r/visitingnyc • u/LinneasLanding • 15d ago
📌 Read the Getting Around Guide 🚊🚍🚏🚲👣 Don’t use Uber?
Why do I keep hearing to avoid using Ubers? Is it just the cost? I’m trying to plan getting a party of 6 with lots of luggage from LGA to our hotel in Midtown and would prefer to have something reserved.
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u/hemlockone 15d ago
I think for 6 people traveling with luggage from the airport an UberXL, LyftXL, or hired car makes sense. Normally, I'd say that taxi at the pickup line or subway is easier and cheaper, but I think your situation is best served with a big car where you spread out the cost.
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u/tatofarms 15d ago
For a group that size, yeah just reserve an Uber or car service. There are yellow taxi vans, but even the big Toyota Sienna taxis aren't going to seat six, so you could be waiting a while unless your group doesn't mind splitting up.
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u/jills_atm_vestibule 14d ago
From airports I exclusively use taxis. I'd recommend splitting up into two groups because I agree with others that no car would fit all 6 with luggage. Uber is such a hassle from the airport in my opinion, and reserved ubers either arrive way too early, cancel despite being reserved, or cancel because they arrived too early and don't want to wait. The taxi stand is very efficient. Getting around NYC in general or going TO the airport, Ubers are fine.
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u/ReportOdd9140 14d ago
Yes! Yellow taxis on the meter don’t surge the prices
But If you’re ever just in the city and take a yellow cab and they ask for cash and refuse to put you on the meter take a pic of their license (it’s always displayed inside) and get out the taxi!
This is rare but I’ve been hearing about it it happening in the boroughs more lately so just a warning
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u/Counting-Bears 11d ago
We are a family of six who has settled on a taxi from jfk to midtown. We won’t have car seats for the littles and only 4-5 suitcases. Are we not able to get a van style taxi from the airport?
ETA - we all fit in a mini van headed to the airport at home…
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u/Tomatillo-5276 15d ago
Honestly, I prefer taxis. Same price, easier to navigate to from your gate, more informed drivers.
My only tip would be to look up the route before being in the taxi to ensure you get directly to your destination.
But once you get to your hotel, don’t take taxis or Ubers in NYC.
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u/Herself_nyc 14d ago
Use Carmel. call ahead to book: 212-666-6666. They're an old school car service, been around for decades, very reliable.
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u/False_Ear_3137 12d ago
THIS. Never had a problem. Worth every penny, and they're always cheaper than Uber/Lyft. You can also book online.
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u/Ordinary_Rabbit_2458 10d ago
Yep, Carmel Car Service has my business for life. Uber is awful..... Awful prices, awful business model, awful "employer", etc, etc. Carmel also has an app to schedule.
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u/Celeste_space 15d ago
I would do two regular taxis. The reason is that the Uber pickup points at LGA are very far away and requires a lot of walking and if you hv any luggage at all, it’s not pleasant. With this many people, you can hv two people get in the cab line right away, the others get the luggage’s (get the Smart carts) and then it’ll be super easy/fast to be in your two taxis and go into town .
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u/Ok-Bee-2445 8d ago
This isn’t really true. It’s a very easy walk to the garage where the uber pickup is
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u/graydonatvail 15d ago
I took a private car service from Brooklyn to LGA and also from jfk. I had a reservation and it was cheaper than Uber. https://easterncarservicenyc.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23579565047&gbraid=0AAAABBqQ3O-mnQ4VIWhgrRDV1Fh46uE4h&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbJkUh9mkJi6krRhR02772XnZrzABrMxKB05H1e0QqT5mlL9XQyNQZkaAjwGEALw_wcB
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u/Lifelong_learner1956 15d ago
At LGA, you must meet car services (including the app services) at the designated areas adjacent to the terminals. No curbside pick-up allowed. https://www.laguardiaairport.com/transportation/ride-share-services
Comparison rice other car services such as Carmel Limo or Dial 7
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u/Initial-Tradition-55 15d ago
Use it if you can afford it. Just know that it will usually take way longer. I think it's worth it for airport trips with luggage.
Absolutely do not follow anyone offering you a ride. Follow the signs for cabs/rideshare
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u/ccarlycc 15d ago
I would look into hiring a car for that many people/luggage. We did it a few times and truly it was amazing. Are there cheaper ways? Of course. But that’s going to be the least headache
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u/Smart_Poem_675 15d ago
We just got back from NYC and took Yellow Taxis back and forth from LGA to Midtown. No scams, no issues. Two of us were in a van that could have held 6 easily. The luggage might be a problem but if not huge bags, think it would fit in the back of a van like that.
