Posts Tagged ‘New York Subway’

Question: What is the best way to get from La Guardia Airport New York to Manhattan, New York City?

Answer: La Guardia airport is geographically the closest New York airport to Manhattan. However, it takes roughly the same time of approximtely 40 mins to reach Manhattan. There are a number of transfer options from La Guardia airport to NYC. You should choose an option that best suits your budget and number of persons travelling. The following is a breakdown of your transfer options:

Express Bus or Shuttle Bus: The La Guardia airport express service operates daily from 7.30am to 11.00pm at night. Fares are $12 one way and $21 return. The journey to Manhattan takes approx 40 mins and will drop you off at the following Manhattan locations: Penn Station 34th St, Grand Central 42nd, Port Authority 42nd St.
Alternatively, for an extra few dollars you can take a shuttle bus/mini-van to/from your hotel. Try supershuttle.com or goairlinkshuttle.com.

Taxi: A taxi is by far the most comfortable way to travel to and from La Guardia airport. For $40 plus tip you can sit back , relax and be dropped right to the door. Between 3 or 4 persons this would be the ideal choice. Private Limos start at $70.

Subway Bus combo: Athough this the cheapest transfer method, it is also themost stressful, especially for those travelling with a good bit of luggage and in numbers. La Guardia is not serviced directly by a subway and so requires you to board the M60 (free) bus to the 125th St in Manhattan. There are a number of subway routes from 125th St so your connection depends on where you are staying. Your best bet if you are unsure is to get the 2 and 3 line downtown for $2 as it serves all the tourist hotspots in Manhattan.

Helicopter: For those that want to splash out and/or in a rush, the most convenient method is a 10 minute helicopter ride to and from La Guardia. Prices start at $159 per person.

There is no better way to get around New York than use the subway just like any other New Yorker. This will save you a lot of money and of course is cheaper than taxis and many cases a lot quicker. Sure 20 million New Yorker’s can’t be wrong? You will be surprised the number of times you will use the subway.

Navigating the system is not rocket science and contrary to those 80’s movies (Crocodile Dundee) it is very safe. The key thing to remember is that uptown trains travel north and downtown trains travel south. Once you have mastered this, than you will reap the benefits of being able to get from one neighbourhood in Manhattan to the other in a matter of minutes. Go to your local subway station and ask for a FREE New York Subway Map at the subway station booth. You will need this to help plan which lines to connect to and which is the best stop to hop off. Don’t worry if you lose your map as you can just pick up another for free.

The next thing you need to do is to buy a prepaid MetroCard from the automated touchscreen ticket booths in the station. There are a number of options here, but since most Irish people tend to be in New York for at least 4 days or longer, best go for the 7 day unlimited pass at $12.50 USD rather than buying 4 x 1 day fun passes at $7.50 USD each. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard is good for unlimited New York subway and local bus rides until midnight, 7 days from day of first use.

One more thing to note is whether your local subway station near your hotel and destination stop is an express stop or a local stop. Reason being is that you can choose to jump on an express train which by-passes all the local stops and gets you to your destination even quicker. Just make sure that your destination stop is also an express stop.

If you ever unsure or have any questions on which is best stop be sure to ask a fellow passenger on the platform. New Yorkers are extremely friendly and helpful! To help plan your trip to New York trip can customise and print your very own New York Guide (shopping, attractions, restaurants and nightlife).