ConfusedGal12

*Hi* I'm new to this site. I feel a little silly asking this question since I've lived in Stamford my whole life and I've never driven to this airport before lol. I'd appreciate any help!

A friend of mine is coming in this Saturday, 8th from Cincinnati. His flight arrives at 11:40 am. Since I've never driven to this airport before do you think it's OK to or would I be stuck in traffic? Or should he just take a shuttle or taxi? I know the shuttle will run him about $60.

According to my GPS it I'll get to LaGuardia in about 45 minutes but I'm worried about traffic. If I do decide to drive, when should I leave my home to get there by 11:40am? And how many tolls are there and how much are they? Add any info I may need to know.

Thank you!

220volt

How about him taking an airport shuttle bus to Grand Central and then getting a train to Stamford?

ConfusedGal12

Thanks so much for the quick response!

How often do the shuttles arrive? And do you know how much? And how far is it from Grand Central? I like that idea.

Fra_Diavolo

I guess it depends on how good a friend he is. Going into the city and back out seems pretty inconvenient to me. Just drive. Leave Stamford at 10:30. Cross the Throgs Neck bridge -- that's your only toll. You will have to pay for short term parking at the airport.

ConfusedGal12

"Going into the city and back out seems pretty inconvenient to me." What do you mean by this? Lol, my mind isn't all here today so excuse me.

I guess I'll just drive. I just hate driving to NY because the turns are so quick and short notice.

How much are tolls these days? And the parking at the airport? I rarely carry cash so I'll need to stock up. My GPS says nothing about a Throgs Neck bridge, sigh. Thanks for the info.

DebitNM

Do not take Throgs Neck Bridge.

Take the Whitestone Bridge.

Depending on where you are in Stamford, take either the Merritt Parkway which turns into the Hutch. Take that to the Whitestone Bridge.

If you live closer to 95, take that south and connect with the Hutch at exit 14.

I am sure your GPS has either of these 2 routes, not Throgs Neck.

220volt

Personally, I would never ask a friend to pick me up at the airport when I could so easily get there on my own. (I would expect a lover to meet me, not a friend.) I wouldn't even expect my mother to meet me.

What if the flight is delayed? What if you get stuck in traffic? I hope you'll both be carrying cell phones.

If you've nothing better to do for several hours, then do your friend the sweet of favor of giving them private transport to Stamford.

But the airport shuttle for Grand Central leaves at least every 30 minutes, the ride only takes 30 minutes, and trains to Stamford leave every 30 minutes. If he is carrying a cell phone, he can call you when he is on the train and you can meet him at the Stamford station.

DebitNM

Toll is $6.50.

The trip should take around 45 minutes on a Saturday.

LGA parking $3 for 30 mins; $6 for 1 hour; $3 for each add'l 30 minutes.

ConfusedGal12

Thanks you two!! Well, he's an ex b/f who moved back lol.

If the drive isn't bad and I'm not being a big baby then I'll drive. I am going to put it on my GPS and watch the "demo" drive haha. If it looks tough I'll let him know he can take the shuttle and train.

Thanks again for all the help! Much appreciated.

DebitNM

I have driven that drive countless times, it really is pretty direct and easy.

ConfusedGal12

Thanks. This site is awesome.

Fra_Diavolo

Oops, yes, Whitestone is better for La Guardia.

nytraveler

The drive is easy and on Sat am should be fast.

Meeting at the airport can be a PIA - esp if the plane is late.

I would never expect anyone to meet me at any airport - I just hop in a cab and go wherever I'm going whenever the plane gets in.

ConfusedGal12

So they're usually late huh?

I'll just have him take a cab then. I am not really a patient person lol.