oh2doula

Hubby and I have decided to go with a car service to and from LGA to our hotel in midtown Manhattan this Oct. Our plane arrives 11:25 am - looking for recommendations. Past postings are dated. I am seeing Carmel - Dial 7 both around $34 -

Is it possible to avoid tolls or even recommended? Want to get to hotel in best time to start our trip.....
Thanks

nvl325

We have used Carmel for years. I don't like to tell them which way to go, so usually there's a toll ($6.50), sometimes they go around. Go to their website and print out a coupon, every bit helps!

We always take Carmel to the airport; sometimes I wonder while we're waiting for the Carmel car when we've arrived at the airport if we should jump in a cab instead, but their cars are nicer...

nytraveler

Carmel and Dial 7 are both very large and reliable. They always have cars going to and fro the airport so are able to pick you up quickly without having to arrange the much more expensive "meet and greet" service.

The only way to get to the city without a tool is to take the 59th St bridge - which is free - but may be faster or slower than taking a toll bridge or tunnel depending on the traffic, weather or construction conditions at the moment. It invovllves some time on local streets in Queens. If you tell the

nytraveler

Sorry - That should be "involves".

The driver will go that way if you request it - but you may get tied up in local traffic. I always take the bridge - but I live uptown.

doug_stallings

Depending on the day if the week, i find it hard to recommend a car service from LGA. A regular taxi is usually faster, cheaper, and easier. Most taxi drivers will not take the Queensborough Bridge. But it depends on where your hotel is ... West or east ... And which street.

Centralparkgirl

FYI - the tunnels and bridges are now $7.50 one way. That's what you will have to pay even though the cab drivers pay $5.33 with EZ Pass.

I always use Dial 7 with a coupon. A taxi might be faster and cheaper unless you hit traffic and the meter continues to run. It's impossible to predict, but there seems to be construction delays every where lately.

oh2doula

appreciate it

nytraveler

Sorry - I too always take a taxi FROM LGA to the city - but it's cheaper for me since i live uptown. I'm not sure a taxi is cheaper for midtown -esp if you are west.

oh2doula

I have booked the car service - thanks everyone - is it safe to assume we can buy our Metrocard at the airport before heading into the city? We will be taking buses right away and thought it would be easier to have the card in hand. Are there metrocard vending machines or can I buy them at airport news stands???

HappyTrvlr

Always have bought them In subways stations.

oh2doula

thanks HappyTrvlr - I am sure we will pass either a vending machine or subway on our way from Mansfield

ekscrunchy

Just for the record, I frequently take taxis from LGA (and JFK) to Manhattan. I always instruct the driver to avoid tolls by taking 59th Street Bridge. The route from LGA takes you along 21st Street; you just tell the driver you want to take that route. This will not matter if one is taking a car service, though, since price is set in advance.

I have only seen MetroCard machines inside the subway stations; would like to know if there are, indeed, other sources for them. (??) Never seen a machine at an airport, although that certainly would be a reasonable assumption.

doug_stallings

There are two Metrocard vending machines at LGA on the baggage-claim level right in the middle between the two ends of the main terminal. It's a nondescript hallway that doesn't seem to have anything but offices, but they are there. There are no Metrocard machines in either the USAirways or Delta terminals (or the Marine Air Terminalf or that matter) ... only the main terminal.

But since they are so far out of the way, it might be easier to hop into the closest subway station to your hotel and buy cards. You won't need them for the car ride into the city.

oh2doula

Thanks Doug! We are planning to walk to Bryant Park right away and I am if I am understand the subway map correctly we should be able to hop in there and get them!! thanks

doug_stallings

Yes, the subway station near Bryant Park at mid-block (just at the N corner of the Library) on 42nd Street. You can get your Metrocards there. I think that will be easier. Enjoy your time. If you are looking for late lunch, there is a Pret A Manger directly across 42nd Street and a Wichcraft kiosk in the park. There's also a more expensive Pain Quotidien on the 41st Street side of the park and Bryant Park Grill (much more expensive) on that side as well.

oh2doula

Thanks so much Doug!!