Flying into NYC

[clarabelle]

Which airport? Does it matter?
We are staying in midtown.
Is there any reason to book a taxi/limo ahead of time?
Thanks!

 

[joviroxx]

If I remember correctly, LaGuardia is the closest and will run you about $25-$30 by taxi. About 9 miles away?

I think from JFK, its a flat fare of $45 for taxi and its a bit further away.

Im not sure what the the fare is from Newark, but probably around the same as JFK.

Ive never needed to reserve a taxi. Just get in line and the airport employees will get you one. I would compare airfare and add it to the taxi fare and see which one comes up better.

 

[cybrkitn]

The two that come to mind are JFK and LaGuardia. I believe that JFK is closer. Either case, you will need to drive into the city either by renting a car, getting a limo or taxi.

Others who live closer to that and/or have better experience can help you further. I very rarely use those airports b/c I'm closer to Islip MacArthur. I'll only use them if I'm traveling to the west coast (which is extremely rare).

 

[donaldduck1967]

Not sure which is actually closer, but if I had to guess i'd say JFK. Taxi, limo or if you want to be more adventurous you can take the Air Train from JFK to Jamaica then hop on the L.I.R.R. If you chose Limo I would def book ahead of time.

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks everyone
this is helpful

 

[Jennasis]

I HATE JFK. If I can avoid it like the plague, I do. I much prefer Laguardia.

 

[snapppyd]

Laguardia is definitely closer to midtown. There is a yellow taxi stand outside. I would not trust those guys who approach you and ask if you need a ride. Just wheel your luggage out to the curb and get on line for a yellow cab.

 

[TAKitty]

I flew into Newark, NJ and took a shared fan to our midtown hotel. We flew home from LaGuardia and spent about 40 (included tip) for a cab from our hotel to our airport. They were both easy and short distances to our hotel.

In a few weeks I am flying into La Guardia again and am not securing transportation until I get there. There are plenty of cabs.

 

[mjkacmom]

Laguardia is the closest (6 miles), JFK and Newark are 12 miles. All should have flat fares you can look up. I'd price out all 3.

 

[snapppyd]

JFK doesn't "sound" like it's that much further, but believe me the traffic will make you wish you had used Laguardia. (I live eight miles from Laguardia and 6 miles from midtown)

 

[shortbun]

I always got/booked and prepaid a limo but rarely was I alone and often had four suitcases. Definitely stay away from the gypsy cabs at the airports. It's harder to avoid them in Manhattan but those are much shorter jaunts.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I would go with EWR Newark NJ because its probably safer transportation-wise. If fact, I would take a cab from Newark over to the 14th street Hoboken terminal, part of NY Waterway, and then grab the Midtown Ferry to bring me the rest of the way into NYC and might even get a cab once in the city to limit stress.


Have fun

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks everyone
If I get in the taxi rank -I will not get gypsy cab right? I just need to avoid people who approach and offer?

 

[snapppyd]

I would go with EWR Newark NJ because its probably safer transportation-wise. If fact, I would take a cab from Newark over to the 14th street Hoboken terminal, part of NY Waterway, and then grab the Midtown Ferry to bring me the rest of the way into NYC and might even get a cab once in the city to limit stress.


Have fun

Oh my, that would be a lot of extra stress for me. One yellow cab ride from Laguardia straight to her hotel sounds so much easier than all that. (not trying to start a debate)

 

[snapppyd]

Thanks everyone
If I get in the taxi rank -I will not get gypsy cab right? I just need to avoid people who approach and offer?

Yes, don't be afraid to be rude, just say no! When you go to the lower level to get your luggage and then turn towards "the street" go all the way to your right and there will be a yellow cab stand. It moves very quickly.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Oh my, that would be a lot of extra stress for me. One yellow cab ride from Laguardia straight to her hotel sounds so much easier than all that. (not trying to start a debate)

But with traffic and paying the tolls wouldn't the cost be $$$$$$$ ?

Maybe a town car LOL, at least OP would get a flat rate

 

[cybrkitn]

If I remember correctly, LaGuardia is the closest and will run you about $25-$30 by taxi. About 9 miles away?

Yep, you're right. LaGuardia is the closest. I always thought JFK was, but I looked it up on Google Maps and realized that it's LaGuardia.

 

[snapppyd]

But with traffic and paying the tolls wouldn't the cost be $$$$$$$ ?

Maybe a town car LOL, at least OP would get a flat rate

Maybe, I just never trusted them.

 

[mytripsandraces]

LaGuardia has the most delays. I avoid it like the plague! You can get from JFK to Penn Station in under an hour by AirTrain and LIRR. You can also take the subway from Jamaica, which may be better, depending on where your hotel is and how much luggage you have. LIRR is more expensive, but more convenient and takes about half the time the subway takes. The AirTrain costs $5 per person each way, plus the subway fare ($2.25 per person each way) or the LIRR fare (depends on whether you're traveling peak or off peak).

If you prefer to take a taxi, JFK has a $45 flat rate fare (plus tolls and tip) from the airport to Manhattan, but you're on the meter for LaGuardia.

There is an AirTrain from Newark, too, which will be much cheaper than a taxi (crossing state lines, you usually have to pay the return fare, as well).

You can also arrange for shared van service. Super Shuttle operates out of all three airports, as far as I know.

There are also buses that run between the airports and major transportation hubs in the City - Grand Central, Port Authority, and Penn Station.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Which airport? Does it matter?
We are staying in midtown.
Is there any reason to book a taxi/limo ahead of time?
Thanks!

There are a ton of taxis, don't worry. Air Train is a waste of time.

I agree with other posters about La Gaurdia so many delays.