Commuting between Jersey City and Manhattan
Mar 5th, 2013, 05:23 AM
#21
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Just to clarify, there is no such thing as a "pass". You can load money onto a Metrocard and pay for each individual ride on the PATH and Subway. You cannot use your Metrocard to pay for an individual ride on the Long Island Railroad.
Your fare to NJ from LGA will be more than $100 once everything is included and will likely take more than an hour. You will have to pay at least $12 in tolls (it may be a bit more because there could be a toll on the NJ Turnpike). But it depends on the way the car takes; there are some routes (across Staten Island, for instance) that will cost more than $20 in tolls. If you want an accurate fare, you should plug in the details into Dial 7, which I like. If you take a regular taxi (assuming one would go), you pay DOUBLE the metered rate ... so about double $65 plus tax and tolls for about $150. You definitely need to take a car service.
The area around Exchange Place is safe enough, but I think this hotel is closer to Newport than Exchange Place and may be right between stops. There are areas around there where I would not walk 8 blocks at night, but I think this immediate area is safe enough. And that "8 minutes" may be by car or light rail, which could be more than 20 blocks, which is not within walking distance.
To get to Long Island and Queens, you're going to have to take the PATH to 33rd Street and transfer to the Long Island Railroad. However, on weekends, there is such a thing as a "City Ticket" that will get you to Forest Hills from Penn Station for $4. You can then go to Long Island for the regular fare (just realize that relatively few trains serve Forest Hills, particularly out of commuting hours). You can't do the $4 trip in reverse, so if you don't go to Forest Hills first, you have to pay the regular fare from Baldwin to Forest Hills, which is likely more than $4.
Your fare to NJ from LGA will be more than $100 once everything is included and will likely take more than an hour. You will have to pay at least $12 in tolls (it may be a bit more because there could be a toll on the NJ Turnpike). But it depends on the way the car takes; there are some routes (across Staten Island, for instance) that will cost more than $20 in tolls. If you want an accurate fare, you should plug in the details into Dial 7, which I like. If you take a regular taxi (assuming one would go), you pay DOUBLE the metered rate ... so about double $65 plus tax and tolls for about $150. You definitely need to take a car service.
The area around Exchange Place is safe enough, but I think this hotel is closer to Newport than Exchange Place and may be right between stops. There are areas around there where I would not walk 8 blocks at night, but I think this immediate area is safe enough. And that "8 minutes" may be by car or light rail, which could be more than 20 blocks, which is not within walking distance.
To get to Long Island and Queens, you're going to have to take the PATH to 33rd Street and transfer to the Long Island Railroad. However, on weekends, there is such a thing as a "City Ticket" that will get you to Forest Hills from Penn Station for $4. You can then go to Long Island for the regular fare (just realize that relatively few trains serve Forest Hills, particularly out of commuting hours). You can't do the $4 trip in reverse, so if you don't go to Forest Hills first, you have to pay the regular fare from Baldwin to Forest Hills, which is likely more than $4.
Mar 5th, 2013, 05:40 AM
#22
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Doug, I did warn the OP about the higher fare on the NJ portion of a taxi originating in NYC. It used to be that it was double only from the point of exit of NYC to the destination but not double the entire fare. I stand corrected as it looks like now it is only a negotiated fare, NOT by meter (so we're both wrong)
"On trips beyond New York City, all necessary tolls to and from the destination shall be paid by the passenger.
Trips Beyond the City
For a trip beyond the limits of New York City, except Westchester or Nassau Counties, or Newark Airport, the fare shall be a flat rate (a flat rate is a definite amount fixed between the driver and the passenger at the start of the trip). This flat rate shall be negotiated prior to the trip and entered into the meter via the technology enhancements or TPEP system (when available) using Rate Code 5."
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/pas...cab_rate.shtml
You said that "You can load money onto a Metrocard and pay for each individual ride on the PATH and Subway"
Well you can now put unlimited and pay-per-ride fares on a single MetriCard so the OP could buy a 7 day unlimited for the subways and pay per ride for PATH and the card would sort it out. I'm not sure it's worth it for only 4 days but it is possible
"On trips beyond New York City, all necessary tolls to and from the destination shall be paid by the passenger.
Trips Beyond the City
For a trip beyond the limits of New York City, except Westchester or Nassau Counties, or Newark Airport, the fare shall be a flat rate (a flat rate is a definite amount fixed between the driver and the passenger at the start of the trip). This flat rate shall be negotiated prior to the trip and entered into the meter via the technology enhancements or TPEP system (when available) using Rate Code 5."
