A $36 Ride to JFK Really Does Exist!

Last week I wrote about a promotion Uber was running where you could grab a car to JFK from Manhattan for only $36. The caveat is it is through UberPOOL so you might pick up another passenger along the way, but either way you are still paying the same $36.

I had a flight yesterday morning at 6:30am and figured the chances of an Uber being available when I needed it was very high. Now, if I was planning on leaving my apartment at 8:30am I am not sure I would have banked on a car service or taxi being available at my service and probably would have hired a car ahead of time. I went to the Uber app at about 4:30am as I was leaving my apartment and the car was in the driveway by the time I got to the lobby.

We did not pick up any other passengers on the way, but if we did Uber states that they will be along the route so you really are not tacking on too much extra time. Even if we picked up another 3 passengers it wouldn’t have taken more than 9 minutes (I am assuming 1 minute to go out of the way a block or so plus 2 minute wait time). I had plenty of time to get to the airport, so even if my ride took some extra minutes I was fine with that.

When you go to higher the car, make sure you toggle the UberPOOL on and enter John F. Kennedy International airport in the drop off location. This works for rides to or from JFK, so if you are starting from JFK make sure to enter a Manhattan address in the drop off field.

Originally when I went to book the car, the fare estimate gave me $60. Prior to this, I inquired about the difference with Uber NYC Twitter account and was ensured that the $36 pricing was in effect. But, I was made aware that if there is dynamic pricing (i.e., 1.25x fare) that would be added onto the $36 flat rate. So do not be alarmed if you see the fare estimate much higher. You can always check the Uber blog to see if this promotion has ended here.

When I received my receipt via email after the ride I noticed it did not apply a free ride credit I had. This is because the fare is a promotion and not the standard price. Only one promotion can be applied to each ride. It did, however, take the remaining amount owed from credits I have in my account. So if you are looking to apply the new user sign up bonus unfortunately you will need to save that for another time.

All in all, I paid $39.20. I am not quite sure how the math worked out, but it is definitely in my favor so I am not complaining! The $36 is not supposed to include the toll (which looked like $5.33), so they took off a little more than I expected. Works for me! And remember, with Uber the tip is included in the fare, so you are not paying anything in addition.

Except for taking public transportation or getting a ride from a friend, you cannot get to JFK airport for cheaper. Even a NYC yellow taxi will run you a flat $52 + $0.50 MTA state surcharge + $0.30 improvement surcharge + tolls + tip. At that rate you are paying at least $65.

Enjoy your discounted ride to and from JFK Airport!