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-   -   Two airports to choose from? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/two-airports-to-choose-from-1024038/)

cuteoldgal1 Aug 26th, 2014 09:16 PM

Two airports to choose from?
 
Now I am onto planning our trip, I am wondering which airport to go to - JFK or La Guardia. Does it matter, we will be staying In a central area, close to Broadway/Times Square. Also, wondering about taxi fares from airport?

LBird Aug 27th, 2014 03:57 AM

The taxi fare is a flat rate to JFK. Including tips it's about 70 dollars (last time i paid this was two weeks ago, so it should be up to date)

Which terminal you go to at JFK is determined by the airline. So you should look up where you land/depart from, especially if you have to spend time at the airport when you leave again. I have been to terminal 1 a few times, that's a pretty sad terminal. I like T8 and T5 the best.

I haven't been to La Guardia, but I remember seeing it was a lot cheaper (and it is closer) than JFK,

RoamsAround Aug 27th, 2014 04:18 AM

Taxi from LGA to mid-town NY runs about $35 to $37 plus tip.

LGA is closer to mid-town than JFK so ride will generally be quicker.

alysenyc Aug 27th, 2014 04:34 AM

LGA is closer and less expensive, but both airports are far enough out that it doesn't make a huge difference which one works best with your flights. I'd pick the flights that are the best fares and times for your trip over which NYC airport they fly into.

DebitNM Aug 27th, 2014 04:40 AM

Unless you have huge amounts of luggage, there are cheaper ways to get from JFK to NYC -

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airtrain.html. $7.50/ 50 minutes

doug_stallings Aug 27th, 2014 04:52 AM

If you are staying closer to Herald Square (34th/Broadway) rather than Times Square (42nd/Broadway), it may very well be more convenient to fly into JFK and take the AirTrain into Manhattan. Otherwise, it's usually easier to fly into LGA for a domestic flight. Unless you are flying from SFO or LAX or on JetBlue, which has many more options at JFK, you'll likely find the best flight times into LGA.

BigRuss Aug 27th, 2014 11:09 AM

And expect little pleasantness. LGA is a bloody pit. And the baggage handling is notoriously slow. JFK has its own problems. But some terminals (apparently T8 has been revamped - it was a dump) are nice.

If you are or can fly JetBlue to JFK, that would be good - its terminal is top-end.

JFK taxi is $52 plus tolls. No need to shell out $70. And there are numerous car services offering flat rates (Dial 7 is reliable) that are probably less expensive and more comfortable.

IMDonehere Aug 27th, 2014 12:24 PM

I live in Manhattan and whenever possible, I fly into LGA.

nytraveler Aug 27th, 2014 12:57 PM

IMHO LGA is better for uptown, JFK is better for downtown and midtown - where you will be - is a wash.

I would let flights decide.

Taxi to the city from JFK is about $70 - $52 flat fare plus bridge or tunnel toll and tip.

LGA is about $45 or so I think - fare plus toll plus tip - but depends on traffic.

From JFK there are public transit options if you don;t mind schlepping your luggage up and downstairs and through long tunnels.

IMDonehere Aug 27th, 2014 06:06 PM

I live downtown and LGA is much easier as the cabbie can take the tunnel or the Williamsburg depending on traffic. And if the cabbie is experienced he will know the back way to the tunnel or to the 59th Street Queensboro Edward Koch Feeling Groovy Bridge.

That trip usually takes as long as the Van Wyck to the LIE.


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