Nitters87

I am going to Philadelphia for 5 days in July and would like to plan in a day trip to NYC so we can go shopping at Centruy 21, see the Rockafella Centre and explore Central Park.

I will have a car, but don't want to drive into Manhatten.

Does anyone know where I can park outside the city and catch the ferry over the river? I want to stay late in NYC that day and then drive back, so will need a farry which runs 24 hours a day.

Anybody have any ideas?

Ackislander

Take the train. Trips like yours are what it is for.

doug_stallings

I'm not aware of any ferries that run 24 hours a day except for the Staten Island Ferry, which is both inconvenient and long (and only runs once an hour overnight). I also think you'd be better off just taking the train. If you take Amtrak, then there are trains at all hours.

HappyTrvlr

Take Amtrak.
The ferry from Weehawken,NJ would work but Amtrak is easier and less expensive.

vjpblovesitaly

Rockefeller Center

Ryan

I agree, the train is a better way to go. But, if the train doesn't make sense for you or isn't what you want, I might suggest you park at Newark Airport. Easy access to parking from NJ Turnpike, multiple transit options, and 24-hour ability to take a car in and out.

Coming from Philadelphia, you're on the NJ Turnpike. Take it to exit 13A - Elizabeth/Newark Airport. Follow signs to Newark Airpor then to daily lot P3 or P4. (P4 is a better option as it is the indoor parking garage and it is closer to the train station.)

Take the monorail to the Newark Airport Rail Station, which is about 5 minutes from the parking garage. You'll be in the city within 25 minutes of the NJ Transit train arriving at the airport station.

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-parking.html

The last train trip from NY Penn Station back to the airport is at 1:22 a.m. on a weekday. First trip in the morning is at 4:22. Several bus options are available. In a pinch, easy enough to get a taxi from NY.

http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servl...nSchedulesFrom

As Doug said, the only 24 hours ferry service is from Staten Island. It doesn't seem to make sense to do that as getting to the SI Ferry Terminal from NJ and the parking is a lot bigger hassle than just parking at Newark Airport (or two other options next to NJ Turnpike.)

If you do want to take the ferry regardless, then check the NY Waterway schedule. The Weekhawken terminal is your best best. Last boat is probably somewhere close to midnight.

mclaurie

You can drive to the Metro Park in Iselin, NJ and take the train from there but amtrak.com the whole way is a lot easier. You could actually drive to Staten Island, park there and take the ferry over which drops off not far from Century 21.

Roonn

I'm actually going to NYC from Philly too! But I'm planning to take the bus: http://www.peterpanbus.com/

Does anyone know the difference between taking the bus and taking the train? The former seems so much cheaper and the time needed is about the same!

Aduchamp1

Does anyone know the difference between taking the bus and taking the train?

One goes beep-beep and the other goes woo-woo.

nytraveler

The train is much more comfy and much less likely to be stuck in traffic. Amtrak is usually within 10 or 15 minutes ofschedule. Bus can be on time or hours late - dependng on traffic.