Another NYC/LIRR Question

So everyone is up to speed: I have friends coming in from out of town who want to go to the city.

I HATE taking the train. I live near Ronkonkoma. The trip from Ronk-Penn is almost 1 1/2 hours.

So my thought is to drive west and catch another train. What is the furthest west train station that has open parking that is SAFE?

Or, would you just drive all the way into NYC?
We are planning on going 2 days - one day mid-town, one day down town.

How much is parking - for about 8-12 hours? I think it would be cheaper to drive in with 3 people then trains.

~TIA

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

I would take the train..really, the traffic won't be worth it.

Even if you drive west and take a train you still have to drive home.

Train all the way.

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

I would drive, but then again, I drive everywhere and avoid Mass Transit.

You can definitely get a good rate ($25 all day) for a parking lot - it's cheaper on weekends.

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

We used to drive in and out of the city to LI multiple times a weekend when I lived there so I dont think its a big deal but we also know it well and know how to avoid the trafficky areas. Not sure how familiar you are with everything...

For garages, check this before you go
Garages with Rates

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

I would probably just drive and split the cost of parking.

Or you can park in a neighborhood in Manhattan where there is more parking and just hop on the subway to go to the places you want to go to.

This is what we have ended up doing. We live towards the end of the Babylon train line and it seems like it's so much quicker to just drive.

We went into mid-town to see a play recently and parked in the lot outside the theatre. I think it was around $50.00 for the day.

I also don't know about anyone else, but at the end of a long day hanging out in the city, I would rather just jump in a car and be home in many cases much quicker than dealing with the LIRR.

Message edited 4/21/2010 10:06:32 AM.

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

Drive and enjoy yourself!

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

If you plan on going later in the day (say after 9 or 10) you probably won't find parking due to the commuters if you are going M-F. Therefore I would drive all the way. You can go to Centralparking.com and get a coupon for a garage you may want to park at in the city. That's a great solution.

If you want to drive into Queens I know right next to the 33rd Street #7 Subway station, they have 12 hour meter parking for like $3 or $4 for the day. I did that MANY times when I had school or a union meeting after work and wanted to get home earlier than the trains.

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

you could also drive to Bellmore or Merrick. Parking there is free and the train ride is shorter....less than 50 minutes. It's on the Babylon branch.

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

What day and time are you planning on going?

Parking at the train stations can get tough. If you do take the train, take a cab to and from the station.

If you drive figure out where to park that is central to your activities. Figure in all of the cab fare and subway tickets you will need for the day.

Parking can be very expensive in midtown and east.

Parking further west seems to be cheaper.

Re: Another NYC/LIRR Question

I agree it really depends when you go. I would drive on a weekend. If you go during a weekday I would not drive unless you leave after 10am and back on the road before 3pm. I've done it your commute is 2-3x as long on a weekday driving before or after those times. HTH.