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/pas...cab_rate.shtml
You said that "You can load money onto a Metrocard and pay for each individual ride on the PATH and Subway"
Well you can now put unlimited and pay-per-ride fares on a single MetriCard so the OP could buy a 7 day unlimited for the subways and pay per ride for PATH and the card would sort it out. I'm not sure it's worth it for only 4 days but it is possible
Mar 5th, 2013, 06:24 AM
#23
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It's not worth it for the OP to buy a one-week Metrocard. It will almost certainly be cheaper to pay for each ride for a 4-day trip if 1 of those days is being spent in Long Island.
Regarding the taxi fares, though, either way, I think the OP is going to spend $150 or so for this ride in an NYC taxi. It will almost certainly be cheaper to take a car service.
Regarding the taxi fares, though, either way, I think the OP is going to spend $150 or so for this ride in an NYC taxi. It will almost certainly be cheaper to take a car service.
Mar 5th, 2013, 06:41 AM
#24
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Agree that the OP does not want a "limo" service. In NY language a "limo" is a stretch car - usually a Caddy - but can also be a Mercedes or Hummer or whatever, with TV and bar in the back - and sometimes all sorts of other amenities. These are way more expensive that sedans from car services.
A car service is just a full size sedan - usually a Lincoln town car - unless you say you have a lot of people or a huge amount of luggage - then they wil negotiate with you for a vehicle and a price..
I have noticed that in many other parts of the countries these sedans - and sometimes even vans - are called "limos" - although obviously they are nothing like one.
A car service is just a full size sedan - usually a Lincoln town car - unless you say you have a lot of people or a huge amount of luggage - then they wil negotiate with you for a vehicle and a price..
I have noticed that in many other parts of the countries these sedans - and sometimes even vans - are called "limos" - although obviously they are nothing like one.
Mar 5th, 2013, 07:29 AM
#25
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Ok, so: No real limo, no, we're simple people, a Chevy Impala would be acceptable.
As to the Metrocard, I understand it's worth it not only because there is some savings (according to their site) but for the convenience of going thru those turnstile for every ride. Or am I wrong?
As to the Metrocard, I understand it's worth it not only because there is some savings (according to their site) but for the convenience of going thru those turnstile for every ride. Or am I wrong?
Mar 5th, 2013, 08:06 AM
#26
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"As to the Metrocard, I understand it's worth it not only because there is some savings (according to their site) but for the convenience of going thru those turnstile for every ride. "
A MetroCard is the ONLY way to get into the subway system. Yo cannot pay cash to get through the turnstiles. You have to put money on a card, mostly through machines that take cash or credit card, or by cash purchase at an attended booth (which are less common than they used to be).
You just have to decide if you want unlimited rides-- the shortest time period you can buy is 7 days at $30-- or pay for each ride which probably makes the most sense. There is a small bonus amount (5%) on purchases of over $5 on the pay per ride.
We're saying that because you'll only be here 3-4 days and the unlimited part is only good for the NYC subway and bus system (not PATH or LIRR) it would probably cost less to buy "pay per ride" If you really think you'll be using the subway or buses 4 or 5 or more times per day, you may prefer the convenience of the unlimited . But it's still probably cheaper to get "pay per ride"
(Complicated? There are free transfers within the subway system and from bus-subway or subway-bus within a certain period of time. So even if you take a subway and then a crosstown bus, as long as they are within 2 hours of each other that'sactually only one fare...)
Convenience of a single card for PATH and Metrocard--yes.
A MetroCard is the ONLY way to get into the subway system. Yo cannot pay cash to get through the turnstiles. You have to put money on a card, mostly through machines that take cash or credit card, or by cash purchase at an attended booth (which are less common than they used to be).
You just have to decide if you want unlimited rides-- the shortest time period you can buy is 7 days at $30-- or pay for each ride which probably makes the most sense. There is a small bonus amount (5%) on purchases of over $5 on the pay per ride.
We're saying that because you'll only be here 3-4 days and the unlimited part is only good for the NYC subway and bus system (not PATH or LIRR) it would probably cost less to buy "pay per ride" If you really think you'll be using the subway or buses 4 or 5 or more times per day, you may prefer the convenience of the unlimited . But it's still probably cheaper to get "pay per ride"
(Complicated? There are free transfers within the subway system and from bus-subway or subway-bus within a certain period of time. So even if you take a subway and then a crosstown bus, as long as they are within 2 hours of each other that'sactually only one fare...)
Convenience of a single card for PATH and Metrocard--yes.
Mar 5th, 2013, 08:33 AM
#27
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OK, the pay per ride Metrocard is the answer, especially since we can share one card between the 3 of us, unlike the unlimited one (if I understand it right).
