Newark to Manhattan
Sep 11th, 2010, 04:03 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Newark to Manhattan
My husband and I will be saying at a hotel opposite Jersey Gardens Shopping complex in Elizabeth. We have 6 days and want to travel into Manhattan daily to explore NYC. What is the best way to get to and from the city every day? The hotel offers a shuttle service to EWK so we could go to the airport and take the monorail or take the bus 111 from Jersey Gardens? Dont want to sit in traffic for ages and waste valuable time - . Also can we get a multi pass for the train from EWK to NYC? We are New Zealanders and have never visited the States before.
Could some kind person please give us idiot proof instructions
Could some kind person please give us idiot proof instructions
Sep 11th, 2010, 06:14 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,983
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm sure 99% of the comments will be "if you're visiting NYC then stay in NYC." I would echo that recommendation.
Commuting daily into NYC WILL cause you to sit in traffic for ages and/or waste valuable time.
But, if you are set on staying in Elizabeth, NJ here are some options, none of which is very desirable.
Here's a link to the 111 bus schedule. It's a shoppers bus, so the schedule is limited (last bus OUT of NYC is 4pm), 1st bus INTO NYC is 1pm. This definitely won't work for you.
http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0111.pdf
I'm not familiar with NJ train service, so my details below may be slightly (or grossly) incorrect. By monorail I assume you're referring to the Newark Airport (EWR, not EWK) AirTrain. Here's the official website/brochure.
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/pdf/e...re-english.pdf
This is what you'd have to do to get from your hotel to Manhattan.
1. Airport shuttle to Newark Airport - Free
If they drop you off at the train station, great otherwise
2. Ride the AirTrain to the NJ Transit/Amtrak Airport station, pay $5.50 each person, each way.
3. Wait for & ride NJ Transit train to NY Penn station - $9-10 per person, each way. I don't know if you can buy a 1 week pass or not.
My guess is it'll take you 75-90min each way, every day to get from your hotel just to NY Penn station, and cost $30 for the 2 of you daily.
That will get very old after the 1st day. There are better options, either in Manhattan, in one of the other NYC boroughs (i.e. Long Island city part of Queens), or in Jersey City right near the PATH train.
I'll let others chime in with options you may want to consider rather than staying in Elizabeth NJ - oft considered an industrial armpit.
Commuting daily into NYC WILL cause you to sit in traffic for ages and/or waste valuable time.
But, if you are set on staying in Elizabeth, NJ here are some options, none of which is very desirable.
Here's a link to the 111 bus schedule. It's a shoppers bus, so the schedule is limited (last bus OUT of NYC is 4pm), 1st bus INTO NYC is 1pm. This definitely won't work for you.
http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0111.pdf
I'm not familiar with NJ train service, so my details below may be slightly (or grossly) incorrect. By monorail I assume you're referring to the Newark Airport (EWR, not EWK) AirTrain. Here's the official website/brochure.
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/pdf/e...re-english.pdf
This is what you'd have to do to get from your hotel to Manhattan.
1. Airport shuttle to Newark Airport - Free
If they drop you off at the train station, great otherwise
2. Ride the AirTrain to the NJ Transit/Amtrak Airport station, pay $5.50 each person, each way.
3. Wait for & ride NJ Transit train to NY Penn station - $9-10 per person, each way. I don't know if you can buy a 1 week pass or not.
My guess is it'll take you 75-90min each way, every day to get from your hotel just to NY Penn station, and cost $30 for the 2 of you daily.
That will get very old after the 1st day. There are better options, either in Manhattan, in one of the other NYC boroughs (i.e. Long Island city part of Queens), or in Jersey City right near the PATH train.
I'll let others chime in with options you may want to consider rather than staying in Elizabeth NJ - oft considered an industrial armpit.
Sep 11th, 2010, 06:15 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.NJTransit.com is the place to start
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servl...SchedulesMapTo
is a map showing stations (including 'Elizabeth') for the two train line ('Northeast Corridor' and 'North Jersey Coast') that go directly into Manhattan.
www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/r0080.pdf
www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/r0070.pdf
show the complete schedule for each line.
