Day trip to NYC by car-- where should I park?
 

Hi all-- planning a trip with my family (me, husband, three teens) to Philadelphia next month, with a day trip to NYC to see a couple Broadway shows. The original plan was to park in Weehawken and take the ferry across to go see a matinee, but now we've got tickets for an evening show, too. I figure the show is over about 10:30, then we'll stop by the stage door, and start heading to the car 11PM ish. This is on a Wednesday night, by the way. From what I see, the final ferry of the night runs from Midtown to Weehawken at 12:30AM. So my question is, how safe is this, and are there any better options I'm missing? Driving directly into the city is doable, but I wonder if this is the best idea. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

If it were me I'd drive in...I do it often.

SusieQQ, do you have a parking garage recommendation convenient to Broadway? Thanks!

Not really. There are parking garages on every block in the theater district. Pick one near your evening show. All those streets are one way and since you will be heading back through the Lincoln Tunnel one that is on a westward street. That makes it easier to head out.

See if this helps:

https://iconparkingsystems.com/search

Hi there- a few options for you....

You could take a train directly from Philadelphia to NYC. You could take the speedy and expensive Amtrak, or you could take the less expensive SEPTA and NJ Transit Option.


Another idea is to park your car for free at Cornwells Heights and catch the train to New York....again either the Amtrak or SEPTA/NJ Transit.

I guess the main point I want to make is that you don't have to drive all the way up to Weehawken. There are many places to park and catch a train closer to Philly where you could relax on the train rather than deal with traffic.

All great options! Thanks everyone!

I also drive into the city all the time as well but I think SusieQ Q and I are in the minority. The trick is not to drive up there during rush hour. You can find coupons for most parking garages for a lower price as well. Just search NYC parking coupons. I prefer driving because then you don't have to worry about timing, etc and it's generally easier. however, if you get stuck in traffic, it's not fun, this is more likely to happen in the morning (on a Wed) so just check traffic on Google maps before you go to make sure you have a "green" path!

The ferry is NOT convenient.

Another good option is Amtrak Phila-Penn Station in NY - it's about $40 per person r/t. you would probably not mind walking to Times Square from there in the morning but might want to take a cab on your way back to the station at night if you're tired! Most of my friends prefer this option. I still find it quicker/easier to drive if you keep a close eye on traffic.

Thank you, Fishnlines29! We'd likely be arriving around 11AM or noon, so hopefully traffic will be a little less congested. Thanks for the coupon idea-- I wouldn't have thought of it. I'm thinking the train might be somewhat more expensive for a family of five than I would like to spend, but I believe I'm sold on the driving in and parking in a garage.

Have fun and remember to leave extra time. There is often a backup of 45 minutes to enter the LIncoln or Holland Tunnels heading to Manhattan.

I usually park on the edges of the West Side or the East side. West side would work better here. No specific rec, but a few blocks off the hub rates are less. And I agree. Do the math. We sometimes travel in from Yonkers because it is more direct and cheaper then the Metro. Same with cabs. We sometimes opt for a cab rather then a train when you add up the cost of each passenger.

There's an easy solution here. Park at the Port Authority. Drive in via the Lincoln Tunnel, then you drive directly onto a ramp onto the Port Authority rooftop parking area almost as you exit the tunnel and have easy access to the tunnel for the return to Philadelphia. There are ramps from both 39th and 40th Streets that lead right up to the roof. That really is the easiest day-trip parking you can get in NYC, and it's walkable to all the major Broadway theaters. I can't tell you about the cost, but it's pretty competitive because it's used by commuters.

If you choose not to do that there are a hundred garages and/or lots in the theater district.

Here is link to a Groupon Icon parking pass.

https://www.groupon.com/deals/icon-parking-102


Karen

I don't see any daily parking discounts on the groupon site. Just monthlies.

When I click on link, the first option is a 24 hour pass. Maybe check the Groupon site online and not the link I posted.

I'll click the link again.

Still shows a 24 hour pass in addition to monthly. The circle is already marked green, upper right alongside picture,


Karen

One more option, and my favorite when coming from the south: Drive to the Secaucus station and train in from there. I think the last train to Secaucus from Penn Station leaves something like 1 am.

I like the Secaucus option for a number of reasons:
There's a dedicated ramp off the NJ Tpke., meaning easy on/off for getting to and from Philly.
The train into the city only takes about 10 mins. If you drive in, that last leg -- going through the tunnel and into the city -- can be the longest part of the trip.
The station is clean, modern and well lighted.

Dear Abra-One problem w/ the train would be Penn Station. Where the Jersey trains end up. It's been a mess lately w/ signals, outdatd infrastructure etc etc. RE parking garages of which there are many in your destination area. You might google "spot hero " which gives great discounts on certain parking garages. So I'm recommending that you drive into the city. It will be an adventure.