NYC Help PLEASE?

[gr8tpanther]

We are going on a Bus Trip to NYC on Saturday. We will be in the city for 7 hours! We are getting dropped off at Macy's. I want to see Ground Zero and Central Park.... MY Dilema is, that EVERYONE wants to take a cab!!!!! Except me!!!! How much is it going to cost us to take a cab from Macy's to Ground Zero and how long will we be sitting in traffic????? My mother and I have been arguing about this for THREE days!!! Help me PLEASE?

 

[aprilgail2]

I would just take a cab...I take cabs most everyplace in the city..a few I use the subway. Saturdays aren't as bad as weekdays traffic wise. As far as price it all depends...I have taken a cab form Penn to Sloan Kettering and it has cost me as little as 5.00 and as much as 17.00 depending on how long we get stuck in traffic. Saturday and Sunday mornings were always the cheapest cab rides..weekdays stunk! How many of you are there? I know when we go with a group of 5 we always have t obreak up into 2 groups and use 2 taxis.

 

[Island_Lauri]

Macy is at 34th Street. Ground Zero is downtown from Macys. Central Park is uptown from Macys. Walking from Ground Zero to Central Park = LOOOOOONG WALK.

check out http://www.aaccessmaps.com/show/map/manhattan to get an idea of the layout of Manhattan. Ground Zero is marked as Site of WTC - see the bottom of the map. Central Park starts at 59th Street and goes beyond the top of the map.

 

[gr8tpanther]

There are 6 of us going, well, a whole bus load, lol, but our group is 6. Not happy about spending the day with my mother all day, and that just might change, HOWEVER, as it is now, we are to be a group!

 

[VALDAN]

I'm not a big fan of NYC taxis. The rates have gone up, and there are all different types of surcharges. Some cabbies take the long blocks and sit in traffic to get more money. The E train at Penn station will bring you down to that area. Whatever you decide, have a good time.

 

[gr8tpanther]

Originally posted by Island_Lauri


check out http://www.aaccessmaps.com/show/map/manhattan to get an idea of the layout of Manhattan. Ground Zero is marked as Site of WTC - see the bottom of the map. Central Park starts at 59th Street and goes beyond the top of the map.

Thank you for this map! I have been looking for this, found it awhile back and couldn't find it, now I have it. There is another map that I found once, but can't find that either. Why is it that you can always find things when you aren't really interested, but when you WANT SOMETHING, it isn't there!?!?!?!

 

[KevinNYC]

Just a suggestion from a NYC dweller...If you are dropped off at Macys//then just walk 2 blocks to Madison Square Garden ( its easy to fine..just ask a cop)..take the subway..train number 1/ or 9 local downtown to Rector Street...and you are a block and a half from ground zero...later take the same train back uptown to 59th street and you are right at the entrance to Central park...its really easy and safe...pleanty of police around...an extra thought ..when you first get to the subway station buy round trip Metro Cards...for your fare..I rarely use taxis in Manhattan and find the subway the fastest way and most convenient..anyway have a fun time in NY..one more Idea...on your way back from Ground Zero..maybe get off the train at 42th street..its Times Square.nice to walk around ith your family and see all the sights..then just walk up to the Park..its only a 15 min walk..Have fun and enjoy our town..NYC is the best and you will find that we are really nice people here..so dont be afraid to ask anyone for directions etc. Enjoy

 

[Nickunited]

The cab should not be that much if people are that opposed to the subway. But if you can talk them into it. At macy's you can catch the 1 or the 9 or even the E down there. Its easier!

 

[gr8tpanther]

Ok, anyone want to volunteer to be a tour guide?

Ok, what is the weather like? Is it cold? Can I wear shorts? Jeans? Jacket?

 

[KevinNYC]

Hi..the weather should be around 70..cloudy .BUT if you are in manhattan..then definately wear jeans and sneakers...sneakers are a MUST...a sweatshirt is also a good idea..one that you can take on and off with the weather..or a light jacket...dont bring too much that you have to lug around with you...DONT bring a cap..just buy a NY ball cap from any street vendor..I'll be around on Saturday, I have to catchup on work and my office is one block from Ground Zero..Have a great time and enjoy the city...its the best

 

[CinderellaIam]

I have lead many groups on tours through NYC, and they ALL love taking the subway. The convenience and value just can't be beat. The directions given in other posts are perfect.

