ABBinAL

Bringing our scout troop to NYC for long weekend - any thoughts on the best van/shuttle service to use to get to/from LGA to midtown? I have checked around and received quotes of $250+ each way which is not something we will to pursue. Other quotes have been $65 or so, but reviews for those services not so great. Hotel has contract through a service that again does not receive great reviews, but price is right. Any suggestions? Thanks!

vjpblovesitaly

Here is a recent thread on the same subject.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ort-in-nyc.cfm

Those are companies I have seen recommended multiple times. You might want to contact them for quotes for 5 people.

christnp

Dial 7 is well regarded. They are huge, so there are sure to be a few negative reviews out there, but I know of lots of people who use them regularly without a problem. (Keep in mind that someone who experiences a mishap is more likely to write a review than someone who had an easy experience)

You'll need to contact them for an exact quote, but the estimated rate would be about $60 (plus tolls and tip) for a minivan for 5. http://www.dial7.com/transportation_rates_NY If you all have large suitcases, you may need to get the larger van as minivans don't have a lot of luggage storage space when filled to capacity with passengers.

nytraveler

From LGA to midtown I would just use a cab. (There are some larger cabs that will hold 5 people as long as you don;t have tons of luggage.)

If you hvae more luggage than that check web site and then call one of the standard car services (Dial 7 or Carmel) and ask them for a price for a vehicle (probably will be an SUV) to hold 5 people plus luggage. Ask for a discount based on the coupons on the website. In addition to the price quoted you have to pay the bridge or tunnel toll and a 20% tip on the fare but not toll. I would expect the total to be less than $100 including both.

Do not touch a shuttle service - that is way more than you need.

doug_stallings

It can be difficult to find a regular taxi that will take 5 people plus luggage. Only the minivans can do that, and not all of them. I simply cannot recommend it.

You need to book your transportation in advance. Regardless of the reviews you have 2 viable options. You can do Super Shuttle (and you can reserve the whole van for $115 or 5 individual seats in a shared van for $15 each. There are other companies that offer similar prices and services. I'm not fond of these shared shuttles, but if you need to save money, they work, albeit very imperfectly.

Or you can take a car service like Dial 7 or Carmel. I use and can recommend both. That costs $59 for the van, up to $7.50 for tolls, and $13 for the expected tip for a total of $72 to $79.50.

If you are on a VERY TIGHT budget, then you can simply take a city bus to the subway ($2.50 each, but you have to buy a Metrocard from the vending machine in the main terminal). This will get you close but not right to your hotel. Whether this is a good option or not depends on how much luggage you have, where your hotel is (tell us and I can tell you which buses or subways would be involved), and if you are willing to be a bit adventurous.

starrs

See what Carmel will quote.

nelsonian

I would take the bus and subway. As Doug says cost $ 2.50 and it's part of the NY experience!!