NuFact 03: Transportation

The meeting will occur at the Columbia University physics department, which is located in New York City on the corner of Broadway and West 120th St.

For those flying into New York there are three airports that you may arrive at: LeGuardia, Newark, and JFK. Directions from the airports to the Columbia campus, together with campus and subway maps, can be found here. Another set of directions, including a campus map, can be found here.

The easiest way to get to Columbia is to take a Yellow Cab from any of the airports; however, this is also the most expensive route. Taxi fare from the various airports is as follows:

• LaGuardia: about $18 + $3 toll + 15% tip = $24
• Newark: about $60-$65
• JFK: fixed rate $35 + $3 toll + 15% tip = $44

Janet's tip: By far the easiest way to reach Columbia is to fly to Laguardia and then take a cab. Tell the driver you want to go to Manhatten to 116th and Broadway. The cab will usually go across the Triboro Bridge, west along 125th or 126th Streets, then south down Broadway. The cost is usually about $18 + $3.50 for the bridge toll. I usually give a $3 tip.

A simple and cheaper alternative is the SuperShuttle. This is a shared van which will take you from the airport and drop you off at a location you specify (including your hotel) in Manhattan. To use the SuperShuttle, follow the signs at the airport to the Ground Transportation Desk near the Baggage Claim area. There you can make a reservation on the next shuttle. The vans leave on demand, so there will only be a short wait for yours. The SuperShuttle will also pick you up at your hotel for your return to the airport. Simply call them with at least 24 hours notice at 212-BLUE-VAN or 212-258-3826 with your pick up location and time. Fares from the airports are as follows:

• LaGuardia: $15-$22, operates 7 AM to 11:30 PM
• Newark: $15-$19, operates 24 hours/day
• JFK: $15-$19, operates 24 hours/day

Once you find Columbia, you will need to navigate around campus. The physics building, PUPIN, is in the north-west corner of the campus (in "section D" of the campus map). Although we are located on the corner of Broadway and 120th St., it is usually not possible to enter the building from there due to keycard access only. Be sure to approach the building from the south side (the campus side). That will bring you to the main (5th floor) entrance (yes, the 5th floor). The Department office is on the 7th floor. Once you are there, they should be able to direct you to where you need to go. If you get lost, call the office at 212-854-3366 or dial 4-3366 from a campus phone.