I guess I can load the card based on a minimum cost of $10 per person per day (PATH + subway = $5 p/p each way).
I guess I can load the card based on a minimum cost of $10 per person per day (PATH + subway = $5 p/p each way).
Mar 5th, 2013, 09:25 AM
#29
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"especially since we can share one card between the 3 of us, unlike the unlimited one (if I understand it right)."
Yes, you understand.
But,
"what would be the benefit to all of you sharing one card?"
I think it's better to have separate cards in case anyone wants to travel separately. The only benefit is that since there's now (as of 2 days ago) a charge for the actual card ($1) you'd save $2.
If you find a card that has been used,empty of $$ but not past the expiration date, you can reuse it to save the card cost. People have caught on to this and while you used to find cards near the vending machines in many stations, I haven't seen any since Sunday.)
Yes, you understand.
But,
"what would be the benefit to all of you sharing one card?"
I think it's better to have separate cards in case anyone wants to travel separately. The only benefit is that since there's now (as of 2 days ago) a charge for the actual card ($1) you'd save $2.
If you find a card that has been used,empty of $$ but not past the expiration date, you can reuse it to save the card cost. People have caught on to this and while you used to find cards near the vending machines in many stations, I haven't seen any since Sunday.)
Mar 5th, 2013, 11:27 AM
#30
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You're not going to get a Chevy anything. they are almost all Lincoln Towncars and almost always black. It's supposed to look professional - not housewife going to the mall.
And needs to be a full size car to hold up to 4 passengers plus luggage.
And needs to be a full size car to hold up to 4 passengers plus luggage.
Mar 5th, 2013, 01:57 PM
#32
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"You're not going to get a Chevy anything. they are almost all Lincoln Towncars and almost always black"
Not in my experience using these 2 services multiple times per year for more than 10 years.No they're not beat up cars, but definitely not all Lincoln Towncars.
And if you want a "full size car to hold up to 4 passengers plus luggage." you have to specify that in advance and possibly go up one category . I don't travel with that many people and suitcases so I've never ordered anything but the lowest category of car they offer. They've all been fine, but not all town cars.
"It's supposed to look professional - not housewife going to the mall."
These are not all high end "black car" companies and they do advertise using the cars to go shopping! Most of their business is airport runs, not executive transport
Not in my experience using these 2 services multiple times per year for more than 10 years.No they're not beat up cars, but definitely not all Lincoln Towncars.
And if you want a "full size car to hold up to 4 passengers plus luggage." you have to specify that in advance and possibly go up one category . I don't travel with that many people and suitcases so I've never ordered anything but the lowest category of car they offer. They've all been fine, but not all town cars.
"It's supposed to look professional - not housewife going to the mall."
These are not all high end "black car" companies and they do advertise using the cars to go shopping! Most of their business is airport runs, not executive transport
Mar 5th, 2013, 02:30 PM
#33
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I'm good. Got my info, and appreciate it.
It reminds me, years ago we landed in London and this guy with a small red, beat up Nissan showed up to pick us up. I couldn't believe he would fit us 4 with 4 large suitcases in that car, but he must have known his job, because he fit us all with our stuff and off we drove to the city.
It reminds me, years ago we landed in London and this guy with a small red, beat up Nissan showed up to pick us up. I couldn't believe he would fit us 4 with 4 large suitcases in that car, but he must have known his job, because he fit us all with our stuff and off we drove to the city.
Mar 6th, 2013, 06:45 AM
#34
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Well I have used them innumerble times and the only times I didn't get a Lincoln Town Care was when the vehicle closest was an SUV.
but it does depend on which service you use.
We have a local service we use for shorter trips and they have all types of vehicles.
but it does depend on which service you use.
We have a local service we use for shorter trips and they have all types of vehicles.
Mar 6th, 2013, 12:17 PM
#35
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Hi there, I've lived in Jersey City for 4 years (and commuted to work in NYC) and just want to chime in here.
You do NOT need the light rail. It's a walk of 10 minutes at the most to the Exchange Place PATH station. It's a very safe area. Taking the light rail for what would amount to a 30-second ride would be a waste of your money.
I would humbly say that the amount of time you will be in the PATH station is probably 20 minutes or less. For people here to say that a lot of your time will be eaten up commuting is disingenuous. For instance, if you stayed in NYC in a hotel on the Upper West Side and wanted to get there from Times Square, it's the same 20 minutes on public transportation.
The PATH goes into the wee hours of the morning. It is not only for commuters. However, during the morning and evening rush hour the trains run every 5-8 minutes; during non-rush it can be 15 minutes between trains -- maybe that's what the other poster was referring to. But it's not an hour between trains. Many times my DH and I came back from the theater or an evening out, past midnight. The stations are lit, and clean (enough) and there's always people waiting to go home.
