How I get to and from NYC airports
Nov 1st, 2008, 07:30 AM
#21
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joebear,
A car service is a private company you contact ahead of time to pick up your group and take you to your destination. Car services have set rates for trips based on distance and class of vehicle (sedan, limo, van, and so forth).
A taxi in NYC is a "yellow cab" that cruises the streets looking for fares. Fares vary and are determined by the ticking meter which measures distance and waiting time. After dropping fares at the airport, taxis join the line to wait for fares. Sometimes there are plenty of taxis waiting, sometimes there aren't, so the line for a taxi can be fast or slow. Between JFK and Manhattan, there is a $45 flat fare plus tolls and tip. For LGA to Manhattan, the fare is on the meter, but should be about $25-$35 plus tolls and tip.
A car service is a private company you contact ahead of time to pick up your group and take you to your destination. Car services have set rates for trips based on distance and class of vehicle (sedan, limo, van, and so forth).
A taxi in NYC is a "yellow cab" that cruises the streets looking for fares. Fares vary and are determined by the ticking meter which measures distance and waiting time. After dropping fares at the airport, taxis join the line to wait for fares. Sometimes there are plenty of taxis waiting, sometimes there aren't, so the line for a taxi can be fast or slow. Between JFK and Manhattan, there is a $45 flat fare plus tolls and tip. For LGA to Manhattan, the fare is on the meter, but should be about $25-$35 plus tolls and tip.
Nov 1st, 2008, 07:36 AM
#22
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So if you can you wait to contact them when you arrive at the airport in case your plane is delayed? Will they have time to get there while we gather luggage or should I call and give arrival time?
Nov 1st, 2008, 07:44 AM
#23
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Most people prearrange a car service before the trip, with flight arrival time included. The driver would be waiting for you outside baggage claim, having parked the car somewhere.
Before cellphones, this meant that you'd often pay for the driver's waiting time if the plane was late. Now with cellphones, the driver is in the airport somewhere circling. You call once you've landed or cleared baggage (the service will tell you which) and then you head to the meeting point.
I think some services might allow you to just call when you arrive to arrange a car, but if they don't have a free car in the area you could be waiting quite a while.
Before cellphones, this meant that you'd often pay for the driver's waiting time if the plane was late. Now with cellphones, the driver is in the airport somewhere circling. You call once you've landed or cleared baggage (the service will tell you which) and then you head to the meeting point.
I think some services might allow you to just call when you arrive to arrange a car, but if they don't have a free car in the area you could be waiting quite a while.
Nov 1st, 2008, 08:01 AM
#24
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Just what I needed to know. Want the girls trip to be wonderful memory. SO I am working on small details to maximize travel time.
Thank you!! I will call just before boarding plane to arrange car service.
Thank you!! I will call just before boarding plane to arrange car service.
Nov 1st, 2008, 10:10 AM
#25
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To airports we always take a car service. From LGA to JFK we usually take a cab home. From Newark we take a car service- since Jersey cabs can leave something to be desired - and there can be waits - esp later at night.
There are all sorts of other options as noted above - but I'm allergic to luggage on public transport. I just want to hand the bag to the driver and sit until we get to the airport or home - no thinking or dealing with stairs, timetables, tickets or any other nonsense.
There are all sorts of other options as noted above - but I'm allergic to luggage on public transport. I just want to hand the bag to the driver and sit until we get to the airport or home - no thinking or dealing with stairs, timetables, tickets or any other nonsense.
Nov 1st, 2008, 10:17 AM
#26
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<<Thank you!! I will call just before boarding plane to arrange car service. >>
YOu could make this arrangement days ahead as well. Just give them your flight info and they will check arrival times.
YOu could make this arrangement days ahead as well. Just give them your flight info and they will check arrival times.
Nov 1st, 2008, 03:43 PM
#28
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joebear,I call a car service when I've already picked up my luggage.
Usually, by the time I get outside to the designated waiting spot (they will tell you exactly where), the car is just about there or I have to wait just a few minutes.
