WWanderer

Hi, we're planning a few days in NYC in May, and have decided to drive this time in stead of fly, to avoid the whole airport scene.

I was thinking of ways to avoid paying a huge daily tariff to park the car while there, but really want to stay in Manhattan, not outside. I was wondering if there are places we could park the car securely for a few days, somewhere with easy transportation into the city from there. The place that comes to mind is Newark Airport, but wondering what other options there are.

We've been to NYC a few times previously, looking at hotels as well, watching the other thread right now. But we know the neighbourhoods well enough to make a choice, and we use the subway and walk extensively while there. We're an empty-nest couple, will probably hit the Metropolitan Museum and MOMA while there, or perhaps the Frick. Hope to do a Wednesday matinee show, and will definitely hit Chinatown, Soho and the village.

lincasanova

go to www.bestparking.com

then call the places directly to confirm price. seems you will need to park up near 108th st. west side to get under $100 for 4 nights.

perhaps there is an internet special for long term at one of the airports.The vans driving around all seem to have some sort of appealing price painted on them.

WWanderer

Thanks, I'll check that out. It looks like Newark airport has economy long-term parking for $18 per day. With a $15 trip into Penn Station on the Airtrain, that looks like a fairly reasonable way to do it.

lincasanova

actually, you might want to spend you first night at an airport hotel that has fly and stay rates. could be a good idea.

MP07950

You might also want to consider parking at the ferry in Weehawkin, and then take the ferry over. Parking is very secure and convenient and the ferry's a lovely way to go to the city (and you can then use one of their buses to get to your hotel).

WWanderer

Thanks, the ferry looks interesting. I found their website but couldn't find any information about parking rates. Does anyone have a clue about where to look?

WWanderer

I see they have an 800 number, I guess I will call them.

mclaurie

You should be able to do better than $18/night and going to the airport is not exactly making your life easier. Where are you driving from? Do you know about metropark in Iselin, NJ off the NJ Tpke? There's also parking at the Secaucus Junction train station which is a lot closer to the city and probably cheaper for the transport and the parking.

WWanderer

Okay, I found the parking info. Sounds great, except if we're arriving at night might not be great after a long day of driving. Park n fly certainly would be another option.

WWanderer

We're driving from Toronto. Normally we would fly, but are bent out of shape right now about airports. We can fly from downtown Toronto, which is wonderful, but then end up at Newark and have to go thru immigration. I've heard that's a real pain. If we fly from the main airport, we have to pay for a limo, and go thru immigration there, so it's like a domestic flight. End up usually at LGR, but perhaps Newark.

Thought we would try driving for a change.

mclaurie

Have you considered driving to Buffalo, NY and flying from there? Jetblue.com often has great fares.

WWanderer

Thanks, no we have not. It's not flying that's the problem, it's the hassles at the airport. But I'll look at prices, thanks.

WWanderer

Weehawken currently looks like the best bet, and it comes with a scenic view!

azzure

We used the Weehawken Ferry last summer -- parked there for 4+ days for $50. Busses meet the ferries on the Manhattan side and go across town. Really convenient, especially if you're staying in a fairly mid-town location.

Rhea58

While Ihave not parked in Weehawken, I have used the ferry
to & fro to go to meetings there. It is a pleasant 7-minute
ride.
As azzure points out, the free buses are waiting there & do a loop first going to 42nd street and down 5th to 34th before returning to the ferry terminal. The price is so right.
However, I would check out how late they run back to the terminal if you intend to be in NYC late in the evening.

And there is senior rate if it applies here.

WWanderer

Wow, a senior rate! (Husband qualifies!)

I'm not worrying about coming back from Manhattan since we'll be pulling out early to drive home. But I worry about the evening we arrive. Looks like the ferry runs until after midnight, no problem, just want to ensure that the parking will be open, but I'm betting it is.

Thanks so much for the help here, it's been great. Booked our hotel yesterday, the Fitzpatrick near Grand Central.

MP07950

As long as the ferry's running, the parking's open. If you have to park further away and have luggage, there is a tram that goes back and forth. Also, you do pay for the parking in the terminal, so make sure to bring your ticket! Enjoy.

thornhill

We did the same last summer and the door man was the one who suggested a cheaper area to park. We saved about 25.00 for the week. Sometimes they are a wealth of information.

djkbooks

Often at the NYC hotels, you can self park your car in the same garage the hotel uses for considerably less.

Do check rates for your dates on iconparking.com and betterparking.com

One of the huge advantages of driving versus flying is being able to bring everything you want. We even bring a small fridge, if there won't be one in the room, and our own water, juice, soda, so as not to have to pay convenience store or hotel prices.

For a few dollars more, you can probably park your car more conveniently to the hotel and not have to haul your bags on a ferry then across the city.

When we use a distant garage, my husband drops off me and the bags at the hotel entrance, then parks the car. Leaving, he goes after the car while I bring the bags down and check out.

WWanderer

Thanks,

I'm sure we'll be travelling fairly light. We're used to public transportation, so really don't mind. Our hotel charges $49 per day for valet parking. I'm sure we could find something cheaper on the east side (near Grand Central), but it's really not worth it to us, why get snarled in traffic?

MP07950, not sure what you mean about bringing my ticket when I park--do you mean when we return from NY and it's time to pay up?