Transfers from JFK to Penn

[Gunslinger]

Hiya
Coming to NY in Sept and am spending some time in Philadelphia first. Flying in & out of NY rather than multi-stop to Philly will save me over $200 dollars, however I need to get from JFK to Philly & figure the train is the way to go.

Will have luggage for 10 days and although I'm don't overpack it will be a sizeable case.

Couple of questions:
1) Other than the train, any thoughts on an easier journey to Philly?
2) Assuming I catch the train from Penn, it would seem I have a choice of the E line on subway or LIRR - recommendations - looking for speed and comfort over price
3) Any idea if all of these mass transit solutions would be better shelved and we should just get a cab?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Schadenfrau]

I'm confused- you're looking for speed and comfort over price, but you're going to this trouble because you want to save $200?

The Chinatown bus costs $15 from NYC to Philadelphia.

[ManhattanKnight]

^She's right, especially if your "we" is really plural and not regal. But if you're going to be using JFK instead of PHL, the Airtrain (from JFK to Jamaica) and the LIRR from there to Penn. Sta. is the way to go (though the E subway runs a lot more frequently than the LIRR). From NYC's Penn. Sta. to Philla. Penn. Sta., take Amtrak (one of the Acela Regional trains, not the Acela Express trains, which cost ~twice as much for very little improvement in service or travel time).

[Gunslinger]

Apologies if I've not made myself clear.
The saving is $200+ per person and the "we" is definitely plural rather than regal. What I guess I'm saying is - if the subway costs $5 but the Airtrain & LIRR costs $15 but will be an easier journey then I'd opt for the latter.

I was also interested in the cost of a cab from JFK (both in time & financially) against 2 person fare on Airtrain & LIRR

Attempting to keep costs down without completely making the transfer a complete nightmare

Thanks

[ablarc]

Attempting to keep costs down without completely making the transfer a complete nightmare
Airtrain/LIRR.

[Deimos]

Airtrain/LIRR.

I'll second (or probably fourth at this point) that notion... The AirTrain is by far the best way to the airport. Since you'll be in Penn anyway just take the LIRR to Jamaica for the easiest experience. It's much faster than the A or E train options.

[Gunslinger]

Thanks guys
Certainly seems cheapest and one of the easier options

Ta