Stay in NYC on layover; better EWR or LGA??
 

I can fly into either EWR or LGA on a Tuesday in October; arriving late afternoon/early evening in both situations. I have an international flight out of EWR on Wednesday at 5:40pm.

I would really like to spend the overnight in NYC rather than an airport hotel near EWR. I actually have a free night at any Kimpton, so would like to take advantage of that.

It will be DH and myself. We will each have 21" roller bag and smaller carryon bag.

Trying to decide the logistics of getting into the city from each airport and then the trip to EWR next afternoon.

I am guessing a taxi from LGA is the easiest, but not least expensive way on that route.

For EWR [either going both ways if we choose that route] and the definited trip back on Wednesday, the bus seems to be relatively easy.

While cost is a factor, convenience takes the upper hand.

And I suppose the easiest thing to do is simply stay near EWR. I can't imagine what we'd do all day Wednesday waiting for the flight...especially since we'd have to check out by noon.

Insights??

Thanks~

OK

A cab from LGA to midtown should be about $35 with toll and tip.

By googling there are three Kimpton hotels in Manhattan.

You'll get all sorts of opinions on the most economical balanced with expense way to get from Manhattan to EWR.

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-g...portation.html

I am set on the Kimpton info, thanks. We'd probably stay at 70 Park, which is pretty close to 33rd St PATH station, so that would work well if we did EWR.

Then that's what I would do. Path is easy and cheap from Newark and you'll have no problem with your luggage.

Using that download, trying to figure out the PATH trains/system. Never one for NJ public transit; despite being a native NYer for most of my life. Always drove in Jersey.

You may consider one of the airport shuttles from LGA. You could look at NYCairporter.com or SuperShuttle.com. I'm sure these are also on the website Imdonehere provided.

I've used the NYC Airporter. The trip is $13.00 per person one way. Pleasant ride, but the shuttle only stops at Grand Central Station, Port Authority or Penn Station. Then you would still have to get to the hotel. Two of the Kimptons are within walking distance (8 or 9 city blocks)to one of those drop off points, but you might still prefer a cab at that point.

I see that I answered after the fact. Path is a good way to go.

You have some incorrect info here. The PaTH does not go to EWR, which is actually in Elizabeth, not Newark. You would have to change to a bus in Newark, and that is not something to do unless you have to. Instead, take NJ Transit from Penn Station and then transfer to the Airtain to the terminal. That's the fastest and easiest way.

If you take the airport bus to Grand Central, then it's a 5-block walk to 70 Park, but part of that is uphill. But not a hard walk. About 5 minutes. But the bus takes longer.

We have taken the NJ Transit/Airtrain to EWR with luggage for international flights with no trouble.
No traffic or weather problems.

Can you not take the Air Train to Newark Liberty Airport station; take NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station and then get the PATH train there to 33rd St.??

DebitNM wrote: "Can you not take the Air Train to Newark Liberty Airport station; take NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station and then get the PATH train there to 33rd St.??"

Changing at Newark Penn Station from NJ Transit to the PATH train adds an additional change of transport, additional time, and travel agony to save a few dollars--not worth it to me. The PATH Station at 33rd Street is at Sixth Avenue. New York Penn Station, the final destination of the NJ Transit train one would take from Newark Airport, is one block away at 33rd St and Seventh Avenue.

It might make more sense to change to the PATH at Newark Penn Station if one were headed to Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center).

HOWEVER-- Not for the OP who is traveling in October, but for others who might be traveling soon--the Newark Airport train station is closed May1–July 15, 2014. For now the system is to travel to Newark Penn Station (whether by PATH or NJ Transit) and take a shuttle bus from there.

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-a...uspension.html

By the way, the Eventi (A Kimpton Hotel, at Sixth Avenue and 30th St) is quite close to both the PATH station and New York Penn Station, so it would be a good option for the OP as well.

Thanks Ellen. Yes, Eventi would work if we were going to come in via Penn Station.

Take a cab from LGA into the city - it won't cost any more than the airporter bus for 2 people (and public transit will be very time-consuming and inconvenient).

The next day you might want to also consider the airporter bus - traffic shouldn't be ad since you will have to be at the airport before rush hour. Getting a cab (or subway) to Penn Station, then NJ transit to Newark then the airport bus might be cheaper but would be comparatively a PIA. (During rush hour the latter choice has more benefits)

stay in Newark and rest up for the rest of your international trip.

Weighing that, xxx30. Free hotel in NYC plus transit cost vs staying at airport hotel, lousy food and trying to find something to do until mid afternoon check in at EWR.

I severely despise Newark and would pay a good amount to avoid staying overnight near there. Take the train into the city!

Oy! And this was supposed to be the easiest planning part of a 3 month European trip!

Trip from LGA via taxi to Manhattan is fast. I'm on the upper east side and a friend once arrived here 25 minutes after she got off the plane! Tho traffic at your arrival and
departure times might make that a different story.

We once took a bus to EWR that left from near Grand Central. Think we picked it up on Park Ave. It was comfortable and not too expensive.Unfortunately I can't remember the name to do a google. There's a Kimpton at 70 Park that would be just up the street if that bus still exists.

Found it.

http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ss.newarkairport.asp