Dale

We are interested in driving from VA to NYC for the Christmas weekend. We would be going into Manhatten from New Jersey around 4 pm on a Saturday. Should we expect massive delays and security trying to get into the city?

Ted

Delays on a Saturday should not be too bad. Depending on where you're staying, you may want to consider entering Manhattan via the George Washington bridge. If you're staying in midtown or north, I'd suggest the G.W. You probably know that parking is extremely expensive. Expect at least $20 per night.

michelle

All through the holidays there is more traffic than usual, expect delays on the GWB and the Lincoln Tunnel.There is not any noticeable security causing delay, you may see the Nat'l Guard troops by the Bridge on the NJ side, otherwise, it is there but you don't see it.The streets of NY are another thing altogether, try to park as soon as you get in the city and walk everywhere.We were on 5th Ave yesterday,by Rock Center, it was mobbed, streets were packed with cars,stores were full..so just expect everything to take a litttle longer, but the tree is beautiful, the stores with all the decorations are wonderful and worth the traffic

al

Christmas is a very busy time and you're sure to hit some type of delay no matter where you go. Since you're coming in from VA I would NOT suggest going all the way up to the G.W Bridge and then coming back down the West Side Highway into midtown. I would take the NJ Turnpike, follow signs for the Lincoln Tunnel, which will bring you on to 495, the road leading to the tunnel. Security check or not, stick it out, go for the center tube, go through the tunnel, bear left and park your car in the lot on top of the Port Authority bus terminal, which is between 8th and 9th Aves. and 40 and 42nd Sts. After you've beared left, there's a corkscrew to the left or the right which will say something about public parking. It may not be cheap, but it'll put you right in the Times Square area, with lots of subway options and major attractions not that far away if you decide to walk.

Howard

The key question is: Where will you be staying? That should determine which entrance you take into the city.

Frank

Tune in to 880 AM (CBS) and/or 1010 AM (WINS) for traffic reports as you approach the city. Both give traffic reports every 10 minutes and will discuss delays, if any, at the bridges and tunnels. CBS gives reports on the 8's i.e. 9:08, 9:18, etc. WINS on the 1's i.e. 9:01, 9:11, etc.

Susan

We drove into Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and it was murder getting thru the NJ Turnpike, however, actually driving into the city was not bad at all. Didn't see that much security. We found a parking garage at the Skyline Hotel, 10th and 49th which only charges $15 per 24 hour period, as long as you don't take the car out til you leave the city.

al

Fifteen bucks? Wow, that's a great price. This sounds like a good place to park.

So Dale, assuming you're staying in the midtown area, this would be a good spot to leave your car, although you're limited subway-wise from there. I think the closest would be the E (goes downtown along 8th Ave. or across town on 53rd St. towards Queens), available at Worldwide Plaza on 49th & 8th. FYI, there's a nice little upscale Irish bar/restaurant across the street from the parking called Druids.