Hello All!

We will be arriving at Newark and will need to get to Midtown Manhattan. We know that public transportation is available, but are looking for a stress free way to begin a long-awaited vacation.

Does anyone have a private car transport to recommend? We understand that it is not inexpensive and it is o.k.

Many thanks in advance,
Anna Roz

ttt

Many many threads on this topic. I usually use Dial 7; others use Carmel. You can also just take a regular taxi.

Hi anna,
I recently asked this same question and you can find the responses here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...desstogo&fid=1

I have always used Carmel and had good experiences

I prefer Dial 7 over Carmel.

www.dial7.com

And in terms of cost, it's generally about the same as a taxi (and less if traffic is heavy).

Thank you all so much for your comments.

I also apologize for being lazy and not searching the old threads.

I will definitely price Dial 7 and Carmel.

Anna Roz

anna,
if you get a moment, would you please post the prices here when you find them out? Thanks so much.

I certainly will.

So far I can tell you that the hotel quoted me $145 upon arrival and something less than that for the departure. I am not sure how competitive this is..

Anna Roz

$145 for the ride from the airport to the hotel? Or am I misunderstanding? I guess I should ask how many people are in your party. There's just two of us.

There are just the two of us arriving at Newark at 5-something in the afternoon and heading for Michelangelo Hotel, 51st and Broadway, I believe. I was quoted $145 one-way, inclusive of tip (20%) and tolls. It sounds a little stiff but then what do I know? We have never been to NY.

I will call Dial-7 since their website says $45 which is probably per hour so I will double check this. Will post my findings.

Anna Roz

anna-roz, the $145 probably is for a limo or other fancy car, and includes having a driver come to the airport, park the car(which you are really paying for), go into the terminal, and wait for you with a sign with your name on it.If your flight is delayed, he's still waiting. Then he helps you with your luggage, gets the car, and takes you into Manhattan.

The other service listed here are like taxis. You call for one when you arrive at the airport (after you already have your luggage) and they tell you where to wait for them. You get in car (not so fancy) and go.
Which is more your style?

Dial 7 rates are indeed about $45 for the trip (NOT per hour)plus the tolls (which just went up, so will be about $11) plus a tip of 15-20%

nyer, I bet you are right. The $145 must be for a limo with a uniformed driver, the sign, the service, the works.. Well, everything about it sounds wonderful except the price.

Did not get a chance to call Dial-7 or Carmel but will do it and will post info.

A question here for those who know..how long does it take for, say, a Dial-7 car to arrive once we land and call them?

Anna Roz

I use Carmel or Dial 7, and I'd say it's usually only about a 10 minute wait for a car to arrive. Of course if its a very busy time, a lot of traffic on the airport roads,or rainy, it might take longer. But I don't remember that happening to me in the last couple of years.
One other thing. The $44 rate is for booking online in advance, for trips at certain times of the day.
the rate you get when you call may be afew dollars more. When you arrive, look around for a rack with tourist brochures that are sometimes near the arrival areas, There are often coupons for $5 off the rates. Also, some airline magazines (like Continental's)have the coupons too. When you arrive,before you leave the terminal, you may find a kiosk with free courtesy phones to call for one of the car services.

Dear All:

I certainly did not want to be known as a Fodor's flake for not returning to post the results of my transportation research.

In short, Dial-7 will drive us from Newark to Midtown for $44 + toll of $6 or $8 + tip, so it sounds like about $60 total. I did not call Carmel since it would probably be about the same.

The Dial-7 lady told me that we would not have to wait long for a pick up (after we arrive and call) and, nyer, I will certainly look for brochures with a coupon.

NOW I am getting pretty excited!

I have a few food-related questions, so I will repost with an appropriate heading.

Anna Roz

Thanks anna.

And in return, I'll tell you that if you're interested in going to the theatre, try broadwaybox.com. I just bought tickets for the show November and we got $102.50 orchestra seats (row K) for $75.

Thank you, goddesstogo, I will certainly check out the broadwaybox!

Anna Roz