Driving into Manhattan route?
 

Will be driving from Ocean City, NJ & dropping our rental car off near the Port Authority (11th & 41st). Will be a Thursday ~5PM.

Looks like the Lincoln tunnel is right near our drop off. Any reason to consider a different route into the city? What tolls will I need to pay?

Listen 1010 or 880 AM to see if there are any major problems with what they will call the "inbound" Lincoln Tunnel. If there is a problem with Lincoln Tunnel take the Holland Tunnel. Do not take the George Washington Bridge which will take you way out of the way.

There will be tolls on the NJ Turnpike and for any tunnel.

The Lincoln Tunnel Toll at that time is $13 ($11 with EZ Pass). Don;t know the cost of the Thruway for those exists but you google to get specifics.

Suggest you plan another time unless you want major headache.

Can't think of a worse time to be doing thus, but that is your route. Really the only one possible whether or not there's a problem. Just be patient and by no means take the Holland Tunnel.

would it be possible to drop off the rental car in nj instead of ny? Newark airport and then take train such as nj transit into manhattan? it will be a major headache coming into manhattan at that time of day.

I realize the timing isn't great, but asking 2 teens to cut short their last day at the beach isn't a popular decision either.

Considered dropping the car at Newark airport, but I don't think it would save much time & we'd have to deal with the luggage.

If anything, I'd consider entering the city a few hours later

Yes, extend your time at the beach and come in a bit later. Do not use the Holland Tunnel, as there will be exceptionally bad traffic there for the next two years as the Pulaski Skyway is renovated.

Agree, extend your time at the beach or stop for dinner somewhere on route to NYC. Plan to arrive at the Lincoln Tunnel area after 7:30PM - you'll miss most of the rush hour traffic.

The amount of traffic entering the Holland Tunnel, should not be different, but where the traffic comes from will.

The Pulaski Skyway is closed now so the Holland Tunnel is a bad idea. When are you doing this? Coming later is the better idea. 5 pm is the WORST time to arrive. Stay at teh ebach and arrive 7:30 or later.

Took the Holland Tunnel tonight into the City at 8 PM, it was like driving at 3 AM, zoomed through.

Maybe people are afraid of the traffic at the Holland Tunnel now. The OP doesn't say precisely when this trip will happen, but I'm sure the fear will wear off soon.