I don't think that I've ever had a cabbie that knew how to get from Prospect Heights from JFK. This discovery usually leads to some pretty crap directions involving the Belt Parkway and the BQE, and $50 later, I'm at home. Anyone have any better directions to get to PH from JFK that won't cost me an arm and a leg?
theindecisionpigeon Regular
Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Posts: 125
Tue Dec 26, 06 1:36 pm EST
i did that trek about 2 months ago, and i know the cabbie took the belt parkway from JFK, but then we got off somewhere and took atlantic avenue the whole way down to washington. it's a long way, and not the prettiest stretch, but i got home for $30. (it was also 9:30pm on a saturday, if that changes anything.) _________________ you're welcome to stay, but even your company must compliment the feng-shui.
ugarte Hilarious and humble
Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 76 Location: PLG
Tue Dec 26, 06 2:05 pm EST
Have them take N. Conduit --> Linden --> Right Turn onto Rockaway Pkwy which becomes Buffalo ---> Left on Eastern Pkwy _________________ Stand-up schedule and a clip - more clips to come.
Stay Free! Daily
buffalo Regular
Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 58 Location: Grand Ave
Tue Dec 26, 06 2:22 pm EST
Good topic...ran into the same situation a couple of weeks ago coming home from JFK...my cab driver wasn't even familiar with PH or Atlantic/Eastern Parkway. Ended up on BQE and the scenic route home. Have been spoiled in the past with family picking me up. Thanks for the above directions.
Belt Pkwy West bound to N. Conduit. Take the Conduit to the Atlantic Ave. merge. Atlantic Ave. to whatever your cross streets are and make a left. You'll probably hit some traffic by the El until the Bedford Ave. Armory. A alternate route to consider is the same route except when you get off the Atlantic Ave. bridge/overpass make your first left on to Eastern Parkway and then make a right on your lower cross street. _________________ "I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the Quart of Blood Technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body."
ugarte Hilarious and humble
Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 76 Location: PLG
Tue Dec 26, 06 4:06 pm EST
Trust me when I tell you that Linden is faster than Atlantic. A wider street with less traffic. Atlantic crawls most of the way. _________________ Stand-up schedule and a clip - more clips to come.
Stay Free! Daily
vanilla Carneviento Devotee
Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 1434
Tue Dec 26, 06 4:28 pm EST
B15 (bus) to the 2/3 train $2 & FAST.
Emily Moderatrix emerita
Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 1855 Location: Somewhere nearby
Tue Dec 26, 06 5:28 pm EST
ugarte wrote:
Trust me when I tell you that Linden is faster than Atlantic. A wider street with less traffic. Atlantic crawls most of the way.
If only we had seen this before last night! We were coming home from LI in godawful traffic, bailed from the Belt, and winged it onto Atlantic. Next time we'll look for Linden (that is, if I ever agree to go to LI again... ). _________________ "Now if every newspaper editor had to deal with a reader like Emily, boy, would they think twice, or three times." --greg
Trust me when I tell you that Linden is faster than Atlantic. A wider street with less traffic. Atlantic crawls most of the way.
Linden may be wider but the lights are unforgiving and the traffic is the same in volume if not more than Atlantic Ave. You're pretty much stop and go on the way back towards Flatbush (on Linden) then you have to deal with the Kings Hwy intersection which is a total free for all. After the Kings Hwy intersect Linden gets narrower and more congested and you must deal with the heavy traffic on most of the cross streets between Linden and EP. If you decide to take Linden all the way up to Flatbush you end up crawling from either Rockaway/Buffalo or New York Ave. Just take Atlantic to Mother Gaston Blvd, hook a right on to Eastern Pkwy and head down to your cross street. And for G-d's sake get a big ass laminated Hagstrom map of NYC. They are a savior.
Trust me when I tell you that Linden is faster than Atlantic. A wider street with less traffic. Atlantic crawls most of the way.
If only we had seen this before last night! We were coming home from LI in godawful traffic, bailed from the Belt, and winged it onto Atlantic. Next time we'll look for Linden (that is, if I ever agree to go to LI again... ).
The Northern or Southern Pkwy is the route to go when you're heading to and fro Long Island.
doctorj Abstruse Goose
Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 2510 Location: Underbilt btwn Carwash and Parking Pl.
Tue Dec 26, 06 6:58 pm EST
What I really don't like is when I say "take me via Atlantic Avenue" six times, only to look up and find myself on the scenic $50 BQE route yet again. _________________ The world will little note nor long remember what we say here. -- Abraham Lincoln
Carnivore Brooklyn Snark
Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 13712 Location: St Johns Pl and Underhill
Tue Dec 26, 06 7:37 pm EST
doctorj wrote:
What I really don't like is when I say "take me via Atlantic Avenue" six times, only to look up and find myself on the scenic $50 BQE route yet again.
When that happens, you should immediately tell the cabbie that you are going to report him/her to the TLC, and demand to pay a fixed price of whatever you usually pay. The taxi riders bill of rights says that you get to pick the route. It also says that you have no obligation to tip if the rules aren't followed.
