Flying into NYC

[jnadelman]

The Newark Air Tran is a free monorail that will take you to Newark Penn Station.

From there, you can change to NJ transit into New York Penn Station
I also think that you can change to the PATH trains and get to downtown NYC. I know the PATH also goes midtown, but you might need to transfer. Haven't ridden that in years.

If you want to take a cab from Newark, I would book something with a fixed rate. Even though it might be "close" miles wise, there could be a ton of traffic and it could cost a lot of money.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

The Newark Air Tran is a free monorail that will take you to Newark Penn Station.

From there, you can change to NJ transit into New York Penn Station
I also think that you can change to the PATH trains and get to downtown NYC. I know the PATH also goes midtown, but you might need to transfer. Haven't ridden that in years.

If you want to take a cab from Newark, I would book something with a fixed rate. Even though it might be "close" miles wise, there could be a ton of traffic and it could cost a lot of money.

All cabs are fixed rate if you use the official cab kiosk.

 

[mytripsandraces]

OP - Each airport has its own webpage, which shows the ground transportation options, with approximate fares.

The Newark Air Tran is a free monorail that will take you to Newark Penn Station.

From there, you can change to NJ transit into New York Penn Station
I also think that you can change to the PATH trains and get to downtown NYC. I know the PATH also goes midtown, but you might need to transfer. Haven't ridden that in years.

If you want to take a cab from Newark, I would book something with a fixed rate. Even though it might be "close" miles wise, there could be a ton of traffic and it could cost a lot of money.

The Newark AirTrain is only free within the airport (http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-airtrain.html). It costs $5.50 to get to Newark Penn Station, but you can buy a ticket to New York Penn Station that includes the AirTrain fee for $12.50. When you buy your ticket, make sure you're going to the correct Penn Station.

All cabs are fixed rate if you use the official cab kiosk.

The only airport with a fixed rate taxi (yellow cab) into Manhattan is JFK (http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-taxi-car-van-service.html). The other two airports offer metered transportation. The approximate fare from Newark is on this page: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-taxi-car-van-service.html. The approximate fare from LaGuardia is on this page: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/lga-taxi-car-van-service.html. These estimates do not include tip or tolls. The official cab kiosk is there to help you identify which taxis are legitimate and the kiosk manager will hand you a bill of rights with the taxi's number written on it, in case you have questions, comments, or complaints and need to identify the taxi.

 

[Art 1]

Fly into LGA, go to the taxi stand outside and wait in line. Sometimes it's long, sometimes it's not but it moves fast. Give the driver the name and or the address of the hotel. It's as simple as that. Have cash ready, you can pay with a credit card though if you want.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Fly into LGA, go to the taxi stand outside and wait in line. Sometimes it's long, sometimes it's not but it moves fast. Give the driver the name and or the address of the hotel. It's as simple as that. Have cash ready, you can pay with a credit card though if you want.

This is my vote.

Based on the question, I assume OP is not familiar with NYC, the subway system, ferries, trains, etc. I would not want to start my vacation in NYC that way if I didn't already have a clear idea of how all that worked. Or really ever. I've lived there and been there lots of times, and still it's worth it to me to fork over the cab fare.

 

[wnissen]

This is my vote.

Based on the question, I assume OP is not familiar with NYC, the subway system, ferries, trains, etc. I would not want to start my vacation in NYC that way if I didn't already have a clear idea of how all that worked. Or really ever. I've lived there and been there lots of times, and still it's worth it to me to fork over the cab fare.

Agree. Just because it is possible to get from JFK to midtown for $2.25 does not mean that you should! $45+tolls+tip is pretty reasonable. If you go to Newark, though, I would take a car service. It should be less than a cab, and I have had the unpleasant experience of being overcharged by a Yellow Cab going to EWR. You are a target if you're leaving from a hotel, because the cabbie knows you are not going to come back and file a complaint. With a car service the rate has already been set.

 

[clarabelle]

I have been once -years ago- you are correct that I want it to be easy and I don't mind paying for a cab. We will be a family of four with luggage.
Thanks again everyone for all your help

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Our office is midtown and prefer to fly into LGA because it is much shorter to get into the city then JFK (between traffic and distance).

JFK does have the AirTrain though so that can be good if you don't have a lot of bags or don't mind carrying your bags onto a train/subway into the city.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I have to echo the others. LGA is the closest to midtown and the most hassle free ride by cab. I've flown into all 3 many times and LGA is hands down the easiest to navigate and quickest ride into the city.

Have a great trip!

 

[redlight]

LaGuardia is closer and cheaper, and a smaller airport.

 

[MiniGirl]

I used to live in mid-town when I was a flight attendant, and I flew out of all 3 airports. LGA was, by far, the quickest, easiest, and cheapest airport for me to fly into and out of. I don't know how many people you are travelling with or where you are staying, but I always took the Carey Bus. Does it still operate. It made an initial stop at Grand Central Stationa nd then additional stops at several mid-town hotels. Even if you aren't at one of those hotels, you may be close enough to walk. If you do take a cab though, instruct the driver to take the midtown tunnel or the 59th street bridge. I don't remember the name, but there is one way that goespretty far north, I think, and then comes down. Is it the tri-boro bridge? Sorry. I forget. Sometimes that will be faster if it is rush hour. Otherwise, it is longer and more expensive.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

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)

Me too. Laguardia is so easy to navigate. There is a max amount they can charge you from the airport to anywhere in the city and it's posted in the back seat. Can't remember how much. Maybe $30-$40?

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I have to echo the others. LGA is the closest to midtown and the most hassle free ride by cab. I've flown into all 3 many times and LGA is hands down the easiest to navigate and quickest ride into the city.

Have a great trip!

This.
It's really is hassle free. And that's how you want your trip to start...easy. Just be prepared for the ride of your life! Some of those cabbies drive crazy. You'd swear your gonna wreck any minute, but you don't.