Here's a map
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...&selStation=41
showing the location of the Elizabeth Station.
On the top left of the home page for
NJTransit.com
is a feature called "Trip Planner." Use "Elizabeth Station" as your start point, "Penn Station New York" as your end point, then click on the [Submit] Button. You'll get full info on the next two trains doing that route. You can also specify a date and time in the future.
Note that all the above info is just the same whether you use "Elizabeth," "North Elizabeth," or "Newark Airport" as your New Jersey train station.
> give us idiot proof instructions
:^) As an engineer who used to write out instructions for workers, I quickly learned the motto, "It's impossible to write out fool-proof directions -- fools are too clever in their foolishness."
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servl...SchedulesMapTo
is a map showing stations (including 'Elizabeth') for the two train line ('Northeast Corridor' and 'North Jersey Coast') that go directly into Manhattan.
www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/r0080.pdf
www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/r0070.pdf
show the complete schedule for each line.
Here's a map
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...&selStation=41
showing the location of the Elizabeth Station.
On the top left of the home page for
NJTransit.com
is a feature called "Trip Planner." Use "Elizabeth Station" as your start point, "Penn Station New York" as your end point, then click on the [Submit] Button. You'll get full info on the next two trains doing that route. You can also specify a date and time in the future.
Note that all the above info is just the same whether you use "Elizabeth," "North Elizabeth," or "Newark Airport" as your New Jersey train station.
> give us idiot proof instructions
:^) As an engineer who used to write out instructions for workers, I quickly learned the motto, "It's impossible to write out fool-proof directions -- fools are too clever in their foolishness."
Sep 11th, 2010, 06:19 AM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's EWR, not EWK, and I don't think you'll want to go there to come into the city. It's pretty expensive (about $12.50 each way per person, which is likely more than the cost of a bus), and make sure the shuttle runs at decent hours (some of these stop pretty early and will leave you stranded after, say, 9pm); they are aimed at people going to and from the airport for flights, not to come into the city.
Unfortunately, I"m not good at transit from NJ, so I can't help you there, but this is a particularly inconvenient location for basing yourself for a trip to NYC if you intend to come into Manhattan daily.
If there is a direct bus, that's worth considering and may be cheaper than other options but will take no less than 30 to 45 minutes each way (check the schedule to see how late it runs). Either way, you're going to be wasting a lot of valuable time since you're not that close to Manhattan. At Jersey Gardens, I think the bus is your only viable option. You're nowhere close to trains, so you will have to learn to love that bus.
Frankly, I'd look to see if there is a hotel a bit more convenient to Manhattan that you could afford. Consider that you'll be spending a minimum of $20 per person per day extra on transportation, and see what an extra $40 per night will get you. There are certainly better places to stay in NJ that have better transportation.
Frankly, I fear that you have made a real strategic blunder, but perhaps others will have more useful help and optimism than I can offer.
Unfortunately, I"m not good at transit from NJ, so I can't help you there, but this is a particularly inconvenient location for basing yourself for a trip to NYC if you intend to come into Manhattan daily.
If there is a direct bus, that's worth considering and may be cheaper than other options but will take no less than 30 to 45 minutes each way (check the schedule to see how late it runs). Either way, you're going to be wasting a lot of valuable time since you're not that close to Manhattan. At Jersey Gardens, I think the bus is your only viable option. You're nowhere close to trains, so you will have to learn to love that bus.
Frankly, I'd look to see if there is a hotel a bit more convenient to Manhattan that you could afford. Consider that you'll be spending a minimum of $20 per person per day extra on transportation, and see what an extra $40 per night will get you. There are certainly better places to stay in NJ that have better transportation.
Frankly, I fear that you have made a real strategic blunder, but perhaps others will have more useful help and optimism than I can offer.
