New York Service

New York's 8 million inhabitants make it the biggest city in the USA. The city comprises five districts: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. The street network looks like a grid, with avenues running from north to south and streets from east to west. As well as countless sightseeing possibilities, the city's breathtaking skyline also offers fans of architecture lots to see. The city is regarded as of the most important centres for arts, culture, media and economics in the world. New York is part of the U.S. state of the same name, one of the USA's main educational centres. Prestigious state universities like the State University of New York and private universities such as Columbia University are to be found here.

Tourist information 
www.nycvisit.com
www.visitnewyork.com
www.newyorkcitywalks.com

Airports
New York has two international airports, the John F Kennedy Airport and the Newark International Airport. A third airport, La Guardia, deals with domestic flights. All of them are connected to the city's public transport network. www.airlinknyc.com

John F Kennedy Airport
John F Kennedy Airport is situated in the Queens district and is approx. 25km away from Manhattan. The Air Train transfers passengers to Howard Beach (connection: line A) and Jamaica (connection: line A, J and Z) subway stations for $5, and to Manhattan for $7. Those in a hurry can take the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) from Jamaica to Penn Station for between $5 and $7. The Super Shuttle, a taxi for 7-8 people, can also take passengers from the airport direct to the city centre, however this trip may take longer as the driver will stop at various destinations. The New York Airport Service Express Bus runs from the airport to Grand Central Station, Port Authority, Penn Station and Bryant Park at a cost of around $15. The Q10 bus also goes from each airport terminal to Ozone Park and Lefferts Boulevard subway stations. From there, trains on Line A will take the passengers to Manhattan.

Airtrain: www.airtrainjfk.com
Super-Shuttle: www.supershuttle.com

Newark International Airport
This airport in New Jersey is approx. 26km away from Manhattan and offers similar city connections to JFK. The Super Shuttle Newark Airport Express Bus runs to Grand Central Station or Port Authority. The Newark Airtrain is another possibility - this service runs to the New Jersey Transit, from which you can get a connecting train to Manhattan. The cheapest options are the number 62 bus and the Path Train, both of which go to Manhattan, from where you can take the subway to wherever you want to go.

New Jersey Transit: www.njtransit.com
Airtrain: http://airtrainnewark.com

La Guardia Airport
Take the bus M60 from the airport to Manhattan, then take one of the subway lines a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, D, N and W to get where you want to go. The Q33 bus from the airport stops at Jackson Heights subway station in Queens, from which you can connect to Manhattan is possible. The New York Airport Service Express Bus calls at Grand Central Station, Port Authority, Penn Station and Bryant Park, and the Super Shuttle Manhattan at around $15 is also an option. 

Airport information and flight information:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) General Info: 718-244-4444
www.kennedyairport.com
La Guardia Airport (LGA) General Info: 718-533-3400
www.laguardiaairport.com
Newark International Airport (EWR)General Info: 973-961-6000
www.newarkairport.com

Subway
The subway is the fastest way to travel between uptown and downtown. Free travel schedules are available at each station. Some express lines only run at certain times, but in general trains operate around the clock. Metrocards cost $2 for a single journey, whilst the $24 weekly Metrocard is highly recommendable.
Penn Station, situated between 32nd and 33rd Street / 7th and 8th Avenue, is the hub of New York´s train network, acting as a crossover for many subway lines and the starting point for trains travelling to many major US destinations.  

Bus
Especially proper on sideroads. Journeys cost $2 but are free with a valid Metrocard.
The City´s main bus terminal is to be found between 8th and 9th Avenue and 40th and 42nd Street. From here, buses run to US cities, Canada and Mexico.

Car
The fastest and best way to travel around in New York is the public transport. But those who can’t do without their car can find traffic information and updates at the New York City Department of Transportation. www.nyc.gov/html/dot

Public Transport
Metropolitan Transit Authority: www.mta.info
Subway: www.nycsubway.org

Important contacts:
Police, fire department, ambulance: 911
Medical emergency service: 737 - 2333
Dental emergency service: 1800 - 4 39 - 92 99
Consulates in New York City: 
www.nyc.gov
www.ny.gov

Taxis
Yellow Cabs are a safe and comfortable way to travel around New York. The collection fee is $2.50, and each 1/5 mile (4 blocks) or 1 minute of waiting time in traffic jam is charged at an extra $0.40. On weekdays between 4pm and 8pm an additional charge of $1 is added, whilst travelling at night will incur a $0.50 surcharge. Note that taxi availability becomes very limited around 4pm due to shift change.

Currency
US$ 1.578 = EUR 1 (1st of July 2008)

International dialling code
+1

Time zone
GMT -5

Main daily newspapers
New York Times
New York Post
New York Daily News

City magazines
TimeOut
Village
Voice
The New Yorker