As for the weather NYC is expecting a high of 72 with some clouds. Up to you and your comfort level on what to wear. I would however suggest light jackets.

In 7 hours you can see more than Ground Zero and Central Park. While in Central Park you might enjoy the Zoo, it's reasonably priced and not so big that it takes all day.

Or check out this site for a free family Culture Fest taking place in Battery Park this coming weekend. Battery Park is just a short walk south of Ground Zero.
URL=http://]http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagepkey=645[/URL]

If I weren't helping my brother move this weekend I would love to show you around, I have so much fun showing off this city!

 

[adamak]

Cab will only take 4 people by law. So you'll need 2 cabs. The ride without traffic would cost about $15-20. In traffic, good luck. Also depends on the time of day. During late morning & early afternoon, downtown is very busy, so you'll be sitting in traffic. But Macy's area would be empty so you can grab a cab. During evening hours, it's the other way. And if you want to find a cab around 5pm, good luck. Their shift changes, and you'll never be able to find one.

$2 one way per person on subway. I'd say take a cab for the 4 people. And maybe you can take the subway down with one other person. I bet you taking the subway will be faster.

From Macy (34/Herald Sq), take R or W to Cortland St or Rector St. You're right across from Ground Zero. Here is a subway map.

http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/submap.htm

 

[mikeymars]

Originally posted by adamak
I bet you taking the subway will be faster.

Take it from a local - that's a slam dunk bet.

Also, to the OP, "ground zero" may not be what you expect. The construction in the area has removed pretty much all of the poignant and sad aura that was originally at the site.

 

[gr8tpanther]

I think that my mother can go her way and I will go mine for I am taking the subway. I just hope I don't get lost

 

[gr8tpanther]

bumping...

I am looking at the map and it actually has the transit, lol, dah... anyways, is the E above ground? I know the subway is under, and... is there only ONE E? I live in a town that doesn't even HAVE a cab company, this is all confusing to me.

 

[Beachangel]

Its been three years and I still haven't been to Ground Zero. I've passed it a few times, but have no desire to go down there. Too heartbreaking.

 

[gr8tpanther]

I wish I could have gotten there sooner to feel was there. But, this is my first trip to the city and probably my last, so going to go just to go.

 

[danacara]

Heya,
Manhattan subways are fully underground. The E train is marked by a blue circular symbol with an "E" in the center - that's what you'll see on the signs on the subway staircases. New Yorkers commonly refer to this line as the "A C E" because the A, C, and E trains run along the same tracks in most of central Manhattan - they split off and go in different directions in lower Manhattan and also in the outer boroughs. Since WTC is in lower Manhattan, you'll have to take the E train - NOT the A or C. So when you get to the subway station in Madison Square Garden/Penn Station (34th St), follow signs to the A C E, but be careful to get on a Downtown E train. WTC is the last stop. Can't miss it.

When are you getting to NYC? I live between 34th and WTC, depending on what time you all are coming, I might be able to provide some tour guide service.

 

[gr8tpanther]

Originally posted by danacara
Heya,
Manhattan subways are fully underground. The E train is marked by a blue circular symbol with an "E" in the center - that's what you'll see on the signs on the subway staircases. New Yorkers commonly refer to this line as the "A C E" because the A, C, and E trains run along the same tracks in most of central Manhattan - they split off and go in different directions in lower Manhattan and also in the outer boroughs. Since WTC is in lower Manhattan, you'll have to take the E train - NOT the A or C. So when you get to the subway station in Madison Square Garden/Penn Station (34th St), follow signs to the A C E, but be careful to get on a Downtown E train. WTC is the last stop. Can't miss it.

When are you getting to NYC? I live between 34th and WTC, depending on what time you all are coming, I might be able to provide some tour guide service.

We are leaving PA at 6:45 AM and stopping for breakfast, I am assuming we will be there about 10AM. I haven't told my mother yet that she is on her own because she is boneheaded and won't budge on what SHE wants to do, and I don't want to do what SHE wants to do. So I am going it on my own. Well, me and my BF who has never been there either, really doesn't want to do, never makes a decision and is only going becaues I asked him to go. So basically, llol, I am on my own. If you want to come along I sure won't argue. lol