I tested Uber’s new $18 airport shuttle service in New York City, and it’s a game changer

The process for booking your Uber Shuttle is similar to booking cab rides on the regular app. In its initial phase, you can reserve a maximum of four seats up to five minutes before a trip or as early as seven days in advance.

After the service launched, I made a reservation for October 10 at 8:45 a.m. for a pickup from Penn Station and drop-off at LaGuardia’s Terminal C.

The shuttle usually operates at a flat rate of $18, but since Uber is offering 50% off its airport shuttle rides until November 1, I got a one-way ticket for $9.

When I opened the Uber app, I saw a screen with multiple ride-hailing and delivery options. In the bottom half, flagged with a green promo sign, was a new minivan icon in white.

After tapping the icon, I was taken to the portal to add my preferred pick-up and drop-off point.

You can also enter your pick-up and drop-off location when you open the app and then select the “shuttle” option. This will prompt a portal with multiple route and time options and you can choose the day and time that work best for you.

The shuttles run every 30 minutes between 5 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. daily. Since there are two separate routes, a shuttle is available every 15 minutes.

Uber Shuttle has two routes, and between them, they provide pick-up and drop-off from three Midtown locations: Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street, Port Authority Terminal on 42nd Street, and Penn Station on 33rd Street.

The three stops in Manhattan are in tourist-friendly areas. They are located at major transit hubs that connect passengers to New York’s subway system, the Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, and the PATH trains.

At the airport, drop-offs and pick-ups are limited to Terminals C and B. If you’re catching a flight from Terminal A and would like to take the Uber Shuttle, you get out at Terminal B and then take a free airport bus.

Since I live in Midtown West, both stops, Penn Station and Port Authority — were a short 8- to 12-minute walk away. So, I decided to begin my journey from Penn Station and end it at Port Authority.

Due to my location, I found this to be easy and convenient, but people traveling from areas like the East Village or Brooklyn may not feel the same way and will still have to opt for buses, subways, or taxis.

I arrived just in time for my 8:45 a.m. shuttle. However, Uber recommends arriving at least five minutes before your departure. To track your shuttle ahead of time, you can follow the link shared via the app 25 minutes before your departure.

Although I was following the directions shared on the link, it took me a minute to spot my shuttle since there were no signs or posters indicating where the shuttles would be. When I found the right spot, I saw my shuttle was already there — right on time — waiting for me.

According to Uber, the driver will wait for a maximum of two minutes after your scheduled time before driving off.

The van, operated by Ellis Transportation Service Inc., a third-party provider, looked well-kept and clean from the outside. Sleek Uber branding on its windows made it easy to spot from afar.

The ride-hailing app allows everyone to bring one carry-on bag (up to 50 lbs) and one personal item on board. If you bring a carry-on bag, the driver will help you put it in the van’s trunk.

However, I only had a personal item, so my check-in went smoothly.

Once my driver scanned the QR code on my Uber app, I was free to choose from any of the 14 seats.

Seven people had already boarded the bus, but there was plenty of room for me. I opted for one of the single seats on the right side.

From then on — except for the soft sounds of the radio playing in the background — it was a quiet ride.

There was less than an arm’s distance between the row of seats on the left and right, but it did not bother me. Given that the shuttle was not at capacity, there was still space.

The black-and-red-lined seats were cozy, with a charging outlet in every row. I wish there had been a little more legroom to put a handbag or backpack below the seat in front, but that was only a minor issue.

The windows had a dark sun-protection covering, which created a dim and cozy environment inside.

The only light source was a strip of blue LED lights on the ceiling. I thought this was perfect for an early morning nap before the chaos of TSA and boarding began.

When booking, I was most skeptical about arriving at the time shared on the app.

Given that I usually rush to the airport an hour before my flight’s scheduled departure, I rely heavily on prayers and the estimated arrival times shared on Google or the taxi I’m taking.

However, I was pleasantly surprised when the van parked outside Terminal C’s Entrance 13 at 9:22 a.m., just a minute later than the estimated arrival time.

Of course, much of this is subject to change depending on road and traffic conditions, but I was happy with how smooth my journey had been from start to finish, minus a little traffic when driving into the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.

I’d decided to book my return shuttle upon reaching the airport to ensure I didn’t miss my bus.

But as I began booking my return trip — also priced at $9 — I realized the next available spot was for 10 a.m., so I had to wait a while.

While waiting for my turn, I watched people from different walks of life, including men and women in business suits, young students, and families, fill up the seats in the shuttle.

I was impressed with how swiftly the shuttles moved.

My second ride for the day did not have any branding. However, the driver walked out wearing an Uber Shuttle-branded sweatshirt, which made it easy to identify and I went through the check-in process and took my seat.

Since this was the first stop on the route, this bus was empty except for me and one other passenger.

I thought this van had better seating with more space and lighting, making it a more comfortable ride.

I sat in the front row and had all three seats to myself until we arrived at Terminal B. Here, the shuttle filled up with 10 more people.

There were no charging stations for passengers in this van.

The return journey was slower. The shuttle stopped at Terminal B, and it took almost 15 minutes to check everyone in.

Our first stop in the city was Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street.

Then we went to Port Authority on 42nd Street and Ninth Avenue.

In the past, I’ve paid over $100 for a one-way cab ride from LaGuardia to my home, and I’ve spent as much as a roundtrip plane ticket to the destination I’m coming from.

In fact, if I’d taken a regular UberX back from the airport to Port Authority, per my research at that time, that single ride would’ve cost me $103.99, excluding tips.

This is not unique to me. On my return trip, I spoke to two other passengers who’d had similar experiences and were glad to see a cheaper alternative.

The two rides cost me $18 total with Uber’s promotion, but a similar ride after November 1 will cost me $18 each way, which is still much cheaper than taking a taxi or regular Uber and more convenient than taking subways and buses, even though I still had to get to the shuttle stop.

While the shuttle only offers service from three locations for now, it’s a good start.

The one thing that could improve this experience would be if Uber displayed clear signs at all three stops to make navigating and finding the shuttles easier.

A representative for Uber told Business Insider that while they have included in-app directions with step-by-step guidance on the best way to reach your Uber Shuttle pick-up location, they’re “continuously updating” their service.

But I liked the experience so much that I’ve already booked a ride for my Thanksgiving trip next month, and I hope it’ll be just as smooth an experience during the holidays.