Posted March 1, 200718 yr Hi all! I lived in NYC for three months, but I only went to LaGuardia airport twice, both times on a taxi. I am heading back later in March, and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth trying to take a bus from the airport to a hotel near Madison Square Garden on 34th. Too bad NYC isn't advanced like us in Cleveland :wink: Thanks for the help!
March 1, 200718 yr If you mean an express bus/shuttle that charges a flat fee, it's probably easier to grab a cab. If you mean public transit bus, can't help ya. clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
March 1, 200718 yr There used to be a bus that ran back and forth between LaGuardia and Grand Central. It's been several years since I've been there, and I can't remember the name of it, but the fare was only $5 one way. I expect it's more expensive now, but still probably lots cheaper than a cab. It ran fairly frequently, and was an express bus, not a local. edit: I just googled airport bus laguardia and came up with several hits, including this one, to Penn Station (pretty close?) with departures every 20-30 minutes depending on time of day, travel time 1:10 and fare $12 one way.
March 1, 200718 yr Hi all! I lived in NYC for three months, but I only went to LaGuardia airport twice, both times on a taxi. I am heading back later in March, and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth trying to take a bus from the airport to a hotel near Madison Square Garden on 34th. Too bad NYC isn't advanced like us in Cleveland :wink: Thanks for the help! Let me offer my expertise. I travel to LGA multiple times a week on the bus and its very easy, even WITH luggage. No matter what airline you will be arriving on (what airline are you arriving on?): Walk out of your terminals lower level and look for the public transportation shelter with "to manhattan - M60 Bus" Board the bus, make sure you have $2.00 or a metrocard. Take bus to 125 & Lenox (AKA Malcolm X Blvd.). You will deboard the bus directly in front of CVS. Look to your right and walk (approximately) 50 feet to the DOWNTOWN 2 or 3 train. Swipe card and take the train to 34 Street - Penn Station. Penn Station is attached to Madison Square Garden. If your arriving at LGA between 6:30 AM and 9 AM or 3:30 PM and 8 PM, be prepared for stop and go service which will be slow but MUCH BETTER AND CHEAPER than sitting in a cab or taking one of those RIP OFF shuttle services. M60 Bus Schedule: http://mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m060cur.pdf Subway Map: http://mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
March 2, 200718 yr Yeah, I take the Airport Express Bus almost every time I'm in NY, even on business, and it's not too bad, but if I'm in a absolute rush I take a cab. The bus stops at Grand Central AND Penn Station for the same price. Stops at Grand Central first. Taking the M60 from Queens to Manhattan then riding the 2 or 3 train is the cheapest option but definitely the more time consuming. If your looking to travel that way, you might be better off taking the MTA bus to Jackson Heights and taking the 7 train in and transfering subways in Manhattan. A bit of a shorter bus ride. I wish NYC would build an AirTrain system like they have at JFK for LGA.
March 2, 200718 yr Yeah, I take the Airport Express Bus almost every time I'm in NY, even on business, and it's not too bad, but if I'm in a absolute rush I take a cab. The bus stops at Grand Central AND Penn Station for the same price. Stops at Grand Central first. Taking the M60 from Queens to Manhattan then riding the 2 or 3 train is the cheapest option but definitely the more time consuming. If your looking to travel that way, you might be better off taking the MTA bus to Jackson Heights and taking the 7 train in and transferring subways in Manhattan. A bit of a shorter bus ride. I wish NYC would build an AirTrain system like they have at JFK for LGA. Taking the bus in queens to The 7 train isn't advisable as its local and the 7 train is currently going thru major service interuptions and suspended on weekends - the MTA provides busses. Also, you would have to Times Square which can be confusing and a nightmare if you're not familiar. The M60 moves well during non rush hours and the 2/3 train is express right to penn station. Those express buses are a rip off. Jamiec you did the right thing by asking here!
