Advice on 3 night trip to New york?

QueenBee1

i am 23 but planning on heading to New york the 18th-22nd of Nov on my own. For those who have been there will it be safe to travel alone? And is 4 days/3 nights enough time to fit all in? My main priorities are rockafeller, Empire state building, central park, ground zero memorial, time sq and have a look at the shops.

Ponster

QueenBee1 wrote: »

For those who have been there will it be safe to travel alone?

Yes.

QueenBee1 wrote: »

And is 4 days/3 nights enough time to fit all in?

Not 'all' of what there is but for what you want to do it should be enough to catch the main sights.

QueenBee1

Ponster wrote: »

Yes.



Not 'all' of what there is but for what you want to do it should be enough to catch the main sights.

I know I won't see everything but the main highlights Central Park, some shopping, see some rooftop views ie Empire State, rockafeller and ground zero? I would be landing Monday lunch time and leaving JFK Thursday at 6pm back in Ireland Friday morning at 5/6 just to for myself enough time to get settled back in!? Also how Long roughly is it from JFK to city centre/manhattan?

Rachiee

Id recommend Radio City Music Hall tour its right across the road from rockerfella centre so you can do both on the same day its a really fab space with great history.
Also take a ferry out to statue of liberty it doesnt tale long and you get great views of brooklyn bridge ferry stop is also walking distance to ground zero so you can do both on the same day.

Ponster

Land Monday at lunch. Check in to the hotel and you'll be ready to go walking about by 3pm. Keep the jetlag at bay by staying up 'til at least 10pm and that gives you time to check out Time Square, Rockerfeller, St. Patrick's Cathedral, all of which are close to each other.
Tuesday you can check out Central Park. Yes to see all of it you'd need almost a whole day but that's a lot of walking and most people just go as far as the lake and then directly across to either the Natural History museum (free) or the the Met. Catch a cab to downtown and see Ground Zero (free entry I think $2 admin fee - reserve tickets online) and go shopping in Century 21 if you're looking for outlet-type prices in Manhattan.

The ferry is a great offer seeing as it's free but if you have the time the 1.5 hour Circle cruise takes you right around the island and offers great views.

QueenBee1

Ponster wrote: »

Land Monday at lunch. Check in to the hotel and you'll be ready to go walking about by 3pm. Keep the jetlag at bay by staying up 'til at least 10pm and that gives you time to check out Time Square, Rockerfeller, St. Patrick's Cathedral, all of which are close to each other.
Tuesday you can check out Central Park. Yes to see all of it you'd need almost a whole day but that's a lot of walking and most people just go as far as the lake and then directly across to either the Natural History museum (free) or the the Met. Catch a cab to downtown and see Ground Zero (free entry I think $2 admin fee - reserve tickets online) and go shopping in Century 21 if you're looking for outlet-type prices in Manhattan.

The ferry is a great offer seeing as it's free but if you have the time the 1.5 hour Circle cruise takes you right around the island and offers great views.

Thank you this is great information! Also how would I go about seeing Brooklyn bridge at night? Is there a ferry or can you walk a promenade?

Ponster

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Thank you this is great information! Also how would I go about seeing Brooklyn bridge at night? Is there a ferry or can you walk a promenade?

You can walk right across it. Maybe about 20 minutes and you walk above the traffic so you only have to look out for bikes. If you planned it right and depending on what you wanted to purchase in terms of shopping the stores in Brooklyn and often a lot less expensive than Manhattan.

QueenBee1

Ponster wrote: »

You can walk right across it. Maybe about 20 minutes and you walk above the traffic so you only have to look out for bikes. If you planned it right and depending on what you wanted to purchase in terms of shopping the stores in Brooklyn and often a lot less expensive than Manhattan.

Thank you so much for all your help this is great information. I have just booked my flights with aer lingus so I'm all excited now

coylemj

If you're buying gadgets/electronics in NYC, stick to the well known shops like Radio Shack, Apple, Best Buy etc. Avoid the indie shops in Manhattan, they usually oversell the features (i.e. tell a pack of lies), often sell old models while claiming that they're the latest version and they may fob you off with a device that will not work in Europe (110V only). Most of the reputable electrical and gadget shops in Manhattan sell devices that are dual-voltage (110-240V) so you won't have a problem when you come home, other than that you may need a cheap travel adapter. If in doubt, say you want the 'international' version of a device where there is a mains adapter involved.

