Some folks like to get away, take a holiday from the neighbourhood

There is a scene in Ben Stiller's 2001 film Zoolander in which the "really really ridiculously good-looking" title character is staring in disbelief at his Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good and Wanna Learn to do Other Stuff Good Too.  Not realising it's a model, the adorably clueless Derek Zoolander whines, "How can we be expected to teach children to learn how to read...if they can't even fit inside the building?".

Derek might be an idiot, but his point got me thinking.  How could I create a blog about New York City, and write 108 posts on things you can do when you visit, but not give you a single piece of advice on how to get here in the first place!  Well, let's remedy that right now.

Before we start though, an important disclaimer.  The information that follows will be predominantly relevant to people flying into and out of Manhattan, because that's what I know best.  If you need to get to the other boroughs, I am sure that the companies I talk about here will be able to help you.  Just check their websites (links provided).

Follow the airport signs
for "Ground Transportation"

Visiting New York can be an expensive prospect, particularly if you're coming here on holiday and you've only got a short time to squeeze everything in.  Unless you're especially fortunate, chances are you're working to a budget and you need to make every dollar stretch as far as it can without compromising your safety or enjoyment.  The commute to and from the airport is really the official start of your holiday in Manhattan, and you want to get that part right, don't you?

TAXIS
Pros:  Cheap; available year-round; plentiful; take credit cards; flat-rate fare to/from JFK; no charge for luggage; door-to-door service
Cons: Long lines at the airport; scammers try to solicit rides in the airport terminals (don't fall for this); no flat-rate fare to/from La Guardia or Newark Airports; no baby seats available; standard cabs only seat maximum 4 passengers; no available cabs in the City during shift change (4-5pm); high demand during rush hour
Cost:  Flat-rate non-stop fare to/from JFK is $52.50 + tolls + tip (includes tax)
Website:  NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission

CAR SERVICE
Pros:  Available year-round; clean; reliable; great for business travelers; diverse fleet depending on the number of passengers and luggage (sedans, SUVs, mini-buses available); baby seats available; driver will greet you in the Arrivals Hall with a little sign bearing your name (often costs extra); door-to-door service; you can book your journey in advance; quotes available online; take credit cards
Cons:  More expensive than cabs; little or no availability at short notice
Cost:  Varies depending on company, but usual fare (plus taxes, tips, and tolls) is about $35 to/from La Guardia, or $40 to/from JFK and Newark.  If you keep the car waiting, that will cost you extra too.  Definitely worth getting a quote online first.
Website:  Check out Dial 7, Carey, and Carmel

EXPRESS AIRPORT BUSES
Pros:  Cheap; available year-round; free Wifi on-board; no need to pre-book (but it's a good idea); non-stop to the airport of your choice (and between airports, if you need); pick-up/drop-off points are central and well-serviced by cabs if needed (Penn Station, Grand Central Station & Port Authority Bus Terminal); shuttles available to select hotels in Manhattan, depending on location
Cons:  There is a set schedule; no direct hotel pick-up/drop off; occasional long lines at the airport
Cost:  $29 to/from JFK or $23 to/from La Guardia
Website:  NYC Airporter Bus

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Pros:  Cheap; available year-round
Cons:  Difficult if you have a lot of luggage (some escalators and elevators, but mostly stairs); not door-to-door service (you might have to change multiple times); not always on time (particularly late at night, on weekends, or in bad weather); bus drivers require exact change (MetroCards aren't available at all bus stops); not always a user-friendly system (if you're unfamiliar with the subway map or bus routes)
Cost:  Subway or local bus ride is $2.50 (reduced fares available for seniors).  Refillable MetroCards are available at most subway stations and ticket booths (usually $5 and upwards).  Very handy if you can foresee using the subway at least a couple of times during your visit.
Website:  MTA Travel Costs; and MTA trip planner

RENTAL CAR
You're messing with me, right?  You're having a holiday in Manhattan.  Don't rent a car.

HITCH-HIKING
Now I know you're messing with me.  Have you seen "Law & Order: SVU"?

However you choose to get from the airport to the center of the City is up to you.  These are just the ways I've done it in the past, largely dictated by the amount of luggage I'm toting, or the time of day I'm travelling, or my budget, or my sanity levels.  When in doubt, ask someone.  New Yorkers may have the reputation of being stand-offish (or even unfriendly) but it's simply not true.  Don't start your holiday by getting lost, or getting robbed, or getting grouchy.  Just get to your destination.