Travel question about New York City?

Question

I'm planning a trip to NYC this christmas, but have some question about the best way to get there. I'll be coming from Indiana and have no problem driving but I've heard the horror stories of parking, traffic, ect. I'll be staying around Times Square and have no problem walking to the near by attractions, so I really dont plan on using my car once I'm there.

Would I be better off just flying in (what airport?)
Driving and parking in the city?
Driving and parking outside the city and take the train into town for the week? (seems like a hastle seeing I'll have bags w/ me)

any help/links would be appreciated

Thanks

Answer 1

If you plan to spend most of your time in NYC, it is easier to fly.

La Guardia (LGA) or Kennedy International (JFK) are equally easy to get in and out.

If you are searching for flights online, you can also use NYC as the airport code. Most web site will try to find you the cheapest fare to New York area airports (LGA, JFK, EWR - Newark NJ). You can just ignore ones go to EWR if you rather, but would still save you the trouble of search cheapest fare for LGA and JFK separately.

A car service around $30 would get you from the airport to the city. Once you are in the city, subway is really easy to navigate and very reasonable.

In comparison, parking in the city costs $25-$50/day. A lot of time you ended up parking a few blocks away and walk anyway. Not to mention it is a big hassle if you are not sure where you are going.

Answer 2

As you've been unanimously advised by others an automobile is nothing but a piece of two ton baggage that must be stored at enormous expense one you get into NYC. Transport in from the airports is not that difficult. However, you may find Amtrack a better alternative from Indiana. If so, you'll end your trip right in the center of the city, just a short ride from Times Sq.

Answer 3

New York City is very crowded and it is extremly hard to find parking there. I would suggest that you fly there and use the JFK airport and have someone pick you up or whaever you want to do to get to your hotel... Since I live in New York and often Go down to the CIty I can tell you that you would be better off flying.. The parking is horrible. You would be looking for parking for like 3 or 4 hours.. Good luck.

Answer 4

Parking is about $30/day. Fly in. JFK is cheaper but LaGuardia is closer. Take the subway into Manhattan. That's the cheapest way. Or if Soutwest Airlines is in your area, fly to Macarthur airport in Long Island, take the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central/Penn Station.

Stay at Super 8 Time Square Cheap Cheap Cheap!!!

Answer 5

I can't imagine trying to navigate a car around NYC! I travel there frequently there just for the day, and the best form of transportation I have found is the subways. An all day pass is inexpensive, and everybody is so helpful if you get confused! I fly into JFK and take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station.

Answer 6

Here are some ideas of what you can do. First, get a good tour map. Then I recommend you take the BIG APPLE double decker tour bus for an overview of the city. There are several different neighborhoods so I'll highlight these and what to see: Upper East Side: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, Whitney Museum. Walk up and down Madison Avenue for awesome shops and boutiques 96th - 57th st. Walk Park Avenue for architecture all the way to Grand Central Terminal and see the treasures located within. Walk along 5th Avenue to see/go in and out of Central Park - go for a run, go to the Central Park Zoo, go to the Carousel, go for a gondola ride at the boat house. UPPER WEST SIDE: Museum of Natural History -a must! on Central Park West, Walk along Columbus Avenue. Visit the West side of Central Park and pay respects to John Lennon's Strawberry Fields. MIDTOWN: Shopping - 57th St (Chanel and the gang), Fifth Avenue - must see Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and FAO Schwartz - many other fun stores. St. Patrick's Cathedral Museum of Modern Art Sony Bldg Rockefeller Center Go west to awesome new Time Warner center and visit the new Mandarin Hotel bar/restaurant for awesome view and treats! Oh, Bloomingdale's is on 59th St and Lexington. Empire State Bldg. The Intrepid Aircraft Museum is fascinating and on the West side...worth the visit even if you have no kids. CHELSEA: Walk around the blooming area sprouting awesome restaurants and shops. Chelsea Pier is fun. WALL ST: Pay respects to the 9/11 victims and heroes at the WTC site., Walk Wall St., visit the Chase Hdqtrs, Federal Reserve. Seaport area is great to see. THE VILLAGE: Funky shops in the West Village. Walk through the NYU Washington Square Park. The East Village has some shops from new artists and designers SOHO: Great galleries and shops on n off West Broadway. Walk thru to Little Italy for awesome meals and desserts...walk through Chinatown. CANAL STREET has stall after stall of Designer "copies"...bring cash and bargain and watch your purse! These should put an awesome smile on your face. Bring your camera and takes lots of photos to remember your trip. You'll have a blast! OH...BUY this weekly magazine: TIMEOUT NEW YORK on any newstand to see what's going on each week/day. :)

Answer 7

I don't have any links but take this from somebody who knows NYC take a plane and a train ,bus or cab.But you gotta buy a metro card. Don't drive especially in Manhattan.Ugh I'm telling you you'll be driving in circles all day.Have fun. Don't let anybody steal or trick you into a deal try not to buy from the streets go to stores.

Answer 8

Street parking is nearly impossible and parking garages are ridiculously expensive - I mean just INSANE. It will take you forever just to get to your hotel. Traffic is horrendous.

You can fly into LaGuardia, but I would also recommend Newark. Newark is not nearly as crowded, and the taxi fare from Newark to Manhattan is about the same as from LaGuardia to Manhattan.

Answer 9

People in NYC don't have cars for a good reason. You don't need one.

If you truly desire to bring a car, you will pay through the nose to park it somewhere.

You can walk or take the bus or the subway anywhere you want to go.

Answer 10

Ask your hotel about parking... most of the time they have arangements with a local garage, and they can set you up with a package deal.