Getting Around the City in Queens, New York, United States

Queens, United States, Queens, Travel & Transportation, Getting Around the City

Getting Around the City in Queens, New York, United States

1. MTA Subway System

The MTA subway system provides extensive coverage throughout Queens, with lines like the 7, E, F, R, and J trains making commuting easy.
  • 24/7 Operation: Trains run around the clock, providing late-night travel options
  • Connectivity: Direct connections to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other boroughs are available
  • Affordability: Compared to taxis or car services, the subway offers a cost-effective travel option

2. Queens Bus System

The Queens bus system offers coverage in areas not served by the subway, with routes like the Q39, Q44, and Q100.
  • Flexibility: Bus routes can provide more direct access to specific neighborhoods within Queens
  • Affordability: Bus fares are the same as subway fares, making it a cost-effective option
  • Accessibility: Many bus routes are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks for cyclists

3. LaGuardia Link Q70

The LaGuardia Link Q70 provides a bus connection between the airport and the MTA subway system at Jackson Heights.
  • Airport Access: Offers direct travel to LaGuardia Airport without needing a car
  • Affordability: Provides an economical option for airport transportation compared to taxis or ride-shares
  • Connectivity: Allows easy transfer to the MTA subway system and other bus routes throughout Queens

4. NICE (Non-emergency Medical Transportation)

NICE provides door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities or special healthcare needs.
  • Accessibility: Specially equipped vehicles accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices
  • Personal Care: Driver assistance with tasks like carrying bags or transferring from wheelchairs
  • Scheduling Flexibility: Advanced scheduling allows for travel at convenient times

5. Citi Bike in Queens

Citi Bike offers bike-sharing stations throughout Queens, providing an eco-friendly commuting option.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduces carbon emissions compared to car travel
  • Convenience: Bikes can be picked up and dropped off at stations throughout the city
  • Affordability: Day passes and membership options make bike-sharing affordable for many travelers

6. Greenpoint Avenue Ferry

The Greenpoint Avenue Ferry connects Long Island City in Queens with Midtown Manhattan, offering an alternative to subway travel.
  • Waterfront Access: Provides a scenic view of the East River and Manhattan skyline
  • Connectivity: Direct travel to Midtown Manhattan without needing to transfer at the subway
  • Affordability: Compared to ferries in other parts of New York City, the Greenpoint Avenue Ferry is relatively affordable

7. AirTrain JFK

The AirTrain JFK provides transportation between John F. Kennedy International Airport terminals and the New York City subway system.
  • Airport Access: Offers direct travel to JFK without needing a car
  • Affordability: Provides an economical option for airport transportation compared to taxis or ride-shares
  • Connectivity: Allows easy transfer to the MTA subway system and other AirTrain routes within the airport

8. LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)

The LIRR provides train service to various destinations in and around Queens, including Penn Station and Jamaica Station.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for travel outside of Manhattan or longer commutes
  • Connectivity: Connections to the MTA subway system and other transit options within Queens
  • Affordability: Travel can be more cost-effective than taxi or car services for long distances

9. NYC Ferry East River Route

The NYC Ferry East River Route offers service from Long Island City in Queens to Wall Street in Manhattan.
  • Waterfront Access: Provides a scenic view of the East River and Manhattan skyline
  • Connectivity: Direct travel to Wall Street without needing to transfer at the subway
  • Affordability: Compared to other ferry services in New York City, the East River Route is relatively affordable

10. For-Hire Vehicles (Taxis and App-Based Services)

Taxis and app-based services like Uber or Lyft provide door-to-door travel within Queens and to other boroughs.
  • Convenience: Offers on-demand travel without needing to plan a route in advance
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles available for individuals with disabilities
  • Flexibility: Pickup and dropoff locations can be customized to meet your needs

11. Biking Lanes in Queens

Queens has numerous biking lanes throughout the borough, offering an eco-friendly commuting option.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduces carbon emissions compared to car travel
  • Convenience: Bikes can be ridden on dedicated lanes, providing a safer and more efficient commute
  • Affordability: Bike ownership is less expensive than owning a car

12. Walking Tours in Queens

Queens offers walking tours of various neighborhoods, allowing visitors to explore the rich cultural diversity of the borough.
  • Cultural Immersion: Explore the unique history and culture of Queens' many neighborhoods
  • Healthy Activity: Walking tours provide an active way to sightsee without needing a car or bike
  • Local Insights: Guides offer insights into the hidden gems and stories of Queens' neighborhoods

13. Car Services (TLC Car Service or Black Cars)

TLC Car Service (yellow cabs) and Black Cars offer door-to-door travel within Queens and to other boroughs.
  • Convenience: Offers on-demand travel without needing to plan a route in advance
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles available for individuals with disabilities
  • Flexibility: Pickup and dropoff locations can be customized to meet your needs

14. Airport Shuttle Services

Airport shuttle services offer door-to-door transportation from hotels in Queens to JFK and LaGuardia Airports.
  • Convenience: Eliminates the need to find parking at the airport or take public transit
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles available for individuals with disabilities
  • Affordability: Compared to taxis or other transportation options, airport shuttle services can be cost-effective

15. Queens Carshare

Queens Carshare offers car-sharing stations throughout the borough, allowing members to rent cars by the hour.
  • Convenience: Rent a car for short trips without needing to own one
  • Affordability: Car-sharing can be more cost-effective than owning and maintaining a car
  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduces carbon emissions by limiting car usage to when it's necessary