus. I love how you can get a week pass for $32. Very affordable in my opinion!!! 💸 And the trains are mostly reliable & frequent.

I was literally at the 50th st station a few weeks ago and I was thinking I don’t remember the C and E sharing tracks there lmao I bet she would have been pretty close too! Anytime I look at GPS the subway is the fastest or within 10 minutes of the LIRR! Damn we need another try lol

Is there anyway of avoiding that $8 air train fare? I hate paying it especially when you pay $33 for a metro card for a week all over the city. I often wondered if you can get a bus to one of the in between stops and hop on for free.

love your channel, But how long did it actually take each one of you?

how did they get from times sq to madison station?

A collab that I never expected till now

I love this race to jfk and yes the cheapest way using subway or the LIRR. Great job guys.

The Grand Central escalator takes 90 seconds. The LIRR station is 17 stories below ground.

This was great. No one here beats the guys on scooters and electric bikes. 😂

Not only was she on the wrong platform for the "E" train, but she actually could've taken any of those "C" trains that went past her and transferred to the express "A" at 42nd street. She still probably would have lost anyways, the A takes like an hour to get to Howard Beach station... My favorite way to get to JFK is the LIRR, it's fast, cheap, and reliable.

You said Blade took 40 minutes, but not how long for the other 3 modes. Just curious.

That Toyota Venza taxi in the background when they got the cab was so rare. I've never even seen one and it's not on google

Love it

Aah nicky and his jokes hahaha

Could you guy’s do another airline video on lot polish airlines

Why did Melanie go all the way to 50th St station. The uptown platform for the ACE is between 42 & 45. I think she would've gotten at least 2nd place.

I'm really surprised that the helicopter transfer was not much faster than the taxi. By the way, 100 $ for the taxi was a rip-off, I paid 58 $ in May 2022.

That is so cool

At the 17 second mark, you say you are going to JFK and it says JFK on the screen however the image is of LaGuardia airport.

the amount of times ive accidentally waited on the upper level for the e at 50th...it was once but still a very humbling experience...

Nice collaboration folks. Grew up in the suburbs of NYC and this is a great sampling of the options to JFK

Nothing unites New Yorkers more than n00b transit routing: "he should've taken the LIRR from Penn!!!"

This reminds me of the Subway Wars episode from How I Met Your Mother 😅

could’ve taken lirr from penn too, or the A to the air train in howard beach

How many mins difference in each?

Why not get the lirr from penn like six block down from Times Square?

Great video! Blade is expensive, but the most fun option!

I love these challenges. Another layer, that many people deal with, that could add a twist is adding disabilities and people with mobility aides or issues. It’s great if you’re able bodied. However, what do similar challenges look like with bigger disadvantages?

Surely that you’re in New York, do a class comparison on Air New Zealand from New York to Auckland 🥰😍

Does she know that the E train departs from the downstairs platform on the uptown 50st station?

I’ve never hailed a cab… 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️. JFK has soooo many options, but I’m a LGA guy for midtown, and EWR for downtown. I’ve made it from LGA Term B curb to Midtown hotel checkin in :26 minutes Q70 & F. I’ve done the same points with Lyft in 1:30 minutes. Both midweek and during commuting time.

Do westjet dreamliner from calgary to london

Why didn’t the LIRR & subway people just take eighth ave from 42 st. Seemed like it would take longer to go to 50 or GC

Girl! Waiting on the wrong platform? Have youbluved here long?😂

Nice report. However, something needs to be added. the LIRR $5 ticket is called city ticket which only offered during weekend. (Update: I was wrong. Correct info is that city ticket is available for off peak train now. ) The regular ticket price is much higher depend on traveling during the peak or off peak hours. In addition, you guys should also do LIRR from Penn station and subway A train from 42nd st. (next time call me to join and I can do the A train report for you lol) BTW, welcome to NYC!!!

LIRR is probably your best overall value.

Liam’s cab curb riding was hilarious 😂😂

Is it fixed fee from JFK and not going to JFK.