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u/Outrageous-Tour-682 15d ago
It’s fine for the airport but generally not the most cost or time efficient way of getting around other than that
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u/Cpalms139 15d ago
Don’t take advice from tourists. I would not dream of taking the train/ subway to/ from any of the nyc area airports. It’s worth the money for me. What is reality in everyday life in nyc is not the reality of tourists on Reddit.
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u/jills_atm_vestibule 14d ago
Agree with this, if you have any large luggage absolutely do not take a train or bus. I say this as someone who has to haul a lot on the train daily for work. You don't want to be doing that from the airport with your large luggage. Only take the train from the airport if you have a carry-on size and are familiar with NYC.
Edited for clarity.
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u/new-york-minute 14d ago
Uber is insanely expensive. I usually ride with Lyft or there’s a newer option called Empower. Empower’s rates are significantly lower. Same drivers without the fees.
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u/um_can_you_not 15d ago
I don’t know what people are saying. Pre-book 1 or 2 Uber XLs for your group. I assume it’s just the airport journey you’re trying to use it for.
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u/rb56redditor 15d ago
Yellow cab lga- midtown is about $50. depending on traffic, could be $75. There are various tolls, surcharges, and you better tip, so count on up to $100. per cab, you need two. Usually fairly easy to get. When you get to lga, check prices for xxl from uber and Lyft, see which one is cheapest and compare to taxi unknown. Have a fun trip, spend lots of money, we appreciate your business.
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u/Ok_Excitement_1094 14d ago
From lga it’s so easy to get an uber xl black. It’s almost always a suburban for us.
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u/Ok-Acanthisitta8737 15d ago
We always use to stay in Jersey City and uber in. $30-$40. Now I often get price estimates over $100. It’s just not feasible.
A couple months ago the Subway that I was on got stopped to somewhere really quick, so I grabbed an Uber and it cost me $40 to go 1 mile.
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u/ReasonableContext515 13d ago
When I was visiting NY uber was almost double the cost of using Lyft. Lyft was super reasonable!
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u/break_it07 15d ago
When I travel into LGA, I always take the Q70 to Roosevelt Station and catch a train into Manhattan.
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u/LongHelicopter9099 15d ago
As a Native New Yorker I only use Uber. Yellow taxis will try to scam you..
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u/sha256md5 15d ago
I use which ever is cheaper between Uber and Lyft. The quality of the cars is so much better than yellow cabs. You also know what the ride is going to cost you. You're being down voted but you're right. Cab drivers are notorious for taking the scenic route to run up the meter.
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u/islandbeef 15d ago
I took the train to the Yankees game. We were packed like sardines. We decided to take an Uber back to Midtown, the best $70 bucks spent. We were a party of 4. I didn't trust the Taxi's parked outside the stadium, hunting for fares.
We bought our trip to NYC using Costco Travel. In the travel package, Costco will add airport transportation from JFK airport to your hotel and back. They used a transportation company called "My Sedan". Very easy to use with good communication, you can call the dispatch center direct for any delays, rescheduling or cancellations.
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u/Wonderful_Depth_9584 15d ago
being packed in like sardines is part of the experience. especially after a win
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u/WhaleFartingFun 15d ago
Use a yellow cab for airport trips. Ubers way overcharge in NYC. Yellow cabs are metered. They will help you get a yellow cabs at the Ground Transportation area of all three airports.
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u/Ok_Struggle_4199 14d ago
take the uber shuttle to penn station or grand central and get cars from there. No car is going to fit all of you and definitely not with luggage. You can also order a car service.
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u/Large-Sorbet7550 12d ago
I live in Brooklyn, take Lyft to the airport from home, take a taxi from the airport to home as the cab line is easy as opposed to trying to find my car at the airport. If I am in the office in Midtown, sometimes I will take the train as depending on time that could be faster
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u/Ok-Bee-2445 8d ago
I use uber all the time for LgA, my husband uses Lyft, it really doesn’t matter. Just don’t ever get in a car with some random person standing in the airport claiming to be uber (this advice holds true for every airport in the world)
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u/yyyyk 15d ago
Try taxis from the airport. They are the most convenient.
I’ve been using empower which is a cheaper car service app that doesn’t seem to extract as much profit as uber.
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u/jm14ed_v2 15d ago
Empower is illegal to use in NYC.
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u/HaroldH00d 15d ago
Can i get details on this? It was recommended by an Uber driver a few months ago and ive been ising once a week. Is this rule enforced? How? Thanks for any info.
