No - It's more like $30, more if they're stuck in traffic, possibly plus toll - depending how they go - and a 20% tip on the fare but not the toll.

In NYC the rate is always per cab, based on the meter, not per person. The only exception is to or fro JFK - which is a flat $45 plus tip and toll.

My guess is that it would be a bit more than $20, especially in late day traffic. Yes, the price will be for the cab,not per person.

To Times Square, I'd say more like $35 to $40 from LGA, especially if your hotel is on the west side of Broadway. The fare is metered, though, not set, and it varies dramatically if you are stuck in slow traffic, where you pay extra (a LOT extra). You'll also probably pay a $5 tunnel toll for the Midtown Tunnel and a 15% tip (I usually tip a minimum of $5).

Our total fare from LGA to 49th and Lexington on a Friday afternoon in October was $40, including tip and tolls.

If your wife and her friend are up for a bit of an adventure, take the M60 bus. You can catch it right outside of baggage claim. For $2 (in quarters only) each they can get all the way to Broadway and 116th and then hop on the subway into times square. It's pretty easy if you only have luggage for the weekend.

Otherwise, the cab is about $35.

While I think these two should take a taxi rather than the the bus from LGA, just as added info . . .

For quickest route via bus/subway from LGA to Times Square, get off the M60 at 125th St and Lenox Ave (Malcolm X Blvd) where you can catch an express subway (#2 or #3) to Times Square--much faster than riding the additional blocks on the bus in traffic and then catching a local subway.

As an up-to-date warning for those considering the M60 bus to or from LGA, read this New York Times Article
Catching a Full-Up Plane? Take This Overstuffed Bus
"Passengers on the M60 bus who had already been forced to stand were pressed against the doors. Others, trapped by tall suitcases, could not get up from their seats. Two dozen people with yet more bags tried to board, but a wave of exiting riders, shouting loudly, pushed them right back off. The same scene was replayed at the next stop, Third Avenue.
“They pack us in like cattle,” said Clay Crawford, 40, who lives in Harlem and was commuting to his job as a security guard in Queens. “Who wants this?”"
Full article at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/nyregion/26bus.html?em

Yes - one point for people not used to bus or subway in NYC. On major routes at busy times (most of the day) you cannot expect a seat - but will be standing with many others - balancing your luggage - and keeping it out of other people's way.

I don't reco the bus/subway in from LGA except for students with one carry-on who are used to NYC buses/subways. Also - the trip will take at least twice as long - can easily be 1.5 hours.

Thank you all so much for this great info...each post building on the last. This is why I love the internet.

Thanks!

The taxi from LGA to NYC is "on the meter" so it depends on traffic. It can be $25-40 depending.... If they want to be guaranteed a fixed rate, they can order a car service like dial7.com who will ask they phone when they've got their luggage and will charge a fixed price plus any toll (~$4) and a tip is expected of 15-20% of the fare.

They can also take an Express bus for $12/person to Port Authority bus terminal which is near Times Square. For 2 people, I wouldn't bother, but some prefer it.
http://www.ny.com/cgibin/frame.cgi?url=http://www.nyairportservice.com&frame=/frame/travel.html

Our fare is usually about $30 plus tip. We always request going over the Triborough Bridge for the views of the skyline (though I think the bridge has recently been re-named).

In this particular case why not take a car service? I just looked at a coupon from Carmel (212-666-6666) and it says $33 from LGA. Now, take that with a grain of salt as sometimes the car services add on $5 or so during busy times, but just ask when reserving. Also try 212-777-7777 or 212-444-4444.

I live in East Midtown and got so lucky recently-the cab TO LGA was $18 and FROM LGA to my apt was $16!!!! I gave both drivers big tips as it was the lowest I've ever seen the fare! I got really lucky. But to Times Square you won't. Too much traffic!

You can also request taking the Queensboro Bridge to save on the tolls but trust me-cab drivers get totally bitchy when you do this. Stay firm and know your rights which are on the sticker in the cab. The passenger gets to dictate the route, so tell the driver right away of your choice(s).

If you go over the Triborough Bridge, you will add a minimum of $8 to your cab fare, plus the higher $8 toll. I would strongly dissuade anyone from this option unless you are traveling to the Upper West Side or the Bronx.