When we went to New York, we booked the trip with expedia. We pre booked an airport shuttle bus as we were told it would be cheaper than a yellow cab, especially if you hail one at the airport. The shuttle buses are blue mini busses which hold about 9 people and drop off at various hotels in the district. They have a desk in the hallway of JFK if you haven't already booked, you will be placed in a queue for the first available bus going to your area. the company are called Super Shuttle. Pre booking through expedia was about $20 per person each way.