Even if you don't intend buying anything, visit the Apple Store (glass cube) at the top of 5th Ave., not far up from St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Bring your best pair of shoes, you will do a lot of walking and buy a Metrocard from a machine in a subway station, works similar to the Leap card here.

The taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan is fixed so you don't have to worry about the meter or the route the driver takes.

Don't forget the ESTA approval, get your passport and credit card ready and do it on the official site......

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

QueenBee1

Thank you for your information I am looking forward to seeing the apple store alright it looks class! I have no intention of clothes shopping though I have heard clothes in USA are awful!!!

I havent heard of the ESTA though what is this about?

coylemj

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I havent heard of the ESTA though what is this about?

It's a pre-approval which is mandatory for people from countries in the visa-waiver system. You cannot present yourself at a point of entry (which would include the pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon) without getting ESTA approval in advance.

It costs 14 dollars and takes a couple of minutes, the approval lasts two years or when your passport expires, whichever comes first. Get your passport and credit card and click on that link above, you should be approved on the spot. No need to print anything or write down the approval number, the agent in Dublin or Shannon will be able to retrieve your approval using your passport number.

QueenBee1

coylemj wrote: »

It's a pre-approval which is mandatory for people from countries in the visa-waiver system. You cannot present yourself at a point of entry (which would include the pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon) without getting ESTA approval in advance.

It costs 14 dollars and takes a couple of minutes, the approval lasts two years or when your passport expires, whichever comes first. Get your passport and credit card and click on that link above, you should be approved on the spot. No need to print anything or write down the approval number, the agent in Dublin or Shannon will be able to retrieve your approval using your passport number.

Thank you so much for this you are a life saver I didnt have a clue such a thing existed! I thought "visa waiver" meant Irish were ok! could ya imagine if I rocked up the airport only to be turned back! :O I have it done now and it said it was approved. thanks again

marob1969

QueenBee1 wrote: »

i am 23 but planning on heading to New york the 18th-22nd of Nov on my own. For those who have been there will it be safe to travel alone? And is 4 days/3 nights enough time to fit all in? My main priorities are rockafeller, Empire state building, central park, ground zero memorial, time sq and have a look at the shops.

I would love to hear how you got on. We are travelling 7th-11th Dec and would like to hear your feedback. Also, you might let me know what the weather was like to help with the choice of clothing!.

ProudDUB

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Thank you for your information I am looking forward to seeing the apple store alright it looks class! I have no intention of clothes shopping though I have heard clothes in USA are awful!!!

Who on earth told you that? America has the exact same designer gear that the rest of the world has. In fact, it has a whole lot more. And it's a good deal cheaper over there than it is here. Of course it has the cheap, rubbishy clothes shops that Ireland has too, but to say that all the clothes in the USA are awful is a bit silly. If you aren't into going clothes shopping on your holliers, fair enough, but a lot of people are, and brilliant deals can be had.

coylemj

marob1969 wrote: »

I would love to hear how you got on. We are travelling 7th-11th Dec and would like to hear your feedback. Also, you might let me know what the weather was like to help with the choice of clothing!.

OP is there two/three weeks before you, I wouldn't set any store by her experiences in terms of weather. I was there for Thanksgiving in 2002 (cops in short sleeve shirts), 2007 (bitterly cold, snow flurries), and 2011 (cool but dry and sunny).

It's likely to be cold in early December but I'd check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and don't plan what to wear based on what the weather was like two weeks previously when the OP is there, it will mean absolutely nothing. Weather on the east coast is far more variable than here, a cold wind from Canada can send the mercury plunging in a matter of hours.

QueenBee1

marob1969 wrote: »

I would love to hear how you got on. We are travelling 7th-11th Dec and would like to hear your feedback. Also, you might let me know what the weather was like to help with the choice of clothing!.

Ah your going just at the right time when it will be all Christmassy I will of course no problem!

veetwin

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Thank you this is great information! Also how would I go about seeing Brooklyn bridge at night? Is there a ferry or can you walk a promenade?

You should definitely walk across the Brooklyn Bridge but I would do it around lunchtime and have lunch at Grimaldis. It's a famous pizza restaurant in Brooklyn that's well worth a visit for top class New York pizza. You can get the subway back to Manhattan if you over indulge.

Also don't miss Grand Central Station. It's one of my favorite places in NY

Get to know the subway. It's a great way of getting around and perfectly safe by day at least.

Natural history museam well worth a visit while near Central Park.

