8 Hours in EWR = trip to Manhattan??
Aug 9th, 2011, 01:10 PM
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8 Hours in EWR = trip to Manhattan??
Hey Everyone!
Two Canadian here heading to DUBLIN, IRELAND for two weeks in October and will be arriving at Newark Liberty (EWR) at 10:46 AM with a connection to Dublin International (DUB) at 7:10 PM.
This will leave us with a layover in EWR for 8 hours and 24 minutes, plenty of time to visit Midtown Manhattan for the afternoon, maybe? Just thought we'd get the opinions of some locals or frequent travellers who may influence our decision to visit NYC while waiting for our connecting flight to DUB.
Lets say: 1 hour to Manhattan = 7hours; 1 hour back to EWR = 6 hours; 2 hours for security at EWR = 4 hours + 24 minutes. Plenty of time to take in Time Square, and maybe some more sights in Manhattan. What else would you recommend? Rockefeller Center and Central Park maybe?
Or perhaps we're just INSANE and shouldn't consider such a trip to NYC while waiting for our connecting flight to DUB, it's jus so tempting!
Thanks.
Two Canadian here heading to DUBLIN, IRELAND for two weeks in October and will be arriving at Newark Liberty (EWR) at 10:46 AM with a connection to Dublin International (DUB) at 7:10 PM.
This will leave us with a layover in EWR for 8 hours and 24 minutes, plenty of time to visit Midtown Manhattan for the afternoon, maybe? Just thought we'd get the opinions of some locals or frequent travellers who may influence our decision to visit NYC while waiting for our connecting flight to DUB.
Lets say: 1 hour to Manhattan = 7hours; 1 hour back to EWR = 6 hours; 2 hours for security at EWR = 4 hours + 24 minutes. Plenty of time to take in Time Square, and maybe some more sights in Manhattan. What else would you recommend? Rockefeller Center and Central Park maybe?
Or perhaps we're just INSANE and shouldn't consider such a trip to NYC while waiting for our connecting flight to DUB, it's jus so tempting!
Thanks.
Aug 9th, 2011, 01:22 PM
#2
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You can have lunch in Manhattan and then walk around.
I would however spring for a cab, so that you do not take various trains and first wind up at Penn Station.
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-g...portation.html
We once had a shorter layover at Rome and took a cab into the city, had lunch and headed back. It is better than spending all that time at the airport.
I would however spring for a cab, so that you do not take various trains and first wind up at Penn Station.
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-g...portation.html
We once had a shorter layover at Rome and took a cab into the city, had lunch and headed back. It is better than spending all that time at the airport.
Aug 9th, 2011, 01:33 PM
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Yes, plenty of time to pop into Manhattan and will probably be in Midtown by noon, giving you a nice amount of time to enjoy the city.
But I have to strongly and adamantly disagree with Aduchamp about the taxi. Not only will it cost double the round-trip train fare for just a one-way taxi ride (and that is for the two of you), it will also get you stuck in traffic during the busy part of the day. The Lincoln Tunnel does get backed up during the middle of the day and can easily add 30 minutes to your trip into Manhattan, if not more, so the train to Penn Station is by far your best bet ... don't do the bus either for the same reason, even though it's marginally cheaper than the train.
I'll amend my warning if you are doing this on a Saturday, but not a Sunday. You could take a taxi, but it's still really expensive to do this from EWR. Your wallet will thank you for taking the train.
Make sure to get back 90 minutes before your flight; that should be enough as long as you have your bags checked all the way through to Dublin (it's not as if you have to check in or anything ... you've already done that).
If you haven't been to Manhattan before, then walk up to Times Square from Penn Station and then over to Rock Center. Stop somewhere for lunch, and hit Top of the Rock if it's a clear day (if not, there are things to do indoors).
You don't say what day you'll be arriving. That does matter as it affects what's open and how busy things are. But this sounds like a very do-able plan to me.
But I have to strongly and adamantly disagree with Aduchamp about the taxi. Not only will it cost double the round-trip train fare for just a one-way taxi ride (and that is for the two of you), it will also get you stuck in traffic during the busy part of the day. The Lincoln Tunnel does get backed up during the middle of the day and can easily add 30 minutes to your trip into Manhattan, if not more, so the train to Penn Station is by far your best bet ... don't do the bus either for the same reason, even though it's marginally cheaper than the train.
I'll amend my warning if you are doing this on a Saturday, but not a Sunday. You could take a taxi, but it's still really expensive to do this from EWR. Your wallet will thank you for taking the train.
Make sure to get back 90 minutes before your flight; that should be enough as long as you have your bags checked all the way through to Dublin (it's not as if you have to check in or anything ... you've already done that).
If you haven't been to Manhattan before, then walk up to Times Square from Penn Station and then over to Rock Center. Stop somewhere for lunch, and hit Top of the Rock if it's a clear day (if not, there are things to do indoors).
You don't say what day you'll be arriving. That does matter as it affects what's open and how busy things are. But this sounds like a very do-able plan to me.
