need specific help LaGuardia to Stamford
Sep 26th, 2006, 12:57 PM
#21
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I agree with those posters who say you should just take the shuttle service. If you take public transportation, not only will you be adding a good hour to your travel time, but you run the risk of making a mistake, or even if you make it to 125th Street without a problem, you might have to wait a while before the train (not a great train station like Grand Central is...). Since the price differential is not that great, it really doesn't sound worth it!
I can see why I always try to travel off-peak into the city! It's almost a 50% price difference!
Hate to say it, but $55 sounds like a good price to me, too.
I can see why I always try to travel off-peak into the city! It's almost a 50% price difference!
Hate to say it, but $55 sounds like a good price to me, too.
Sep 26th, 2006, 03:32 PM
#22
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Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Fortunately, I think Becky has already made up her mind to take the M60 to 125th Street, but for others who are interested ...
The M60 starts/ends at LGA, so it empties. Pretty much everyone has luggage so that's no big deal.
The Metro North stop should be obvious .. half the people will get off the bus, and the driver will most likely announce it, particularly if Becky asks him to when she boards. Easy enough.
Once at the 125th Street station, there are only 2 tracks, and only one runs north, so only an idiot would miss the train or board the wrong train. (And I ride the trains all the time and have never encountered a fool like that.)
The neighborhood is perfectly safe at that hour and to suggest otherwise is probably the result of some insidious racism. Nice.
And, hello?, I did say that the tracks are upstairs. The station and ticket windows are DOWNSTAIRS, at street level. Have you ever even been to the 125th Street station, or are you too afraid of the black people?
Grand Central is a confusing maze. To send a neophyte there when the M60 option is available is asinine.
You've made the right and obvious choice, Becky. Just be patient and ASK if you have a question or concern.
(Jeez, what is it with people today? Full moon or something? Drugstore running low on estrogen??)
Fortunately, I think Becky has already made up her mind to take the M60 to 125th Street, but for others who are interested ...
The M60 starts/ends at LGA, so it empties. Pretty much everyone has luggage so that's no big deal.
The Metro North stop should be obvious .. half the people will get off the bus, and the driver will most likely announce it, particularly if Becky asks him to when she boards. Easy enough.
Once at the 125th Street station, there are only 2 tracks, and only one runs north, so only an idiot would miss the train or board the wrong train. (And I ride the trains all the time and have never encountered a fool like that.)
The neighborhood is perfectly safe at that hour and to suggest otherwise is probably the result of some insidious racism. Nice.
And, hello?, I did say that the tracks are upstairs. The station and ticket windows are DOWNSTAIRS, at street level. Have you ever even been to the 125th Street station, or are you too afraid of the black people?
Grand Central is a confusing maze. To send a neophyte there when the M60 option is available is asinine.
You've made the right and obvious choice, Becky. Just be patient and ASK if you have a question or concern.
(Jeez, what is it with people today? Full moon or something? Drugstore running low on estrogen??)
Sep 26th, 2006, 04:43 PM
#23
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I don;t think anyone suggested that 125th St is unsafe - just that it might be intimidating to someone who had never been to a big city before.
As for getting on the train at 125th St:
Going home in the evening the train is often crowdd with no or few seats and finding a comfy place/dealing with luggage would be a pain
I have seen way more than one person get on the wrong MetroNorth train at 125th - and end up on the Hudson line when they wanted Harlem - or viceversa.
Obviously the decision is up to the OP - but the bus to 125th to MetroNorth is not foolproof - and could be anxiety making.
As for getting on the train at 125th St:
Going home in the evening the train is often crowdd with no or few seats and finding a comfy place/dealing with luggage would be a pain
I have seen way more than one person get on the wrong MetroNorth train at 125th - and end up on the Hudson line when they wanted Harlem - or viceversa.
Obviously the decision is up to the OP - but the bus to 125th to MetroNorth is not foolproof - and could be anxiety making.
Sep 26th, 2006, 06:52 PM
#25
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To all posters, I thank you for your input. I am not "so stressed out" but rather want to be as informed as possible so as to make an educated decision that will suit me / my comfort level best. Having "step by step instructions" gives me great benchmarks and thus hopefully greatly reducing the chance of mistakes and wasting time. That's the purpose of a forum, correct? - allowing others to learn from your own personal experiences. I just don't want my experineces to suck that's why I'm doing the research. ALL the comments actually help - it (NY transit travel) is not super easy but with effort, luck, & other helpful people along the way I should be able to handle it. And save my $ to open a good gelateria in NY!