Definitely don't dismiss the clothes although I always thought the shopping was better for men than ladies.

marob1969

coylemj wrote: »

OP is there two/three weeks before you, I wouldn't set any store by her experiences in terms of weather. I was there for Thanksgiving in 2002 (cops in short sleeve shirts), 2007 (bitterly cold, snow flurries), and 2011 (cool but dry and sunny).

It's likely to be cold in early December but I'd check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and don't plan what to wear based on what the weather was like two weeks previously when the OP is there, it will mean absolutely nothing. Weather on the east coast is far more variable than here, a cold wind from Canada can send the mercury plunging in a matter of hours.

Thanks appreciate the feedback. Will look up in the week beforehand. Hopefully, it will be not too cold.

dirkmeister

I'm going over on Saturday, second time going.

I'll let you know how we get on!


Can't wait!

QueenBee1

dirkmeister wrote: »

I'm going over on Saturday, second time going.

I'll let you know how we get on!


Can't wait!

Have a great time looking forward to hear how you get in

dirkmeister

Arrived back to Dublin this morning, had a great time.

We had the full week so went to DC for a couple of nights, what a historical city!

Anyway back to NYC, Sunday was spent shopping in Woodbury Common, got back on the 2pm bus which meant we were able to head to all the dept store in Manhattan when we got back.

Monday morning we went to the Intrepid Museum, took a trip up to the Top of the Rock which I preferred to the Empire State Building. We took in a show that evening.

Tuesday morning we went to the 9/11 memorial, walked down to Wall st. and over the Brooklyn Bridge, we came back through China town and Little Italy where we got a great lunch in Cassa Bella. We continued on up through Soho and Greenwich Village and got the subway up to 57th st.

Wednesday and Thursday were spent in DC.

Friday morning we took in the Natural History Museum, great exhibits. We went through Central Park and went up to Belvedere Castle. Friday night we went to see Annie(another show!!!!)

Saturday morning we went to the Museum of Modern Art before heading back to JFK!


Few tips!
If you plan on seeing a show, the tkts booth on Times Sq which sell same day discounted tickets opens at 3pm. We started queueing about 2:15 and were sorted by about 3:20 both days.

The waiting time for top of the rock was an hour, so you could maybe get your ticket for that and visit a shop or two!

I finally took the time to work out the subway! very easy once you get used to it!


I hope I haven't rambled on there, if you want advice on anything in particular then just ask!!!!!

Chisler2

QueenBee1 wrote: »

i am 23 but planning on heading to New york the 18th-22nd of Nov on my own. For those who have been there will it be safe to travel alone? And is 4 days/3 nights enough time to fit all in? My main priorities are rockafeller, Empire state building, central park, ground zero memorial, time sq and have a look at the shops.

Like any other major city in the world you are safe enough in NY if you keep to the main thoroughfares and avoid neighbourhoods which are identified as 'dodgy' in terms of drug-dealing or poverty, where a tourist with camera (and obviously with cash) would be provocative.

With such a short time you might do well to book yourself onto a NY City Tour Bus (owned and run by Stagecoach I believe). The guides are unremunerated Docents and most are brilliant.........in love with their city and doing it for the fun of it and the tips very satisfied customers give on the way off. It's a step-on-step-off system (which means you can get off the tour-bus you are on, spend an hour at a particular church or attraction, then get onto the next bus that comes along............they are very frequent) so you can get an overall 'mental map' of what is a very complex city, then return on foot to those areas you want to explore further.

Macey's Fifth Avenue offer a generous discount on purchases if you show your airline ticket and passport.

I envy you...........I was a 'first-timer' to NY just a few years ago and was blown away by it! Enjoy yourself.:)

QueenBee1

Chisler2 wrote: »

Like any other major city in the world you are safe enough in NY if you keep to the main thoroughfares and avoid neighbourhoods which are identified as 'dodgy' in terms of drug-dealing or poverty, where a tourist with camera (and obviously with cash) would be provocative.

With such a short time you might do well to book yourself onto a NY City Tour Bus (owned and run by Stagecoach I believe). The guides are unremunerated Docents and most are brilliant.........in love with their city and doing it for the fun of it and the tips very satisfied customers give on the way off. It's a step-on-step-off system (which means you can get off the tour-bus you are on, spend an hour at a particular church or attraction, then get onto the next bus that comes along............they are very frequent) so you can get an overall 'mental map' of what is a very complex city, then return on foot to those areas you want to explore further.

Macey's Fifth Avenue offer a generous discount on purchases if you show your airline ticket and passport.