Aug 9th, 2011, 02:46 PM
#5
I've done this before with a 7 hr layover. Definitely reccomend the train. Lots less stressful and cheaper too. When you get off the train, check the schedule for the train backs to Newark, so you don't waste time (or miss the train) on the way back. You could even buy your tickets at that time just to be safe.
Aug 9th, 2011, 03:35 PM
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AirTrain from EWR and on to NY Penn Station via NJ Transit sounds like a viable plan. $12.50 one way gets you to NY Penn in approx 30 min. It is a Saturday so I am guessing it is less busy than a weekday? Less trains too?
NJ Transit Train 7828 departs EWR 12:06 PM and arrives NY Penn Station at 12:36 PM. And heading back to EWR NJ Transit Train 7257 departs NY Penn Station 4:07 PM and arrives EWR at 4:30 PM. Leaving 2.5 hours to clear security and get to our gate for DUB.
How far a walk is Time Square from NY Penn Station? And from there to Rockefeller Center? Guess it doesn't really matter but we come from a small town of 10,000. HAHA!
NJ Transit Train 7828 departs EWR 12:06 PM and arrives NY Penn Station at 12:36 PM. And heading back to EWR NJ Transit Train 7257 departs NY Penn Station 4:07 PM and arrives EWR at 4:30 PM. Leaving 2.5 hours to clear security and get to our gate for DUB.
How far a walk is Time Square from NY Penn Station? And from there to Rockefeller Center? Guess it doesn't really matter but we come from a small town of 10,000. HAHA!
Aug 9th, 2011, 03:37 PM
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We are hoping Continental will be able to check our luggage through to DUB from YYT. Thus we won't have to deal with them in EWR and only having small enough carry-ons to take with us on oue trip into Midtown Manhattan.
Aug 9th, 2011, 04:13 PM
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This can work if
1) your luggage is checked all the way through and you are checked in to your ongoing flight
2) you incoming flight is on time - check the frequency of this in advance - so you aren;t disappointed (some flights into EWR are late most of the time)
From Penn Station (NYC _ NOT Penn Station Newark) to walk to Times Square takes about 10 minutes - just walk straight up 7th Ave. to walk to Rock Center is about another 10 minutes.
You easily have time to ascend Top of the rock, look around those areas, drop into St Pat's and get a decent lunch
1) your luggage is checked all the way through and you are checked in to your ongoing flight
2) you incoming flight is on time - check the frequency of this in advance - so you aren;t disappointed (some flights into EWR are late most of the time)
From Penn Station (NYC _ NOT Penn Station Newark) to walk to Times Square takes about 10 minutes - just walk straight up 7th Ave. to walk to Rock Center is about another 10 minutes.
You easily have time to ascend Top of the rock, look around those areas, drop into St Pat's and get a decent lunch
Aug 9th, 2011, 06:14 PM
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Your plan to visit NYC will work. One thing to take note of is the difficult to decipher signage in Penn Station, which serves three different railroads plus the NYC subway.
On your return trip, it will not necessarily be obvious how to get from street level to NJTransit if you enter Penn Station at the main entrance on Seventh across from 32nd. You might be better off if you enter at Seventh and 31st, which leads directly to NJTransit without the potentially confusing (for visitors) maze of corridors and passageways that passes for a railroad station.
Also, note that NJTransit trains are not posted until about 10 minutes before they are scheduled to depart, which leaves throngs of people waiting (even on weekends) to see which track they must make their way to.
On your return trip, it will not necessarily be obvious how to get from street level to NJTransit if you enter Penn Station at the main entrance on Seventh across from 32nd. You might be better off if you enter at Seventh and 31st, which leads directly to NJTransit without the potentially confusing (for visitors) maze of corridors and passageways that passes for a railroad station.
Also, note that NJTransit trains are not posted until about 10 minutes before they are scheduled to depart, which leaves throngs of people waiting (even on weekends) to see which track they must make their way to.
Aug 10th, 2011, 05:04 AM
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Thanks everyone for all your help, we greatly appreciate it!
Cheers to "bspielman" for explaining the NJ Transit at NY Penn, I think I am comfortable getting around Midtown for a few hours but never taken a train before seems a little daunting. So thanks for the pointer on Seventh & 31st!
We used Google Maps at street level to guide us around Midtown, think we are going to head over to the Empire State building to the observation decks on 86th & 102nd. Then maybe Hard Rock Cafe for lunch and walk to Time Square and some of Broadway after...think there is enough time?
We are definitely coming back to NYC for a full trip, this is our first time and want to get a taste to come back in the near future!
Cheers to "bspielman" for explaining the NJ Transit at NY Penn, I think I am comfortable getting around Midtown for a few hours but never taken a train before seems a little daunting. So thanks for the pointer on Seventh & 31st!
We used Google Maps at street level to guide us around Midtown, think we are going to head over to the Empire State building to the observation decks on 86th & 102nd. Then maybe Hard Rock Cafe for lunch and walk to Time Square and some of Broadway after...think there is enough time?
