We fly to Europe 3-4 times a year out of JFK and Newark, and over the years we've tried just about everything — yellow cabs, Uber, Carmel, Dial 7. After some bad experiences with surge pricing and no-shows, we settled on a few smaller car services that have been consistently reliable. Sharing in case it helps anyone planning their next trip.
For JFK and LaGuardia:
NYC Transfer (https://nyc-transfer.com/en/) — fixed rates, they track your flight so if you're coming back from Europe on a delayed flight they adjust automatically. We've used them probably 20+ times at this point.
For families with kids:
Gotham Ride (https://gothamride.com) — same quality but they also provide free car seats. If you're traveling with little ones and don't want to drag a car seat through the airport, this is a lifesaver. They also do day trips to Woodbury Common if you have a free day before your flight.
For Newark specifically:
EWR Car Service (https://ewrcarservice.com) — they focus on Newark and know that airport really well. Helpful if you're flying out of Terminal B or C where pickup can be confusing.
All three are TLC-licensed and do flat rates — no surge, no surprises. We always book the night before and get a confirmation with the driver's info.
One tip for early morning European departures: book your pickup 3.5 hours before the flight, not 3. Security at JFK Terminal 1 has been unpredictable lately.
Hope this helps someone!
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