March 2, 200718 yr ^^MTS, the Express Bus is a ripoff if you are at Terminals 1-4 at JFK. Other than that I'd call it far from a ripoff. It's $12 which is $20-$25 cheaper than a cab from LGA. It takes the same damn route, through the Midtown Tunnel. Saves me the hastle of dealing with a cab and their creative routes past the Triboro. Sure MTA is cheaper....but it does take longer to get to Midtown. The one thing about the Airport Express, it ain't pretty. :)
March 2, 200718 yr Hmm. So, I'm landing at around 10 a.m. on a Friday. If I got MTA, how long do you think it'd take...90 minutes? A taxi takes something like 30, right?
March 3, 200718 yr IMO take the M60 to astoria -n,w line to Manhatten (I got off at the 6 transfer to go downtown). It is quicker and much cheaper than the cab. this bus requires $2 in quarters. not sure if you can buy a metro card at the airport, but you can at the artoria station. M2C is right about the 7 line,I I was NYC earlier this week and the 7 is a mess, construction everywhere (so avoid the Q48 bus which is how I used to go- to the 7). Cab is totally unnec. from Laguardia. From start to finish about 35-40 for me from LG to Murray Hill area.
March 3, 200718 yr Jaime, are you staying at the Ramada New Yorker? I believe that's the place. My sister is doing a school semester in New York and is staying in a dorm setting there. IMO take the M60 to astoria -n,w line to Manhatten (I got off at the 6 transfer to go downtown). It is quicker and much cheaper than the cab. this bus requires $2 in quarters. not sure if you can buy a metro card at the airport, but you can at the artoria station. M2C is right about the 7 line,I I was NYC earlier this week and the 7 is a mess, construction everywhere (so avoid the Q48 bus which is how I used to go- to the 7). Cab is totally unnec. from Laguardia. From start to finish about 35-40 for me from LG to Murray Hill area. Good thoughts! I think I will just do the bus route. I don't have a lot of money and am not anxious to blow $60 on a taxi to and from the city.
March 3, 200718 yr I should have added, I say transfer in Astroria as opposed to taking the m60 all the way to Harlem, b/c you will spend less time on the slow bus and more time on speedy train if you get off in Astoria.
March 3, 200718 yr IMO take the M60 to astoria -n,w line to Manhatten (I got off at the 6 transfer to go downtown). It is quicker and much cheaper than the cab. this bus requires $2 in quarters. not sure if you can buy a metro card at the airport, but you can at the artoria station. M2C is right about the 7 line,I I was NYC earlier this week and the 7 is a mess, construction everywhere (so avoid the Q48 bus which is how I used to go- to the 7). Cab is totally unnec. from Laguardia. From start to finish about 35-40 for me from LG to Murray Hill area. Its manhattan ..not manhattEn. :wink: Secondly...JamieC is going to the WESTSIDE. The Ramada New York is at 39 & Eighth Ave.....so taking the slower local N/W trains would not be a wise option as that would put him 2 LOOOONG blocks accross and 4 blocks south of the hotel Now, I would like to revise my directions for Jamiec. Instead of deboarding at M60 at Lenox, take the bus to St. Nicholas. Go downstairs and board a DOWNTOWN A train and take it to 42 Street/Port Authority. Sit toward of the front of the train and when you come out of Port Authority you'll be a 2 blocks away from the Ramada Inn.
March 3, 200718 yr ^I think we need to have an "amazing race" to figure this one out... why? I would hate to see you "eliminated". :-P I take the M60 Bus to LGA several times a week. I take the 2/3 or A trains between my house(near 125 st) and my office.
March 4, 200718 yr I have to agree with MyTwoSense, I would take the bus & train. Those express buses, are for dumb tourist who don't know any better.
