← Older revision
Revision as of 05:42, 26 October 2013
Line 194:
Line 194:
To travel between the city and ISP:
To travel between the city and ISP:
−
* '''A shuttle bus''' (10 minutes, $5) operates between the ISP and the Ronkonkoma Long Island Railroad station. From there, you can take a train to Penn Station in Manhattan. (1.5 hours, $11.75). The Long Island Railroad offers a discount package for MacArthur Airport travelers on [http://www.mta.info/lirr/getaways/LongIsland/MacArthur.htm its website]
+
* '''A shuttle bus''' (10 minutes, $5) operates between the ISP and the Ronkonkoma Long Island Railroad station. From there, you can take a train to Penn Station in Manhattan. (1.5 hours, $12.75 off-peak hours or $17.50 peak hours). The Long Island Railroad offers a discount package for MacArthur Airport travelers on [http://www.mta.info/lirr/getaways/LongIsland/MacArthur.htm its website]
* '''[http://www.hamptonjitney.com/ Hampton Jitney]''' operates bus services from Ronkonkoma to Manhattan costing $25; the bus stop is a short cab ride away from ISP. .
* '''[http://www.hamptonjitney.com/ Hampton Jitney]''' operates bus services from Ronkonkoma to Manhattan costing $25; the bus stop is a short cab ride away from ISP. .
Line 201:
Line 201:
To travel between the city and HPN:
To travel between the city and HPN:
−
* '''[http://airport.westchestergov.com/public-transit Beeline Bus #12]''' (fare $2.25; call 914-813-7777 for details) operates service to/from the White Plains Metro-North station. From there, you can take a Metro-North train ($6.25 off-peak and $8.50 peak) to any of various points in the Bronx, or 125th St/Park Ave and Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. Trains run roughly every half hour for most of the day and take approximately 40 minutes.
+
* '''[http://airport.westchestergov.com/public-transit Beeline Bus #12]''' (fare $2.25; call 914-813-7777 for details) operates service to/from the White Plains Metro-North station. From there, you can take a Metro-North train ($8.50 off-peak and $11.25 peak) to any of various points in the Bronx, or 125th St/Park Ave and Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. Trains run roughly every half hour for most of the day and take approximately 40 minutes.
'''[http://www.stewartintlairport.com/ Stewart International Airport]''' ({{IATA|SWF}})
'''[http://www.stewartintlairport.com/ Stewart International Airport]''' ({{IATA|SWF}})
Line 233:
Line 233:
[http://www.panynj.gov/path/index.html PATH] (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a subway system connecting New York City to [[Hoboken]], [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]], and various points on the [[New Jersey]] shore of the Hudson River. Two lines pass under the Hudson and enter the city, one terminating near the World Trade Center site downtown, the other at 33rd Street in midtown (see [http://www.panynj.gov/path/maps.html map]). Note the PATH station at 33rd Street is not connected to, nor part of Penn Station.
[http://www.panynj.gov/path/index.html PATH] (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a subway system connecting New York City to [[Hoboken]], [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]], and various points on the [[New Jersey]] shore of the Hudson River. Two lines pass under the Hudson and enter the city, one terminating near the World Trade Center site downtown, the other at 33rd Street in midtown (see [http://www.panynj.gov/path/maps.html map]). Note the PATH station at 33rd Street is not connected to, nor part of Penn Station.
−
As of January 19, 2013, PATH train fares are $2.25 per trip. An RFID-type stored value card known as the ''[http://www.panynj.gov/path/smartlink.html Smartlink]'' affords PATH users discounts: $17 for 10 trips; $34 for 20 trips. However, the card itself must be purchased ($5, $22 including 10 trips). The PATH system accepts the MTA system's [http://www.mta.info/metrocard/where_accept.htm Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard] (but not Unlimited Ride MetroCard). For the visitor traveling from New Jersey daily, it is more convenient and possibly cheaper to purchase the MetroCard to travel on both the PATH and the MTA systems. However, there is no free MetroCard transfer between PATH and MTA subways/buses.
+
As of January 19, 2013, PATH train fares are $2.50 per trip. An RFID-type stored value card known as the ''[http://www.panynj.gov/path/smartlink.html Smartlink]'' affords PATH users discounts: $19 for 10 trips; $38 for 20 trips. However, the card itself must be purchased ($5, $24 including 10 trips). The PATH system accepts the MTA system's [http://www.mta.info/metrocard/where_accept.htm Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard] (but not Unlimited Ride MetroCard). For the visitor traveling from New Jersey daily, it is more convenient and possibly cheaper to purchase the MetroCard to travel on both the PATH and the MTA systems. However, there is no free MetroCard transfer between PATH and MTA subways/buses.
