Approximately how much is a taxi from La Guardia to 8th Ave. 51 Street? One quote was $80,but having done this a few years ago I can't believe it is quite that much,but then I know the taxi fare has gone up like everything else.

From a previous thread:

"Fare from LGA to Manhattan is on the meter and you are charged for waiting time as well as distance. To midtown would be no more than $35 or so - BUT - if you're caught behind an accident or in very bad traffic the meter keeps running. (But since the shuttle bus is bout $15 for 2 or more people cab is the same or cheaper.)"

No way 80 bucks unless stuck in insane traffic or whatever. Last time I took a cab from LGA to Manhattan, which was December 06, it cost about 40-50.

A car service isn't even $80.

Whomever quoted that price was on drugs.

Figure about $35

Car service is $35-40 w/o tip. You are going all the way west crosstown, if severe traffic it would be $45 w/o tip in a cab.

You could try hopstop.com to get a more accurate cab fare quote as you can plug in the time of day. I'd just take car service as you would avoid having to wait in the cab line or for a shuttle to drop everyone off.

You call a reservation in advance the same day or night before.
Delancey Car Svc is 212.228.3301
Carmel Car is 212.666.6666
They both have websites with quotes.

here are the websites with prices:
Carmel=$28 day time/$35 night
http://www.carmellimo.com/Airports.shtml

Delancey=$35 regardless of time
http://delanceynyc.com/english/rates.htm

Note that to the car service charge you need to add bridge or tunnel tolls and a tip (on the charge but not the toll). Car service charges are set to reflect the average cab fare at the same time.

The only time a car service can be substantially less is in massive traffic (construction plus accident - or 100 plus heads of state at the UN with their entourages mobbing every road into the city).

Last weekend we went from LaGuardia to Times Square and it was about $30 plus tip.

Thanks for the answers. You gave me the answer I have always done on previous trips-take a cab. It has always worked out for us,but I was just unsure about prices as it has been 4 years since I was in the city.

I've tried this for some of my trips and it's pretty accurate.

http://www.nyccabfare.com/

I say take the bus ... it was 12$ ... I stayed at the Westin near Times square. 2 blocks away!