March 4, 200718 yr IMO take the M60 to astoria -n,w line to Manhatten (I got off at the 6 transfer to go downtown). It is quicker and much cheaper than the cab. this bus requires $2 in quarters. not sure if you can buy a metro card at the airport, but you can at the artoria station. M2C is right about the 7 line,I I was NYC earlier this week and the 7 is a mess, construction everywhere (so avoid the Q48 bus which is how I used to go- to the 7). Cab is totally unnec. from Laguardia. From start to finish about 35-40 for me from LG to Murray Hill area. Its manhattan ..not manhattEn. :wink: Secondly...JamieC is going to the WESTSIDE. The Ramada New York is at 39 & Eighth Ave.....so taking the slower local N/W trains would not be a wise option as that would put him 2 LOOOONG blocks accross and 4 blocks south of the hotel Now, I would like to revise my directions for Jamiec. Instead of deboarding at M60 at Lenox, take the bus to St. Nicholas. Go downstairs and board a DOWNTOWN A train and take it to 42 Street/Port Authority. Sit toward of the front of the train and when you come out of Port Authority you'll be a 2 blocks away from the Ramada Inn. correctomundo. M60 to 125/saint nick, then downtown A train to 42nd/8th ave. plan for one hour -- cost is only $2 freakin bucks, ya cant beat that price. otoh if you have a lot of luggage and dont want to mess with transfers, then take the shuttle buses at penn or the port authority or even from your hotel ($10-$23): http://www.ny.com/cgibin/frame.cgi?url=http://www.nyairportservice.com&frame=/frame/travel.html http://www.supershuttle.com/htm/cities/nyc.htm#Airport cabs: now its true i've paid under $20 for a cab from 14th st/8th ave to laguardia, but the traffic gods were with me -- obviously that wildly varies. not recommended. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ****ps....if anyone needs it -- i can get you from newark liberty airport to midtown for $2.75! yes. a regular city bus, the nj62 bus, goes from terminal c (continental) or any other terminal to newark city penn station and takes under 30 minutes ($1.25) note: nj buses take dollar bills but nyc busses only take change: http://www.njtransit.com/sf_bu_town2town_results.jsp then at newark penn station you take the path train right into manhattan ($1.50) -- note you may have to transfer path trains at journal square station, but if so no big deal everybody gets off and you just wait right there on the platform a few minutes for the next train: http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/map.html ^ unless you have a lot of luggage, for sure do that instead of being tempted to take the shuttle buses or the expensive airtrain ---> the awkward and triiiiring new nj newark liberty commuter train station ---> nyc penn station route. also, note there is a nj transit desk at each newark terminal if you have questions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ***might as well be comprehensive here, eh? as for jfk...the A train express subway ($2) out to the jfk airtrain ($5) in queens is the way to go. it takes 90minutes from my place in the village. the only tricky part is to look at the subway train and make sure to take the downtown 'rockaway' bound train and not the 'lefferts' bound train. the airtrain goes around all the jfk terminals. you could also take the local E train to jamaica, queens and and connect to the jfk airtrain too. airtrain link: http://www.panynj.gov/airtrain/ ^shuttles and cabs are definately not recommended to jfk unless of course you have a lot of luggage.
March 6, 200718 yr I have to agree with MyTwoSense, I would take the bus & train. Those express buses, are for dumb tourist who don't know any better. Why be a jackass about this? I don't see all tourists on those busses, son. But if it makes you feel better, I'll lie and say I do. :)
March 10, 200718 yr I have to agree with MyTwoSense, I would take the bus & train. Those express buses, are for dumb tourist who don't know any better. Why be a jackass about this? I don't see all tourists on those busses, son. But if it makes you feel better, I'll lie and say I do. :) "jackass"? Watch that! If you're going to call me out of my name, make sure to address me as a heartless bitch, not a jackass. Understood?? The people that are normally told to use those buses are people that tour guides, travel agencies, etc. steer there. It a rip off...packaged and marketed to people who the above agencies want to try to make feel safe but not telling them they can take public transportation. Thats why I stated its for dumb tourist who don't know better. Its that whole, NYC is a dangerous big city, take the bus you'll feel safer and wont get lost and end up somewher you shouldn't be.
