Hey, You, You New Yorker! How do you recommend getting in from LaGuardia?

[HereSince1628]

My SO wants to take the M60 bus. I don't really want to carry luggage and travel on a bus to Columbia U and transfer to a bus or a subway and then walk to 7th Ave at 55th. I have the money for a taxi, and am advocating taxi.

How would you do this?

[Beetwasher]

1. Cabs Line Up Outside the Terminals

Shouldn't be a problem finding one, though you may have to wait in line for a few minutes.

[HereSince1628]

3. thanks.

It's a special trip, our 10th anniversary of sorts, and I am into paying for convenience more than getting confused over bus routes.

[Beetwasher]

4. Well, If It's Really Special, You Could Have A Car Waiting For You

Call a local car service, they'll wait for you w/ your name on a sign by the luggage terminals. Depending on where you go it shouldn't cost more than $50.

[HereSince1628]

5. I'd not mind that at all, but the SO is, shall we say, frugal.

It's her interest that is taking us to New York. As it is a special trip, maintaining some sense of "togetherness" seems important. This is one of those situations where togetherness hinges entirely on her.

[Rabrrrrrr]

16. LOL! "Frugal" - in NYC!

Bwuhahahahahahahaha!

Be prepared for the $10-12 cocktail, the constant tipping of bellhops, cabs, waiters, etc., and the $4 slice of pizza.

[HereSince1628]

20. I know, I know, but she thinks she knows the place

having been there 3 or 4 times.

[warrens]

2. Take the Q 66 bus to the 7 train

That's what I used to do, after two car accidents while riding with insane cab drivers. It takes a little longer, but you get there alive.

[HereSince1628]

7. Thanks. Do many people wander around the buses with luggage?

It makes me feel vulnerable.

[Beetwasher]

9. Take A Cab or A Car

It's much, much easier.

[Book Lover]

19. Do not take the bus with luggage! Take the cab!

You will be marked as a tourist the second you get on the bus with luggage. Not only will you have to deal with the sniggers, you'll be in the way of people who *have* to take the bus

[adriennui]

6. take a cab

it's a quick trip into manhattan.

[HereSince1628]

10. thanks

[RumpusCat]

8. Take a cab---it's a flat fare from LGA to anywhere in the city

Yeah, the bus/subway/bus combo is cheaper, but if you're hauling luggage and stuff it's a big pain. Also the subway you're going to catch in Queens isn't the nicest place in the universe, if you're coming in very early or very late. Also it's cold here!

Just line up at the taxi stand outside of the baggage check area at LGA. The line might look intimidating but it'll move fairly quickly, and beware the random people offering you a car (gypsy cabs). They can be pretty sketch--only take a car from the taxi stand.

And have fun in NYC! :hi:

[HereSince1628]

11. thanks

[Rabrrrrrr]

15. LGA is not flat fare - that's JFK.

Unless they changed it recently.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

12. cab cab cab cab

nnt

[HereSince1628]

17. thanks

[Rabrrrrrr]

13. Sweet Jesus, take a cab. It'll be 30 bucks or so.

If you're going midtown, and will have luggage, anything else is fucking insane.

The M60 would be great if you were stopping at Columbia - that's what I often did.

But to then take subway with luggage down to midtown? No fucking way.

[HereSince1628]

18. thanks

[Burma Jones]

14. Swim....n/t

[HereSince1628]

21. The SO is afraid a cabby will "take" us by driving a circuitous route

I personally think things are about to turn into one of those "the night before" disagreements, but...
1) is this really something to worry about with a licensed cab?
2) is there any route we should request?

[Rabrrrrrr]

22. In all my years in NYC, I only had one cabbie take me on a ride

And that was from JFK to a place in Brooklyn, and I had no idea what a proper route was.

I never had one screw me in Manhattan, nor from JFK or LGA to Manhattan.

Don't worry about it.

Just act nonchalant, like you are bored to be back in NYC, get in the cab say "Midtown, please. 55th and 7th."

And you WILL have to pay any tolls, so no, they aren't screwing you by asking you to front the money for the tolls. And they might very well be using a EZpass and so NOT ask you for toll money until the end of the ride. You'll probably a $6 or so toll, depending on how the cabbie goes into Manhattan.

And to midtown, I don't think it really matters whether you go through the tunnel; over the triborough bridge to the west side and then down, or over the bridge, then down FDR drive and across midtown.

[HereSince1628]

23. Thanks. I think the solution is to be assertive at the airport...

I think I am gonna walk to the taxi stand and either wave my arm, or open a door and get in. How bad can it be? Not bad enough to let it wreck a special trip.

[RumpusCat]

26. Taxi stand is an organized affair

There will be a line and an airport worker who supervises people getting into the cars... it's remarkably orderly. You won't have to fight anyone for a cab, at least. :)

[adriennui]

24. just visiting our fair city?

settling down? or going to school up at columbia?


anyway, welcome to NYC...one of the finest places in the world.

[WindRavenX]

25. You could take the subway

Get on the 7 and transfer to the N or W at Queensboro bridge and then get off at 5th and 55th--you'd have to walk two avenue blocks, but it's not that bad.

Of course, if you have a LOT of luggage...then it can be =)

Enjoy NYC. It's where I call home (even if I'm studying in Boston...rrr)

[Calliope]

27. Depending on where in midtown you are staying

you can take a bus to Grand Central or the Port Authority. However, add me to the Take a Cab list.