===By bus===
===By bus===
Line 390:
Line 390:
* Bus lines are identified by letters followed by numbers. The letters indicate the borough in which the line mostly operates (M=Manhattan; Bx=Bronx; B=Brooklyn; Q=Queens; S=Staten Island). Collectively, the letters and numbers make up the route (examples: M31, Bx9, M15). Signage at each bus stop indicates which buses stop there. Signage on the front of each bus indicates the route and destination of the bus. Bus maps for each borough can be found at [http://mta.info/mta/maps.htm the MTA website].
* Bus lines are identified by letters followed by numbers. The letters indicate the borough in which the line mostly operates (M=Manhattan; Bx=Bronx; B=Brooklyn; Q=Queens; S=Staten Island). Collectively, the letters and numbers make up the route (examples: M31, Bx9, M15). Signage at each bus stop indicates which buses stop there. Signage on the front of each bus indicates the route and destination of the bus. Bus maps for each borough can be found at [http://mta.info/mta/maps.htm the MTA website].
−
* Express buses travel between Manhattan and the outer boroughs, usually to areas where the subway doesn't operate (such as eastern Queens, the eastern Bronx, southeast Brooklyn, and Staten Island). They cost $6.00 but offer comfortable cloth seats and are less crowded than the subway and local buses. Most Express buses are identified with either "X" (x1,x2,x63,x68) or by the Borough they connect to Manhattan. So Expresses buses to and from the Bronx would be labeled BxM (BxM11, BxM18), to and from Brooklyn would be labeled BM(BM1,BM2) and to and from Queens Qm(Qm1,Qm2). Staten Island express buses are labeled with "X".
+
* Express buses travel between Manhattan and the outer boroughs, usually to areas where the subway doesn't operate (such as eastern Queens, the eastern Bronx, southeast Brooklyn, and Staten Island). They cost $6.00 but offer comfortable cloth seats and are less crowded than the subway and local buses. Most Express buses are identified with either "X" (x1,x2,x63,x68) or by the Borough they connect to Manhattan. So Express buses to and from the Bronx would be labeled BxM (BxM11, BxM18), to and from Brooklyn would be labeled BM(BM1,BM2) and to and from Queens QM(QM1,QM2). Staten Island express buses and a few Brooklyn and Queens express buses are labeled with "X".
* When boarding a bus with a MetroCard, insert the card vertically, with the pin hole down, the black stripe to the right and the word "MetroCard" facing towards you, into the card slot in the top of the fare box next to the driver. You should be able to read the word "MetroCard" from bottom to top when inserting the card in this manner. The fare box will swallow the card, read it, and return it to you. Note this is different from the procedure to enter the subway described in [[#Subway Basics|Subway Basics]].
* When boarding a bus with a MetroCard, insert the card vertically, with the pin hole down, the black stripe to the right and the word "MetroCard" facing towards you, into the card slot in the top of the fare box next to the driver. You should be able to read the word "MetroCard" from bottom to top when inserting the card in this manner. The fare box will swallow the card, read it, and return it to you. Note this is different from the procedure to enter the subway described in [[#Subway Basics|Subway Basics]].
Line 398:
Line 398:
* Certain buses contain a small orange and purple card in the window that says "Limited." These limited buses do not make all local bus stops, stopping only at major cross streets. They are similar to express buses in some ways, but only cost the standard $2.50 to ride. If a Limited bus skips your stop, you can wait for a local bus which will arrive soon. On some Avenues where there is at least two or more bus routes serving it, some bus routes may operate Limited on the entire avenue or at least until they branch off. For Example the m1,m2,m3,m4,m5; the m2 and m5 provide limited-stop service on 5th Ave & Madison Ave during the day.
* Certain buses contain a small orange and purple card in the window that says "Limited." These limited buses do not make all local bus stops, stopping only at major cross streets. They are similar to express buses in some ways, but only cost the standard $2.50 to ride. If a Limited bus skips your stop, you can wait for a local bus which will arrive soon. On some Avenues where there is at least two or more bus routes serving it, some bus routes may operate Limited on the entire avenue or at least until they branch off. For Example the m1,m2,m3,m4,m5; the m2 and m5 provide limited-stop service on 5th Ave & Madison Ave during the day.
−
* '''[http://www.mta.info/nyct/sbs/index.html +Select Bus Service+]''' also makes limited stops like the Limited buses described above, and costs the standard $2.50 fare. They appear on the Bx12 in the Bronx and M15, M34 and M34A in Manhattan. They can be identified by two large blinking blue lights on the front of the bus. However, ''these buses operate on a very different payment system.'' To board these +SBS+ buses, fares must be paid before boarding by using machines on the sidewalk near a special +SBS+ bus stop which is typically quite close to the local bus stop. Follow the instructions at the machine to pay. Once the fare has been paid, a receipt will be printed; take it and keep it with you. Once the bus arrives, you can enter through any door, but remember if you paid with cash to use the front door if you will need to ask the driver for a transfer. Fare inspectors will occasionally check for your fare receipt as proof of payment; show it to them if they ask. If you don't have a valid receipt, you will be forced to pay a fine of $100 or more so it is wise to always pay the fare. However, if you cannot buy the ticket successfully, such as due to a malfunctioning machine, note the machine number and report the problem to the bus driver near the front door at once. If the +SBS+ skips your stop, wait at the local bus stop for a local bus which will arrive soon.