We are definitely coming back to NYC for a full trip, this is our first time and want to get a taste to come back in the near future!
Aug 10th, 2011, 05:10 AM
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I don't want to be a nag, but these are both the two worst possible choices for a Saturday afternoon in NYC.
1. Hard Rock Cafe is in the midst of Times Square---directly on Broadway. So you'll be walking there before lunch. You'll be there during lunch. It will also be mobbed on a Saturday afternoon. I'd advise NOT eating there. Not only is it mediocre but also not all that good. If you want a great burger, it's worthwhile to take the same amount of time and eat at Shake Shack or Five Napkin Burger, both of which are nearby (Five Napkin Burger though, really requires a reservation since wait times can be 90 minutes on weekends).
2. Empire State Building on a Saturday afternoon will take a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, so if you do this, it will be basically the only thing you do. Seriously. Do Top of the Rock, which can be done comfortably in 1 hour. If you do Empire State Building, you might not have time to even go up to Times Square.
1. Hard Rock Cafe is in the midst of Times Square---directly on Broadway. So you'll be walking there before lunch. You'll be there during lunch. It will also be mobbed on a Saturday afternoon. I'd advise NOT eating there. Not only is it mediocre but also not all that good. If you want a great burger, it's worthwhile to take the same amount of time and eat at Shake Shack or Five Napkin Burger, both of which are nearby (Five Napkin Burger though, really requires a reservation since wait times can be 90 minutes on weekends).
2. Empire State Building on a Saturday afternoon will take a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, so if you do this, it will be basically the only thing you do. Seriously. Do Top of the Rock, which can be done comfortably in 1 hour. If you do Empire State Building, you might not have time to even go up to Times Square.
Aug 10th, 2011, 05:37 AM
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I agree with Doug.
Hard Rock Cafe is not the best choice for NYC. Choose someplace that is "local" rather than a chain.
Top of the Rock will fit better with your limited time, plus you will get great views of the Empire State Building for your photos.
Hard Rock Cafe is not the best choice for NYC. Choose someplace that is "local" rather than a chain.
Top of the Rock will fit better with your limited time, plus you will get great views of the Empire State Building for your photos.
Aug 10th, 2011, 06:21 AM
#13
Definitely (100%) ditch the idea of the ESB. It will take forever. The view is better from the top of the Rock (you will see the ESB instead of being in the ESB) and it takes a fraction of the time.
And the Hard Rock? Honestly?? If you feel you must go to a Hard Rock--go to the one in Dublin . . .
And the Hard Rock? Honestly?? If you feel you must go to a Hard Rock--go to the one in Dublin . . .
Aug 10th, 2011, 08:01 AM
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You're welcome, John. A bit more about NJTransit travel: Be sure to purchase your round-trip NJTransit tickets to NYPenn (not Newark Penn, the only intermediate stop on NJTransit from EWR to New York) from the vending machines in your arrival EWR terminal. The ticket price will include the off-airport AirTrain fee. If you buy tickets aboard a NJTransit train, there's a $5 surcharge per ticket if you had the opportunity to use a vending machine or ticket window.
Incidentally, I agree with those who are suggesting you substitute the Top of the Rock for the Empire State Building, for all of the reasons stated. And, surely, you can do better in Manhattan than The Hard Rock Cafe. To Doug Stallings' suggestions for a great burger, I'd add The Burger Joint, hidden off the street-level lobby of Le Parker Meridien on West 56th Street between Sixth and Seventh. http://www.parkermeridien.com/eat4.php
Incidentally, I agree with those who are suggesting you substitute the Top of the Rock for the Empire State Building, for all of the reasons stated. And, surely, you can do better in Manhattan than The Hard Rock Cafe. To Doug Stallings' suggestions for a great burger, I'd add The Burger Joint, hidden off the street-level lobby of Le Parker Meridien on West 56th Street between Sixth and Seventh. http://www.parkermeridien.com/eat4.php
Aug 10th, 2011, 09:23 AM
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If you want to spend a lot more money and time, you may consider Keen's. It is a New York institution and just tell them you are in a bit of a hurry.
It is near Penn Station.
http://www.keens.com/AboutKeens/
It is near Penn Station.
http://www.keens.com/AboutKeens/
Aug 10th, 2011, 10:13 AM
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Empire State Building is a REALLY bad idea. the line is usually hours long. There is no way you should do this. Top of the Rock typically has no lines - or a few minutes at most - so do that instead.
As for Hard Rock Cafe - don;t even think about it - thye have the same awful food they serve in aevery mall but at mich higher prices. Go to a decent local place serving fresh food - not a chain iwth frozen micro-nuked junk.
As for Hard Rock Cafe - don;t even think about it - thye have the same awful food they serve in aevery mall but at mich higher prices. Go to a decent local place serving fresh food - not a chain iwth frozen micro-nuked junk.
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