Emily Moderatrix emerita
Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 1855 Location: Somewhere nearby
Tue Dec 26, 06 11:25 pm EST
Idlewild wrote:
Emily wrote:
ugarte wrote:
Trust me when I tell you that Linden is faster than Atlantic. A wider street with less traffic. Atlantic crawls most of the way.
If only we had seen this before last night! We were coming home from LI in godawful traffic, bailed from the Belt, and winged it onto Atlantic. Next time we'll look for Linden (that is, if I ever agree to go to LI again... ).
The Northern or Southern Pkwy is the route to go when you're heading to and fro Long Island.
Actually, the Southern State was exactly the hellish parking lot we were trying to escape from. Thanks, 1010 WINS, for continually reporting on the traffic jam on the FDR that was breaking up, but not mentioning anything in Bkln or LI. _________________ "Now if every newspaper editor had to deal with a reader like Emily, boy, would they think twice, or three times." --greg
Are you sure it wasn't the Sunrise Hwy? _________________ "I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the Quart of Blood Technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body."
Emily Moderatrix emerita
Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 1855 Location: Somewhere nearby
Wed Dec 27, 06 11:16 am EST
Yes, definitely the Southern State. We've done the drive before, just not on Xmas. _________________ "Now if every newspaper editor had to deal with a reader like Emily, boy, would they think twice, or three times." --greg
meganlibrarian "Anonymous Guest"
Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 427 Location: in the gutter looking @ the stars
Thu Dec 28, 06 1:38 pm EST
I've become a rabid convert to the JFK-Airtrain-2/3 subway route home to PH. It might be 25% slower overall (1 hour vs 40-45 minutes), but it's so much less stressful. I know what the transit cost will be ($20RT a person, versus $65-75 plus tip for a car service RT), the "drivers" never deviate from the route and I don't have to make any annoying small talk. Absolute heaven.
But do you get that Vanilla Cherry tree scent in mass transit like you do in a TLC car? _________________ "I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the Quart of Blood Technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body."
meganlibrarian "Anonymous Guest"
Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 427 Location: in the gutter looking @ the stars
Thu Dec 28, 06 3:13 pm EST
Idlewild wrote:
But do you get that Vanilla Cherry tree scent in mass transit like you do in a TLC car?
If I'm lucky, I get the eau de toilette of the LIRR toilette.
(Actually, I've experienced more stinkiness with NJT trains when I traveled very frequently between New Brunswick, NJ and NYC in the late 90's. Ew.)
ugarte Hilarious and humble
Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 76 Location: PLG
Fri Dec 29, 06 4:05 pm EST
vanilla wrote:
B15 (bus) to the 2/3 train $2 & FAST.
$2 + the AirTrain charge. Still much cheaper than a cab but the AirTrain isn't free. Also, I don't know that "fast" is the term I'd use. The 2/3 is definitely better than taking the A to the Rockaways, though.
TeReKeTe Regular
Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Posts: 64
Sun Dec 31, 06 9:57 pm EST
to: Eastern Parkway to Buffalo/Rockway parkway, L on Linden... depending on traffic, either follow to Conduit or R. on pennsylvania to the belt.
from: Conduit/Linden/r'parkway (easy to find because of Brookdale Hospital-- the gunshot king of central brooklyn)/Eastern Parkway. atlantic is a complete and total crapshoot, always.
Mother Gaston? Dude i used to work @ the brownsville rec center. dunno if i'd recommend that at any time other than the middle of the day. Things are... rugged... on mother gaston.
quijibo Crooklyn Ninja
Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 2028 Location: taintalicious!
Sun Dec 31, 06 10:35 pm EST
airtrain is reliable
just that it's robot driven
no humans
bladerunneresque
to: Eastern Parkway to Buffalo/Rockway parkway, L on Linden... depending on traffic, either follow to Conduit or R. on pennsylvania to the belt.
from: Conduit/Linden/r'parkway (easy to find because of Brookdale Hospital-- the gunshot king of central brooklyn)/Eastern Parkway. atlantic is a complete and total crapshoot, always.
Mother Gaston? Dude i used to work @ the brownsville rec center. dunno if i'd recommend that at any time other than the middle of the day. Things are... rugged... on mother gaston.
I've been hooking a left on Mother Gaston for the 3-4 blocks it takes to get to Eastern Parkway for since I was born. No wounds, robberies or altercations of yet. Atlantic is pretty much a crap shoot if you decide to take it underneath the LIRR El. You pretty much know you'll be slowed down a few blocks before the bridge crossing by Pennsylvania during rush hour. I'm curious, do you really think Buffalo/Rockaway and Linden is any safer? I've been in two cross fires on President and 5th and none by those aforementioned streets
erikka Bruce Ratner's Love Child
Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 754
Wed Jan 03, 07 7:53 pm EST
I did the Atlantic Avenue route last night during rush hour (5:30 pm) and it came out to $41.50 w/out tip. Just out of curiousity, appox. how much was your total when you took Linden?
(I took airtrain out there, which is very reliable but I couldn't bear the thought of lugging my suitcases up the stairs at 7th Ave and dragging it seven blocks home.
