Is it possible to get a cab for 5 passengers in NYC? I know that some companies have mini-vans, but when I think of NYC, I picture rows and rows of idential (non-mini-van) cabs.

Unless you are at the airport it is unlikely you'll find one.

Your best shot within the city limits would be to wait on the line in front of Madison Square Garden. I've been alone and had minivan cabs from time to time.

We got one once in front of the Sheraton, and there seems to be an endless stream of cabs at the Marriot Marquis (unless of course it's after theater!)

I see them everywhere, the mini van cab. In my estimate, 7 regular cabs to 1 mini van cab.

I take cabs often and I live in East Midtown and the ratio above is based on my personal hailing experience.

On the other hand, my question to you is how different in seating volume is a mini van relative to a sedan cab? As far as I can tell, they have the same seating capacity.

At the airports, it's not so difficult. One of you should alert the dispatcher while the rest stand in line. Once you're in the city, it will be more difficult but agree it's sometimes easier to find them in front of hotels. Only problem is those waiting in front of a hotel want a fare to the airport and won't be happy if you're going locally.

The law for all NYC cabs is the same - they are allowed to carry four (4) adult passengers - one sits in front with the driver. They can also carry one child up to the age of 7, sitting on the lap of one of the passengers. Even the mini-van cabs are not allowed to carry more.

And few drivers will risk it - even if people are willing to sqaush in - since they face a hefty fine - and possible lose of their hack license for repeated offenses.

You can get whatever you want from car services - which works fine for the airports - but not for around town - since they have minimum charges (usually $20) for any ride - and hourly rates for around town use.

Sorry - have just looked up latest T&LC regs - and they will allow a 5th passenger in the minis. But - at the moment they are less than 10% of the total fleet.

(Do NOT believe stories of stuffing 5 people in a regular cab (lying on the floor etc) the cabbie will NOT want to risk it.

We had a similar experience in Rome. About one cab in 10 had a jump seat in the front that our youngest could easily fit in. If the driver didn't have the jump seat they would not take us, even though the girls are small.

One night we went to a dance show far from our flat and got out at about 11 pm. There was exaclty one cab in front of the theatre...no jump seat...we BEGGED him to take us home...he first declined, then called someone and finally agreed to take us.

cab drivers barely take 2 people where they are requesting to go, because they don't want to go in that direction, whatever it is. i don't think you'll have much luck, if you don't split the parties into 2 cabs.

We were there with 5 people in December and it was no problem getting a minivan at the airport, but it was nearly impossible to hail a cab that would allow five or a minivan (they were always in service). We ended up just grabbing the first reg. cab and spliting up. As for the return trip to the airport, just to be on the safe side and not miss our flight trying to get a minivan, our hotel called a car service and we took an escalade to the airport for $60.