If you call in advance, they will probably charge you for parking and possibly waiting time (especially in case your flight is delayed). There is only so much cruising space at JFK, and with the price of gas, no driver will circle around waiting for a call.
I also really doubt that they would check flight schedules to see when a flight arrives (and therefore save you the waiting time if the flight is known to be delayed).
And even if they know exactly when a flight arrives they wouldn't know if you'll be the first one off the plane, first through customs (if an international flight) and coming with only carryon luggage.
If you are last off, get stuck in a customs line, and your luggage comes out last, it could easily be an hour or more late that "arrival" time. They are definitely going to charge you for that time somehow.
So, if it's important to have a car waiting for you, you can order in advance. But it will end up costing more, even if your plane is on time
Usually, by the time I get outside to the designated waiting spot (they will tell you exactly where), the car is just about there or I have to wait just a few minutes.
If you call in advance, they will probably charge you for parking and possibly waiting time (especially in case your flight is delayed). There is only so much cruising space at JFK, and with the price of gas, no driver will circle around waiting for a call.
I also really doubt that they would check flight schedules to see when a flight arrives (and therefore save you the waiting time if the flight is known to be delayed).
And even if they know exactly when a flight arrives they wouldn't know if you'll be the first one off the plane, first through customs (if an international flight) and coming with only carryon luggage.
If you are last off, get stuck in a customs line, and your luggage comes out last, it could easily be an hour or more late that "arrival" time. They are definitely going to charge you for that time somehow.
So, if it's important to have a car waiting for you, you can order in advance. But it will end up costing more, even if your plane is on time
Nov 1st, 2008, 06:26 PM
#30
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Certainly it's safe to stand in line and get a taxi. Coming from LGA into Manhattan (sorry, I thought before you said JFK)the taxi fare is on the meter, not a set fare. I prefer a car service so that I don't get stressed watching the fare go up and up if there's a lot of traffic 
How much traffic there is, both near the airport or in Manhattan, and near your hotel, will depend on the date you arrive (Right before a holiday? Some other special event going on?) and the weather, among other things.
If you have cell phones with you, you can always see how long the taxi line is or how bad the weather is, and call a car service if it makes sense for you.
Get the phone numbers (and probably some online discount coupons) for a couple of car services to keep handy if you choose that option
How much traffic there is, both near the airport or in Manhattan, and near your hotel, will depend on the date you arrive (Right before a holiday? Some other special event going on?) and the weather, among other things.If you have cell phones with you, you can always see how long the taxi line is or how bad the weather is, and call a car service if it makes sense for you.
Get the phone numbers (and probably some online discount coupons) for a couple of car services to keep handy if you choose that option
Nov 2nd, 2008, 04:29 PM
#32
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I just wondered if I have booked my car service correctly...I am coming into JFK with my Mum in a week or so and I booked the car for an hour later than the arrival of the aircraft to cater for customs and disembarkation - does this sound like enough time to get through these formalities...yes, I know, I probably might as well as how long a piece of string is -- but does it seem like a good idea to book an hour later rather than when the plane lands? Scratching head wondering if I have done the right thing. The company is Dial7. Many thanks, Stephanie
Nov 2nd, 2008, 05:02 PM
#33
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felini, If I absolutely HAD to pick an exact amount of time I;d say that it takes to get through customs etc I would have said an hour .
BUT:
DO you have US passports? If not, you go through immigration in a different line. Sometimes these lines are much longer than the lines for US citizens, occasionally not. It depends on how many and what flights are arriving from what countries.
Also even if you have zero problems yourself in passing through, the lines sometime move slower because others ahead of you have problems with their paperwork
Are you checking luggage? Could come out right away, could take an hour just for that.
Customs is usually very quick unless they have the agriculture dogs out and about sniffing for people trying to bring unapproved food items.
So, is an hour about right? I guess so, but you never really know...
