I'm trying to plan a trip to visit my brother at Wagner College, Staten Island, NY this fall. What airport is best to go to? Is it worth renting a car to drive on Staten Island, but then take taxis when we go to the city? I have no idea how expensive the taxi rides would be for around Staten Island, from the airport etc. I know not to dare drive in NYC!! Also what is a nice but cheap hotel to stay at on Staten Island? Any answers will be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance!

Renting a car for Staten Island is good but not for NYC. CAb fares could add up but parking lot fees add up quicker. Many place sto vist. Check out Zagat or Fodors.

A taxi to the city from Staten Island is going to include a $7 bridge toll - it will be expensive. Probably best and least expensive way to the city is public transportation in SI ($1.50 a person), ferry to the city (free) and then subway to where you are going (1.50 a person).
There is also an express bus to get to the city. NOt sure of cost but last I heard it was around $4.

The closest airport to Staten Island is Newark Airport. That is your best bet, hands down.
Definately rent a car. From Newark to Wagner College is about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
You will need a car while on Staten Island. There is bus service, but it might be incovienient to get certain places at certain times.
In terms of a hotel, the best choice might be the Staten Island Hotel. Otherwise, you're only other option is a Downtown Manhattan hotel, which could be expensive.

I would not recommend driving into NY, especially if you have not done it before.
You can drive to the Staten Island Ferry or take a bus from Wagner. Take the Ferry into NY, it is free and about 1/2 hours. Several subway lines are close to the Ferry or just grab a cab.

A friend of mine recently stayed at a B&B on Staten Island with his wife for $69 per night and they loved it. You might want to consider something like that instead of a hotel. If you'd like the name and more info, write to me and I'll get it from him.

Thanks for all the advice-I really appreciate it!! To Philip (or anyone else that may know the answer)-have you heard of any other hotels on Staten Island? There were a few that I was looking into that had really good prices (under $90 a night). Do you know anything about these? Philip only mentioned one being on SI (SI Hotel). I'm thinking the others may be pretty awful then.

Topper!!!!