Safe parking @ train station near NYC needed

[Maddie2]

We have a summer vacation planned which includes leaving our car for two nights in a train station parking lot/ramp and traveling to NYC for a couple days.

Subject to change, but right now, looking at Stamford, New Rochelle, Yonkers or possibly Newark. Parking rates don't look too bad, but we don't know the locations.

We would not leave anything valuable in the car, but there would be some stuff in it as we would be taking only what we need for 2 days into the city.

Would greatly appreciate your experiences, opinions and suggestions.
Thanks!

 

[NYCDiane]

I wouldn't leave my car in Newark but for any of the other places, if you're taking the Metro North I don't see a problem with any of the parking lots or garages at any of the other locations.

Keep in mind, these are busy commuter lots so people are always coming/going. It's unlikely your car will be stolen or broken into.

 

[mbf]

Not sure where you are driving in from but White Plains is a pretty decent station as well.

I have also heard that Newark is not very safe

 

[HeatherC]

White Plains gets my vote too....less congested area and quick shot into the city.

 

[Maddie2]

I was thinking we would take Amtrak in from whatever station we decided on, ending at Penn Station. I've already booked a hotel just a few blocks from Penn.

I don't see White Plains on the Amtrak list. What would be the train we would take, the Metro North? I see that it ends at Grand Central. I'm thinking we can just walk from Grand Central to our hotel. Or, is there another train that starts in White Plains and ends at Penn?

Can I buy the tickets before the trip, or would it be best to just get them at the train station that day? Is it cheaper if you buy them in advance?

Do you know of long-term parking near the train station?

As you can see, we are not accustomed to train travel.

 

[NYCDiane]

The tickets are cheaper if you buy them prior to boarding the train. There is a surcharge if you purchase tickets on board.

No train from WP to Penn that I'm aware of and I'm not sure of parking but you can always call Metro North Customer Service and they can let you know. I'm sure there is parking there since that's a busy commuter station.

I think Metro North is cheaper than Amtrak but I'm not positive.

Metro North leaves you at Grand Central. You can probably walk to your hotel from there (if you don't have a ton of stuff).

 

[DizneyLizzy]

If you are coming from the south and are taking 95/the Jersey turnpike...

My husband and I frequently leave our car at the New Brunswick NJ transit station (parking there is free if you exit on a Sunday) or Metropark. Both are very safe, and again, if you happen to be LEAVING on a Sunday, then parking is free at NB!!