New York Airports - Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA)?

[sydneyswans910]

Hi everyone, I will be flying out of New York on the 6th July, and have an option of leaving from EWR at 7.50am, or LGA at 7.30am - both flying United (connecting in Houston then onwards to Mexico). I don't mind forking out for a taxi (since the flights are early), but which airport is best for taxis and public transport? I will most likely be staying on the west side of Manhattan (West Village). Assuming I should get to the airport 1.5-2 hours before my flight, will traffic be a problem if I take a taxi in the early morning? Will carrying around luggage (1 suitcase and 1 carryon) be a problem on public transport? Thanks for your advice!

 

[Boris spatsky]

Both are fine. Big Airport shuttle Buses run from downtown to both airports. Newark is a bit further and takes longer.

I would personally take LGA as it is closer.

 

[Saji]

Laguardia over Newark.. Traffic to Jersey can be bad in morning.

 

[docjames]

Another vote for LGA (and in practice you shouldnt really need 2hrs to checkin etc - i'd allow closer to the 1.5hrs). But you'll need a buffer for traffic.

The train is also fairly easy to LGA but i dont know if i'd bother with the hassle for a (realtively early) AM flight.

 

[sydneyswans910]

Thanks everyone, LaGuardia it is!!

 

[Lu-Lu]

Sorry - have to disagree. EWR all the way. At that time of day there will no traffic heading out of the city especially if you are in the west village. Catch a cab through the Holland Tunnel and the maximum it will take you is 30 minutes. EWR is a much better airport too than LGA, especially if you are flying Continental as it is their hub.

 

[Blackadder]

Would have gone EWR..easy to get to by cab or train

 

[sydneyswans910]

Would have gone EWR..easy to get to by cab or train

How much wwould a cab fare to EWR be compared to LGA, assuming that in the early morning traffic wouldn't be too much of a problem? Also how long would the Airtrain and subway take to EWR? Thanks!

 

[dajop]

From west village train will involve three changes .... subway (or taxi) to NY Penn Station, NJT Train to Newark Airport station, then Airtrain to the right terminal. (or PATH train to Newark Penn station from Christopher St + NJT train to Newark Airport + Airtrain to terminal).

Google New Jersey Transit for NJT website - for schedules at the time of morning you want to go. Biggest problem with train can be frequencies (at some times of day it may have 3 trains in a 20 minute window and then nothing for > 30 mins).

Alternatively, just go to google maps and type in your hotel and each of the airports and time/day you want to arrive. It's reasonably good guide for trips within the US, and you can compare travel times by car/public transport as well as distances.

 

[Blackadder]

EWR around $40, LGA around $36 , going against rush our traffic to EWR so around 35mins travelling.
Alternatively Could take the PATH to Gove St, then route #62 to Newark Penn for around $4.00

 

[Paddy55]

Can't comment on LGA but have always liked EWR - access in the morning against the traffic should be OK

 

[sydneyswans910]

Thanks everyone! Given me a lot to think about I have googled both trips and have come up with these numbers -
Taxi to EWR - approx $55 with tip
Taxi to LGA - approx $32 with tip
(both taking roughly the same amount of time - 30-40 mins, although this doesn't factor in traffic.. is 6am considered rush hour?)

OR public transport to EWR - taxi to NY Penn Station, NJ Transit to Newark Airport Station, Airtrain - around 45 mins, $26
Would NJ transit trains be full at around 6am?

Google New Jersey Transit for NJT website - for schedules at the time of morning you want to go. Biggest problem with train can be frequencies (at some times of day it may have 3 trains in a 20 minute window and then nothing for > 30 mins).

It shows that there's a train every 10 mins at that time of the morning

 

[tm.smile]

While EWR is a continental/united hub, I prefer LGA as its smaller and in my experience easier to get through security etc. Last time I flew through LGA I had a 6.20 flight and leaving from grand central by cab, took about 20 or so mins and cost just over $20+ tip. If you were flying delta, then hands down LGA, but with united still slightly in favour of LGA

 

[timster]

If you book a cab the cab company will tell you how much time you need. It will be 'generous', but not unrealistic. I usually book one of the small airport shuttle vans to/from Manhattan, but I never take early flights (unless I'm in an airport hotel). Their pickups are usually WAY, WAY ahead of your flight time. Otherwise they're the cheapest and most convenient. You also get a free tour of the pickup neighbourhoods.

My vote is for LGA and a taxi ... less distance for things to go wrong.

Limos are cheap in NYC too.

 

[dajop]

My vote is for LGA and a taxi ... less distance for things to go wrong.

I think the main reason there is division in opinion between LGA and EWR is that from West Village, there isn't a whole lot of difference in distance between the two destinations, and it is quite close to Lincoln tunnel, making EWR closer than it is from many other parts of Manhattan.

 

[Pollywaffle]

I've used a car service to get the EWR.

Will a yellow cab go there given it's another state?

 

[sydneyswans910]

I've used a car service to get the EWR.

Will a yellow cab go there given it's another state?

From what I've read, the NYC yellow cabs generally don't go into other states BUT they do go to EWR. I think they add on a surcharge though because they are crossing state lines, hence why I am leaning towards LGA now

 

[Blackadder]

From what I've read, the NYC yellow cabs generally don't go into other states BUT they do go to EWR. I think they add on a surcharge though because they are crossing state lines, hence why I am leaning towards LGA now

$15 Surcharge for crossing into NJ IIRC