I envy you...........I was a 'first-timer' to NY just a few years ago and was blown away by it! Enjoy yourself.:)

Thank you chiseler! I will give a full report when I get back

shinny

Please don't take a taxi from the airport. The AirTrain and Subway are so easy. And you'll save yourself the best part of $60. Taxi is set from JFK to Manhattan but with tolls and tips you're talking $70. I travel to new york a lot and haven't taken a taxi in years. I'm mostly on my own too. I'm female and I have never felt unsafe in new york, but as has been said, just be sensible as you would be in any large city.

Locating the AirTrain is even easier now since Aer Lingus moved to Terminal 5. It's upstairs and really well signposted. It'll cost you $7.50 ($5 for the airtrain and $2.50 for the subway) into Manhattan. You pay for the airtrain as you exit because it's free around the actual airport. If you tell me exactly where you are going (you can PM me if you don't want to post here) I can tell you which route to take into the city. I was staying in Midtown East the last time I was there (just back a week) and I took the E train into the city, which was handiest for me. You can take the LIRR (faster but more expensive) into Penn and get another train from there (if needed), really depends on where you are going.

You won't get to see everything in that short length of time. I'm going years and still finding stuff, but you can cover a good few of the main touristy things. I'm just back from 6 weeks there and sure I still have stuff I never got to see, but I got to see a lot!

I know lots of Irish love heading out to Woodbury Common and Jersey Gardens but I've never been bothered with them. You'll get some great deals around the city too. There is no tax on clothes and footwear under $110 dollars in the city, so that's always a plus. Head down to Soho, few nice shops around here. Obviously if you go to Macys, make sure you get your visitors discount card which gives you 10% off your purchases. You'll need your passport for that.

Edit. Oh and leave yourself some time to wander. Some of the best places, that I love now, where found by wandering around!!

coylemj

shinny wrote: »

Please don't take a taxi from the airport. The AirTrain and Subway are so easy. And you'll save yourself the best part of $60. Taxi is set from JFK to Manhattan but with tolls and tips you're talking $70. I travel to new york a lot and haven't taken a taxi in years. I'm mostly on my own too. I'm female and I have never felt unsafe in new york, but as has been said, just be sensible as you would be in any large city.

With you all the way on the LIRR and subway option but your economic case fails based on 'I'm mostly on my own'.

Arriving into JFK and trying to sell the LIRR & subway option to a bunch of family or friends who are mad keen to get to the hotel in Manhattan ASAP is to risk being branded as a penny-pinching control freak, just don't do it.

I typically go with the flow and muck in with the gang in the taxi when we arrive and then go solo and get the subway and LIRR to JFK on the way home.

ProudDUB

The OP is traveling on her own. She won't get to benefit from any savings from sharing a taxi with others, nor does she have to be respectful of what others what to do, so she can suit herself really.

livers

Hi, heading to New York on thanksgiving day. Is it worth going to Jersey gardens the day after Black Friday or is there just as good sales in Manhattan ?!

SophieJo

Hey, I was there for 3 days alone, because I was waiting for my boyfriend to fly in. As a 20 years old girl (I was 19, when I was there) I'd suggest you to not walk around a lot after sunset, when you don't know the city. It's just my rule of thumb. Wake up early, spend the day outside and head to the hotel on the late afternoon, you'll be already exhausted. I booked my hotel here . It was relatively cheap, relatively, because nothing is actually cheap in NYC. I can't say a lot about eating out, because I was trying to be somehow frugal and ate mostly sandwiches and shopped at the supermarket. Have a nice stay there!

shinny

coylemj wrote: »

With you all the way on the LIRR and subway option but your economic case fails based on 'I'm mostly on my own'.

Arriving into JFK and trying to sell the LIRR & subway option to a bunch of family or friends who are mad keen to get to the hotel in Manhattan ASAP is to risk being branded as a penny-pinching control freak, just don't do it.

I typically go with the flow and muck in with the gang in the taxi when we arrive and then go solo and get the subway and LIRR to JFK on the way home.

The OP is travelling on her own hence the suggestion. Obviously if there are 3 or 4 people then it's probably worth while taking a taxi, split it out. But then there was no need to point that out, as she is travelling solo.