March 10, 200718 yr having traveled a lot and only found myself on a "tourist bus" only once in my life-and only b/c it was the cheapest, fastest way to get to where I was going that particular day (and I was 21 and alone in Austria crossing the border...) Anyway they do serve a purpose, and people are not necessarily dumb to take them. I love to take public transportation where ever I go, but truthfully in most places including NYC, that takes a little advance research. While LG does have a a sign something like "public bus to Manhattan" (the m60), someone unfamiliar to the city is still going to need to know what to do once you get off the bus and even where to get off, which like I said takes a little planning. I live for that kind of shit (and am the responsible party in my household for doing all that), but some people don't. Either they don't have the time, are not interested,don't know where to look for the info, or maybe they ARE dumb, but not always. Speaking of the fear factor. l am absolutely stunned that people are afraid to ride the subway (and this is even before 9/11)--I'm ashamed to say, I know a lot of people who go and only take cabs. The biggest joke is NYC (esp Manhattan)is one of the safest cities in the US. They watch too much TV I guess
March 11, 200718 yr having traveled a lot and only found myself on a "tourist bus" only once in my life-and only b/c it was the cheapest, fastest way to get to where I was going that particular day (and I was 21 and alone in Austria crossing the border...) Anyway they do serve a purpose, and people are not necessarily dumb to take them. I love to take public transportation where ever I go, but truthfully in most places including NYC, that takes a little advance research. While LG does have a a sign something like "public bus to Manhattan" (the m60), someone unfamiliar to the city is still going to need to know what to do once you get off the bus and even where to get off, which like I said takes a little planning. I live for that kind of shit (and am the responsible party in my household for doing all that), but some people don't. Either they don't have the time, are not interested,don't know where to look for the info, or maybe they ARE dumb, but not always. Speaking of the fear factor. l am absolutely stunned that people are afraid to ride the subway (and this is even before 9/11)--I'm ashamed to say, I know a lot of people who go and only take cabs. The biggest joke is NYC (esp Manhattan)is one of the safest cities in the US. They watch too much TV I guess You're a city girl and well traveled. No matter what city I go to, there are always those leisure travelers with "no clue". You are in the minority, of those who do self research before a trip. Most people rely on a travel consultant. Often in LGA I here people asking how to get to the bus and the first thing they are directed too is the "express our tourist" buses. And New York city is a scarey and dangerous place - as in other city. YOu have to remember there are all types of people visiting or moving here who have no clue on how the city operates. Its a bit overwhelming. Also, you'd be surprised at how much crime takes place in places in neighborhoods like the Upper Eastside or Soho. I had a friend get mugged on 57 street. Riding the subway is the smartest thing a person can do and the only way to overcome the fear of getting lost is to ride and familiarize yourslef, unless its late night and super snowy or rainy.
March 11, 200718 yr Listen, you guys are preachin' to the choir here! I have been obsessed with subways since I lived in Boston in college. I love watching for the light to appear way back in tunnels and the way the wheels screech as the train slows and turns. I love how in NYC, little kids have the guts to run between trains as it moves full speed. I just don't know much about buses because they don't have any appeal to me, so I avoid them like the plague. When I lived in Boston, I was going with people from my dorm to Cambridge for dinner, and I was stoked to take the red line, and then I found out that the subway "may him sick to his stomach." So we had to stop and go for 40 minutes on a lousy bus on Mass. Ave. I was so disappointed -- lousy bus! I'm going to save big bucks by walking to the Rapid in Lakewood and taking the bus in Queens -- between parking and taxis, I figure I'll save at least $90 just on the first day! Thanks for the help! BTW, does the M60 bus just come back the same way to go back to the airport? I'm trying to decide if I want to go the same way back. I only worry I'll be too busy "having fun" and public transportation won't be fast enough to get me to the airport in time.
March 11, 200718 yr Thanks for the help! BTW, does the M60 bus just come back the same way to go back to the airport? I'm trying to decide if I want to go the same way back. I only worry I'll be too busy "having fun" and public transportation won't be fast enough to get me to the airport in time. Yes, the bus runs the same route. See the pdf that was posted earlier. This is very important to remember on the return. Sit as close to the front of the bus as you can and inform the bus driver you want to get off at the first stop inside the airport. When approaching the airport, deboard at the FIRST STOP inside the airport*. You will know you are at this stop as a parking lot will be on the right side of the bus and an American Airlines building on the left side. GET OFF THE BUS HERE! This is a map of where you should get off bus. The lower portion of the picture shows the bus stop you should get off at. Its indicated by the red awning, with a single taxi in front of it. You'll then walk accross the street towards the blue awning and you'll see the entrance to the terminal. In this picture the entrance is hidden by the roadway overpass. Please note if its raining or snowing when you get off the bus, becareful of approaching traffic as a HUGE puddle of water forms directly infront of the bus stop...and you will get splashed. :x Once inside the building you'll be on the baggage claim level of the central terminal, walk about 20/30 yards and you will see the escalators up to the ticketing/security level. If you do not get of the bus at the first stop, you'll have to ride the bus around to the Delta Terminal, then the US Air Terminal, then the Eastern Part of the Central Terminal which is an additional 10 or 15 minutes, depending on traffic in the airport. * sometimes the bus goes around to the marine air terminal, then onto the central terminal, so pay attention. :whip:
March 12, 200718 yr So we had to stop and go for 40 minutes on a lousy bus on Mass. Ave. I was so disappointed -- lousy bus! Ha- the old MBTA #1 I do not miss! Why all the hate towards the LGA "tourist bus"? If you're headed to GCT area (which Jamie is not) it's a hell of a lot more comfortable and no slower than the MTA route- 'specially with luggage. And I'm with Amrap, it's certainly not all tourists when I take it-seems mostly midtown east business commuters.
