We're thinking of going to NY via Amtrak from Boston. We're booked into the W Hotel Times Square (@47St) for a weekend in Feb. From the subway map, it looks like I would have to go up to Columbus Circle and then back down to 50 St. Does this sound right? How long would it take? Would it be insane to do with 1 wheel luggage each (arr. 11 a.m. on Sat., dep. 7:30 p.m. on Mon.)? On our first visit to NY in December we went on the MSG Access Tour. While waiting for the tour to start, I saw the lineup for cabs. People were waiting for about 1/2 hr. before it was their turn for a cab. Any suggestions for where to hail a cab? Approx. cost of cab? Thanx in advance to all you great NY'ers!

If you are going by subway, you can take the 1 or 2 from Penn Station up to 50th Street and you will be at Broadway and 50th. Or you can take the C or E up to 50th Street and you will be at 8th Avenue and 50th Street. It takes no more than 10 minutes. Sometimes on weekends, they do track work, so ask before you go through the turnstyle if the local train is making all local stops.

You may want to try crossing 7th Avenue and walking up to 34th Street and hailing a cab at Macy's. The fare will be no more than $5 plus a tip.

I would exit Penn Station at 8th AVenue (which is an uptown street). Grab a cab (that shouldn't be a problem at all) to your hotel. It should be a very quick ride. Unless there is unusual traffic, the cost should only be a dollar or 2 more than the subway.

When you leave the Amtrak, go upstairs one flight and follow the signs for the E towards QUEENS. Access to the E is alot easier than the 1/2/3/9 -- go up one flight of stairs and you're there. Go 2 stops, 42nd St. is the first and 50th St. is the 2nd. If a train pulls in that says 'C' you could take that as well, but make sure you get off at that second stop.

You can also walk outside and grab a cab on the corner of 33rd St. and 8th Avenue. Should be cheap, and quick.

Your choice.

A cab won't cost much more than the subway for two ($3.00). Follow the advice of exiting Penn Station to the 8th Avenue side. This is a nortbound street going in the direction you have to go. TRip should not take more than 10 minutes - 5 minutes if there is no traffic. Cost of the cab will be less than $5 tip included. Taxi driver will have to go to 48th St and come around since 47th is one way against the him.

take a cab

Philip, Me, al, rqf, tema:
Thanx a mint for your comments. The detail is great. We'll take a cab as the sight we saw at Xmas sounds like it was unusual...the queue to see the ESB Observatory was 2 hours at Xmas too! I was just worried about the wait for a cab and that the fare would be $30 or so! Take care all.