ezvanetree

Hi. A quick question. How possible would it be to drive a car from La Guardia airport to the Meat Packing district on a Tuesday afternoon? Crazy and gridlocked or okay? I ask because I want to hire a car for part of my trip to NYC and Washington next week and can get the car from the airport or I can get the car in the city after I make my way to the hotel via public transport. I will have two little children with me, if that makes a difference! They are good in the car, and will also enjoy travelling by train/subway etc, so either way I think they will be fine. Thanks for your help!!

Englishmum

If it were me I'd get a limo car service from LGA to your hotel/residence. Believe it or not it actually works out cheaper than a taxi! The prices are fixed, so no racking up costs if you are in a traffic jam, unlike a taxi where you see the prices ticking over every few seconds whether stationary or moving. The drivers from the car service even meet and greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to the car. The big operators are Carmel and Dial 7 (same parent company). For example, with Carmel a sedan costs approx $28 + tip .

I've personally used Carmel and they were excellent - if you don't want a Lincoln Town Car you can request a minivan but it costs a little more ($50 from LaGuardia) as they don't have as many minivans):

http://carmelcarservice.com/

http://www.dial7.com/

It's not so much renting a car from the airport....it's the cost of parking it once you get to Manhatten, it's incredibly expensive! Cheaper to just rent the car as you are driving out of the city for sure!

PS; Where are you staying, the Ganesvoort Hotel? Tip: eat at Spice Market - the decor is amazing (it's on two levels) and the food - South East Asian - is fab!

http://www.spicemarketnewyork.com/

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/spice-market/menu (yum, yum)

frrussre

As Englishmum, advised, taxi/limo from LGA. Parking costs are a nightmare. Don't illegally park for one minute, very very costly. Getting towed use to be $300, that was 10 years ago. They are super fast & take no prisoners.

If you book a Rental car in NYC, book it well in advance, especially around holiday time.

Really really important, be at Rental office, ONE/TWO hour early, minimum. They are well known for overbooking, very limited amount of vehicles.

Frank R.

Ps. I know, because for many years, I lived five minutes walk from your hotel. I have had friends, that had problems as resent as 2011 (Those that did not listen to, the voice of doom)

Good luck, enjoy the city.

penguinbar

I agree with Englishmum and Frank. I live in Manhattan. Parking will be a nightmare. Traffic is another thing. I have used both of the car services suggested. You don't want to drive around Manhattan. It is a wonderful city though!

ezvanetree

Wow, thanks for your replies! Very helpful! I will booked the car service from the airport today. And thanks for the tip on getting to the car rental place early. Much appreciated!

ezvanetree

[QUOTE Tip: eat at Spice Market - the decor is amazing (it's on two levels) and the food - South East Asian - is fab!

http://www.spicemarketnewyork.com/

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/spice-market/menu (yum, yum)[/QUOTE]

thanks for this information! Can't wait!