ProudDUB

SophieJo wrote: »

Hey, I was there for 3 days alone, because I was waiting for my boyfriend to fly in. As a 20 years old girl (I was 19, when I was there) I'd suggest you to not walk around a lot after sunset, when you don't know the city. It's just my rule of thumb. Wake up early, spend the day outside and head to the hotel on the late afternoon, you'll be already exhausted. I booked my hotel here . It was relatively cheap, relatively, because nothing is actually cheap in NYC. I can't say a lot about eating out, because I was trying to be somehow frugal and ate mostly sandwiches and shopped at the supermarket. Have a nice stay there!

I think that advise is a wee bit over the top. The OP is going to New York to have a good time and to enjoy and experience all that the city has to offer at Christmas time. Holing yourself up in your hotel room all evening long & not venturing out after 5pm, is stupidly over cautious. It also defeats the entire purpose of going there at this time of year, when the city is at its busiest and looking its best for Christmas.

With all due respect, you were a teenager all alone in the big bad, city. You were probably right to play it safe. As far as we know, the OP is a grown up adult. New York City, especially in the evening, is at its best at this time of year when all the Xmas light and decorations are on display, and all the Xmas hustle and bustle is going on.

It would be a crying shame if the OP traveled all that far, only to hole themselves up in their hotel room from 4pm onwards & miss out on all the wonders of NYC in December after dark. This time of year is the busiest time of year for NY tourism. Unless she strays very, very much off the beaten track, every where that she goes is always going to be very, very heavily populated and she won't have to worry about a thing when it comes to her safety and security.

clairefontaine

Take the airtrain unless you have lots of luggage.

Don't lock yourself up at night. That's ridiculous. Your in the city of dreams. Dreams happen at night.

Just don't go anywhere above 120th street.

Avoid eye contact.

Do not stare ever. If you see something utterly ridiculous is crazy looking on the subway, pretend it's not there. Even if someone is masterbating behind a newspaper. Ignore.

The Met and Museum of Natural History are recommended donations. You can volunteer paying what you like, even if it's .05 cents, thanks to the New York City tax payer picking up the tab, and their numerous benefactors.

Don't stare up at the buildings while walking at an ineffective pace dawdling like a tourist. It will earn you a lot of abuse.

Taxis. When the light on top of the roof is on, it's available. When it's off its unavailable.

nudger

Any advice on where to get cheap tickets for Dublin to NY for next month?

beggars_bush

Just back from NY
probably the safest city I've ever been in. cops everywhere.
never ever once felt unsafe.

subway, buses, metro, uptown, downtown, midtown

marob1969

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Ah your going just at the right time when it will be all Christmassy I will of course no problem!

How was your trip and how did you get on. Any advice for someone travelling in the next couple of weeks?

dirkmeister

I went for Christmas 2011 up to New Years Day.

My best bit of advice is to get up very early because queues were much longer.

Also, Manhattan is great to go wandering at night time at Christmas.

naughtyfox

Hi all I just want to recommend the nycairporter as a really handy way from all the airports into grand central or penn station and relatively cheap around 30$ return.
If using the subway for the week make sure to get one of the week long passes really saves money.

nudger

There are 3 of us traveling from JFK to midtown so that would be €89 return.

How much would a cab be? We would have 3 suitcases?

I am hoping to do the Empire state but some say that the Rock is better, what you think.

dirkmeister

nudger wrote: »

I am hoping to do the Empire state but some say that the Rock is better, what you think.

I've done both.

I preferred the Rock. Mainly because you still have an excellent view but you get the Empire State in your photos and the crowd seemed to be a bit smaller which meant we got up quicker.

nudger

dirkmeister wrote: »

I've done both.

I preferred the Rock. Mainly because you still have an excellent view but you get the Empire State in your photos and the crowd seemed to be a bit smaller which meant we got up quicker.

Was up the ESB years ago as a kid and I don't remember Queues, how long do you think the wait might be this time of year, well in a months time, for either of them and what is the best way of getting tickets, in advance or somewhere close by on the day.

dirkmeister

nudger wrote: »

Was up the ESB years ago as a kid and I don't remember Queues, how long do you think the wait might be this time of year, well in a months time, for either of them and what is the best way of getting tickets, in advance or somewhere close by on the day.

I went up the ESB at Christmas time in 2011. Between security etc it was about 2 and a half/3 hours getting up.

We went up the Rock at Hallowe'en midterm. We bought tickets in the building and you get a time on your ticket. It was an hour and 15 wait for us so we went off for a walk and got a couple of bits and pieces. When we came back at that time it was about half an hour wait to go up with security. Think we paid $25 to go up.

Also, while waiting the Rock have a video show telling you all about the history of the place, which was nice.