Sep 27th, 2006, 05:42 AM
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A couple observations:
1. The OP hasn't said how much, if any, luggage she'll be toting. It makes a difference in determining the best way of getting to Stamford. If it's a lot (admittedly a relative term), then the direct shuttle would be the way go....while the bus/train option would be cumbersome.
2. In debating the pluses and minuses of boarding the train at 125th St versus Grand Central, I don't think a verycrowded train will be a problem by the time the OP would actually board a train at 125th Street. Remember, her flight doesn't land until 6:30 p.m.
1. The OP hasn't said how much, if any, luggage she'll be toting. It makes a difference in determining the best way of getting to Stamford. If it's a lot (admittedly a relative term), then the direct shuttle would be the way go....while the bus/train option would be cumbersome.
2. In debating the pluses and minuses of boarding the train at 125th St versus Grand Central, I don't think a verycrowded train will be a problem by the time the OP would actually board a train at 125th Street. Remember, her flight doesn't land until 6:30 p.m.
Sep 27th, 2006, 06:14 AM
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I'm coming in very late to this debate and have NO personal experience with this trip BUT, when I look on the fare schedule for Metro North, the fare I see from GCT (Grand Central) to Stamford is $12.25 ONE way PEAK or $9.25 off peak if you buy the ticket at the station. This is considerably less than the $22 quoted at the top of thread. A roundtrip ticket is $23-24. What am I missing?
http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/ge...stat=ST%20%203
With this info and assuming you have more than carry on luggage, I'd take the Airport Express bus to Grand Central and the train from there.
http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/ge...stat=ST%20%203
With this info and assuming you have more than carry on luggage, I'd take the Airport Express bus to Grand Central and the train from there.
Sep 27th, 2006, 06:37 AM
#29
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Becky, you can find plenty of great gelati in New York, just not in the area you'll be traveling through on your way to Stamford (125th Street). I know of a few great ones in SoHo, for example, that compare favorably to Italy's best (and I just returned from 2+ weeks in Italy where I ate way too much gelati -- the best I tried was in Stresa, actually).
Sep 27th, 2006, 01:17 PM
#30
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My goal for luggage: 1 backpack I carry on. Plus I need extra room in case I see a pair of boots along the way/in Stamford I can't resist. (Is the dress code in NY still all black??) I guess I'll have to plan another NY trip at a later time that just hits all the great gelateria & pizza places!
Oct 3rd, 2006, 11:13 AM
#31
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I just wanted to post an update and thank everyone. I DID take the M60 to the 125th street station. (Thankfully another passenger helped me as the bus driver's English was impossible for me to understand. This nice passenger got off with me -though I'm pretty sure it wasn't his stop- and walked me to the station & I was glad as I would say the neighborhood looked a little rougher than my small town.) However, once at the 125th St station, I decided to take the short train ride to Grand Central as I'd never seen it before & didn't know when I would. I'm SO glad I did! It was beautiful, not overwhelming, and allowed me to get on the train in time for me to choose a nice seat. The train soon became VERY crowded (8:37 pm express).
I've compiled all your posts & summarized to make it easier for future people looking at this thread:
Take a charter bus from La Guardia to Grand Central Terminal. $12 one way and will drop you off directly outside of Grand Central. There is a bus right outside of baggage claim at the airport with an employee selling tickets. The bus leaves every 20 minutes. When you step off the plane follow the "Ground Transportation" sign. Once you get there ask anyone, they should be able to tell you where the bus stop is. Purchase a ticket from an employee wearing a safety vest and near the bus. The shuttle also stops at the "Port Authority" and "Penn" train stations, so be sure to get off at Grand Central.
If you are not familiar with Grand Central station, note that it's a station for the subway within NYC and also for trains to travel outside the city; you want to go to the train station part.
In the middle of the station is an information booth. It is the only structure in the middle of the floor and it is topped off with a Tiffany clock. It is impossible to miss. I would suggest talking to them once you arrive at Grand Central to find the correct train and the correct procedures for purchasing a ticket. Definitely purchase your ticket at the station at a window as it is considerably cheaper than purchasing one on the train.