March 13, 200718 yr Most exact directions EVER, MTS! Thanks :) I'm curious to see how much of a pull NYC has for me when I visit for the first time in two years.
March 13, 200718 yr Most exact directions EVER, MTS! Thanks :) I'm curious to see how much of a pull NYC has for me when I visit for the first time in two year no problem, I literally do this in my sleep. I'll be doing it tomorrow at 4:45 AM as I'm off to DC.
March 15, 200718 yr Thought you all might enjoy what my Frommer's NYC book says about taking public transit to the airport: For the most part, your best bet is to stay away from MTA when traveling to and from the airport. You might save a few dollars, but subways and buses that currently serve the airports involve multiple transfers, and you'll have to drag your luggage up and down staircases. On some subways, you'd be traveling through some undesirable neighborhoods. Spare yourself the drama.
March 15, 200718 yr Thought you all might enjoy what my Frommer's NYC book says about taking public transit to the airport: For the most part, your best bet is to stay away from MTA when traveling to and from the airport. You might save a few dollars, but subways and buses that currently serve the airports involve multiple transfers, and you'll have to drag your luggage up and down staircases. On some subways, you'd be traveling through some undesirable neighborhoods. Spare yourself the drama. lawd.... Undesirable = neighborhoods of color/ethnic neighborhoods. What bullshit!
March 15, 200718 yr Thought you all might enjoy what my Frommer's NYC book says about taking public transit to the airport: For the most part, your best bet is to stay away from MTA when traveling to and from the airport. You might save a few dollars, but subways and buses that currently serve the airports involve multiple transfers, and you'll have to drag your luggage up and down staircases. On some subways, you'd be traveling through some undesirable neighborhoods. Spare yourself the drama. WTF?? the luggage thing is the only slightly valid argument depending on your circumstances (ie one person carrying bags for self and others ie young children. some of those "undesirable" neighborhoods are the most interesting in NYC (same with other cities) shameful. Don't the Lonely Planet books due a better job of discussing public transport?
March 15, 200718 yr Doesn't get eaisier than this...7 train to 74th street station..then the Q 33 to laguardia.....simple..do it all the time! :)
March 20, 200718 yr Fantastic public transportation trip -- From Lakewood to midtown Manhattan. All it cost me was like $8! p.s. MTS, I'm not so sure, but I'm thinking getting on the M60 at 31st in Queens might be the fastest route. ;)
March 20, 200718 yr Fantastic public transportation trip -- From Lakewood to midtown Manhattan. All it cost me was like $8! p.s. MTS, I'm not so sure, but I'm thinking getting on the M60 at 31st in Queens might be the fastest route. ;) HUH? I now you don't mean transferring to/from the N/W. Try doing that more than once!
March 20, 200718 yr I suspect I just have a low tolerance for buses. Rather be on a subway 100% of the time.
March 20, 200718 yr Doesn't get eaisier than this...7 train to 74th street station..then the Q 33 to laguardia.....simple..do it all the time! :) 7 train is under construction now..nightmare!
March 20, 200718 yr after many scenerios, I made my best time getting on the m60 and transferring to the n/w at Astoria- I guess it all depends on where in Manhattan you are headed. I am with JamieC get me off the bus and on the subway ASAP!
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