Park car and take public transport (train) into NYC
 

My 18 yr old son is going into NYC with his buddies for an overnight. He is coming from Upstate NY down 87. Where is a good place to park and take the train in? So...he is looking for easy, cheap parking (overnight) and a reasonable fare on public transport into the city. The next stop will be Atlantic City so NJ is a possibility as well.
Thanks for helping a future Fodorite!

check the metro north website for info on public transportation, http://www.mta.info/mnr/. All the train related infor can be found here.

I personally don't know what station in his route will have the best parking access, maybe someone else here can make a suggestion.

The website I just recommeded does have some parking info and a phone number. Go to the metro north map, and click on the stations to see the corresponding info. Friends of mine coming down from the Albany area have taken the train in from Poughkeepsie, so my guess is there is decent parking there.

Poughkeepsie is the northernmost MetrooNorth station closest to 87. The station has an actual parking garage. Can't comment on cost for parking or safety.

Keep in mind that the train from Poughkeepsie to NYC will cost $18-$22 one way for each fellow depending on the time of day. From your description, it sounds like there's at least three of them--that's $54-$66. Parking in a garage in NYC might cost the same or cheaper.

They can absolutely park the car in the city for less than the to/fro train fare to Poughkeepsie. Plus - if they're going on to Atlantic city going back to Poughkepsie is completely out of their way.

The issue with a lot of the close-in stations is that they're used - and filled by commuters - usually by 8am. And - they're simply lots - not garages - so their is no security at night. (What they want to do makes sens if you're spending 4 or 5 nights in the city - for one night - it's a waste of time and money.)

I would really suggest they park overnight in the city. If they check out iconparking.com they can find a garage near their hotel - and get rates and reserve a place.

Separately - don;t know where they're staying in the city - but I assume they have resolved the age issue: few hotels allow guests under 21 unless accompanied by an adult. And several teen boys is a major red flag to any hotel - and the guys don;t want to find themselves without a place to stay.