Driving into NYC-Have directions from Mapquest- any input greatly appreciated
Nov 15th, 2003, 05:12 PM
#1
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Driving into NYC-Have directions from Mapquest- any input greatly appreciated
Hi everyone,
We will be coming into NYC on Sunday, Dec. 21 hopefully as early as possible (around 8:30-9 am) from Berwick, PA. We leave on Tues., Dec. 23. I have researched the advice on the forum about the ferry, bus, trains, etc. The earliest departure times I could find to "park and ride" on any of those was in the 10:00- 10:30 range. So, I think we are going to drive in order to get there as early as possible. I went on Mapquest- here is an abbreviated version of the directions given to our hotel:
1. I-80 East
2. I-280E via Exit 47A toward the ORANGES/NEWARK
3. Take exit 16E toward Lincoln Tunnel
4. Merge to NJ TPKE N/I95N
5. Merge onto I-495E
6. Take L exit toward 10 AVE/POINTS NORTH/WEST Side HWY
7. Straight to Dyer AVE.
8. RT on W. 42 St
9. Left onto 8th ave
10. Right onto W. 57th street
11. Right onto Park Ave.
We are staying at the Drake Swissotel. I called the hotel and was qouted $25/day. iconparking calculations came out to $71 so I guess we will park in the hotel garage. I read on one of the threads about aquiring an EZPass to use on the tolls- can we get one ahead of time? Where? Do any of you have any better routes that may not be as busy? Then there is the leaving on Tuesday problem. When we leave at 10:00ish, is what is best route out? I will Mapquest that, too, but if there are any tricks...Owen_Oneill has told me about the 301 route back to Richmond, VA which we will definitely do. Sorry this is so long- I really do appreciate anyone taking their time to help! I also am planning to call AAA to get their trip planner, but there is nothing like people who actually do the driving to give the best advice! Have a nice weekend!
We will be coming into NYC on Sunday, Dec. 21 hopefully as early as possible (around 8:30-9 am) from Berwick, PA. We leave on Tues., Dec. 23. I have researched the advice on the forum about the ferry, bus, trains, etc. The earliest departure times I could find to "park and ride" on any of those was in the 10:00- 10:30 range. So, I think we are going to drive in order to get there as early as possible. I went on Mapquest- here is an abbreviated version of the directions given to our hotel:
1. I-80 East
2. I-280E via Exit 47A toward the ORANGES/NEWARK
3. Take exit 16E toward Lincoln Tunnel
4. Merge to NJ TPKE N/I95N
5. Merge onto I-495E
6. Take L exit toward 10 AVE/POINTS NORTH/WEST Side HWY
7. Straight to Dyer AVE.
8. RT on W. 42 St
9. Left onto 8th ave
10. Right onto W. 57th street
11. Right onto Park Ave.
We are staying at the Drake Swissotel. I called the hotel and was qouted $25/day. iconparking calculations came out to $71 so I guess we will park in the hotel garage. I read on one of the threads about aquiring an EZPass to use on the tolls- can we get one ahead of time? Where? Do any of you have any better routes that may not be as busy? Then there is the leaving on Tuesday problem. When we leave at 10:00ish, is what is best route out? I will Mapquest that, too, but if there are any tricks...Owen_Oneill has told me about the 301 route back to Richmond, VA which we will definitely do. Sorry this is so long- I really do appreciate anyone taking their time to help! I also am planning to call AAA to get their trip planner, but there is nothing like people who actually do the driving to give the best advice! Have a nice weekend!
Nov 15th, 2003, 06:18 PM
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The directions to the hotel are just fine. NOTE: when emerging from the Lincoln Tunnel - get into the far left lane as soon as you can for the exit to Dyer Ave - you'll probably see the signs, but sometimes not. Otherwise, you'll miss it and drive many blocks out of your way.
Also, call the hotel. Often the drive up entrance (or garage entrance, if you're planning to park in their garage) is NOT the same as the main hotel entrance.
You'll have no problem driving to the hotel on a Sunday morning. If you're interested in more economical parking, go to www.iconparking.com. We do this all the time. Usually, you can park within several blocks for substantial savings (although it might require a bit longer walk in the neighborhood of the Drake). Drop everyone else and the luggage off at the hotel, then head for the garage. Even if you taxi back to the hotel, the savings can be substantial. Unless you're familiar with the neighborhoods, don't necessarily select the very cheapest garage. They're probably all just fine, but you never know...
Also, call the hotel. Often the drive up entrance (or garage entrance, if you're planning to park in their garage) is NOT the same as the main hotel entrance.
You'll have no problem driving to the hotel on a Sunday morning. If you're interested in more economical parking, go to www.iconparking.com. We do this all the time. Usually, you can park within several blocks for substantial savings (although it might require a bit longer walk in the neighborhood of the Drake). Drop everyone else and the luggage off at the hotel, then head for the garage. Even if you taxi back to the hotel, the savings can be substantial. Unless you're familiar with the neighborhoods, don't necessarily select the very cheapest garage. They're probably all just fine, but you never know...
Nov 16th, 2003, 06:46 AM
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KandKmom....
