Need advice: Getting out of JFK

[reginula]

Hello there. 
I'm looking for some advice from locals to avoid making a dumb tourist mistake.
I'll be flying into JFK on a Saturday morning and my lodging is in West New York, NJ. I've been looking up my options. The Uber ride seems to be over $100, which is a huge blow to my budget. I'm seeing there is an AirTrain and an E Train or one that's a green line from a station called Babylon (?). This looks way cheaper, but I wonder how easy it is to handle luggage (think of one of those 25"-ish suitcases) when switching from one line to another. And then, how easy would it be to get from there to NJ? Should I just splurge on a cab/Uber? 

I'd highly appreciate any advice or ideas. Thank you in advance!

[UncleCharlie]

I don't know how heavy your suitcase will be or how difficult it will be for you to handle it but if it was me and i wanted the cheapest way to go, take the airtrain (signs in the arrival area not hard to find) to Jamaica station. That will take you to the "E" train. There are 2 airtrains, one to Jamaica station and one to Howard Beach. Make sure you wait for and take the one to Jamaica station. Take the "E" train there heading towards Manhattan. Get off at 42nd street Port Authority bus terminal and buy a ticket for New Jersey Transit Bus 159 to Fort Lee. It's runs every 15 minutes or so and is about a 20 minute ride to 60th and Bergenline Ave, in West NY. I believe it's the 4th stop but ask the driver to let you know. I believe Bus 156 also goes there as well. Ask the ticket seller which is the next bus to 60th and Bergenline. Cost is $3.50 and with $7.75 for the airtrain+subway, you get there for a little over $11. There are usually elevators in most stations but you might encounter a staircase or two. The Port Authority usually has escalators to where the buses depart from.

I usually take the airtrain to Howard Beach and take the "A" train to Manhattan which also goes to the 42nd street Port Authority Bus terminal. I know at Howard Beach there are escalators that lead right to the subway so no stairs involved. I don't know the layout at Jamaica. It takes a little longer with the A but if you don't want to risk it, you'll know you won't have to deal with stairs there if you go to Howard Beach. And make sure you take the right airtrain. The Howard Beach and Jamaica are 2 separate routes. .

Or you can spend over $100 for an uber.

[10086Sundays]

There are stairs at Jamaica Station, just one flight of about 20ish steps.  It's the only way to the platform too so it's busy.  At least I've only used the stairs, I don't know where the elevator and/or escalator are after the turnstile, maybe someone else can help.  Getting from the AIrtrain to Jamaica there is an elevator.

Also, you'll need to buy a metro card after you get off the Airtrain, before you get on the subway.  I recommend putting enough for your round trip so you don't have to worry about getting delayed when returning to the airport, especially if you're traveling at an odd time.