Weehawken Ferry Help?
 

Hi All- I've looked on the nywaterway.com website and obtained the necessary schedule amd rate info, but could somebody please tell me the best way to get to the Port Imperial (Weehawken) Ferry Terminal from SE Connecticut? I'm a chicken and have never driven 95 Across the GW Bridge - I always opt for 95 or Merritt to 287 and the Tappan Zee, and it looks like if I go that way I would follow the Palisades south until the GW, then take the Jersey Tpke and cut across 495 like I'm going to the Lincoln?? The trip will be on a Saturday morning and I regularly listen to 880 AM for traffic when I'm near the city - Thank you so much for any advice!

You could take the Turnpike to 495 but a easier way is to take River Road from Fort Lee. It's a little difficult to describe but the road starts directly under the GWB and runs along the river (hence the name) through Edgewater and takes you right to the ferry.

From their Website:
Fort Lee:
Make right onto Hudson Terrace to fork where Hudson Terrace becomes River Road. Head south for about 5 miles to the entrance of Port Imperial on the left.

I would put Fort Lee into Yahoo Maps or Mapquest, zoom in, and follow the road down to Weehawken. It's really simple, just a little difficult to explain.

Might I ask the obvious, given that you'll practically be driving into the city, why are you bothering heading to Weehawken, for the ferry at all? When you factor in the bridge toll, turnpike toll, the cost of parking in Weehawken, the cost of the ferry tickets - are you REALLY saving any money?

Assuming you are going to drive to Weehawken, take the route as you indicated toward the Lincoln Tunnel. Get off at the Hoboken/Weehawken exit off of 495. (It'll say, last exit in NJ.)

Proceed through the traffic light and at the bottom of the hill, merge right onto JFK Blvd. Make a left about 1/4 mile after the merge, just after the PA Police building. Make a left at the Stop sign on River Road. Follow the road about 1 mile and look for the NY Waterway parking signs.

Ryan- You make several good points. The main reason that I want to take the ferry in is that I will be with my parents, who will be returning to the Eastern Shore of Maryland the following day (picking up the NJ Tpke) while I take the train back to CT (we will be taking their car). We're staying overnight in midtown, and this ferry comes the closest, and has the bonus of pretty inexpensive parking for one night, compared to midtown garage rates. It's the only alternative I could think of that didn't involve my folks backtracking and adding to their Sunday commute home. Unless I'm missing something - is it easier to park and take the PATH?? Thanks puddy and ryan!

If that is the case, then the ferry isn't a bad option as it'll leave you parents on the NJ side of the river and reasonably close to the Turnpike.

Given that the Ferry runs shuttle buses, it'll probably provide the easiest access to their hotel.

The PATH is definitely cheaper, but it is farther south and will add a good amount of time to getting in the city.

I would check out the Port Authority website for info on directions and parking. You could take the turnpike to exit 14C by the Holland Tunnel and park in the lot at the Newport PATH station which is right by the tunnel. This would put your parents a little closer to home when leaving. I guess it depends on where you hotel is in relation to 33rd Street where it lets you out.

However, I might agree with Ryan. For three people taking the ferry plus parking and tolls on the Tappen Zee etc, you could probably find a lot in NY for 24 hours for about the same amount (not hotel lot). It would depend on how comfortable you (and your parents) are in driving in the city.

Hmmm... good thoughts from both of you gentlemen. For the sake of argument (and a slow day at work), isn't there no toll westbound (Rockland-bound) on the TZ? $3-4 for the Tpke, then $15 for 3 fares 1 way, $10 for 2 fares back on Sunday, and $14 for overnight parking = $42, and the last time I was anywhere near 48th (the hotel) overnight parking was at least $50. Besides, I'll spring for the tolls/tix for the 'rents. Least I could do :) Thanks again!

Since I don't feel like doing any work either, I found iconparking.com. They have a good interactive site that lists pricing baced on arrival and departure times. For a Saturday arrival for 24 hours of parking I found rates as low as $18 up to $40 for the Times Square area. It might be worth checking out.

Here is another option:
Take the "Park and Ride" Bus ride from North Bergen. It is not as scenic as the Ferry, but it is just as quick and cheaper!

Take the TZ to the Palasides PKWY to 95 south. Get off at the Lincoln Tunnel exit (Exit 16) and head toward the Lincoln Tunnel. On your left after the Tolls you will see the "BLUE" Park and Ride Signs. Follow the road around and under the HWY and you will come to the lot. Very safe! It is roundtrip $7.00 for the driver and car plus I think the additional people pay around $4.25 Drops you off at the 42nd street and seventh ave. bus terminal!

OR.......continue toward the Lincoln Tunnel. You will see the signs for the Ferry Terminal!
JOHN