A few more New York City ???
 

Okay, New Yorkers, you have been a great source of information regarding our trip to your city, and I have just a few more questions, nothing of significance, but need to know: 1) We arrive at Penn Station and are staying at the Millennium B’way on W. 44th. Have already been told it is walkable, and are planning to do that. Figured, though, should have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Here’s my question: subway or bus? Which is easier with luggage? And between the two, we’d probably choose the bus because of more to see, so which one from Penn Station to W. 44th area? Nothing runs up 7th, so is this even practical? Subway: #1, 2 or 3 to Times Square would work, correct? (Can’t do a cab, we are five people and wouldn’t want to split up). One piece of advice I keep reading, is know your route before you arrive, so that’s what I’m trying to do!<BR><BR>Another need to know: would like to bus one way (perhaps subway back) to the Financial District (NYSE, Wall Street – boys are studying finance in 11th grade class) and maybe even Ground Zero (daughter is quite adamant about visiting as our last trip to NYC, she was so impacted by those towers). Have studied bus and subway maps and just wondering about the difference in travel time between the two, midday during midweek. Preference would be to bus it, so we could see more, but is it significantly slower? <BR><BR>Can’t thank you enough for your help. We are looking forward to our trip! I’m sure I’ll think of more, but this should cover it (for today!) And Bob, if you gave me this info, I lost the email, so apologize for any redundancy.<BR>(take out the NoSPAM in email if you want to respond; thanks)

Why exactly don't you want to split up for a short cab ride?

I agree with wondering, a taxi will cost about $5 to 44th Street. With luggage, don't bother with a bus if the weather is bad. Even if the weather is good, you may be tired after your train ride so consider using a taxi, it's very convenient to catch one and the area where you wait (near Amtrak, not the LIRR) is covered. It's not pleasant wheeling luggage 10 blocks through midtown regardless of the weather condition.

Vicki,<BR>Penn Station to 44th is a long walk, with luggage. About a 1/2 mile to be exact. Even with nice weather, I'd suggest the subway. <BR><BR>You can take a bus up 8th Avenue. (Penn Station is between 7th and 8th.) I'd just take the subway as there really isn't much to see on 8th Avenue, except the Port Authority bus terminal. <BR><BR>The 1, 2 or 3 is the best option. If you get on by the front of the train, you'll save a block or so walk once in Times Square.<BR><BR>While buses afford the opportunity to see more, they can also take forever; especially in traffic. For relatively short distances that aren't near a subway, sure take the bus. <BR><BR>From your hotel to Wall Street, I'd suggest you take the A/C or E train. (The bus will take forever.) You can get off at Chambers Street and walk along Church Street past the WTC complex. From there it is just a few blocks to the Stock Exchange. (You can also take the 2 or 3 train and get off at Park Place. However, the A/C/E makes far fewer stops.

Ignore the advice on a cab. Cabdrivers will not allow 5 in a cab. The law is 4. 1 in front, 3 in the back.<BR><BR>Late at night they sometimes will take 5. During the day in midtown, fugghetabout it, the fine would be quite expensive for them.

Well, I suppose I don't have a great reason why I didn't want to split us up (in cabs) other than we just always stick together when traveling. <BR><BR>Ryan, thanks for advice on A/C/E trains, I had considered that option to get to lower Manhattan. I've got subway and bus maps spread out all over the place!<BR><BR>

Ryan - <BR><BR>I didn't hear anyone tell her to try to get 5 in a cab. Surely she and her husband could split up for the ride and each take one or 2 of the kids.<BR><BR>

ttt

One thing about cabs: isn't it possible that with traffic, it's faster to take subway/or walk? Maybe that's been my hesitation with that form of travel. That's why I value NY'ers point of view

Vicki,<BR><BR>I wouldn't -- ever -- take the subway and bus with luggage and kids. Truly, the very short cab ride will cost you $5 max ($10 for two cabs) and will be much quicker. Splitting up is definitely no big deal. Get in, tell the driver your hotel, and the two of you will arrive one right after the other. No need to worry at all.<BR><BR>And the cabs are only going to be slightly more than the $7.50 you'll spend on Metrocard rides for five. <BR><BR>

Kit, I think I've decided the cab is the best way to go. Money wasn't the issue, it was more the traffic situation. I do see that cabs charge for time sitting in traffic. I wasn't worried about the charges, I was more thinking about sitting in traffic for who knows how long, and just wanting to get to the hotel! But it seems like it makes the most sense, OR considering walking if the weather is optimal. Another poster told me it's best to walk up 7th to 44th.

