Suggestions needed for getting into NYC?

[disny_luvr]

Next weekend, weather permitting, we are thinking of going to NYC for the day with our five-year-old twins because we're crazy. I've been to NYC several times but usually on bus trips. A few times I took the Bieber bus from Kutztown. The Bieber bus is an option, however, DH thinks it would be nice to drive into the city or as close to the city as possible so we can leave the boys' DSs, books and snacks in the van. He also likes that we'd be on our own schedule rather than having to follow the bus schedule (although Bieber busses arrive and leave often). What are our options? Is there any place in NJ we could park and take public transportation into the City? If we drive into the City what would be our options? We are looking for something that is reasonably priced and safe. TIA!

 

[sharonW]

We park at the Hipprodrome garage, not sure of the street but its in the theatre district, very reasonable, something like $16 plus tax for 12 yrs. If you google you should be able to come up with the site and get more info. You can also go into jersey and take the ferry into the city but I'm not familiar with the how's etc....Good luck and have fun, the big apple is great!
(if you go sunday instead of saturday the garage is even cheaper, in jan. we pd $12 plus tax...can't beat it!!!)

 

[cornflake]

Those parking deals are usually for weekdays, and you must enter by some early hour in the AM and leave before 6 or 7 pm (one I passed yesterday had enter between 5-7am, leave by 7pm for the deal, which was like $20).

However... every garage I know also has a hefty surcharge for any oversized vehicle - if they take them at all. You used the word 'van.' Only some garages will take them and they charge like $25 for doing so, on top of the parking fee, which on a weekend can be $50-75 for the day, depending.

You might find a deal if you look around but check on weekend pricing vs. weekday, enter and leave times for any deal and if they'll take a van and how much an oversized surcharge is.

Also remember the toll from NJ is $12, plus any turnpike tolls.

In short - don't drive into the City, heh. There are park 'n' rides in Jersey but I dunno about them or if they're operational on the weekend, sorry, maybe a Jersey poster will weigh in or there may be a website for them.

 

[2diznyboys]

We always drive in to NYC - just did it today. icon parking garages have lots of convenient garages and a lot have $20 specials for 12 hours - including weekends. We parked in midtown on the west side and paid $20 including tax with a coupon. Not all of the garages have the $20 special, but if you look at the website there are quite a few to choose from.

I've never had an issue parking at any of their garages.

Have fun!

 

[cornflake]

Also, don't leave portable valuables in your vehicle if you're parking it in a garage! Most garage attendants are perfectly honest. Some are not.

 

[Janepod]

^^^ This. Most garages are valet parking, so you're leaving your keys with them. Don't leave anything in the car that you can't afford to lose.

 

[Z'sDisneyMom]

I second the hippodrome garage.

The company that runs the garage has other options around the city as well as in NJ.

http://www.parkfast.com/downloads/edison-parkfast-coupons.jsp

Enjoy your time in the city!

 

[mjkacmom]

Those parking deals are usually for weekdays, and you must enter by some early hour in the AM and leave before 6 or 7 pm (one I passed yesterday had enter between 5-7am, leave by 7pm for the deal, which was like $20).

However... every garage I know also has a hefty surcharge for any oversized vehicle - if they take them at all. You used the word 'van.' Only some garages will take them and they charge like $25 for doing so, on top of the parking fee, which on a weekend can be $50-75 for the day, depending.

You might find a deal if you look around but check on weekend pricing vs. weekday, enter and leave times for any deal and if they'll take a van and how much an oversized surcharge is.

Also remember the toll from NJ is $12, plus any turnpike tolls.

In short - don't drive into the City, heh. There are park 'n' rides in Jersey but I dunno about them or if they're operational on the weekend, sorry, maybe a Jersey poster will weigh in or there may be a website for them.

We always use north bergen park and ride (bus) - it's about 1/2 way to the city for us (5 miles). DH used it for years when he commuted. If you're thinking you can park your car in NYC, and then casually make your way back to the garage for crayons, it's not that easy. Plan for that vehicle to be parked away for the day.

 

[nsmith]

we like to drive to Weehawkin NJ and take the NY waterways ferry into the city. It is $9 each way for adults (kids 5 and under free) includes free parking and once in Manhatten a free shuttle service to the finacial district (9/11 area), Midtown or Pier 11. We then walk all around and catch the free shuttle back to the ferry at the end of the day. The ferry ride itself would be a thrill for your kids (we love it also). The terminal is beautiful, safe and the web site is very helpful. They even have a live chat option available.

 

[DisneyB]

I have used Hippodrome Garage and the location is good but I prefer the Park and Lock garage on 42nd between 9th and 10th. This is the only garage I have found in the city that you park your own car and take the keys with you. It is pretty big so normally a decent number of spaces available. I come in the West Side Highway then take a left on 42nd and it is on the left. It is only a couple of blocks to Time Square so very manageable.

 

[LaurieN]

we like to drive to Weehawkin NJ and take the NY waterways ferry into the city. It is $9 each way for adults (kids 5 and under free) includes free parking and once in Manhatten a free shuttle service to the finacial district (9/11 area), Midtown or Pier 11. We then walk all around and catch the free shuttle back to the ferry at the end of the day. The ferry ride itself would be a thrill for your kids (we love it also). The terminal is beautiful, safe and the web site is very helpful. They even have a live chat option available.

I would say this is your best bet by far!! The ferry ride is about 10 minutes and it the kids will love it, sometimes the cruise ships are in port and they get a kick out of seeing them too. Plus you get the added bonus of the beauty of the NYC skyline from the NJ side...priceless!!!!
Enjoy your day in the city

Laurie
P.S. I should add this is the way we now travel into the city, in the past we would park in Hoboken and take the path but the ferry is much more enjoyable. We don't drive in the city, DH HATES it!!!

 

[shoney]

http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-services.html#parking


We've parked here on many trips to the city. It is self park so no tip money needed and easy to get to your car if you need to put packages in or take something out.

 

[KBW]

we like to drive to Weehawkin NJ and take the NY waterways ferry into the city. It is $9 each way for adults (kids 5 and under free) includes free parking and once in Manhatten a free shuttle service to the finacial district (9/11 area), Midtown or Pier 11. We then walk all around and catch the free shuttle back to the ferry at the end of the day. The ferry ride itself would be a thrill for your kids (we love it also). The terminal is beautiful, safe and the web site is very helpful. They even have a live chat option available.

This is also what we do...very convenient!

 

[Sagginit]

I would say this is your best bet by far!! The ferry ride is about 10 minutes and it the kids will love it, sometimes the cruise ships are in port and they get a kick out of seeing them too. Plus you get the added bonus of the beauty of the NYC skyline from the NJ side...priceless!!!!
Enjoy your day in the city

Laurie
P.S. I should add this is the way we now travel into the city, in the past we would park in Hoboken and take the path but the ferry is much more enjoyable. We don't drive in the city, DH HATES it!!!

i like the ferry idea. on the weekends the trains in and out of many areas of NJ run once every hour. there are bus park & rides but with strollers it is hard. the ferry i think is very reasonable and may cost less than parking plus tolls in NYC. to get back you will see the buses around midtown that say FERRY, just hop on and they take you over.

 

[ladylinda65]

Might I make one other suggestion...Park at the Staten Island Ferry and take the SI Ferry into NYC for free...You get off right at multiple trains to take you where you want to go

Plus....you pass the Statue of Liberty on the trip. Kinda cool!!