tuckerdc

Hope someone can tell me how much expressway traffic is affected by the Marathon? We're flying out from LGA on Sunday morning; trying to find a "centsible" place to stay the night before, but concerned about how difficult it might be to reach the airport (and turn in our rental car) by 930 a.m.

I have booked the Fairfield near LGA as a back-up, but would like to find something for less than $160...Would it be ridiculous to go as far afield as Uniondale (south of Westbury, where there's a 3* Marriott that comes up on P'line)? For the record, Pline in NYC or at the airport is not available (at least, up to $95).

GoTravel

I would stay at the Fairfield. Traffic outside NYC shouldn't be a bother but you never know.

J62

Where are you coming from?

The race route does not go anywhere near LGA, or that part of Queens period.

If you are planning to cross the Verrazano bridge, then forget it, but if you are coming from the North or Northeast, there are many routes that will be normal, light Sunday am traffic.

tuckerdc

I wasn't clear enough originally - sorry. We'll actually be returning to the area Sat nite from Bucks County. But my fear was that staying somewhere still on the Jersey side of the Hudson Sat nite - and then trying to get to LGA on Sunday morning, across Manhattan, might be a problem. ??

J62

The route would take would from NJ would never be across Manhattan - even if there were no race. You should cross the GW Bridge (ok, you will technically be crossing Manhattan there too, but on freeway). Normally, you would take 87 South to the Triboro bridge, straight to LGA.

I would not expect the race traffic to affect the freeways, but I don't know for sure. An alternate, albeit somewhat longer route would be to go straight on 95 after the GWB, then cross the Whitestone Bridge. This would loop around a little bit - maybe 10-15min longer ride on a normal day, but you would steer clear of any race route areas.

If you are driving to the area (i.e. NJ) Sat night regardless, I would just stay at the Fairfield Inn right near LGA, then you won't have to worry either way on Sun am.

Dohlice

NYC MARATHON STREET AND BRIDGE CLOSINGS
(all closings are on Sunday, November 5, Marathon Day)

Verrazano Narrows Bridge
Upper Level, Brooklyn and Staten Island-bound side closes 12:01am and reopens 1:30pm.
Lower Level, Staten Island-bound side closes 9:00am and reopens 12:30 pm.
Lower Level, Brooklyn-bound side remains open throughout the event.

Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn
Closes 9:30am to 11:00am

Pulaski Bridge
Closes 10:30am to 4:00pm

Queensboro Bridge
Lower level of Queens-bound side closes at 11:00am and reopens between 4-4:30pm Runners will be on the lower level of Queens-bound side.
Lower level of Manhattan-bound side is open to traffic throughout the event.
Upper level is open to traffic throughout the event.

First Avenue
59th St and above closed 11:00am to 4:30pm

Willis and Madison Avenue Bridges
Close 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Central Park Transverses
86th and 96th St transverses are open to pedestrians and cars.
65th and 79th St transverses close at noon.

mclaurie

Yes it would be ridiculous to go to Uniondale. There's the Pan American hotel in Queens not far from LGA and free shuttle if you were to get rid of the car the night before.
panamhotel.com

Nearer LGA, there's the Ramada
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

tuckerdc

Thanks for all the replies/suggestions/
info. We will come back Saturday nite and stay at the Fairfield.