How to Get from La Guardia Airport to New York City

So you've finally arrived in the Big Apple, but don't know how to get from the airport to the city? Here is your quick guide to ground transportation options at La Guardia Airport in New York.

First of all, if you are completely clueless on how to get into New York City from La Guardia Airport, stop by the Ground Transportation desk near the baggage claim area. There, a staff member can inform you of all the various modes of transportation available from La Guardia to New York City. If your destination is not actually Manhattan, then the personnel at the ground transportation desk can also tell you the best ways to get to your destination, wherever that may be.

Taxi: Probably the simplest option, but not necessarily the cheapest. To take a taxi from the airport into Manhattan, all you need to do is to follow the signs from the baggage claim area to the taxi stand. There will be a taxi "dispatcher" who will guide you to the next available taxi. Taxis into New York City will run approximately $25 (without traffic), but you will also need to include tolls ($5) and tip.

Blue Van / Super Shuttle: This is a national chain of blue vans which will take you from La Guardia Airport directly to your destination in New York City. You can make a reservation beforehand online at www.supershuttle.com, but it's not necessary. If you don't want to pay in the airport or on the van, though, you may prefer to make the reservation online. Even with a reservation, you will still need to call them to let them know you are waiting to be picked up. The best way to call them is to go to the Ground Transportation desk noted above, which will direct you to a phone to call the Super Shuttle dispatcher directly. The fare for the first person is $16 and $12 for each additional guest. If you are traveling with one or more persons, you might find a taxi or car service actually more economical and definitely a lot quicker. While this option is cheaper than a taxi, be aware that if your van is not full when they come to pick you up, you will have to wait around the airport for the van to pick up other passengers until it is full. Also, since the van will be carrying other passengers, you may be dropped off first or you may be dropped off last, depending on your ultimate destination and those of your fellow passengers. In other words, you could be waiting a long time to get to your hotel.

Car service: There are many car services available to you, and while you may think that this option is not economical, it's actually a lot more affordable than you might think. You may see the signs for various car services in the baggage claim for the number to call, or the ground transportation desk will also be helpful if you choose this route. Two common car service companies are Dial 7 (www.dial7.com) and Carmel (www.carmellimo.com). Rates range from $28 - $33, depending on the time of day and do not include tolls ($5) or tips. If you're arriving near rush hour or think there might be traffic, this option is definitely preferable to a taxi since the price is the same, no matter how long you sit in traffic. You can make reservations online, but it's also just as easy as calling the services when you are ready to be picked up. These companies always have cars standing by near the airport ready to pick up passengers and take you to your destination in New York. Bonus: You'll feel like a big shot getting picked up in your very own car for not that much more than the price of a regular taxi.

New York Airport Service Express Bus: For a fare of $12 (or $21 round-trip), this bus drops off passengers at several central locations in Manhattan. The bus will drop off passengers at Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Station, Penn Station, Bryant Park and several midtown hotels between 31^st and 60^th Streets only. The bus ride is approximately 40 minutes - 1 hour, depending on your drop-off point. The bus stop is located outside of the baggage claim area, but if you cannot find it, the personnel at the ground transportation desk should be able to direct you.

Public Transportation: If you are completely new to New York, then this option is probably not for you. If you can navigate the subways and busses and don't have too much luggage, though, this is by far the cheapest option. For the regular metro fare of $2, you can take the M60 bus, which will drop you off near Columbia University at 116^th St. and Broadway. From there, you can take a subway to get closer to your destination. However, again, if you are not familiar with the busses and subways or you're arriving at night, I would not advise this option for you. If you do take this bus and don't have a metro card, be sure to have lots of change. The busses do not take dollar bills. The bus stop is located right outside of baggage claim. Well, there it is. A summary of your shuttle service options at La Guardia Airport in New York. Whichever option you choose, I hope it is only the beginning of a memorable trip for you to New York City.