The directions are fine. The $25 daily parking rate for NYC is great. You do not have to worry about where the hotel's parking garage is, because they park the car for you. You drive up to the hotel, and the doorman will give you a ticket/number for your car. (Like valet parking.) The hotel often uses several garages to accomodate their guests cars, so you may not know which garage your car is in.
If you do not already have ezpass, I would not get one just for the trip to NYC from PA. You can use cash at the toll, and the Lincoln Tunnel toll is paid only going INTO Manhattan. Have a great trip. Make sure you go to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and the angels.
The directions are fine. The $25 daily parking rate for NYC is great. You do not have to worry about where the hotel's parking garage is, because they park the car for you. You drive up to the hotel, and the doorman will give you a ticket/number for your car. (Like valet parking.) The hotel often uses several garages to accomodate their guests cars, so you may not know which garage your car is in.
If you do not already have ezpass, I would not get one just for the trip to NYC from PA. You can use cash at the toll, and the Lincoln Tunnel toll is paid only going INTO Manhattan. Have a great trip. Make sure you go to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and the angels.
Nov 16th, 2003, 09:40 AM
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8. RT on W. 42 St
9. Left onto 8th ave
10. Right onto W. 57th street
11. Right onto Park Ave.
Sorry to throw a wrench into this, but can you make a "left" from 42nd Street into 8th Avenue?
Since the Drake Swisshotel entrance is on E56 St., between Madison at corner of Park Ave. in order to come up to the entrance, you would have to drive to E55 St., make a right to Madison Ave (1-block) another right to E56 St., another right into E56 St. to the hotel which is on your left.
Alternative - on W57th St. to Fifth Avenue, right turn into Fifth Ave.,immediately move to left on 5th Ave, at next block E56St, left into E56St. for 1-1/2 blocks (Madison then Park). Hotel entrance on left, right before Park Avenue.
9. Left onto 8th ave
10. Right onto W. 57th street
11. Right onto Park Ave.
Sorry to throw a wrench into this, but can you make a "left" from 42nd Street into 8th Avenue?
Since the Drake Swisshotel entrance is on E56 St., between Madison at corner of Park Ave. in order to come up to the entrance, you would have to drive to E55 St., make a right to Madison Ave (1-block) another right to E56 St., another right into E56 St. to the hotel which is on your left.
Alternative - on W57th St. to Fifth Avenue, right turn into Fifth Ave.,immediately move to left on 5th Ave, at next block E56St, left into E56St. for 1-1/2 blocks (Madison then Park). Hotel entrance on left, right before Park Avenue.
Nov 16th, 2003, 09:46 AM
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Don't trust directions from MapQuest, especially in NYC. They tend to include all kinds of extra, long-route, directions. Your best bet is to get a TripTik from AAA and follow that.
Be careful reading signs once you get into the city.... there are certain streets in Midtown where you cannot make a left turn at certain hours of the day. It's a big ticket!
Be careful reading signs once you get into the city.... there are certain streets in Midtown where you cannot make a left turn at certain hours of the day. It's a big ticket!
Nov 16th, 2003, 02:47 PM
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Many thanks to you that replied- this is why I love this forum, everyone is so helpful and kind. Sandi, the alternative you suggested looks much easier! Does anyone know for sure if you can take a left from 42nd onto 8th ave? If not, could we turn left on 9th and go to 57th Street? GatorLady, I will do the Triptik from AAA, also. I am trying to familiarize myself with this as much as I can. (As I sit here scrutinizing my NYC map
) Is AAA more dependable than Mapquest? Thanks so much thus far! YOu all are the best!
) Is AAA more dependable than Mapquest? Thanks so much thus far! YOu all are the best!
Nov 16th, 2003, 04:21 PM
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When you are still in NJ tune your radio to 880 AM to hear traffic reports. If the GW Bridge is moving this is the route I would follow. I 80 right to the bridge. When you have crossed the bridge take the Henry HUdson Parkway southbound (DOWNTOWN) to W. 57th ST. Make a left onto 57th and go straight ahead to Park Avenue. Make a right onto Park. If a left is not allowed on W.57th make a left onto 56th. Go one block to 11th Ave., make a left, go to 57th and make a right. I heard they have changed the traffic patterns when you exit the tunnel so follow the signs directing you UPTOWN. If the traffic patterns have not changed get to the right when you exit the tunnel. Make a left onto 40th Street. Go to 8th Ave and make a left.
Nov 16th, 2003, 04:42 PM
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Not to put a damper on your planning - but driving in Midtown Manhattan at 9:00AM on Sunday is really pretty easy. (As long as it's not Marathon Sunday . . .) Relax, just stay alert - park your car and forget it for a few days in the hotel garage - that's a good price in midtown. The entrance to the garage for the Drake is on 56th between Park and Madison (closer to Madison.) Remember EVEN numbered streets head EAST. The through street rules only apply Monday thru Friday. The hotel Bell station will direct you to the garage - and don't worry so much!
Nov 16th, 2003, 05:08 PM
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In my previous note I wrote "make a left onto W.40th". You make a right onto W.40th. I agree with what MP wrote. You should have no traffic problems that early on Sunday morning. But do listen to traffic reports to make sure traffic is moving on whatever route you choose to follow.
