My husband and I are planning a trip to New York in September 2007. We would like to spend a day at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Without hiring a car what is the easiest way to get from UWS to the park. Also, any comments on the park itself?

From the Six Flags Great Adventure website:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/greata...Info/index.asp

Mass Transit:
NJ TRANSIT offers bus service to the park from New York City, Newark, Camden and Philadelphia, PA. Local bus service is also available on the #307, 308 309, and 318 bus lines from Trenton, Freehold, Toms River, New Egypt, Plumstead Twp., Lakewood, and Asbury Park, NJ. For a current operating schedule, call 800-772-2222 in New Jersey, outside of New Jersey call 800-626-7433 or 800-772-2287 (TAT)

I've lived in NJ my whole 35 years. I've been there once. Have fun.

I've only been once as well but I liked it. They have some bigger coasters so it's not just little rides. September should be cooler and possibly less crowded if you go during the week.

I've never been to the water park or the safari however a friend did the personal safari tour (I'm assuming where they take 4-5 people in a Jeep off the road) and said it was a lot of fun. The friend was in his early 30's if that helps.

Lived in NJ most of my life. Never been there. From what I understand, a bit low scale compared to Busch Gardens. I've known people who work there, and well, at least they aren't in jail. But yes, roller coasters are a big thing.

Note that you might want to double-check their schedule in September, I don't know if they have regular hours past Labor Day (weekends only probably).

If you clarify what you are looking for (rides, water park, safari), maybe we can find an alternative that would be open during the week.

hmm..I'd really, really recommend renting a car just for the day. It doesn't cost that much and it will be much quicker. It's super easy to rent a car in NYC too--there are rental places everywhere.

I haven't been there since I was in 20's, and when I was there then I noticed how seedy it was (compared to when I was blissfully unaware in my teens). Driving through the safari can be fun, and the roller coasters are pretty cool.

Hours are cut shor in September but it's definitely open; what did you think all us slacker NJ college students were doing with our free time?

You might to make sure they are open during the week in September. Weekends, most definately. During the week (unless before Labor Day) probably not as the kids are back in school.

There is a bus that goes from the Port Authority Terminal.

But, renting a car really is the best option.

I didn't think it was seedy at all as I was there a few years ago with my grandkids.

It's kinda/sorta out in the middle of nowhere. You could probably get there by local transportation, but it would be terribly, terribly inconvenient and really time consuming in my opinion. Renting a car for the day would be my recommendation, especially if you want to drive thru the safari park.

Thanks for your replies. The park is only open on weekends in September. If we hired a car, how long would it take to drive to the park.

It will probably take you about an hour and a half. I just looked on Mapquest, and it takes you a funky way. I would recommend hopping on the NJ Turnpike (Rt 95) South to Exit 7A (Rt 195). Take Rt 195 East towards the Shore for about 10 miles, and hop off at Exit 16A which will take you right to the park.

If the bus runs there at someone posted above - that sounds pretty easy.

It's certainly not Disney World. But if you like roller coasters it has some really great ones.

Yes - about 1 1/2 hours from the Holland Tunnel. Directions above are perfect. To get to the Holland take the West Side Hwy all the way downtown and look for signs.

If you rented a car you could spend the night down at the Shore for a night. (that is Jersey lingo for go to the beach for the night).