Cab

cab

The OP will probably clarify this, but his travel group numbers 7 so he is maybe looking for alternatives to taking two cabs? I agree that cabs are the best option, even if their group needs to take two of them.

A cab from the airport sounds good..what about getting one back to the airport..if you set the time in advance, are they reliable ?
Thanks for the response.
D.

In my limited experience, the doorman at the hotel can usually hail one or call for one on your behalf. Others who know more can add their advice.

Always have had good experiences with Carmel Car, coming and going to LGA,EWR and JFK.

I used Carmel Car Service last trip (LGA)when I had a party of 5 and didn't want to take two cabs. They were on time for our pickup and got us to our hotel quickly. In November I stood in line for the cab and it was the first time when I had to wait a VERY long time - maybe time of arrival (Friday evening) had something to do with it? Anyway, I'd use Carmel again for a larger party.

We've used Carmel on a number of occasions, to and from the airport(s). I'd take a cab from the LGA because locating "your car" isn't all that easy at LGA, but going back, I wouldn't hesitate to use Carmel.

I take a cab from LGA to the city - easy and cheap. From the city to LGA I use a car service. Usuallu Dial 7. I have found that some people are disappointed in them since they are expecting a limo service. This is not a limo service. It's a car service - usually a black sedam - and service/price are what you would get from a cab - but you can reserve in advance. (There are limo services/corporate car services with better cars and more upscael - but they will cost twice the price.)

For a cheaper choicefor one- but probabvly not 2 or more people - take a shuttle bus to Grand Central or Port Authority and then walk or cab to your hotel.

Do NOT take the supershuttle - which is very unreliable - and often wsates an hour or more driving people around in traffic from one hotel to anothr to another to another,

<<<There are limo services/corporate car services with better cars>>>

I have never had anything less than a Lincoln town car, and last time I was in a brand new Lexus SUV. Good enough for me

Taxi

The best way into Manhattan for someone without budget limitations is and will always be a regular taxi.

You can use a car service to LGA from your hotel, but it's almost always less convenient to take one from LGA. This airport just doesn't have the line-up of cars that you find at JFK and EWR, and it's more difficult to find a meeting point. But a lot of people continue to take them successfully ... they are just not my preferred choice. Pre-arranging a car service is a better choice at some busy times of the year or after a major snow storm.

With a larger group, there's certainly an argument for a car service, but by the time you pay for exclusive use of a larger van, it's usually cheaper to take 2 taxis.

I almost exclusively use Dial 7 and have never had a problem, so I can't speak to the so-called mixed reviews. But I've been using Dial 7 for 20 years. I've had innumerable problems with SuperShuttle and will no longer recommend the company, but I would certainly use one of the airport shuttles that have fixed pick-up and drop-off points to save money and often do.

What time do you need to head back to LGA for your return flight? If it is after 3:00pm, then a car service like Dial7 is preferable, since regular taxis are changing shifts from 3:30 pm on and fewer are available.

The only time I take car service from the city is if I need the cab during either the morning or afternoon rush. In the PM there is a shift change around 4 and it is maddening. The other time is between 8 -9:30 AM when people are trying to get work, otherwise cabs are usually not a problem.

If you're 7 people that will make a huge difference. Please state your party size. For up to 4 people not arriving in rush our, a yellow NYC taxi is the way to go. for larger parties or if you're arriving during rush hour, dial7.com or allstatelimo.com

I hate hauling my luggage out to the corner (I live on a residential side street) when going to the airport - so always call a car service. It is always Dial 7 (unless they are fully booked) and in years have only had one problem. And idiot driver tired to charge me bridge toll both ways to take me from Manhattan to LGA - saying he had come from there and I owed it. I refused - he was a pain and I just called the office. They told me to ignore him and they were calling him as I got out of the car. You need to understand this is a company with hundreds of cars and driver and every once in a while noodle head will sneak in - but they do take the side of the passenger - and I believe remove any drive that tries to pull this.

I have always found the cars to be acceptable and clean - and they are often Lincoln town cars. But they are often several years old with some visible wear, sometimes the springs aren;t the best and the drivers don;t wear uniforms.

Do you tip the car service the same as a taxi - 15-20%?

Precisely - but IMHO it's 20% - or more if they help with a lot of luggage. You also have to pay bridge ot tunnel tolls - but do not tip on the toll.

I think with Carmel car service that the tip and all tolls were included in the price I was quoted. I don't recall tipping that driver like I do with a cab but if you decide to use them I'm sure it would be spelled out.

No ... Tips and tolls are never included in price quotes for car services. Ever. I tip usually about 20%.

No - prices quoted by car services are net - you have to add tip and tolls on top of the quoted price. (I have never seen a car service that included either one in their pricing.)

I don't think the OP has a party of 7 people. I think someone misread "dial 7 among them" in the OP as meaning 7 people.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Airport Bus. They are cheap and reliable, and their schedules allow for rush hour traffic.

Hi..booked with Carmel car service..very reasonable for 7 people and driver will come inside to meet group at the airport...this service is included in the price of a van which is what is needed for a group this size.
Tip of 20%, and toll both ways are included in quote online..no hidden fees.
If you go online you can get a quote or you can call and they will help you.

The person making the reservation was more than helpful and friendly..
Thank all of you, for your help.
D.

Not sure what arrangement yuo ahve made. On their website it lists a van for up to 10 people at $118 - PLUS tip and tolls.

Perhaps you are paying a higher price - probably are if you are going for meet and greet service - but do be sure if you will be charged for waiting time. Typically if you call them as you land they then organize a vehicle that will arrive shortly after you get your luggage. But if you want them to park the vehicle and then come inside for "meet and greet" they charge you waiting time for anything more than 30 minutes after landing time.