<p>Macarthur airport is frequently used by LI residents, but not typically by folks from out of town who wish to visit NYC. I would look at flights in and out of LGA (LaGuardia), JFK, EWR (Newark) and HPN (White Plains) before deciding to fly into Macarthur. All four of the airports that I listed have both decent public transportation (bus to subway, AirTrain to subway, NJ Transit and bus to Metro-North train, respectively), as well as readily available taxi cabs and other private transportation to NYC. Each of these airports is also much closer to NYC than Macarthur Airport. </p>
<p>If you do choose to fly into Macarthur, the LIRR ride will be a relatively long one (and you should look at train schedules before you choose that airport). The LIRR trains run with varying frequency depending on the time of day. If you flight is somehow delayed until after the last LIRR train of the evening, you could be stuck. Once you get into Penn Station (the terminus for LIRR trains), you will need to decide whether to take the subway or find a taxi to your final destination. You will have to carry your baggage up several flights of stairs and through crowds getting around Penn Station. If you choose to take the subway, there will be additional flights of stairs in and out. </p>
<p>Have a great trip, whatever you decide!</p>