Mar 10, 2014, 4:17 pm

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Last edit by: dstan

All members are invited to contribute information and links to this wikipost.

This wikipost can be displayed or hidden using the square +/– button on the upper right.

Here are some of the more-frequently mentioned car service and limousine companies discussed in this thread. This is not a comprehensive list. Companies are grouped into general categories, and note that additional surcharges may apply at certain times and locations. Car services and limousines are required to operate by reservation and are prohibited from accepting street hails, but may attempt to do so.

Rates for Yellow NYC Taxicabs
(NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission - Taxi Fare - updated Dec 19, 2022)

• NYC to/from LGA – metered rate (Rate 1) + surcharges + oneway tolls + tip
• Manhattan to/from JFK – $70.00 flat rate (Rate 2) + surcharges + oneway tolls + tip
• NYC (ex-Manhattan) to/from JFK – metered rate (Rate 1) + oneway tolls + tip
• NYC to/from EWR – metered rate + $20.50 surcharge (Rate 3) + roundtrip tolls + tip

Major Car Services

Consumer ($45-52, Manhattan to JFK, excluding tip, toll, tax)

Premium ($58-72, Manhattan to JFK, excluding tip, toll, tax)

Luxury ($113+, Manhattan to JFK, excluding tip, toll, tax)

NYC Limousine / Car Services

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 15, 2010, 5:55 pm

#61

Blumie

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH

Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD

Posts: 17,248

Quote:

Originally Posted by monitor

Just an aside. I came in yesterday (Saturday) to the Marine Terminal about 345PM from the DCA Shuttle. There were no cabs and as I went for my phone to call Big Apple, I noticed a gypsy driver whom I had observed with interest before since he had a very distinctive Mayan Indian appearance and was about 5'4".

So I looked over at him, he came over, asked for $45, I offered $35 and he took us to town in a beautiful and comfortable GMC Suburban. It was the second time in the past few years that I had done that at the Marine Terminal and it did work out well despite all of the pitfalls generally attributed to such a practice.

I was so enjoying the ride that I threw him a fin at the bridge toll.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landing Gear

When you say "gypsy driver" do you mean a vehicle with TLC plates or a passenger vehicle illegally operated as a car service?

Quote:

Originally Posted by monitor

Good question. Since I am not in the habit of using gypsies, I did not notice.

The only thing was that I observed that this guy was a regular at that Terminal and figured that if he was one of those drivers who mistreated customers, he would not consistently return to the same place but need to move around.

But as I have observed, taxicab service at the Marine Terminal is frequently spotty and much worse than at the other LGA Terminals. For that reason alone I support that DL-US swap. I completely abandoned US when they pulled out of their commitment to FLL as a focus city and would not mind having the DL Shuttle back in the better location.

My guess, based on the vehicle -- "a beautiful and comfortable GMC Suburban" -- is that he is a TLC licensed driver illegally soliciting fares. I've done that on occasion; it's better than waiting for a taxi when none are to be found.

Feb 15, 2010, 6:26 pm

#62

monitor

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Oct 1999

Location: So Fla & NYC

Programs: DL DM/2MM, UA MM, BV LT Titanium, HH Diamond

Posts: 23,766

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blumie

I now recollect that he had a squawker and some sort of LCD screen mounted on his dash, so Blumie's guess is spot on.

ETA: The last time that I did that was also at the Marine Terminal. I was with chrissxb and oliver2002 and there were no cabs. However, there was a white Caddy stretch limo at the curb with a driver leaning on the fender schmoozing with a couple of the porters. I cut a two stop deal for $45 and the doorman at the Barclay figured that the two guys who got out there were some sort of heavy hitters. I guess he knew better when he saw his tip.

I told the two European guys that this is the way everybody rides in NYC but I know that they knew better.

Last edited by monitor; Feb 15, 2010 at 7:01 pm

Feb 15, 2010, 8:17 pm

#63

TrueBlueFlyer

Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: New Jersey

Programs: Credit Cards

Posts: 3,009

while "touting" (the politically correct term for "gypsy" cabbies who are legitimate and TLC licensed operators with nice vehicles, who are not gypsy at all) is illegal both in US and pretty much everywhere else in the developed world, there is a very simple solution to make it legal.

a driver who is looking to make extra money by picking up a customer from the airport (after dropping off his initial fare) can provide a potential client with a business card of the company he works for. the client calls the company and makes a reservation, gets in the car and off they go.

when TLC pulls you over whether in New York City or Westchester, the driver is legally entitled to the job as his company can provide proof that there was a prior reservation... even if it was made minutes before the client got in the car.

Simple!

Feb 15, 2010, 11:06 pm

#64

themicah

Join Date: Jan 2003

Location: NYC

Posts: 8,498

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueBlueFlyer

when TLC pulls you over whether in New York City or Westchester, the driver is legally entitled to the job as his company can provide proof that there was a prior reservation... even if it was made minutes before the client got in the car.

The chances of a high speed police chase are also much less likely in your scenario.

Mar 17, 2010, 9:49 am

#65

martinfoss

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: OSL

Programs: BAEC Bronze, M&M FTL, TK *G HHonors Gold

Posts: 878

Taxi vs. Limo//NYC Limousine - any experiences?

Hi all.

I'm in the middle of planning a trip to NYC with four family members (all except me are first time visitors), and was considering to book a limousine to transport us from EWR to our hotel at E 45th street.

First, i was wondering if one taxi would be to small for us, if we all bring one piece of luggage each, so I was wondering if we might need two, and then thought a limo would a better choice, if it turns out to cost approximately the same as two taxis (not quite sure about the taxi price).