Then from Grand Central, take the Metro North "New Haven" train line. Try to get an express to Stamford, where even if it continues on, Stamford will be the first main stop (it probably will stop first at 125th street, which is still in NYC). This costs around $12.25 to Stamford; after 8:00 pm it is reduced to $9.00. You can get a specific track number at the ticket window. (The trains are also listed on a big board above the window, but this may be hard for you follow). If you leave from GCT, stops are clearly listed at every track before you get on the train.
There are also local trains, with more frequent stops along the way. Get off at Stamford.
Train schedules: http://mta.info/mnr/html/planning/schedules/index.html
Taking a train out of 125th street in the early evening on a weekday means the chances for a seat are greatly diminished. Going home in the evening the train is often crowded with no or few seats and finding a comfy place/dealing with luggage would be a pain. Getting on at Grand Central, someone can board the train ahead of departure time (15-20 minutes before departing ensures you a good seat), get a seat, put their bags in the overhead rack, settle in, check with the conductors about destination in a timely manner, etc.
If you’ve never been to Grand Central Station, GO!!!! It is huge (tall) and has such character! Its enormous size is not overwhelming as far as locating your train so don’t be intimidated. The lower level of Grand Central is a huge food court with pretty decent food.
OR
You can also take a regular metro for $2 but it stops frequently since it is a normal city bus. At LGA, the M60 is very easy to find ... plenty of signs, or just ASK someone. When exiting the airport at the baggage claim, the bus stop is right across the first small road and you’ll see the bus route map kiosk. The M60 is a New York City bus with other middle-class travelers. Have $2 in change, not bills and when you board the bus. There is a dollar changer just inside the airport near the baggage claim. Put the change in a slot, no ticket -- you just pay when you board. Upon boarding the bus, ask the driver to tell you when you're at the Metro North stop. Take the M60 bus from LGA to the Metro North station in Manhattan, at the 125th Street, Lexington Avenue stop. The bus is empty at LaGuardia as the M60 starts/ends there. Traveling with bags on the bus sometimes gets to be a pain in the neck as there is nowhere to put your bags & the bus gets more & more crowded @ every stop. The ride to the Harlem 125th Street Metro North station is 30-90 minutes, across the Triborough Bridge depending on traffic. You may also want to ask another passenger to tell you when you've arrived at the Metro North station bus stop as it may not be obvious because it may be dark out and you can’t see traffic signs and you’re not dropped directly in front of the station. (Sit on the left side of the bus for better views on Manhattan on the way in or sit on the right hand side of the bus if you want a chance to see the station where you will be getting off.) The driver will most likely announce the stop, particularly if asked to be notified when boarding. However, non-native speaking drivers are difficult to understand so be sure to ask another passenger too. When the bus stopped for the Metro North station, I had to take a left upon exiting the bus and walk about 25 yards to the station, which thankfully is on the same side of the street. It is a 2-story small station.
The 125th Metro North station is right there on the elevated platform above Lexington Ave.
Once at the Metro North station, go inside. The station and ticket windows are DOWNSTAIRS, at street level. Ask a clerk about purchasing a train ticket to Stamford. Buy your ticket at the Metro North window. The tracks are upstairs. There are only 2 tracks there so it's very easy to find your train. At the 125th St. station, make sure you board a "red" sided train, as this is the New Haven line. The blue sided trains go to other places. Sometimes the announcements are not so clear at 125th St., the safest thing is to ask someone inside the train, before the doors close, to make sure you are on the right one (or it can be a very long detour).
Check the train schedule for your return flight, but figure you want to leave Stamford about 4-5 hours before your flight, to be safe. The bus to LGA could hit heavy traffic.
Train map for lines east of the Hudson:
http://mta.info/mnr/html/mnrmap.htm
I've compiled all your posts & summarized to make it easier for future people looking at this thread:
Take a charter bus from La Guardia to Grand Central Terminal. $12 one way and will drop you off directly outside of Grand Central. There is a bus right outside of baggage claim at the airport with an employee selling tickets. The bus leaves every 20 minutes. When you step off the plane follow the "Ground Transportation" sign. Once you get there ask anyone, they should be able to tell you where the bus stop is. Purchase a ticket from an employee wearing a safety vest and near the bus. The shuttle also stops at the "Port Authority" and "Penn" train stations, so be sure to get off at Grand Central.
If you are not familiar with Grand Central station, note that it's a station for the subway within NYC and also for trains to travel outside the city; you want to go to the train station part.
In the middle of the station is an information booth. It is the only structure in the middle of the floor and it is topped off with a Tiffany clock. It is impossible to miss. I would suggest talking to them once you arrive at Grand Central to find the correct train and the correct procedures for purchasing a ticket. Definitely purchase your ticket at the station at a window as it is considerably cheaper than purchasing one on the train.