Yeah, Nicky, your choice was so affordable. It's going to be my way to..

I'd take the train anyday. Simple, cheap and easy 🤷🏼😊

Hey guys, you didn't let us know the difference in the time it took each one of you to get to JFK. A $300 helicopter ride may get you a "win" but how much time did you save?

Maybe a meeting spot in the terminal would have been a little more kind to the public transit folks since the cab and helicopter just finished at the curb.

You were going to take the E train at 50th Street instead of the A at 42nd Street to JFK? 👀Good luck! 😅

NYC to BOSTON. Limoliner coach bus was the fastest over the train and flying. Sadly another one bites the dust in the past few years.

A new AirPort Express service to the JFK terminal. It would be better than all methods combined.

I think you can’t beat the price and speed of the subway though

I was going to say that at 50th Street the C and E use different platforms. The E is express outside Manhattan so good choice. Faster than using the A Train.

A few things. For the taxi, only the ones with the lights on at the top are available. Lights off means they are occupied by other passengers or the driver is off shift. I believe that only taxis from JFK to the city (Manhattan) are a flat fare. Penn Station to Jamaica would’ve been closer even by walking. The blocks downtown are shorter than the crosstown blocks and there are far more trains running to Jamaica from Penn than GC

“And liam” ahahhaha

casey should have been on his boosted borad you for got the kin g

HOW is this your 1st time on Blade?!?? I've been stealing a certain Mr Kelly's Blade-Code for a couple years now 😄

Who remembers when casey neistat used to take helicopter to the airport all the time ??? the same place, same way ahhhh good old nostalgia

When I was in college in nyc we used to hire a car from a service and get a few of us going to the same airport for flights within a couple hours of each other and then split the bill. It was great and cheaper then the yellow taxi, usually had discounts and would come right to your door when you scheduled it. I always thought a hired car was bougie and for rich people but it actually was very cost effective the way we did it.

Things are so much worse! When I was a kid you took the New York airways helo from Midtown at the Pan Am building ROOF . Now the Met life building I think. There in No time.

If you like to take a special relax way to the JFK take the Rockaway NYC Ferry (Purple) from Pier 11 to Rockaway Ferrystation walk 400 Meters to the Subway Station Beach 105 and take the S and A Subway to Howard Beach and then the green JFk Train to the Airport . At a sunny Day a relax 2 1/2 hour way to the Airport :-)

Genuine consumer advice needed. How come a flat cab fare of $74 ended up being nearly $100 (and I can allow for some form of tip, but not to that extent)? Please explain the final price, as it’s clearly not “flat”.

The AirTrain not supporting OMNY/Contactless is absolutely ridiculous. It seems to constantly go up in price but is very hit and miss as a service. The queues to buy a Metrocard are always nuts when all the transatlantic flights are coming and going. Whenever I go to NYC I try to top up my Metrocard with enough swipes for a couple of trips to the AirTrain which usually works...except the price keeps changing!!

"dog on the tracks" is code for something else sadly... Great trip; are we going to see your tour of NYC? Rooms, food, entertainment? #PointsGuyUk

What time of the day was this race? I can't believe that driving in traffic beat the LIRR!

As much as I like this video, the real true way of getting to JFK Airport the cheapest is if you take the subway to one of the buses that connects to the Lefferts Boulevard Airtrain stop of the Airtrain. The Airtrain is free to travel on from any station other than Howard Beach or Jamaica. If I was traveling from Times Square, I would likely take the E to Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike or the A to Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard for the Q10 bus. All in all, that sould make the total commute cost go down to just $2.75. Also, if you're a tourist that's visiting NY, DON'T GET A HOTEL IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.

Didn't you do this last year?

Adventure result! 😀

Do one in Los Angeles from downtown la to LAX.

Best "value" will always be the plane train to the (E) or (A) train, depending on where in the city you need to go. The air train NEEDS to adopt OMNY ASAP