Parking in New York?

Question

We're driving to New York, staying in Elizabeth, NJ by Jersey Gardens. I'm looking into the cheapest route to the city. We're a mile from the Newark Airport train that would take us to the city but that would cost us $50 round trip for the three of us! Plus the cost of subways once we're in the city.

So I'm thinking since we have a vehicle with us it might be better to drive into the city or another location outside that has a cheaper route in. One route plan I found was to take the bridge over to Staten Island ($6) then park at the ferry terminal ($5.50/day) and then take the free (and scenic) ferry into Manhattan. That plan only costs us $11.50. I would like to do this route at least once for the view but not sure I want the 25 minute ride over with a 1 yr old and 4 yr old each day we go over there. We'll probably go over 4 days.

Where can I park in the city for free or inexpensivly? Any locations would be useful. Near subsways would be best. Any other entry points you suggest?

Answer 1

I would suggest coming into Manhattan from Uptown (George Washington Bridge). From there, there are a variety of options, but i would look for a local parking facility. The only difference between these parking lots and those of downtown is that downtown charges ~$12/hr for parking while uptown charges $12/day for parking.

There is also an option of driving to Queens, there underneath the #7 Train (the "purple" train for tourists) is long-term parking for commuters and is supposedly cheaper than parking in Manhattan.

There is also Hoboken, NJ where you can park and grab the PATH train into either Lower Manhattan (WTC site) or Midtown (Herald Square/ Macy's). I dont know what Hoboken Terminal charges and whether or not its safe after hours.

All these places i have mentioned are near public transportation, but since you will have two little kids, i would suggest saftey over price.

Oh yea, i heard there is another parking facility in an area called Edgewater, NJ that is wealthy and safe and you can park long-term and take the ferry to Manhattan. No idea on the price though

Answer 2

PATH should be the easiest and fastest way for a visitor to the city espeically if it is weekday and you need to enter the city around rush hour.

Parking in downtown area around Chinatown is not that expensive. It's around 15 to 20 dollar per day (max 12 hour) if you enter by 10 or 11am. (Different for each parking company, and extra charge for SUV or Van. It is a little more expensive on Sunday and Monday but still less than 20.) There are 2 parking lots available at Division St and Henry St charges about this price.

There are free parking spots (Park on street) available around Henry street and the resident area around there, but it is very difficult to hunt for a spot. (Usually easier if you arrrive there at noon weekday, and wait until 12:30 or 1. Some spot will allowed to park after 12:30 or 1, but you better to get on the spot 30 minutes earlier.)

Over the weekend, you can find some cheaper parking lots at downtown around the government builds. Some charges only 10 per day. They are super expensive on weekday, but no many people go there over the weekend.

Answer 3

Elizabeth has two train stations.
Elizabeth and N. Elizabeth station.
They both take you to NY Penn Station. Midtown.

After the Sept. 11 attack on America there is no free parking in NY. Garages $20 the first hour. You will go bankrupt fast
Use the commuter trains. Also the Northeast Corridor has one of the best and most trains available in the NJ system.