I'm one of those who always arrange my transportation (car service or taxi) after I'm done with all the bureaucracy
BUT:
DO you have US passports? If not, you go through immigration in a different line. Sometimes these lines are much longer than the lines for US citizens, occasionally not. It depends on how many and what flights are arriving from what countries.
Also even if you have zero problems yourself in passing through, the lines sometime move slower because others ahead of you have problems with their paperwork
Are you checking luggage? Could come out right away, could take an hour just for that.
Customs is usually very quick unless they have the agriculture dogs out and about sniffing for people trying to bring unapproved food items.
So, is an hour about right? I guess so, but you never really know...
I'm one of those who always arrange my transportation (car service or taxi) after I'm done with all the bureaucracy
Nov 2nd, 2008, 07:06 PM
#34
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nyer- if you're sampling our methods, I take the local bus when flying into LaGuardia. It is so easy and convenient. I forget the numbers but it was $2 and you hop on right outside the terminal. I take it all the way to its final stop at 106th(?) and Broadway, right through Harlem. From there, it is only 3 blocks walk to my hotel for overnight and in the morning I leave and take the train/subway downtown to my "real" hotel.
On my return, I did the same thing in reverse and there was a businessman in a suit waiting for this bus to the airport. He said his company pays all his expenses but he just couldn't see spending their money on a cab when this bus is so cheap and easy.
On my return, I did the same thing in reverse and there was a businessman in a suit waiting for this bus to the airport. He said his company pays all his expenses but he just couldn't see spending their money on a cab when this bus is so cheap and easy.
Nov 20th, 2008, 08:03 AM
#36
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My husband,21 year old daughter and I will be coming into EWR and going to Embassy Suites in Manhattan. We will be arriving around 11:00 am. Considering weather conditions (mid-December) and it will nearly be lunch time, would you suggest a car service? And if so, do you have any recommendations?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Nov 20th, 2008, 10:21 AM
#37
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nyer, my experiences with car services seems to differ with your advice.
It is my understanding the car service cars do not cruise - they wait in the 'cell phone lots' off the terminals. As a nyer myself, I call the car service the night before the pick up, make a reservation and get the discount coupon code if I have one.
I am always instructed to call the car service number when I have cleared baggage claim. When I do that, I am given a meeting spot (the exit door number) and a car number. The car arrives within 10 minutes or so. No waiting charge. And the car services do check the flight arrival times - drivers have told me so. When I am traveling with my family, as neurotic NYers, I make my husband get the luggage while I call the car service - that saves 10 minutes!!!
I'm curious with your system - what is the longest you've had to wait for a car to show up? What if the service doesn't have anyone at the airport? Occasionally you will find a car service car cruising, if he is trying to pick up a fare going back to Manhattan after a drop off, but you can't count on it.
It is my understanding the car service cars do not cruise - they wait in the 'cell phone lots' off the terminals. As a nyer myself, I call the car service the night before the pick up, make a reservation and get the discount coupon code if I have one.
I am always instructed to call the car service number when I have cleared baggage claim. When I do that, I am given a meeting spot (the exit door number) and a car number. The car arrives within 10 minutes or so. No waiting charge. And the car services do check the flight arrival times - drivers have told me so. When I am traveling with my family, as neurotic NYers, I make my husband get the luggage while I call the car service - that saves 10 minutes!!!
I'm curious with your system - what is the longest you've had to wait for a car to show up? What if the service doesn't have anyone at the airport? Occasionally you will find a car service car cruising, if he is trying to pick up a fare going back to Manhattan after a drop off, but you can't count on it.
Nov 20th, 2008, 10:31 AM
#38
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MP-
I'm with you. I was a little confused myself about the other comments. I live in NYC. When and if I use a car service like Dial7, Carmel, etc I call IN ADVANCE (like 2 days before a flight) to book. They tell me to call them once I've gotten my luggage and then you go outside to wait. I haven't gotten charged a waiting fee or anything like that. The only time that could really happen is when they pick you up and you are running 15 minutes late or something.