Anyhow, Google found me a company calle NYC Limousine, who has a 6-seater that would cost USD 168,51, including all tolls, taxes and 20% tips. Converted to norwegian money, it doesn't seem too expensive, so i think I've made the decision too book one. Trying to search this forum for "NYC Limousine", gives me any thread containing info about Limousines in NYC, byt not much ab out this specific company. Their website looks ok, and i like the fact that I can book online, and not do anything else untill I'm supposed to look for the driver holding up a sign with my name on it at EWR.

Does anyone have any experience with this comapny, and would you recommend it?

https://nyclimousine.com

Mar 17, 2010, 10:12 am

#66

Analise

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Mar 2001

Posts: 55,189

A taxi from EWR will cost you more than many car services. I would avoid the taxi. I recommend car service. Do a search in this forum for the many discussions we've had about car services as, like pizza, everybody has his or her favorites.

Have a great time here in NYC!

I've never used the car service you linked so I cannot comment on the quality of their service but I think you can do a LOT BETTER on the cost of car service than what they are quoting you.

Here is a thread about car service:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-y...-services.html

Mar 17, 2010, 10:43 am

#67

Blumie

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH

Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD

Posts: 17,248

There are, as I'm sure you can imagine, many, many limo services in NYC, with a fairly high variance in prices. Although not universally true, I have found that you generally get what you pay for with NYC limos. That said, I would not choose one based solely on an internet search.

I use and would recommend a well regarded service called Elite Limousine. Details here: http://www.eliteny.com/

Mar 17, 2010, 2:07 pm

#68

dstan

Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Sep 2007

Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC

Posts: 10,855

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinfoss

First, i was wondering if one taxi would be to small for us, if we all bring one piece of luggage each, so I was wondering if we might need two, and then thought a limo would a better choice, if it turns out to cost approximately the same as two taxis (not quite sure about the taxi price).

You can fit four people into the cab with one in the front seat, so it's just a question of whether you think all four pieces of luggage will fit in the trunk. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our wiki page on the topic.

----
I've merged this thread into the NYC Limousine thread provided by Analise (and linked from the sticky). /Moderator

Mar 23, 2010, 8:01 am

#69

mfhstid

Join Date: Aug 2004

Programs: TK Gold, FB Silver, A3 Silver, BA Bronze

Posts: 255

Taxi or pre-booked car?

Hi all,

Any advice on the best option for getting from LGA to W 26th St on a Friday, in August? We arrive into LGA at 6.20pm. 4 pax (2 adults, 2 children) and luggage from a vacation in Florida.

Luxor limousines quotes $42, but I've yet to check their reliability.

Any views appreciated.

Mar 23, 2010, 9:44 am

#70

Analise

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Mar 2001

Posts: 55,189

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfhstid

Go to the first page of this thread and read it for limo advice.

Also, don't expect to arrive on time. LGA gets backed up at rush hour anyway and especially on a Friday. But add to that the end of August and you've got thunder storms that could push arrivals even later. So don't buy theatre tickets in advance for that night.

Mar 23, 2010, 9:55 am

#71

mfhstid

Join Date: Aug 2004

Programs: TK Gold, FB Silver, A3 Silver, BA Bronze

Posts: 255

Quote:

Originally Posted by Analise

Thanks. I have read the whole thread, and take on board the advice about various limo operators, each of whom have pros and cons. However, what I'm unsure about is whether it would cheaper to take a cab on a Friday evening, after - and perhaps considerably after - 6.45pm, or play safe and book Dial 7 or whoever.

Mar 23, 2010, 12:43 pm

#72

Analise

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Mar 2001

Posts: 55,189

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfhstid

The taxi line could be brutal. You could wait for a very long time. I would recommend Dial 7. Look at their rates (plus add toll and tip): http://www.dial7.com/transportation_rates_NY

You just call them when you land and they will tell you where outside to meet them. If you want a higher level of service in which you want to be met inside with a limo driver holding a sign with your name on it, that's a world I cannot afford (nor have I worked for a firm who would allow me to expense it) but others here I'm sure can recommend with which car service they've had excellent service being met inside.

I've done well with Dial 7. You call them when you arrive, they tell where to meet them outside, and they're there within 5-15 minutes.

Last edited by Analise; Mar 24, 2010 at 3:58 pm Reason: I am correcting an error. : )

Mar 23, 2010, 12:59 pm

#73

dstan

Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Sep 2007

Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC

Posts: 10,855

Quote:

Originally Posted by Analise

The taxi line could be brutal. They charge $45 plus tolls and tip into Manhattan.

Analise, the OP is arriving into LGA, not JFK.

Personally, I always take a taxi from LGA, and a car service to JFK. My choice to LGA depends on the time of day, while from JFK depends on the length of the taxi line.

Mar 24, 2010, 6:24 am

#74

mfhstid

Join Date: Aug 2004

Programs: TK Gold, FB Silver, A3 Silver, BA Bronze

Posts: 255

Thanks Analise and dstan. What I'm unsure about is how the traffic from LGA to lower Manhattan is likely to be on a Friday evening in August. I want to avoid being stuck in heavy traffic, with a meter ticking over, if at all possible - hence my interest in a pre-bboked fixed-fare car.

Mar 24, 2010, 8:41 am

#75

Blumie

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH

Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD

Posts: 17,248

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfhstid

I would expect Friday early evening traffic to be light to moderate. Most Manhattanites will have looked to have escaped the city early for the weekend, and in any event you'll be going against the flow of Friday afternoon traffic. And even in traffic, the cost of sitting in a taxi does not increase significantly.