If a visit to New York City is in your plans, you’ll enjoy today’s guest post outlining your options from getting into the city from the area’s three major airports.  One method not mentioned, and I think worth exploring, in the train/subway connection.  Do your homework and you’ll save time and money.

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Whether flying for business or leisure, planning transportation can often bet the most challenging part of a trip. Not only that, but if there is something that travelers typically forget to plan for, transportation and parking is often that one thing. Thus, many travelers have to settle for the most convenient transportation and parking options, which aren’t always the most economical.

This couldn’t more so be the case than in NYC, which has multiple airports, including the big three, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark. As one of the largest metropolitans in the world, it usually takes some planning when traveling to and from New York City’s airport and can often times make for a stressful experience if not carefully planned out.

Unless you’re traveling with a large family, most travelers settle for just taking a taxi to and from New York City’s major airports. This is typically the easiest and takes the least amount of effort. However, depending on where you’re going, a taxi cab ride to and from the airport can easily put you out $100 unless you’re sharing a cab. If taking a cab, this of course, is the most ideal situation if traveling with a friend or colleague. However, the cab is usually the most expensive option for getting to and from NYC’s airports.

Although taking a taxi is typically regarded as the most expensive transportation method to the airport, it’s not exactly the most pricey. If traveling with a family or group of colleagues, you may consider a luxury sedan or SUV, which typically start around $69. This is certainly the classiest and most comfortable way to get to the airport, but at a little more cost than a taxi.

The best case scenario for getting to and from New York City’s airports is typically going to be by taking an airport shuttle. Airport shuttles often vary in services and prices. The cheapest airport shuttle is usually going to be a shared shuttle that is picking up multiple passengers. This requires some planning as it means you have to be ready to leave much sooner than if you were just taking a cab. Shared shuttles can often cost as little as $10 each way, but is more usually closer to $15 or $20.

Although the number of hotels that offer it can be few and far between, using your hotel’s airport shuttle service can be one of the most convenient and economical alternatives for going to and from the airport. Hotels close to the airport may offer a complimentary shuttle. The farther out from the airports you get, the more you’ll be paying for a hotel shuttle, as well as the less likelihood that the hotel will offer a shuttle. Those hotels that do offer a shuttle typically run them in 15 to 30 minute intervals.

If staying in Manhattan and flying in and out of LaGuardia, taking the city bus is a convenient and economical option. The M60 runs to all LaGuardia terminals, and travels from the East Side, West Side and Astoria. It runs from 5 am to 1 am between 106 St. and Broadway. Travel time on the M60 depends on your location, but is often between 40 minutes and an hour.

There are many factors to consider when choosing whether or not to use a taxi, shuttle, sedan or public transportation. The most important factor of course is time. If you have the time before your flight and want to save some money, than publication transportation on the city bus or catching a shuttle is often the best choice. Early morning flights are typically going to require a taxi.

Photo credit:  via flickr

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Being stuck at an airport is never any fun, whether it’s long ground time between flights, or a flight cancellation and serious delay.  Wandering an airport can be fun. . . for the first couple of hours, at least.  But when you’ve checked out every last gift shop, book store, restaurant or bar, and what have you, it’s easy to become bored to tears.

So what are you going to do?  Well, at LAX, if you have enough time to get away, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the airport and head to the beach!

Manhattan Beach Pier

There are several stops along Century Boulevard, so you can pick up a stop near the airport or near your hotel if your stuck without a car.  The airport is a very big place, and you’ll need to walk out to Century Boulevard, so check at one of the information centers in the airport to get directions from whatever terminal you’re in.  Here are the stops in the general LAX area:

• 5249 West Century Boulevard
• Century Boulevard & Concourse Way
• 5757 West Century Boulevard
• Century Boulevard & Airport Boulevard
• Century Boulevard & Avian Way
• Century Boulevard & Vicksburg Drive

The shuttle costs $3 round trip.  If you’re near at airport hotel, you can buy a ticket from the hotel front desk or concierge.  If you’re coming from the airport, you can buy a ticket when you get onboard.  Cash only, although the driver can typically make change.

The shuttle operates in a loop, and it will take about a half hour to get to the beach.  Make sure that you calculate your return, allowing yourself plenty of time walk back into the airport, clear security and get to your gate.

If your staying at an airport hotel, as I was last week, Ocean Express is a great way to see a little of the sights without the need for a rental car. 

I caught a shuttle around 1 pm and headed to the beach, getting off at the Manhattan Pier stop.  From there, I grabbed a quick late lunch, and then walked along the beach until I got to Hermosa Beach.  It was a bit of a walk, but nothing too strenuous, and a great way to enjoy a few hours.  After exploring Hermosa Beach, I walked back, and jumped on the trolley for a return to my hotel.  A GREAT way to spend an afternoon away from the airport!

Photo credit:  SXC

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