I know a taxi is recommended and when it comes to push-and-shove I can see us in line for one. But just so I know all the options, here's my question.

To get to our hotel on W 46th St, hopstop.com suggests the M60 bus to the Astoria Blvd station and then the N train to 49th St. Is this better than staying on the bus into Manhattan to either an eastside or a westside subway down to midtown? That seems to be the route suggested by those who have down it before.

Thanks. I'm a little cheap (we live on SS), slightly daring (how are all these areas anyway?) and we have the time before we can check-in at the hotel anyway. And we'll have one small bag each so too much luggage won't be an issue.

Thanks to all for any suggestions,

You can take the M60 to Broadway. I don't know how far down Broadway it goes, because when I've taken it, it was from 116th St. at Columbia University. But from anywhere on Broadway you can take the 1 line to 50th St. This probably would be longer than changing at Astoria Blvd. because surface transportation has to deal with traffic. \

My coworker just took some sort of shuttle from LGA to her Manhattan hotel for 16.00
She said it was a 10 minute wait to leave and she was dropped off at her hotel first.
I'll find out who it was. She was very happy with it.

It was Super Shuttle.
Obviously this would only be worth it for one traveler. 2 people would be better off in a cab.

The M60 bus is probably the easiest way to get to the West Side. I have taken it and found it a good option.

To get to your hotel, I'd take the bus to 125th and take the #1 train South to 50th and walk from there. This will cost you $2.00pp. Make sure you ask for a transfer.

Have a great time while you are here.

A shuttle is not the answer - since shuttle for 2 will cost the same as a cab.

There are a couple of problems with the bus/subway:

It will take a long time, since you need to wait for each one, and they stop all the time. I know someone who did this from the upper west side (20 minutes to LGA by cab) and it took him almost 2 hours.

Buses and trains are for commuters, not airport passengers - so they're likely to be crowded - as in no seats.

Depending on the route you take you may have to deal with several sets of stairs.

If you have unlimited time, don;t mind standing squashed for a while or carrying/dragging your bag up/downstairs - it's not a bad idea. (IMHO - for impoverished students only.)

Just to pile on a little here:

The buses and subways don't have space for luggage.

Do you know when to get off the bus (i.e., can you recognize Astoria Blvd.)?

You have to carry your bags upstairs to the Astoria Blvd. platform and then upstairs from the subway station in Manhattan.

I've done it, but I don't recommend it. Take a cab. You won't be sorry.

IMO, the people who advise against taking the bus are people who never take a bus.

If you are used to taking buses, the M60 is fine. From the airport, you'll likely get a seat, and if you can put your bag between your legs or on your lap, you'll be fine.

since you have the time, enjoy the ride, and spend the $30 you save on a meal, or on a taxi for the return trip to LGA when you may be more in need of a timely arrival.

I agree with the majority -- it's doubtful that the bus/subway option is best for you.

If you have luggage, don't do it.

If you don't want to spend a LONG time in transit, don't do it.

A car service costs about the same as a cab, and you can easily use a credit card, if that helps.

www.dial7.com

Ditto.

If you have any mobility problems and have luggage, skip the bus and subway. You really have to schlep your luggage around up and down stairs and if you are doing this during rush hour, there literally will not be room for your luggage.

You'd be a wreck and exhausted by the time you got to your hotel.

And I agree it would take you about two hours unless you luck out by getting on the Express N at Astoria but then you have to switch trains at 57th Street so you can stop at 49th.

I usually take the bus, am eligible for Medicare, and have no problems with it. Since the bus starts at La Guardia, chances are that a seat will be available. I believe that the 125th St. subway stop is on the 8th Ave. line while the 116th St. stop is on the no. 1 line. Check which one will be closer to your hotel.

Thanks everybody.

I said to daughter #3 just yesterday, "If we can manage the bus/subway, we can go to a REALLY nice restaurant that night", She said, "I'm game!".

I lived in The Bronx NY until 1967.
I rode the subway into Manhattan every day for 6+ years...a token then was 15 cents. I got off the train at 51st St and walked to the Union Carbide Building on Park Ave. Surely the building is still there although I think the company I worked for (McKinsey and Company) has moved. I would love to retrace those steps. I used to run to Saks 5th Ave to shop on my lunch hour. They had a couple of departments within my budget and a elevator with an operator. I guess Saks is still there(?) but I don't hold out much hope for that elevator! I want to retrace all those steps this go round.

Sorry, can't help reminiscing.

If we do go for it (bus/subway) I will try to be as helpful (too) as possible when this question comes up in the future.

I have taken the M60 with LGA route, and it's not that bad. The most I have ever been on the bus from LGA to the N train at Astoria Blvd is maybe 20 mins. It's a fairly quick trip depending on the time of day. Finding the bus stop to the train should not be a problem, most bus drivers will announce main stops, and you will not miss a large elevated train station just before the Triborough Bridge. The area is fine, and if you get hungry, there is a diner on the corner. (The name escapes me right now)

The Astoria Blvd stop is an elevated one, which means a lot of stairs. As long as this doesn't bother you, it should be fine, and is a much faster option than taking another bus in Manhattan. The train ride to 49th St should be no more than 25 mins.

Hope this helps!!!

Yes, it did! Thanks.

That was a concern..the Queens area itself.

A diner huh? Well, with what the airlines feed you these days, a pit-stop might be in order!!

Thanks again.