PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

  AIRPORTS

JFK (718) 656 4520

Newark (201) 961 6000

La Guardia (718) 476 5000

Taxis are in plentiful supply at all three airports, but visitors should only take licensed yellow cabs where the fare is displayed on a running meter. From JFK and Newark to midtown Manhattan, expect to pay $35-$45 (including tips and tolls) depending on the traffic. From La Guardia, the cost is usually $15-$25. Non-rush hour journey time is around 30 minutes from La Guardia and 45-50 minutes from JFK or Newark.

Shuttle buses run from all airports to midtown (Carey Transportation is the most reliable). Cost $12.50-$20. Be warned: shuttle buses can take between one and two hours to make the trip because of traffic and numerous pick-up stops

  AIRLINES

Air France 247 0100

American Airlines

(800) 433 7300

British Airways (800) 247 9297

Cathay Pacific (800) 233 2742

Japan Airlines 838 4400

KLM (800) 374 7747

Lufthansa (800) 645 3380

SAS 949 1200

Singapore (800) 742 3333

United Airlines (800) 241 6522

Virgin Atlantic (800) 862 8621

FLYING TIMES

New York-London 7hrs

New York-Milan 7hrs

New York-LA 8hrs

New York-Sydney 20hrs

New York-Tokyo 12.5hrs

  CAR RENTAL

Avis (800) 831 2847

Budget 807 8700

Hertz (800) 654 3131

  LIMOUSINES

Smith Limousines

636 West 47th Street, New York, NY10036 Tel 247 0711 Fax 586 6353

Chris Limousines

52 East 97th Street, New York 10029 Tel (718) 356 3232 or (800) 542 1584

  TAXIS

Relatively cheap and easy to hail from the kerb, unless it's raining when you should consider taking the subway or even walking.

Order a taxi on 402 4747.

  PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The subway is the quickest and most efficient means of transport in New York. Tokens cost a flat rate of $1.50, irrespective of distance. The subways are much safer than their (outdated) reputation suggests, but they can be dangerous late at night when you should stay close to other people and the centre of the platform. Maps are available from most stations; it is important to learn the difference between a 'local' train, which stops at all stations, and an 'express' which doesn't.

Buses are a more pleasant, if slower, way to get around, but it is essential to always have $1.50 in coins or a subway token since buses only take the exact fare. If you need to switch to another bus you can request a transfer from the driver.