+
* '''[http://www.mta.info/nyct/sbs/index.html +Select Bus Service+]''' also makes limited stops like the Limited buses described above, and costs the standard $2.50 fare. They appear on the Bx12 and Bx41 in the Bronx and M15, M34 and M34A in Manhattan. They can be identified by two large blinking blue lights on the front of the bus. However, ''these buses operate on a very different payment system.'' To board these +SBS+ buses, fares must be paid before boarding by using machines on the sidewalk near a special +SBS+ bus stop which is typically quite close to the local bus stop. Follow the instructions at the machine to pay. Once the fare has been paid, a receipt will be printed; take it and keep it with you. Once the bus arrives, you can enter through any door, but remember if you paid with cash to use the front door if you will need to ask the driver for a transfer. Fare inspectors will occasionally check for your fare receipt as proof of payment; show it to them if they ask. If you don't have a valid receipt, you will be forced to pay a fine of $100 or more so it is wise to always pay the fare. However, if you cannot buy the ticket successfully, such as due to a malfunctioning machine, note the machine number and report the problem to the bus driver near the front door at once. If the +SBS+ skips your stop, wait at the local bus stop for a local bus which will arrive soon.
===By taxi===
===By taxi===
Line 433:
Line 433:
A word of advice about driving in New York City: '''don't.''' A car is inadvisable — street parking is practically nonexistent near crowded areas and tourist attractions, and garage parking rates range from very expensive to plain extortion. Traffic is almost always congested, parking rules are confusing, and many drivers are infamously aggressive. Public transportation options are many, and are quicker, cheaper and more pleasant. That's why many New Yorkers, particularly in Manhattan, don't own cars. If you think of staying in a suburb and commuting to the city by car, better to do as the locals do. Drive to one of the commuter rail stations (see above) or ferry docks. Parking fees at the station, fare, and MetroCard combined are usually much cheaper than parking downtown. Many stations have secure parking areas. In Staten Island, parking near the ferry terminal and using the ferry will save you money and time.
A word of advice about driving in New York City: '''don't.''' A car is inadvisable — street parking is practically nonexistent near crowded areas and tourist attractions, and garage parking rates range from very expensive to plain extortion. Traffic is almost always congested, parking rules are confusing, and many drivers are infamously aggressive. Public transportation options are many, and are quicker, cheaper and more pleasant. That's why many New Yorkers, particularly in Manhattan, don't own cars. If you think of staying in a suburb and commuting to the city by car, better to do as the locals do. Drive to one of the commuter rail stations (see above) or ferry docks. Parking fees at the station, fare, and MetroCard combined are usually much cheaper than parking downtown. Many stations have secure parking areas. In Staten Island, parking near the ferry terminal and using the ferry will save you money and time.
−
If you do choose to drive, get a map, especially if driving outside of Manhattan. Good maps to use, if you are not driving, are the free bus maps which have each street, though the subway map can work in a pinch (also used for small boat navigation). In Queens, numbers identify not only avenues and streets, but also roads, places, crescents, and lanes, all of which might be near each other. Read the entire street sign. Outer borough highways are confusing and often narrowed to one lane, the potholes could trap an elephant, the signs are sometimes misleading, exits which should appear do not, and signs directing a highway approach drag you through miles of colorful neighborhood (in the wrong direction) before finally letting you onto the highway with a stop sign and and a hand's width of merge space.
+
If you do choose to drive, get a map, especially if driving outside of Manhattan. Good maps to use, if you are not driving, are the free bus maps which have each street, though the subway map can work in a pinch (also used for small boat navigation). In Queens, numbers identify not only avenues and streets, but also roads, places, crescents, and lanes, all of which might be near each other. Read the entire street sign. Outer borough highways are confusing and often narrowed to one lane, the potholes could trap an elephant, the signs are sometimes misleading, exits which should appear do not, and signs directing a highway approach drag you through miles of colorful neighborhood (in the wrong direction) before finally letting you onto the highway with a stop sign and a hand's width of merge space.
Traffic in New York City roughly follows a hierarchy of precedence, which is unwise to challenge. Fire engines, ambulances, and police cruisers are given priority, followed by other public service vehicles such as buses, road crews, and sanitation trucks. Beneath them are taxi cabs and delivery trucks. Below ''those'' are other cars. Note also that driving a car with out-of-state license plates (save for perhaps Connecticut or New Jersey) will instantly mark you as an outsider, sometimes resulting in other drivers being more aggressive around you than they would with a local. Suffice it to say, driving in New York is not for the timid or emotionally fragile.