Sep 11th, 2010, 06:33 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,983
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's the website for NJ Transit train schedules.
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...tConnectionsTo
It looks like trains run every 10min or so weekdays till 9pm, then every 20min at other times. Likely less frequently late night. The cost is $12.50 per person, each way. So add that to the $5.50 AirTrain charge = $36 day for 2 of you. The 25min they quote is train running time from Newark Airport Train station to NYC Penn Station. Doesn't include any waiting time, hotel shuttle, AirTrain, or getting around NYC once you arrive.
There's also the 115 bus from NY Port Authority terminal to Jersey gardens http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0115.pdf
there are later buses, but not all of them stop at the mall.
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...tConnectionsTo
It looks like trains run every 10min or so weekdays till 9pm, then every 20min at other times. Likely less frequently late night. The cost is $12.50 per person, each way. So add that to the $5.50 AirTrain charge = $36 day for 2 of you. The 25min they quote is train running time from Newark Airport Train station to NYC Penn Station. Doesn't include any waiting time, hotel shuttle, AirTrain, or getting around NYC once you arrive.
There's also the 115 bus from NY Port Authority terminal to Jersey gardens http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0115.pdf
there are later buses, but not all of them stop at the mall.
Sep 11th, 2010, 11:53 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The area you're staying is in VERY inconvenient for getting to NYC. the large stores there run shuttle buses back and forth to Manhattan in order to draw customers - but not sure how far from your hotel to them - and you would be limited to store hours.
And trekking from your hotel to EWR and then into the city and back would take hours per day - and not be cheap.
You would be much better off putting that money against the price of a hotel in Manhattan and not 1) waste all that time trekking around or 2) have very long waits getting back there after dinner or a show.
This is NOT a place that you want to stay.
If you cannot find a place in Manhattan (tell us your dates and budget and people will help) you are better off in Long Island City (20 minutes by subway from Manhattan at the closer motels) or a place in Jersey City on top of the PATH - good for most hours - but rare later at night.
And trekking from your hotel to EWR and then into the city and back would take hours per day - and not be cheap.
You would be much better off putting that money against the price of a hotel in Manhattan and not 1) waste all that time trekking around or 2) have very long waits getting back there after dinner or a show.
This is NOT a place that you want to stay.
If you cannot find a place in Manhattan (tell us your dates and budget and people will help) you are better off in Long Island City (20 minutes by subway from Manhattan at the closer motels) or a place in Jersey City on top of the PATH - good for most hours - but rare later at night.
Sep 11th, 2010, 11:54 AM
#7
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry - if your hotel is promising to take yo back and forth to EWR fid out how often they run and what hours. Many run only every 30 minutes or so - and do;t run early in the AM or later at night. And then you would be looking at large taxi fares - if you can find one willing to do the trip.
Sep 11th, 2010, 12:26 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The one-way NJTransit fare from EWR to New York Penn Station is $15 (or $11.25 for seniors--62 or over), including the $5.50 AirTrain (monorail) off-airport fee.
Although I am a public transportation advocate, the $45-to-$60 daily roundtrip cost for two, plus the time invested (hotel limo to EWR, then AirTrain, then NJTransit), would lead me to recommend a more convenient place, possibly in Manhattan itself.
Guessing that you have reserved at the Residence Inn (or similar) at Jersey Gardens, the online rates seem to be in the $200/night range. I'd suggest that you ask here for recommendations for $250-to-$260 per night accommodations in Manhattan.
Although I am a public transportation advocate, the $45-to-$60 daily roundtrip cost for two, plus the time invested (hotel limo to EWR, then AirTrain, then NJTransit), would lead me to recommend a more convenient place, possibly in Manhattan itself.
Guessing that you have reserved at the Residence Inn (or similar) at Jersey Gardens, the online rates seem to be in the $200/night range. I'd suggest that you ask here for recommendations for $250-to-$260 per night accommodations in Manhattan.
