NYC Questions
 

Hi all- Our trip to Africa is on hold, we thought NYC might be nice this summer. I just bought Fodors "New York City 2007", but i still have a couple of questions: How long a drive is it from La Guardia airport to Staten island?

OldTrout, if you are sightseeing in Manhattan, why do you want to go to Staten Island?

You should absolutely positively NOT stay in Staten Island to visit NYC. It will take you at least 2 hrs./day to get in and out of NYC. I know there are cute inns and apts. advertised. They just don't work. If you're military and thinking of using the accomodation there, there's another option in Manhattan that's a much better option. http://www.ssmaclub.org/

we've got relatives there, and we're trying to do things on a budget

We're travelling from Canada to see relatives, and we wanted to know the best way to see the city. If they drop us off at the staten island ferry, we're thinking we could handle it ourselves. How far a drive is it from LaGuardia to Staten Island?

Staten Island is about 20 to 25 miles from LaGuardia Airport. Staten Island itself is about 15 miles long and 7.5 miles wide so you have to factor in where you are going on Staten Island to figure the true distance of your planned trip. Depending on the time of day and traffic situation it will take you anywhere between an hoour to and hour and a half to get from LaGuardia to the Veranzano Bridge where you cross the Bay onto Staten Island (the northeastern tip of the island). It could take you another 30 to 45 minutes to traverse Staten Island itself.

After you factor in commute time and cost, you may be better off with a priceline hotel in Manhattan for a couple of nights during your trip.

Do you really want to commute 2+ hours a day?

Trekking back and forth to Staten Island - and WHERE on Staten Island - is not something you want to do. The ferry is convenient, but takes about a half hour - and it could easily take you 45 minutes from your relatves house to the ferry. Then - you're at South Ferry - and have to take another 30 minutes to get to see things in midtown - or even more for the uptown musuems.

And the travel will be especially onorous in the mddle of the summer - when it can easily by 95 and humid.

Really - check out Priceline in Manhattan - or Jersey City - if you can;t get Manhattan.