Travelling LaGuardia - Manhattan with children and bags
I'm headed to NYC for a few days with my wife and two children (3 and 5). We'll have four days' worth of luggage, so probably two adult rolling suitcases and each child will have a child-sized rolling suitcase, plus a laptop bag and perhaps another carryon. We'll be arriving around 9am to LaGuardia and staying somewhere in Manhattan, probably either near Times Square or near the Natural History museum.
Given my mediocre experience in Philadelphia in a similar situation, I would like to know the basics for what I'll need to know to get into the city via public transportation. I read this question which gives me some clues for what buses to ride.
- Is a bus trip into Manhattan doable with bags and kids? Or am I better off just springing for the cab (particularly at that time of day)? Kids are used to riding buses if that is relevant.
- Can I buy a bus pass at the airport? (I couldn't in Philly...) Where? What kind of pass (We will likely be doing a lot of subway riding, if that's relevant)? Am I safe to assume that my two kids are free? The trip is in two and a half weeks, if that's relevant (for buying something ahead of time perhaps).
- Anything likely to confuse/surprise me when I try to get a bus? I'm from Chicago, so very familiar with buses, but tend to find Chicago far more organized than most other cities in that department...
Best Answer
With two kids that have just gotten off a flight and a bunch of luggage, my vote would strongly be a taxi or car. It's going to be a long slow ride, worse yet if you transfer to the subway and have to get the kids and bags up and down the stairs and on and off of crowded trains. It's not a good way to start a vacation.
You might consider a car service instead of a taxi. The main advantage is a fixed price from LGA, so you'll know exactly how much it will cost regardless of traffic. Dial7 (with coupon) and Carmel are two of the larger operators. They'll run you about $30-$34 plus tolls and tip (so budget closer to $40). With these services, you book online or by phone in advance, let them know when you arrive, and a car will pick you up at a designated location at the airport's curb. Dial7 also has an app you can use to make the booking and let them know when you're ready to be picked up. Given the expected traffic, this should be cheaper than a taxi, and you won't be sitting there hearing the meter tick as you're in a traffic jam.
You could also take the bus into the city and consider a cab or car for the trip back to the airport depending on how the bus works out for you and how much time you have available.
If you do decide to take the bus, here are the rules about fares for kids on the bus and subway:
Up to three children 44 inches tall and under ride for free on subways and local buses when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
(the Q70 is considered a local bus)
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How do I get from LaGuardia to Manhattan with kids?
From LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Believe it or not, public transportation at LGA is still fairly easy. There are a number of options such as the Q70 bus, or you can take the M60 bus to Astoria Boulevard and then transfer to the subway line (the N or W to Times Square).How do you get around with kids in NYC?
Be Street Smart When Visiting NYC with KidsHow much is a shuttle from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
It is only $2.75! You can get to and from LaGuardia from any location in New York City entirely via public transportation. However, you will most likely have to transfer between a bus and subway, depending on your destination.Is there a flat rate from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
Currently, there is no flat fare for cab rides between Manhattan and LaGuardia. We should note, however, that it can be quite a bit more expensive than $39 to take a cab to Manhattan from LGA, especially during rush hour.How to get from NYC airports to city center without getting ripped off
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Answer 2
As a New Yorker who has flown into LaGuardia multiple times, I cannot recommend a taxi or any other car service. The line for taxis is always incredibly long, and there are way too many cars trying to get in and out of the airport.
The M60 bus is perfect for your purposes. If you are staying at Times Square, take it to 116th St/Columbia University and transfer to the 1 train down to Times Square. If you are staying near the Natural History Museum, take it to Frederick Douglass Blvd/St Nicholas Ave, and then take the B or C train down to 81 St station.
You can buy a bus pass directly at the airport's bus stop. Try to bring cash/coins if you can, as the machines will occasionally not accept debit/credit cards. You must buy the ticket beforehand - because the M60 is an SBS (select bus service) route, you must pay offboard:
You pay your fare at the stop at either the MetroCard Fare Collector or Coin Fare Collector machine BEFORE boarding.
...
You don't give or show your ticket to the bus operator UNLESS you paid with coins and need a transfer. Please board at the front of the bus if you need a transfer.
Answer 3
I would suggest getting a cab it would just seem to be more convenient and you would also be rest assured and wouldn't worry due to baggage and kids as they wouldn't be getting up moving around or sitting elsewhere as you would be in a cab instead of a bus
Answer 4
I would not take public transportation with bags and kids. We were in NYC recently for a long weekend (no kids). We took a shuttle from LGA to where we were staying near Times Square. I think it was run by NYC Airporter. We had to wait a bit at LGA but the trip time from LGA to hotel was roughly 30 minutes on a Friday mid-day. Round trip was ~$50 for two adults. Enjoy your trip!
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