I am trying to decide on the best way to get from Newark airport to the Upper West Side. I arrive on a Tuesday around 515 pm. Normally I would reserve a limo, but the traffic is likely to be bad at that time. So, I could take the train to NY Penn Station and then get a cab from there. That would avoid the tunnel traffic, of course, but is it worth it? I won't have too much luggage. Also there are 2 of us, so the cost difference is not all that huge. What do folks think?

Actually traffic going INTO the city from Newark during rush hour is not likely to be all that heavy. Once in the city, however, getting from point A to point B is likely to be slow and will take the same anount of time whether you are in a limo or cab.

If your flight arrives at 5:15 by the time you deplane, claim luggage (if any) and get to the limo you'll probably be arriving in the city sometime between 6:00PM and 6:30PM. That's the tail end of the "mass exodus" from the city and traffic will start to lighten.

So, if by the "best way" you mean most convenient and hassel free FOR YOU then I'd suggest you take the limo.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. I used to work in New Jersey and had to drive back into the city a few times during rush hour. Horrendous. One time, our wait took an hour at the Lincoln Tunnel. Now it can certainly take less time, and the good thing about the car service is that you aren't on the clock (i.e., the meter), so the extra wait is irrelevant to your bill.

However, if you don't have luggage, I'd never take a taxi during rush hour. I'd strongly recommend the Airtrain to NJ Transit, not to save money (though you will pay about half the cost of a car service) but to save perhaps 30 to 45 minutes of time. Frankly, if your luggage is that light, I'd also recommend the subway rather than a taxi to the UWS---again, as a potential time- and money-saver.

Doug, I would never take luggage on the subway. Lately, it seems the subways are so crowded at ANY hour, at least on the east side.

Taxis from newark are also a set price going into Manhattan. I also think the West Side subways tend not to be as crowded as the East Side.

I hate waiting to go through the tunnel and I hate schlepping luggage on a train. I'd figure out which displeases you the least and go with that option.

I don't want to lead anyone astray. The west side subways are totally packed during rush hour, like all of them. Try to fit onto the 1 train by Columbus Circle ... good luck. Still, without much luggage, I think the subway is a good way of getting places quickly and cheaply. Many New Yorkers bring small wheeled bags even onto the 6 train in the morning (the east side subway). I see many tourists with bags on the shuttle to Times Square.

There's an express bus from EWR to Port Authority bus terminal. The buses can use bus lanes through the tunnel while taxis and car services can't. That's one idea and then either subway, bus or taxi from there to final destination. http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/

Before I'd take a taxi from NJ, I'd order a car service like dial7.com