Sep 11th, 2010, 01:19 PM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not to mention, the location of that group of hotels near Jersey Gardens is about as unattractive as it gets, next to the incredibly busy NJ Turnpike and Newark Airport. I join the group recommending another location.
Sep 11th, 2010, 01:36 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oooops looks like we did make a blunder booking there. We are joining a tour which uses that hotel as its base initially so asked for extra days added to save the inconvenience of changing bases. Also they are flying us in to Newark airport as part of the package from LAX. Only $140 per night for the 2 of us because of the group discounts from the tour so looked fairly attractive compared with the rates for Manhattan. (fools ARE too clever in their foolishness)
How about we get a taxi from the hotel to Elizabeth Stn and get to NYC more directly?
How about we get a taxi from the hotel to Elizabeth Stn and get to NYC more directly?
Sep 11th, 2010, 01:56 PM
#12
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, you can take a taxi to the train station and add (I would guess) $10-$20 each way for the taxi fare, then your train fare, and it will still take more than an hour just to reach Manhattan.
Have you paid for this hotel already? Can you get a refund? This location is truly not the way to see NYC, especially for 6 days. Maybe if it was for one night only we'd say it was OK, but you should really explore if it is possible to change.
Have you paid for this hotel already? Can you get a refund? This location is truly not the way to see NYC, especially for 6 days. Maybe if it was for one night only we'd say it was OK, but you should really explore if it is possible to change.
Sep 11th, 2010, 04:23 PM
#14
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The problem is that much of New Jersey is suburban and taxis are few and far between. You would have to locate a taxi company, make arrangements (both ways - typically they do not have cabs at train stations but you must call in advance) and the cost would still be significant. And the trip would still take about an hour. Never mind how unpleasant the area is.
If you provide your dates people can make recos that will help you have a NYC experience by staying in Manhattan - or at lest nearby - as opposed to a notel motel at the side of a superhighway (6 lanes in each direction).
If you provide your dates people can make recos that will help you have a NYC experience by staying in Manhattan - or at lest nearby - as opposed to a notel motel at the side of a superhighway (6 lanes in each direction).
Sep 11th, 2010, 04:30 PM
#15
I've gotten the LaQuinta in Manhattan for that rate or less.
It's SO much nicer staying in the city and not wasting time or $$$ getting back and forth.
If there are only 2 of you, you can snag great rates on Priceline and Hotwire.
It's SO much nicer staying in the city and not wasting time or $$$ getting back and forth.
If there are only 2 of you, you can snag great rates on Priceline and Hotwire.
Sep 13th, 2010, 07:35 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WE are arriving at Newark airport evening sunday Oct 10t and will need to be back at Newark sometime Saturday Oct 16th. I will enquire if we can get a refund for the extra accomodaton. All the hotels I found online were in the vacinity of $240 and up per night so a bit of assistance finding somehwere clean and cheap would be appreciated.
Sep 13th, 2010, 08:03 PM
#17
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not to beat a dead horse, but even if you were bent upon exploring New Jersey that would not be the very best location. It is really only convenient to the mall and (sort of) to the airport. Since you're coming such a long way to see New York, it really would be much more convenient to stay in Manhattan. Even if you wanted to see how ordinary Americans live in suburbs there would be better locations (I'm thinking the Glenpointe hotel in Teaneck, which is several worlds more convenient for NY transport and in a much more pleasant area).
Sep 13th, 2010, 08:16 PM
#18
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks like for that many nights the Glenpointe hotel (Marriott) would be 159.00, although it would be higher per night for just the weekend. It appears to be a somewhat nicer hotel, as well as having a better location.
Sep 13th, 2010, 08:33 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have to go back to New Jersey Saturday because thats where the tour we are doing is based and we will be leaving from there.
I checked the Glenpointe at Teaneck and the best rates there were 219 USD. Do they put the rates up for bookings from URLs outside the states or something?
I checked the Glenpointe at Teaneck and the best rates there were 219 USD. Do they put the rates up for bookings from URLs outside the states or something?