If your luggage has wheels you should not have problem walking to your hotel. I walk to Penn at least once a month with my wheeled luggage, from my office at 23rd and 6th. <BR><BR>If it's raining, take 2 cabs. As long as some event at MSG isn't ending when you arrive, you should have no problem getting them. Don't do the subway. Lugging your suitcases up and down all those subway stairs and trying to get them thru the turnstiles while trying to keep track of the kids when you only need to go 1 stop is kind of ridiculous. I wouldn't take a bus either...I don't think there's an easy and direct route, plus I don't know if they'd let you on if you have lots of luggage (I only say this because I have never in my 11 years here have seen anyone with luggage on the bus).

IF money was an issue, you can send 1 or 2 people in a cab with all the luggage (and have them begin to check in at the hotel) while the remaining people walk to the hotel and begin to take in the sights and sounds of NYC.

Cabs do charge for stopped traffic but this is for chronic situations only - it is not a factor in normal busy NYC traffic. Buses are not convenient for luggage as they are often crowded enough that there simply isn't room. At the right time of day (i.e. not morning or afternoon rush hours), the subway could be doable for luggage but you'll have to schlep the bags up and down stairways and also lift them over the turnstiles when you enter - it's a hassle when traveling alone (I've tried it) and would be disastrous with a family. Two cabs is defintiely the way to go unless the hotel has some sort of shuttle service (doubtful).

It will be about 3 or so in the afternoon so I think we've ruled out the bus or subway.

Vicki<BR>In order to see Ground Zero from the viewing platform, you need tickets,available at South Street Seaport and will get an assigned time. Of course you can walk around the perimeter of the area - no tickets needed.

Hi Vicki<BR>I was in New York in October and we walked everywhere.I think the convenience of hopping into a cab outside Penn is worth the 2-3 dollars more you will spend.<BR>New York is amazing!! have fun

Vicki-<BR><BR>About Ground Zero. I know you said your daughter wants to go to the site. But truly there's not much to see now. It looks like a very large construction site.<BR>If you want to come to terms with what happened, a much more effective way is to stand uptown and look down at the hole in the skyline. In this instance, distance gives a better perspective than being right on top of it. (Besides the fact that some people in the area find the tourists getting tickets, standing on the "viewing platform", posing for pictures in front of the site, etc, somewhat disrespectful. I know you don't mean it in that way. You seem like a very thoughtful person. I'm sure you wouldn't pose for pictures in front of it.)<BR>I didn't see your other posts so I don't know when you're going ,but the Tribute in Light will be up until mid-April. In this case, distance is definitely better. Far be it from me to tell you what to do, but since you said your daughter was very affected by the Twin Towers on your last visit, I believe a more moving way for her to come to terms with it would be to look downtown at night at the "phantom" Twin Towers in light, rather than stand with a crowd of others in front of what looks like just a very large construction pit.<BR>Just my 2 cents. Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip!

I just returned from a four night stay at Millennium Broadway (I hope you bought your tickets on Priceline like I did) and we hated to leave that great hotel and area! For inexpensive (but good!) breakfasts and lunches, go out the hotel's 45th Street exit and head about 100 yards east (right turn when you come out the door) to Cranberry Gourmet Deli. My husband and I breakfasted on bagels, muffins, and coffee for less than $7 each morning, although they have many more choices than that. Lunch is equally inexpensive and good, and their $4.99 per pound salad and hot meal bars are wonderful. They also have a very nice dining area upstairs that you can bring your food to after you pay.<BR><BR>Feel free to write me if you have any questions.<BR><BR>By the way, the walk from Penn Station is do-able if you have rolling luggage but I'd definitely spring for 2 cabs if the weather isn't lovely.

Lisa: I do NOT want to stand on the viewing platform at Ground Zero. Something about that scenario troubles me. We will be in the city during the Light Tribute and I thought that would be a nice way for my daughter to come to terms with the huge emotional and physical gap left by the attacks. She is most interested in seeing where the towers once stood and hasn't said so, but perhaps wants to pay her respects. Photographs wouldn't be appropriate in my mind but she may feel otherwise. <BR><BR>Yes, we did get our rooms on Priceline. A very great deal. I have been successful with Priceline in several cities now and am hooked. Wish I'd known about it much sooner. Guess I always thought it was just airlines, and I have my preferences because I earn FF miles so need to know which one I'm on. A good deal for others, though.<BR><BR>And the consensus seems to be we can walk from Penn if we choose, or cab it. With rolling luggage, I think we'll just play it by the weather but may simply just hop in the cab(s!) and go!