I know people on this forum don't believe it, but staying in Jersey City, IMHO, is a wonderful option for people who wish to visit NYC but just can't afford the city's hotel prices. I don't feel that a 15- or 20-minute train ride is so onerous. The waterfront area is very nice in Jersey City -- plus you get the added bonus of seeing the city all lit up from across the river. It's beautiful at dusk.
You do NOT need the light rail. It's a walk of 10 minutes at the most to the Exchange Place PATH station. It's a very safe area. Taking the light rail for what would amount to a 30-second ride would be a waste of your money.
I would humbly say that the amount of time you will be in the PATH station is probably 20 minutes or less. For people here to say that a lot of your time will be eaten up commuting is disingenuous. For instance, if you stayed in NYC in a hotel on the Upper West Side and wanted to get there from Times Square, it's the same 20 minutes on public transportation.
The PATH goes into the wee hours of the morning. It is not only for commuters. However, during the morning and evening rush hour the trains run every 5-8 minutes; during non-rush it can be 15 minutes between trains -- maybe that's what the other poster was referring to. But it's not an hour between trains. Many times my DH and I came back from the theater or an evening out, past midnight. The stations are lit, and clean (enough) and there's always people waiting to go home.
I know people on this forum don't believe it, but staying in Jersey City, IMHO, is a wonderful option for people who wish to visit NYC but just can't afford the city's hotel prices. I don't feel that a 15- or 20-minute train ride is so onerous. The waterfront area is very nice in Jersey City -- plus you get the added bonus of seeing the city all lit up from across the river. It's beautiful at dusk.
Mar 6th, 2013, 03:04 PM
#36
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Hikrchick, thanks for your encouraging information.... But... Last night my daughter came up with an alternative accommodation that looked so appealing inside that we made a reservation, though haven't yet cancelled the original one. It's The Box House Hotel, which is also like an Extended Stay style place. It's location is right next to the Pulaski Bridge, officially in Brooklyn, but much closer to Long Island City... It's new and absolutely charming with very spacious rooms, being modern and very European-style (we like Crate & Barrel and Ikea...). I was first turned off by it's location (what looks like an industrial area), but the reviews were SO good, and the price just slightly higher than the original place we reserved... They also offer free car service for close-by destinations (subway station or some nearby stores).
The place is also MUCH closer to LGA, so it should be easier on our arriving night... But my daughter also mentioned an airport shuttle available... So now I'm wondering:
Do we still prefer a car service over a taxi?
Do we want to use that airport shuttle?
The place is also MUCH closer to LGA, so it should be easier on our arriving night... But my daughter also mentioned an airport shuttle available... So now I'm wondering:
Do we still prefer a car service over a taxi?
Do we want to use that airport shuttle?
Mar 6th, 2013, 05:27 PM
#38
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Just so you know, this is one of the most isolated, transit-poor areas of the entire city. So if they don't come through with the service, you are stuck with absolutely no options for transit and nothing whatsoever late at night. This is not really something I'd chance. It's not the industrial nature of the area, it's the isolation, at least 45 minutes by any transit to Manhattan. Even if you are taken to the nearest subway, it does NOT go into Manhattan. It just connects with other subway lines in Queens and Brooklyn and is often offline on the weekends. So you've been warned, and I'll step out of that part of the conversation now.
As for airport transportation, take a regular taxi. No reason to get a car service TO the hotel, but you will absolutely have to get one FROM the hotel since there will be no yellow taxis anywhere in the area.
Good luck. Not the choice I'd have made or would ever recommend, but it does look like a nice place.
As for airport transportation, take a regular taxi. No reason to get a car service TO the hotel, but you will absolutely have to get one FROM the hotel since there will be no yellow taxis anywhere in the area.
Good luck. Not the choice I'd have made or would ever recommend, but it does look like a nice place.
Mar 6th, 2013, 05:29 PM
#39
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So I see that the hotel's web site says it's a 10-minute walk across the Pulaski Bridge to the Vernon-Jackson stop on the 7. That's definitely close to Manhattan, but its not a walk I'd make at night. So please do report back and give us a report on the location and transit options.
Mar 6th, 2013, 05:38 PM
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I have looked at the Box and can;t seem to find the subway station they are talking about - Vernon/Jackson - which is apparently in Queens - not just a couple of blocks but a long trek. I would double check the location - since Queens or Brooklyn that is NOT right on top of a subway station is fatal. And I would never want a hotel near the Pulaski Skyway.
