Help New York Experts
 

My family of eight will need transportation next month from Laguaradia to the Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway. One of our books gave information about the Grayline air shuttle (roundtrip $26), Supershuttle (blue van $19/adults, $9/kids), or taxi. We don't know if this information is correct. There will be 4 adults, and 4 children (ages 9-15). Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks, Owa

I would call one of the car service places (allstate, Tel Aviv, carmel to name a few). You can look them up on switchboard or superpages (they all seem to have phone numbers like 444-4444). They may have a van, that probably would cost around the same or maybe even less than the bus services, and they take you door to door. You would have to take 2 taxi (max 4 passengers per taxi).

Thanks, MFNYC. What would it cost to get us all there by taxi?

about $40 per taxi

Depending on time of day, traffic and route (toll bridge or not) each taxi would cost between $30 - $40 - including metered fare, bridge toll and tip (I give 20% - of the fare only - not the toll).

Taxis from JFK now have a flat rate. Not the same from LGA?

Another vote for a car service as the best choice in this situation. We've used Carmel the last few times and were pleased. 800-227-7378 or 212-666-6666 in NY.

Have cab prices from been raised in the last couple of months? Granted, I haven't been to NYC since November but I've never paid more than $30 for fare, tip, and tolls from LGA to Midtown. It usually runs between $25-$30.

I would opt for a car service. Call and confirm right before you get on the plane and call as soon as you land.

Probably the least expensive way and the best way , LGA to the Marriott, would be two taxis - four to each taxi. Cost for two taxis would be less than $60, toll and tip included. To find the cost of the airport bus, super shuttle go www.panynj.gov.

There's no flat rate cab fare from LGA to Manhattan.

Review the options, car service, shuttle, taxi and decide what works best for your group. Another shuttle service is New York Airport Service at http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.html

A van from a car service (Carmel) would cost around $85. Using two taxis would result in a considerable saving.

Thanks everyone for the advice. It looks like a taxi will be the way to go. Owa

Wow, what's with those estimates of about $40 for a taxi. I really don't recall every paying more than about $25 including toll and tip -- and my most common route has been from Laguardia to the Marriott Marquis. Certainly never over $30, even the times I've been stuck in late afternoon traffic.

owa, you have lots of good advice here.
Just don't get too attached to the exact fare estimates here, as there are hearings to raise fares, and new fares could be in effect by next month(up to 26% more, according to this press release)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/news/press04_01.shtml