I remember the ESB was a lot of standing around!

naughtyfox

We did the rock during the day and the empire state very late at night as our hotel was near by! It was so nice to not only get two different views but to see the city lit up at night plus we were the only two there so no waiting around.

nudger

naughtyfox wrote: »

We did the rock during the day and the empire state very late at night as our hotel was near by! It was so nice to not only get two different views but to see the city lit up at night plus we were the only two there so no waiting around.

We are very close (Park ave)to the ESB so could do the night visit, what time did you do it at and was it really that quite?

I hate waiting in queues so have you any other tips like that.

Kinda stupid question but I wan't to try to do the whole NY thing and having hot dogs and pretzels while walking around would be on the list, are they safe enough to buy from the street vendors health wise, don't want a dose of the yellow two step while on hols.

Do you know is the staten island ferry very busy all day or is it easy to get on, not going to do a cruise just the ferry, it's free ASAIK.

naughtyfox

To be honest we visited the empire state around midnight after a baseball game and a long dinner, we had no waiting just got our tickets and off we went, the only people we spoke to were the security guys and that was about basball!

Staten island ferry is great its totally free and hardly no wait time, you may not always make the first one but the wait time is usually less than twenty minutes just dont go around peak times. Great view of the statue of liberty and world trade center.

I have eaten from many food carts on the street and havent been sick, even have the best juice from one outside the supreme court, make sure the cart is clean most will be but this is the one time seeing people waiting is good. Take some motilium and immodium just in case.

For to avoid waiting dont go to places eg top of the rock just as they open as thats almost there busiest or so I found. Another nice thing to do is the 9/11 memorial, we got our tickets and had a wait time of half an hour which gave us a chance to walk there whilst looking around. If you have any questions ask away..

dirkmeister

Definitely go to one of the food carts, we got a lamb curry thing with rice(that's as technical as I get with food titles), it was unbelievably nice.

Book your 9/11 memorial tickets in advance if you can, but don't bring a massive backpack down as I don't think they are allowed in.

I recommend going to a show also, you'll get great prices for same day shows at the tkts booth on Times Square.

SHOVELLER

dirkmeister wrote: »

Definitely go to one of the food carts, we got a lamb curry thing with rice(that's as technical as I get with food titles), it was unbelievably nice.

Book your 9/11 memorial tickets in advance if you can, but don't bring a massive backpack down as I don't think they are allowed in.

I recommend going to a show also, you'll get great prices for same day shows at the tkts booth on Times Square.

The lamb curry thing is a gyro. Quality!

I was down at the 9/11 memorial in June and there were no queues. Then again I found my ticket!

nudger

Has anyone used or have any reviews of dial 7 or Groundlink car services in NYC.

The bus costs $90 return for the 3 of us but we are leaving early on the last day so no service.

A taxi is about $50 + toles + tips so about $70 each way.

The car service is $57-$65 for luxury car which would be a nice start to the trip and they say you don't need to tip. :rolleyes:

They give you a code and you text them when you have your bags to organize where to meet up.

Any ideas guys.

Ponster

What about the subway? $7.50 each

nudger

Ponster wrote: »

What about the subway? $7.50 each

How easy is it to access from JFK terminal 5 going to 28st station on the green line (6) park ave?

It looks like we would have to hop on hop off a bit?

Ponster

nudger wrote: »

How easy is it to access from JFK terminal 5 going to 28st station on the green line (6) park ave?

It looks like we would have to hop on hop off a bit?

It's pretty handy actually. You take the Airtrain from the airport and at the end hop onto the Long Island train to Penn Station on 31st street. Takes about 45 minutes in total but is $9.50 each for the trip.

IMHO if this is your first time to NTC then take a cab. That way you know how much it costs with the fixed fare. You don't have to take a route that involves tolls. Take the train back to the airport when you're feeling more comfortable with the city.

Use Google Maps to get train/subway times and directions.

http://goo.gl/maps/bmBjT

nudger

I was there once before when I was a kid but I may as well say it's my first time.

As it's our first time, don't want the family's first impressions to be pulling luggage around on trains so will definitely be getting a car, just thought it would be nice to have a town car rather than a cab.

It's about the same price from both companies I mentioned just wondered had anyone used this service before, seems simple, book on line and when you have collected your luggage text the driver and he meets you, no queueing for cabs.

Ponster

Never used either (I live in Brooklyn and use Eastern Car service or more often Uber which is a smartphone app service mostly used by residents) but dial 7 are very well known and I often see their ads on tv and their cars flying around.