Traffic in New York City roughly follows a hierarchy of precedence, which is unwise to challenge. Fire engines, ambulances, and police cruisers are given priority, followed by other public service vehicles such as buses, road crews, and sanitation trucks. Beneath them are taxi cabs and delivery trucks. Below ''those'' are other cars. Note also that driving a car with out-of-state license plates (save for perhaps Connecticut or New Jersey) will instantly mark you as an outsider, sometimes resulting in other drivers being more aggressive around you than they would with a local. Suffice it to say, driving in New York is not for the timid or emotionally fragile.
Line 453:
Line 453:
====Toll charges====
====Toll charges====
−
When [http://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/tolls.html entering New York from New Jersey], as well when driving across bridges and tunnels [http://www.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html, within New York City], you will incur tolls of up to $12, and associated traffic delays.
+
When [http://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/tolls.html entering New York from New Jersey], as well when driving across bridges and tunnels [http://www.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html, within New York City], you will incur tolls of up to $15, and associated traffic delays.
====Rush hour traffic====
====Rush hour traffic====
Line 1,106:
Line 1,106:
Locals would ask why you ever want to leave, but New York is a great jumping-off point to other locations in the [[Metro New York|metro area]] (including [[New Jersey]] and [[Connecticut]]) or anywhere in the [[Boston]]-[[Washington, D.C.|Washington]] Megalopolis corridor.
Locals would ask why you ever want to leave, but New York is a great jumping-off point to other locations in the [[Metro New York|metro area]] (including [[New Jersey]] and [[Connecticut]]) or anywhere in the [[Boston]]-[[Washington, D.C.|Washington]] Megalopolis corridor.
−
* '''[[Long Island]]'''— When you travel to NYC in the summer, a great idea is to check out Long Island. With its beautiful long white sanded beaches you can have it all: the big city and the summer holiday. Many New Yorkers do that every Friday, Saturday and Sunday if it is hot. Take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station to Long Beach ($6.75 one way), and from there go south to the beach itself. Take a day trip on the Hampton Jitney from various stops in NYC to the East End, where Long Island wine country is on the North Fork and The Hamptons are on the South Fork.
+
* '''[[Long Island]]'''— When you travel to NYC in the summer, a great idea is to check out Long Island. With its beautiful long white sanded beaches you can have it all: the big city and the summer holiday. Many New Yorkers do that every Friday, Saturday and Sunday if it is hot. Take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station to Long Beach ($9.00 off-peak or $12.50 peak), and from there go south to the beach itself. Take a day trip on the Hampton Jitney from various stops in NYC to the East End, where Long Island wine country is on the North Fork and The Hamptons are on the South Fork.
* '''[[Fire Island]]''' - an all-pedestrian summer-resort island located off the coast of Long Island. Fire Island is home to many vacation communities on the western part of the island (Ocean Beach being the most populous, with the most restaurants and bars that make an excellent day trip). The eastern part of the island is home to the largely gay communities of Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines. Western Fire Island is reachable by ferry from Bay Shore on Long Island. Bay Shore is about an hour's train ride on the Long Island Rail Road from Manhattan, and the ferry ride from Bay Shore is another thirty minutes. Ferries to Ocean Beach from Bay Shore run about once every hour during the summer. Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines are reachable by ferry from Sayville. The easternmost community, Davis Park, is reachable by ferry from Patchogue.
* '''[[Fire Island]]''' - an all-pedestrian summer-resort island located off the coast of Long Island. Fire Island is home to many vacation communities on the western part of the island (Ocean Beach being the most populous, with the most restaurants and bars that make an excellent day trip). The eastern part of the island is home to the largely gay communities of Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines. Western Fire Island is reachable by ferry from Bay Shore on Long Island. Bay Shore is about an hour's train ride on the Long Island Rail Road from Manhattan, and the ferry ride from Bay Shore is another thirty minutes. Ferries to Ocean Beach from Bay Shore run about once every hour during the summer. Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines are reachable by ferry from Sayville. The easternmost community, Davis Park, is reachable by ferry from Patchogue.
* '''[[Jersey City]], New Jersey'''- Directly across the Hudson River from Financial District is New Jersey's second largest city. Jersey City is a diverse city with lots of multicultural shops and restaurants. It can be reached from Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel or the PATH trains (the bi-state subway)
* '''[[Jersey City]], New Jersey'''- Directly across the Hudson River from Financial District is New Jersey's second largest city. Jersey City is a diverse city with lots of multicultural shops and restaurants. It can be reached from Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel or the PATH trains (the bi-state subway)