New York Travel

If you are planning to visit New York anytime soon, here are several ways to get in the city.

By plane

The Big Apple is well linked by air. There are thee major airports in the city - the Newark Liberty International Airport, the John F. Kennedy Airport and the LaGuardia Airport.

Upon arriving in New York by plane, you should give yourself 90 minutes in getting to the midtown area whenever you use taxis or public transport. The rush hour traffic is notorious, particularly on Van Wyck Expressway going to the Kennedy Airport. Lugging luggage on subway stairs can be very difficult, no thanks to the deficiency of elevators at almost all subway stations.

Never accept invitation of free rides since there’s a possibility of you being cheated.

By train

Amtrak’s Acela links the New York area to other important points in the East coast such as Boston, Washington, D.C., Providence, Philadelphia, among others.

By bus

Those wanting to ride a bus should contact the New York Airport Service which is the sole authorized scheduled bus provider from the airports to the Manhattan area.

The largest and most established private bus firm in the area is Greyhound, which operates an east coast hub. Peter Pan Bus Company is also a dominant player in the field, servicing areas like Connecticut.

Bus terminal operates day in, day out, with regular departures to all key areas in the nation, as well as Canadian destinations.

By ferry

Try the Staten Island Ferry which runs from the tip of the Manhattan area to Staten Island. It carries passengers as well as bicycles, running per 15 minutes especially during rush hours. It has become a popular way to view the Statue of Liberty as well as the New York Harbor.

Most ferries in the area are handled by the New York Waterway, linking the city to New Jersey’s Judson River.

By taxi

Taxis in New York City are colored yellow, with metal seal on their hoods, and light that includes the number of the taxi on the roof. If the metal seal or the medallion is lit, then it is available for hire. There will be instances when the medallion is not lit yet the driver stops the car in front of you. When this happens, try to get into the taxi especially if you are out in a hurry. Meter charging starts at 2 dollars and half, with the rate increasing to 40 cents for every 1/5 of a mile. There are also night and rush hour surcharges.

By car

Going around town by car is not recommended since parking is difficult to get especially in tourist attractions and crowded areas. Traffic is terrible particularly during rush hours, so neophyte visitors would have troubles driving a car.