Things to do / Travel Guide
Getting Around Manhattan
Manhattan is the smallest of the five boroughs. As so many attractions on the island are relatively close to one another, walking is often the best way to get from one place to another. Everyone walks in Manhattan, from the mayor on down. You'll likely find that walking is one of the best ways to get a true sense of the city, of its multitudes, and of the panoply of life it boasts.
New York offers a phenomenal transportation system that includes underground subways, above-ground buses, and light rail lines for longer travel distances. Taxis, private car services, and limousine services provide private, but more expensive, alternatives to public transportation. In Manhattan, unless you really know your way around, and are prepared to pay lots of money for the privilege of parking, the best advice is to rely solely on public transportation. In the other boroughs, however, while the public transportation will get you to the major destinations, a car would be advisable to help you get from place to place.
Public Transportation in Manhattan and New York City
If you're in Manhattan and decide walking isn't for you, the next-best way to get from place to place is either by bus or subway. Arm yourself with a subway or bus map, which you can easily obtain from one of the many New York City Visitor Centers or subway stations around the city. Additionally, many bus lines and all subway trains operate 24/7. MetroCards can be used on all New York subways and buses operated within the city by New York City Transit, Long Island Bus, and several private bus companies.
The New York Transit Authority operates 26 separate lines, most of which are identified by letter or number, although a few shorter lines are designated with the letter “S” (for shuttle service). Be aware that some subway trains are local (stopping at every station) while others are express (skipping stations).
Taxis in Manhattan and New York City
In terms of taxis, the trick is to remember the following: Pay attention to the lights atop the taxi's roof, and only make an attempt to hail it if you see that the medallion number in the middle is lit, but not the lights on either side of it. If all a taxi's top lights are lit up, it means the taxi is off-duty. When no top lights are lit, the driver already has passengers. You may have heard horror stories about taxi experiences in New York City, but these won't usually happen with a registered taxi. In fact, there exists an enforced taxi rider's bill of rights which is posted inside each cab. It is customary to tip between 15%-20% of the fare, and you are responsible for paying tolls.
The newest form of transportation comes directly from the Far East; it's the pedicab. Three-wheeled pedicabs are becoming very common on the streets of Manhattan, the drivers being friendly and informative. Notably, while they'll take you almost anywhere within the borough, often for under $10, pedicabs won't venture outside Manhattan.
Getting Around New York City
As mentioned, a car is probably the easiest way to explore the outer boroughs, but it is virtually worthless in Manhattan. Be aware that rental companies may apply stricter rules in New York City, including where you can return the car, who may drive, and even different rates based on the address on your drivers license. Read the fine print in NYC. Street parking in Manhattan is impossible for anyone but a local expert. Garage parking is readily available, but very expensive.
Driving Directions to Manhattan and New York City
Millions of New York City commuters do, so you definitely have a choice of options coming from New Jersey. Drivers from New Jersey have a choice of the George Washington Bridge (I-80) to Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, the Lincoln Tunnel to Midtown Manhattan (42nd street) and the Holland Tunnel (I-78) to Lower Manhattan. Rush hour will not be a pleasant experience at either one, but will be sweetened for knowledgeable drivers who are aware that the Hudson River forms a border between some of the most expensive gas stations in the country and some of the cheapest. Fill up in Jersey City or at the bridge. Would be a good arbitrage opportunity, but for the expensive tolls on both the bridge and tunnels.
Getting to Manhattan from New Jersey by Train and Bus
While visitors to Manhattan from New Jersey are fondly referred to as the “Bridge and Tunnel crowd”, there are ways to get to Manhattan other than by car. Some popular commuter routes, include:
- PATH train from Newark and points east to Lower Manhattan. The train from Jersey City is inexpensive, runs frequently and takes under 5 minutes to Lower Manhattan (Exchange Place in Jersey City to WTC in Manhattan). Some visitors to New York choose to stay in Jersey City, enjoy lower hotel rates and great views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Amtrak serves the Northeast Corridor, from Newark south, including Newark Airport. Getting to Manhattan takes about 20 minutes.
- New Jersey transit has multiple lines fanning out from New York's Penn Station. Trains run pretty deep into commuter territory and down the Jersey Shore into Bruce Springsteen territory.
Amazingly enough, all trains from New Jersey (except PATH) enter Manhattan through ha single tunnel, built in 1910. If you are stuck waiting on train, write the Governor and ask to support a new tunnel.
Bus to Manhattan from New Jersey
Northern New Jersey cities, close to the George Washington Bridge are served mainly by bus. Multiple bus lines connect Teaneck, Englewood and Hackensack area people with their jobs in the city.
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