Port Washington to NYC
 

My adult daughter and I will be Port Washington, NY at the end of April. The last weekend will be free and we would like to go to NYC and take in a Broadway matinee and a little sightseeing. Should we take the train into NYC and return to Port Washington each evening, using Saturday for the matinee and Sunday for a tour? Does any Fodorite know if there is a tour available from Port Washington into NYC?? Thanks

"Tour"? Why would you want to take a tour to go to a Broadway show?

Take the train. Nothing could be easier.

Tour from a nearby suburb?

How many nights?

Here is the link for the LIRR
http://lirr42.mta.info/sfweb/faces/index.jspx

Many people commute to work daily from Port Washington into Manhattan so if you have accommodation that's relatively inexpensive (or free) and you don't mind going back and forth, you can stay in Pt. Washington & travel by Long Island Railroad. You'll have to see how far you are from the train station and if it's not close, figure out if there's parking for non-residents at the station (or arrange for a taxi). If, on the other hand, you're staying with friends or family & would like some freedom or would prefer not having to travel, you can easily book a hotel in Manhattan for the night and have more time for sightseeing. Many shows have matinees on both Sat. and Sun. (Sat. is always 2 pm and Sunday is either 1 or 3). onboardtours.com is one good overview bus tour. There are not likely to be tours of NYC starting in Pt. Washington.

If you want a hotel in NYC, travelzoo.com often has good deals but they may not be posted for late April yet.

Depending on what show you want to see, you may find discount tickets you can buy in advance in the left column on broadwaybox.com

If your alternative is to drive, it's a lot less trouble to take the train if it's relatively easy to get to the station. The PW line is very crowded during weekdays, but weekends are more civil. If there is a big event or events, can be very crowded. Get your ticket before you board or you'll pay alot more.

You will not find any tours to NYC from the nearby suburbs. On weekends there are 2 trains and hour from Port Washington and the train takes 45 minutes. The only issue if how far you are from the station and how you will get there - can someone drop you off or wil you have to take a cab?

If you have money to spare, certainly take a hotel in NYC and it will be more convenient.

But, thousands of people take the train to/fro work in the city every day from Port Washington (it's one of the closer suburbs) and really no big deal at all.

Thanks to all for your reply; mclaurie, your info was helpful, and I believe we will do the OnBoard tour on Friday. Plan to take the train from Westbury to Penn Station and then walk to 7th Ave/50th St. where the tour does a "pickup"--does that sound reasonable?? (I believe it is supposed to be a 6-10 minute walk from Penn station).
Will also look at the Broadway box site to see what show we want to see (preferably a matinee on Saturday).
Any suggestions for a hotel in NYC overnite on Friday before our matinee on Saturday????

I'm confused - if you're in Port Washington why would you take the train from Westbury - they're nowhere near each other. And by public transit it would take longer from Port Washington to Westbury than to get into the city. Or is someone able to drop you off at Westbury.

Penn Station is at 33rd St and 7th Ave. the walk to 50th St is 16 blocks and will take 15-20 minutes, probably longer because it is right through the center of Times Square.

I'm also confused by taking the train from Westbury if you're staying in Pt. Washington. Also agree that the walk from Penn station to 50th st. will be more than 10 mins. Where did you get that timing? hopstop.com will give you transport options and estimated time for walking.

You don't give a budget for a hotel.

PS, assuming you're carrying an overnight bag for the stay, you might want to rethink walking from Penn station. Subway, bus or taxi are easy. Drop your bag off first and then head to the bus tour. The Millenium Broadway is $149 plus tax on travelzoo.com