Then from Grand Central, take the Metro North "New Haven" train line. Try to get an express to Stamford, where even if it continues on, Stamford will be the first main stop (it probably will stop first at 125th street, which is still in NYC). This costs around $12.25 to Stamford; after 8:00 pm it is reduced to $9.00. You can get a specific track number at the ticket window. (The trains are also listed on a big board above the window, but this may be hard for you follow). If you leave from GCT, stops are clearly listed at every track before you get on the train.
There are also local trains, with more frequent stops along the way. Get off at Stamford.
Train schedules: http://mta.info/mnr/html/planning/schedules/index.html
Taking a train out of 125th street in the early evening on a weekday means the chances for a seat are greatly diminished. Going home in the evening the train is often crowded with no or few seats and finding a comfy place/dealing with luggage would be a pain. Getting on at Grand Central, someone can board the train ahead of departure time (15-20 minutes before departing ensures you a good seat), get a seat, put their bags in the overhead rack, settle in, check with the conductors about destination in a timely manner, etc.
If you’ve never been to Grand Central Station, GO!!!! It is huge (tall) and has such character! Its enormous size is not overwhelming as far as locating your train so don’t be intimidated. The lower level of Grand Central is a huge food court with pretty decent food.
OR
You can also take a regular metro for $2 but it stops frequently since it is a normal city bus. At LGA, the M60 is very easy to find ... plenty of signs, or just ASK someone. When exiting the airport at the baggage claim, the bus stop is right across the first small road and you’ll see the bus route map kiosk. The M60 is a New York City bus with other middle-class travelers. Have $2 in change, not bills and when you board the bus. There is a dollar changer just inside the airport near the baggage claim. Put the change in a slot, no ticket -- you just pay when you board. Upon boarding the bus, ask the driver to tell you when you're at the Metro North stop. Take the M60 bus from LGA to the Metro North station in Manhattan, at the 125th Street, Lexington Avenue stop. The bus is empty at LaGuardia as the M60 starts/ends there. Traveling with bags on the bus sometimes gets to be a pain in the neck as there is nowhere to put your bags & the bus gets more & more crowded @ every stop. The ride to the Harlem 125th Street Metro North station is 30-90 minutes, across the Triborough Bridge depending on traffic. You may also want to ask another passenger to tell you when you've arrived at the Metro North station bus stop as it may not be obvious because it may be dark out and you can’t see traffic signs and you’re not dropped directly in front of the station. (Sit on the left side of the bus for better views on Manhattan on the way in or sit on the right hand side of the bus if you want a chance to see the station where you will be getting off.) The driver will most likely announce the stop, particularly if asked to be notified when boarding. However, non-native speaking drivers are difficult to understand so be sure to ask another passenger too. When the bus stopped for the Metro North station, I had to take a left upon exiting the bus and walk about 25 yards to the station, which thankfully is on the same side of the street. It is a 2-story small station.
The 125th Metro North station is right there on the elevated platform above Lexington Ave.
Once at the Metro North station, go inside. The station and ticket windows are DOWNSTAIRS, at street level. Ask a clerk about purchasing a train ticket to Stamford. Buy your ticket at the Metro North window. The tracks are upstairs. There are only 2 tracks there so it's very easy to find your train. At the 125th St. station, make sure you board a "red" sided train, as this is the New Haven line. The blue sided trains go to other places. Sometimes the announcements are not so clear at 125th St., the safest thing is to ask someone inside the train, before the doors close, to make sure you are on the right one (or it can be a very long detour).
Check the train schedule for your return flight, but figure you want to leave Stamford about 4-5 hours before your flight, to be safe. The bus to LGA could hit heavy traffic.
Train map for lines east of the Hudson:
http://mta.info/mnr/html/mnrmap.htm
Oct 3rd, 2006, 05:59 PM
#32
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Becky,
I am glad you were able to find your way without too much difficulty. It is good to see all of the conflicting messages did not overwhelm you. Grand Central is indeed beautiful, and coming from a small town myself, a treat every morning when I board the Metro North for Stamford.
I am glad you were able to find your way without too much difficulty. It is good to see all of the conflicting messages did not overwhelm you. Grand Central is indeed beautiful, and coming from a small town myself, a treat every morning when I board the Metro North for Stamford.
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