Are you a zoo enthusiast planning a trip to the iconic Central Park Zoo in New York City? If you’re arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you’ll need to know the best way to get from the airport to the zoo. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll guide you through the various transportation options, travel times, and costs to help you make the most of your journey.
Fastest Option: Taxi
If you’re in a hurry and don’t mind spending a bit more, taking a taxi from JFK to Central Park Zoo is the fastest option. The journey typically takes around 22 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost for this direct ride can range from $90 to $120.
Recommended Option: AirTrain, Train, and Subway
For a more budget-friendly and efficient journey, we recommend taking the AirTrain, train, and subway. This route may take a bit longer, but it’s a great way to experience the city’s public transportation system. Here’s how it works:
- Take the AirTrain from Terminal 4 to Jamaica Station: The AirTrain is a convenient and reliable way to get from the airport terminals to the Jamaica Station, where you’ll catch the train.
- Take the train from Jamaica to New York Penn Station: From Jamaica Station, you’ll board a train that will take you directly to New York Penn Station, a major transportation hub in the heart of the city.
- Take the subway from 34 St-Herald Sq to 86 St: At Penn Station, you’ll transfer to the subway system and take the N, R, or W train to the 86th Street station, which is just a short walk from the Central Park Zoo.
This journey typically takes around 1 hour and 8 minutes, and the total cost ranges from $9 to $23, depending on the type of ticket you purchase.
Cheapest Option: Drive
If you have access to a car, driving from JFK to Central Park Zoo can be the most cost-effective option. The drive takes approximately 24 minutes, covering a distance of 18.2 miles. The estimated cost for gas and tolls ranges from $4 to $5.
Alternative Options
While the taxi, AirTrain/train/subway, and driving options are the most popular choices, there are a few other alternatives you can consider:
- Subway: Taking the subway directly from JFK to Central Park Zoo is possible, but it will take longer, around 1 hour and 54 minutes, and cost between $9 and $11.
- AirTrain and Bus: You can also take the AirTrain from the airport to Jamaica Station, then transfer to a bus that will take you to Central Park Zoo. This route takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes and costs between $17 and $90.
- Towncar: If you prefer a more private and comfortable ride, you can book a towncar service from JFK to Central Park Zoo. This option takes around 24 minutes and costs between $80 and $120.
- Shuttle: Another alternative is to take a shuttle service from JFK to Central Park Zoo, which takes approximately 24 minutes and costs between $90 and $100.
Getting to Central Park Zoo
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, there are a few ways to reach the Central Park Zoo:
By Subway
If you’ve taken the subway, you’ll want to get off at the Fifth Avenue/59th Street station and walk north for four blocks to reach the zoo’s entrance on 64th Street.
By Bus
Alternatively, you can take buses M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M66, or Q32 and get off at Fifth Avenue between 59th and 65th Streets, which is just a short walk from the zoo.
Additional Tips
Parking
There is no parking available at the Central Park Zoo itself. However, you can use nearby parking lots or reserve a spot in advance through services like SpotHero.
Lyft
If you prefer a more convenient and hassle-free option, you can schedule a Lyft ride from JFK to the Central Park Zoo.