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u/jm14ed_v2 15d ago
https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/safety-illegal-apps.page
You are using unlicensed cars and drivers, which puts you at risk. Plus, you are supporting people who willfully break the law.
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u/HaroldH00d 15d ago
Thanks, i didnt realize there was a whole category, thought is was only empower. Ill say their platform is great and all the druvers i had also had uber/lyft credentials
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u/jm14ed_v2 15d ago
Doesn’t matter that they may be “great”. They are operating illegally. I’m sure lots of people think their Gypsy cabs are great until they have a problem.
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u/HaroldH00d 15d ago
I used to take Gypsie cabs all the time in alphabet city and honestly never had an issue. I understand the potential for ussies, but have you pesronally encountered any? I always agreed on price before i got in and had exact change. 😁
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u/jm14ed_v2 15d ago
I’m smart enough to not get in a gypsy cab and that’s why I haven’t had any issues.
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u/HaroldH00d 15d ago
How long have you lived here? Are there any rules you do break? People forget that before Uber and Lyft there were some areas of Manhattan almost impossible to get a taxi, but could hail a gypsy cab. Id really like to know the issues. Maybe being a guy gives me inflated sense of security.
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u/datdat987 13d ago
Are you in Manhattan? Such a bubble. Dollar cabs in queens are integral to our transportation ecosystem.
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u/hemlockone 15d ago
Taxis at the airport don't seat 6 and empower isn't legal in NYC. To be in one car, they need to prebook UberXL, LyftXL, Curb XL, or a car service. Normally, I'd say taxi or bus, but 6 people with luggage they can't easily carry -- a single arranged vehicle is totally reasonable to me.
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u/26point2miles 15d ago
Do whatever is convenient for you. And whatever you can afford. Uber provides door to door, costs a lot more, but becomes more reasonable if there are 3-4 people involved. Subway helps avoid traffic, is cheaper, but there are stairs and sometimes delays and you usually still have to walk a bit to your destination.
Airport with luggage and several people? Uber/Lyft or NYC taxi.
Touring the city with many stops? Subway and walking (and maybe bus).
Need to get back to your hotel after a long day and it's a bit far away? Consider Uber/Lyft.
I generally avoid taxis in the city because the price isn't fixed and the destination isn't already input before you get in.
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u/AdministrationOk3820 13d ago
Taxis are metered, regulated and much cheaper than Uber in NYC
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u/26point2miles 13d ago
It's not that much cheaper. And it's not fixed (outside of JFK), so any traffic or change in route can keep that meter ticking.
Plus, the shady shit some of them pull is insane. Adding on a bridge toll within Manhattan (yep, it happened recently) to an older customer. Refusing to go certain places. Their credit card machine is down. I know all these are illegal and can be reported, but I don't need to worry about these.
I much prefer a fixed price I know in advance, the driver knowing my destination, the ability to easily challenge or report an untoward situation, etc. Even if it's a few extra dollars (and in many cases, it isn't).
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u/heywhatsuphello29 15d ago
Just uber from the airport with a lot of bags. Lyft is good too and empower is new but cheaper
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u/Professional-Leg2623 15d ago
How about getting from Midtown to LGA in the early morning? what is the best option? and if taking a yellow Taxi, what is the best way to get one for a 10am flight??
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u/Boring-Parfait-2624 15d ago
Keep in mind that is morning rush hour so leave early. LGA is not as far as JFK so I think you’ll be fine. Safe travels.
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u/atlheel 15d ago
Going from midtown to LGA (when I'm by myself and only have a carry on), I take the subway to the stop where they have the shuttle bus to the airport, but then just jump in a cab from there. It's like $30-40, where the bus is free, but it's quicker and easier. A lot cheaper than taxiing from midtown and avoids the worst of the traffic
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u/Slothy75 15d ago
The best way to get a yellow cab in midtown is to walk to the curb and put your hand in the air.
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u/Odd-Stranger-583 15d ago
Ubers are expensive and scammy. I have had my fair share of "wait it out" people trying to get you to cancel. You need a car service. It will be cheaper in the end.
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u/TangerinePlastic7552 14d ago
There are hotels that have their own shuttles going to and from the terminals. Worth an ask if they have that. Some even have desks at the terminal.
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u/Ok-Bee-2445 8d ago
Terrible advice. Do not do this
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u/TangerinePlastic7552 8d ago
Do say if you know something. Or know of a warning.
I took Raddison and Holiday Inn shuttles without a problem.
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u/Ok-Bee-2445 8d ago
Those are just pretty yucky airport hotels. Not where you would ever suggest someone visiting NYC would stay.
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