This is how I get to the airport from midtown Manhattan (east side):
1. LGA - cab. It's the cheapest method for me and I don't feel like figuring out the bus, no matter how easy it is.
2. JFK - if I have smallish luggage I like the Air Train. It's great! I pick up the E on 53rd and Lex and just cruise out on the subway to the Air Train. It's really easy. If I'm going on a big trip with more luggage I call a car service ahead of time. On the way home I usually just get a cab from the airport because the price is very similar to the car service.
3. EWK - I avoid it like the plague. But if I had to go there and had little luggage again the Air Train seems good. Or I'd get a car service. I've had too many cabbies give me a hard time - despite being VERY nice to them to start with -that I'd rather be safe than sorry.
I'm with you. I was a little confused myself about the other comments. I live in NYC. When and if I use a car service like Dial7, Carmel, etc I call IN ADVANCE (like 2 days before a flight) to book. They tell me to call them once I've gotten my luggage and then you go outside to wait. I haven't gotten charged a waiting fee or anything like that. The only time that could really happen is when they pick you up and you are running 15 minutes late or something.
This is how I get to the airport from midtown Manhattan (east side):
1. LGA - cab. It's the cheapest method for me and I don't feel like figuring out the bus, no matter how easy it is.
2. JFK - if I have smallish luggage I like the Air Train. It's great! I pick up the E on 53rd and Lex and just cruise out on the subway to the Air Train. It's really easy. If I'm going on a big trip with more luggage I call a car service ahead of time. On the way home I usually just get a cab from the airport because the price is very similar to the car service.
3. EWK - I avoid it like the plague. But if I had to go there and had little luggage again the Air Train seems good. Or I'd get a car service. I've had too many cabbies give me a hard time - despite being VERY nice to them to start with -that I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Nov 20th, 2008, 11:03 AM
#39
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To answer some of the questions posed to me: using "my" system, I've never waited more than 10 minutes or so for a car service.
My guess (and I admit this is really a guess) is that when you call and make a "reservation" in advance but don't prepay and/or ask for 'meet and greet' type service, they are not really guaranteeing you that someone will be at the airport especially for you. They just use it as a way to gauge how many cars they need in an area at a given time.
If they were really guaranteeing it--what's the point of having you call when you pick up your bags? If your flight is late or it takes you an especially long time to get out because of baggage issues, and they have to wait for you--why would they wait without charging for their time?
I figure, whether you call in advance, or whether you call when you get out of baggage claim, chances are a car will show up within a short time.
My guess (and I admit this is really a guess) is that when you call and make a "reservation" in advance but don't prepay and/or ask for 'meet and greet' type service, they are not really guaranteeing you that someone will be at the airport especially for you. They just use it as a way to gauge how many cars they need in an area at a given time.
If they were really guaranteeing it--what's the point of having you call when you pick up your bags? If your flight is late or it takes you an especially long time to get out because of baggage issues, and they have to wait for you--why would they wait without charging for their time?
I figure, whether you call in advance, or whether you call when you get out of baggage claim, chances are a car will show up within a short time.
Nov 20th, 2008, 11:39 AM
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Ahh . . perhaps it's just a matter of temperment, then - nyer you say "chances are" - I'm too neurotic to leave things up to chance. Maybe I'm deluded, but I like to have a reservation - one less thing to worry about.
My understanding about why you call after baggage claim is, it's not about the waiting time as much about where the driver waits. The drivers wait in the cab stand lots past the short term parking. Cruising is a waste of gas.
Meet and greet means the driver has to park and leave the car - he can't park at the curb. Hell, they can't even wait more than 5 minutes at the curb. For meet and greets they would have to pay for parking.
My understanding about why you call after baggage claim is, it's not about the waiting time as much about where the driver waits. The drivers wait in the cab stand lots past the short term parking. Cruising is a waste of gas.
Meet and greet means the driver has to park and leave the car - he can't park at the curb. Hell, they can't even wait more than 5 minutes at the curb. For meet and greets they would have to pay for parking.
