Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
depending on where you're going. New York yellow cabs aren't
permitted to pick up passengers at Newark. The yellow cab fare
from Manhattan to Newark is the meter amount plus $15 and
tolls (about $69-$75, a few dollars more with tip). New Jersey
taxis can't take passengers from Manhattan to Newark.
PRIVATE CAR & LIMOUSINE SERVICES Private car and lim-
ousine companies provide 24-hour door-to-door airport transfers for
roughly the same cost of a taxi. The advantage they offer is that you
can arrange your pickup in advance and avoid the hassles of the taxi
line. Call at least 24 hours in advance (earlier on holidays), and a
driver will meet you near baggage claim (or at your hotel for a return
trip). You'll probably be asked to leave a credit card number to guar-
antee your ride. You'll likely be offered the choice of indoor or curb-
side pickup; indoor pickup is more expensive but makes it easier to
hook up with your driver (who usually waits in baggage claim bear-
ing a sign with your name on it). You can save a few dollars if you
arrange for an outside pickup; call the dispatcher as soon as you clear
baggage claim and then take your luggage to the designated waiting
area, where you'll wait for the driver to come around, which can take
anywhere from 10 minutes to a half-hour. Note that curbside traffic
can be chaotic during prime deplaning hours.
Vehicles range from sedans to vans to limousines and tend to be
relatively clean and comfortable. Prices vary slightly by company and
the size of car reserved, but expect a rate roughly equivalent to taxi
fare if you request a basic sedan and have only one stop; toll and tip
policies are the same. ( Note: Car services are not subject to the flat-
rate rule that taxis have for rides to and from JFK.) Ask when book-
ing what the fare will be and if you can use your credit card to pay
for the ride so there are no surprises at drop-off time. There may be
waiting charges added if the driver has to wait for you due to flight
delays when picking you up, but the car companies usually check on
your flight to get an accurate landing time.
I've had the best luck with Carmel ( & 800/922-7635 or 212/
666-6666) and Legends ( & 888/LEGENDS or 212/888-8884;
www.legendslimousine.com); Allstate ( & 800/453-4099 or
212/333-3333) and Tel-Aviv ( & 800/222-9888 or 212/777-7777)
also have reasonable reputations. (Keep in mind, though, that these
services are only as good as the individual drivers—and sometimes
there's a lemon in the bunch. If you have a problem, report it imme-
diately to the main office.)
For a bit more luxury and service, the best option I've found is
Luxor Limo ( & 866/990-4111; www.luxorlimo.com), where the
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