driving JFK airport at rush hour
Aug 20th, 2002 | 11:36 AM
#1
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driving JFK airport at rush hour
We arrive at JFK on a Friday at 4 PM and need to drive north to New Paltz. Websites direct me over the GW bridge if I state New Paltz as destination, but direct me to Hutchinson River Parkway if I state Poughkeepsie. Isn't the Van Wyck impossible, and are there any alternatives. We may just sleep at an inexpensive motel near the airport if traffic is horrid. Suggestions?
Aug 20th, 2002 | 02:14 PM
#2
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I would think that the Van Wyck would be horrible in the opposite direction - towards the airport.
As for other roads, your best bet may be just to listen to AM radio (1010 WINS or 880) as you are leaving the airport to see which bridges are the least backed-up. The Tappan Zee Bridge is another option...it's right on the Thruway which runs northwest from NYC and has an exit in New Paltz.
Next time, if you can, fly into Newark instead - it's a much easier ride from there (1.5 hours vs 2.5, roughly).
As for other roads, your best bet may be just to listen to AM radio (1010 WINS or 880) as you are leaving the airport to see which bridges are the least backed-up. The Tappan Zee Bridge is another option...it's right on the Thruway which runs northwest from NYC and has an exit in New Paltz.
Next time, if you can, fly into Newark instead - it's a much easier ride from there (1.5 hours vs 2.5, roughly).
Aug 20th, 2002 | 02:17 PM
#3
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Hi Carol,
Yes, traffic will be at its height on late Friday afternoon but if you're patient there is no need to spend the night at JFK and then drive to New Paltz. Now, for directions. I went to college for a year in NP and drove back and forth to New York all the time. Take the Van Wyck (yes it will be crowded but what can you do!)to the Whitestone Bridge. From the bridge take the Hutchinson River Pkway north to 684 to 84 West- Newburg Beacon Bridge. Cross the Bridge and then head North on the Thruway 87 about 20 miles to the New Paltz exit. Others may disagree with these directions but believe me it is the most pleasant route (the GWB route may cut a few miles off the trip but may add a lot more time and aggravation.) The GW Bridge route will most likely put you in a traffic nightmare so I would strongly discourage that alternative!
Yes, traffic will be at its height on late Friday afternoon but if you're patient there is no need to spend the night at JFK and then drive to New Paltz. Now, for directions. I went to college for a year in NP and drove back and forth to New York all the time. Take the Van Wyck (yes it will be crowded but what can you do!)to the Whitestone Bridge. From the bridge take the Hutchinson River Pkway north to 684 to 84 West- Newburg Beacon Bridge. Cross the Bridge and then head North on the Thruway 87 about 20 miles to the New Paltz exit. Others may disagree with these directions but believe me it is the most pleasant route (the GWB route may cut a few miles off the trip but may add a lot more time and aggravation.) The GW Bridge route will most likely put you in a traffic nightmare so I would strongly discourage that alternative!
Aug 21st, 2002 | 05:23 AM
#5
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John's Suggestion is great.
After crossing the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge stay on Route 84 west.
The exit for New York State Thruway is 7.
The route leading to the Tappan Zee Bridge is under construction and it is terrible every night and especially Friday. Forget the GWB!!
One suggestion I do have is perhaps stopping for a bite to eat and getting on the road after 6PM or so. Post here. I can recommend some pretty good restaurants not too far from JFK if you are interested.
