Taxi Question New York City
 

We are four ladies (and I use that term loosely) who will be visiting New York City next week. We were hoping to split the cab fare, especially at night. However, now that the cabs have security measures, will one of us be able to sit in the front? Do they take 4 people (and luggage from airport)?

Yes, a cab will absolutely take 4 of you. As to whether it will fit your luggage, that depends on how much you are taking. A trunk could most likely accommodate 4 carryon rolling suitcases, but if you all have large suitcases, you will most likely need more. The taxi stand operator at whichever airport will arrive in can help you determine whether you will need one of two cabs.

There are also a fair amount of cabs that are actually 6 passenger - like a minivan. You can probably snag one of those when you arrive.

Thank you so much for the quick responses - exactly what I was looking for.

There are NO 6 passenger cabs. Every cab in NYC is allowed to carry 4 passengers. More than that is illegal - and the cabby can be fined. And none of the cabs has 6 seats.

There is no problem fitting 4 people - 1 in front with the driver - and the cabs are ful size sedans and so fir quite a lot of luggage in the back.

If you each have a moderate size bag they will fit in the trunk along with a couple of small carry-ons (you can hold the others on your lap if needed). If you have a LOT of luggage - 4 28" bags plus 4 carry-ons I would consider calling a car service and asking them to send a vehicle that will carry all that. Try Carmel or Tel Aviv (cost will be more than a cab since it's a bigger vehicle.)

NYC taxis are required to take 4 people -- but no more than 4.

If your luggage fits in the trunk & on your laps, you're in good shape for 1 cab. If not, you'll need 2.

Once in the city w/o luggage, obviously you can always take 1 cab from place to place.

Enjoy NYC!

Yes, but it has always looked easy to get a mini van sized cab on the cab line at LGA if the 4 passengers have a lot of luggage.

nytraveler you are wrong.

6 people can fit into a 5 person cab if one of the 6 is under 7 yrs old and sits on a lap.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/pas...q_pass.shtml#3

How many people can fit into a yellow taxicab?


From Driver Rule 2-43a (in PDF):
The maximum amount of passengers allowed in a yellow taxicab by law is four (4) in a four (4) passenger taxicab or five (5) passengers in a five (5) passenger taxicab, except that an additional passenger must be accepted if such passenger is under the age of seven (7) and is held on the lap of an adult passenger seated in the rear.

That's true - but that's a driver and 5 passengers - not 6 passengers. And in any case - it seems unlikely that any of the ladies that asked the question is under 7 years of age.

When I travel to NY I get a car service from the airport to the city. You call and give them a flight number and make a reservation, how many people and how many bags. Once you have your bags, you call a number and give them a description of you and they give you a car number and you wait at the curb for them. They will also take you back to the airport. I use dial 777 - 212-777-7777 or 800-777-8888 is their numbers.

Yes - but just hopping into the next cab on line is so much easier - and doesn;t cost any more.

Unscientific, but when there in mid Feb '07, I noticed I was handing out more $20.s and getting some change, but last late April I was getting change from a $10. on similar taxi trips in Manhattan.
We walked lots despite the subfrezzing temps and paid for at least one brunch/lunch with the savings.
M

You can also look into taking a limo if there are four of you. It's probably not much more than a cab from the airport especially if there are four of you.

Almost forgot... there's some good info on NYC at http://www.nyctouristcenter.com

I've taken cabs from the airport to midtown with 3 other ladies (also using that term loosely) - and the wonderfully helpful taxi dudes (don't know what their titles are) have always made sure we get a mini van. We've never had a long wait and the vans accomodate lots of luggage (spoken from experience) and 4 crazy gals on a shopping mission.

There are lots of mini-van style cabs once you're in Manhattan as well but you may have a bit more of a time waiting until you see a free one come along.

The subway is very easy to use - maybe think of that as an option at times. It's also very reasonable, especially if you get Metrocards.

Thanks again for all your responses.

Hey,

Can I ask a taxi cab question? How about from LGA to broadway/49th street. I mean does it cost a lot usually when I travel to NYC I get in the shuttle bus, but this time me a friend are coming and we want to start shopping asap. So I was trying to figure out if it cost a lot and do they charge double for two people. I like to figure this out before hand to make the trip the most enjoyable for both. Thanks again for all your help. Can't wait!!

From LGA to midtown is about $30 to $35 - depending on traffic. the fare is the same for up to 4 people.