Whoa! That sounds like a fast meter too me, not distance. It usually cost me around $27.00 (before the rate hike) going from JFK to Park Pl. & Vand during morning rush. Do you have a receipt or the hack number? _________________ "I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the Quart of Blood Technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body."
erikka Bruce Ratner's Love Child
Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 754
Thu Jan 04, 07 10:25 am EST
Idlewild wrote:
Whoa! That sounds like a fast meter too me, not distance. It usually cost me around $27.00 (before the rate hike) going from JFK to Park Pl. & Vand during morning rush. Do you have a receipt or the hack number?
Like I said, peak traffic hours, my friend. I watched that meter like a hawk. When it's bad it's bad, not much that you can do. Also gotta add a couple miles since I live in south Slope. Traffic wasn't moving on the Van Wyck, so had I taken that it'd probably be even higher.
I wish they would do flat-fee zones for Brooklyn like they do for Manhattan.
It should not be $41. I usually take the JFK Expwy (depending which terminal 'm leaving from) to the Belt W., get off at Conduit, go into Atlantic and either hit EP from Mother Gaston or take Atlantic straight through. All during morning rush. Even with the Van Wyck and rush hour during the evening where the lights go against you it should have cost $35 at most. This is why I like car service picking me up. Flat rate. Then again maybe the rate hike does increase the price somewhat.
jujube Newbie
Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 4 Location: ParkWash
Sat Jan 06, 07 12:33 am EST
meganlibrarian wrote:
I've become a rabid convert to the JFK-Airtrain-2/3 subway route home to PH. It might be 25% slower overall (1 hour vs 40-45 minutes), but it's so much less stressful. I know what the transit cost will be ($20RT a person, versus $65-75 plus tip for a car service RT), the "drivers" never deviate from the route and I don't have to make any annoying small talk. Absolute heaven.
Sorry can one explain how to make the Airtrain to 2/3 connection again? I thought Airtrain only went to Jamaica or Howard Beach...
vanilla Carneviento Devotee
Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 1434
Sat Jan 06, 07 2:53 am EST
ugarte wrote:
vanilla wrote:
B15 (bus) to the 2/3 train $2 & FAST.
$2 + the AirTrain charge. Still much cheaper than a cab but the AirTrain isn't free. Also, I don't know that "fast" is the term I'd use. The 2/3 is definitely better than taking the A to the Rockaways, though.
if you take the bus, you skip the airtrain. $2 for real, this is how i do it when i don't have a ride.
edited so say, the trip takes less than an hour from brooklyn museum.
meganlibrarian "Anonymous Guest"
Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 427 Location: in the gutter looking @ the stars
Sat Jan 06, 07 8:13 am EST
jujube wrote:
meganlibrarian wrote:
I've become a rabid convert to the JFK-Airtrain-2/3 subway route home to PH. It might be 25% slower overall (1 hour vs 40-45 minutes), but it's so much less stressful. I know what the transit cost will be ($20RT a person, versus $65-75 plus tip for a car service RT), the "drivers" never deviate from the route and I don't have to make any annoying small talk. Absolute heaven.
Sorry can one explain how to make the Airtrain to 2/3 connection again? I thought Airtrain only went to Jamaica or Howard Beach...
You take the Airtrain to Jamaica. Once at Jamaica, you buy a LIRR ticket to Flatbush Station. Ride the train to Flatbush Station (aka Atlantic Center) and then hop on a 2/3 (or a 4/5/B/Q/whatever). Voila!
vanilla Carneviento Devotee
Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 1434
Sat Jan 06, 07 12:24 pm EST
jujube wrote:
Sorry can one explain how to make the Airtrain to 2/3 connection again? I thought Airtrain only went to Jamaica or Howard Beach...
you can also take the B15 bus from JFK to New Lots which is the last stop on the 2 train. the bus can get crowded though, so it's best if you don't have much luggage. no airtrain involved.
lp1378 Newbie
Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 27
Wed Jan 10, 07 8:08 pm EST
Many thanks to those who posted the tip on the B15 bus to JFK. I've got a trip out of there on Friday. Since I'm not in a hurry and have enough cushion time beforehand I'm going to give this a shot.
A point of clarity though if anyone else is going to try this: I'm pretty sure you need to be on the 3 train to New Lots in order to get the B15. The 2 train veers south after Franklin and terminates at Flatbush Ave/Brooklyn College (which is not on the B15 route). See the Subway and Bus maps for further reference.
Carlton Banks Regular
Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 100 Location: Fort Greene
Sat Mar 24, 07 12:59 pm EST
The LIRR/Airtrain is great if you're close to Atlantic Terminal. It costs $10 bucks and I've actually found it to be faster than a car (obviously depending on the time of day and the timing of the trains). I made it home in 30 mins.
Take the LIRR to Jamaica, then hop on the Airtrain which drops you right at the terminal.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe in a reader
).
Thanks, 1010 WINS, for continually reporting on the traffic jam on the FDR that was breaking up, but not mentioning anything in Bkln or LI. 
