Bringing your team to New York, or adding a private event to a trip already on the calendar? Start with where your guests are coming from, where they're staying and when everyone needs to be together. Those details matter more than a headline airfare.
Choose How to Get Here
From the Northeast: Compare Trains, Buses and Flights
Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional services connect Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC. New York Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall put rail arrivals in Midtown Manhattan. Compare the full journey with flying, including travel to the airport and time before departure. Check Amtrak routes and fares.
Intercity buses are another option. Check the exact pickup and arrival stops before booking: a ticket to New York doesn't necessarily mean the stop nearest your hotel. Compare journey times, baggage allowances and cancellation terms as well as the fare. See FlixBus routes and stops and baggage rules.
From Farther Away: Compare Your Actual Dates
For guests coming from the South, Midwest, Texas, Mountain West or West Coast, search flights from their departure airports to JFK, LaGuardia and Newark. Compare nonstop and connecting options, arrival times and the onward journey to your hotel or event. Allow extra time between arrival and any activity the whole group needs to attend.
Use Google Flights price tracking for specific dates or flexible dates. It can notify you when prices change. Check the airline's final price and fare conditions before paying, including baggage, seat selection and change or cancellation terms.
Check baggage fees even on familiar airlines. Southwest no longer includes two free checked bags with every fare. Allowances and exemptions depend on the fare, status and eligible card benefits. Use its current checked baggage policy when comparing the total.
Getting From the Airport to the City
Compare the airport transfer alongside the flight. Plan to your actual destination, with luggage and your group's mobility needs in mind. Check current service before traveling, and include time for baggage collection, walking and connections.
JFK
AirTrain connects the terminals with onward rail services. You can connect at Jamaica to the Long Island Rail Road for Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, or use subway connections. AirTrain and the onward subway or railroad trip have separate fares. JFK's public transportation guide explains the routes and payment options.
LaGuardia (LGA)
LaGuardia connects to rail through buses. The free Q70 LaGuardia Link serves Terminals B and C and connects with the subway at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue and 74 St-Broadway. The onward subway ride has its own fare. Check your terminal and destination in LaGuardia's transportation guide.
Newark Liberty (EWR)
Take AirTrain to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then transfer to a NJ Transit train serving New York Penn Station. These are separate legs of the journey. The train ride to Manhattan is not the total time from your terminal to your hotel. Check connections and ticket details in NJ Transit's airport guide.
Build a Budget for Your Group
Use quotes for your dates and headcount instead of a fixed weekend estimate. Include:
- Travel: Tickets, baggage, seat selection and airport or station transfers.
- Accommodation: The final room total, including taxes and fees. Check room occupancy, cancellation terms and distance from the event.
- Getting around: Subway or bus fares, taxis or arranged group transportation, depending on your itinerary.
- Food and activities: Meals, event costs, applicable taxes and gratuities. Confirm what each booking includes.
The standard subway and local bus fare is currently $3 for most riders. You can tap a contactless card, phone, wearable device or OMNY Card. Airport rail services and commuter trains have separate fares. Check the MTA's current fares and payment guide when preparing your budget.
Fit Your Event Around the Trip
For a Sing With The Stars private event, we plan the start time, duration and format around your group. Share your meeting agenda, arrival times and onward travel plans so we can discuss a schedule that works for your guests.
Your guests can sing duets, trade verses and join group singalongs with real Broadway performers. Anyone who would rather watch is welcome to enjoy the music. Tell us about your group and we'll help put together a tailored event plan.