The Best Ways to Commute to New York City

Getting in or out of New York City can be a daunting experience. If you use public transport, you’ll have to grapple with overcrowding, traffic jams, security, health concerns, and other last-mile commute challenges evident in big cities.

Most New York workers simply drive to and from work.

But this presents another challenge as overcrowding remains a growing burden for New York City. In a bid to avoid snaring traffic in the streets of New York, many commuters opt for last-mile solutions such as scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and other micro-mobility solutions.

But owing to its growth and cosmopolitan nature, New York does have different modes of transport that employees to and from other states can use on their daily commute.

Commuting from Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island

Let us consider how you can commute within the Boroughs of New York City.

• Subways: This is the fastest method of transport within New York City. Subways are available 24 hours a day and only cost $2.75 on average.
• Buses: New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has numerous buses to choose from. You can use your MetroCard to pay or carry an exact coin change.
• The Roosevelt Island Tram: You can also use the MetroCard to pay for the Roosevelt Island Tram. The main upside is that you have an aerial view of Midtown East.
• Taxis: Taxis have always been convenient for New Yorkers. They are available 24/7.
• Car: As always, driving yourself comes with a sense of freedom. The main tip here is to use Google Maps or other mobile applications when navigating within the Boroughs of New York City.

 

Philadelphia to New York City

If you are commuting from Philadelphia, you can travel by train, bus, car, or plane. There are several train options that you can choose.

The first is Amtrak’s Acela Express train which takes around an hour between 30th Street Station to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. Another option is the Northeast Regional train, which takes you to Penn Station in just over 90 minutes.

Alternatively, you can go for the Philadelphia SEPTA regional line. Although you’d have to go through New Jersey Transit before reaching Penn Station, this option has cheaper fares, making it more affordable. However, the trip takes two hours.

Traveling from Philadelphia to New York by bus is a different kind of experience. This option is less stylish or convenient than traveling by train. However, if you’re looking for the cheapest method of getting between the two cities, go for the bus.A bus will typically transport you from Philadelphia Bus Station or JFK & N. 30th Street Bus Stop.

You can also choose a corporate shuttle service if you’re a business owner looking to ferry your employees into New York City. Trips typically take two to three hours.

Driving yourself is also convenient since you can travel at your own pace. The trip takes just under two hours for the 95-mile journey. The trip will take you through the New Jersey Turnpike and the Holland Tunnel. Remember that these roads have tolls, so carry your E-Zpass if you have one.

New Jersey to New York City

When traveling between New Jersey and New York, your main options are train, car, bus, and ferry. The two cities are a few miles apart, and only the Hudson River separates them. The first option is using the NJ TRANSIT train lines. You can use the NJ TRANSIT system website to get information about schedule adjustments and your departure or arrival time. Tickets typically cost between $5 and $16, and the train will take you straight to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan.

You can also go for the PATH train, a high-speed alternative. The train operates from Hoboken, Harrison, Jersey City, and Newark to Lower and Midtown Manhattan for just $2.75. Schedules can also be checked online.

The third option is to travel from New Jersey to New York by car. Cars are much more convenient than trains because the route is quick and easy. As long as you avoid peak hour traffic, you can use the George Washington Bridge, Tappan Zee Bridge, the Lincoln tunnel, or the Holland Tunnels, depending on where you are traveling from.

A regular ride-hailing app journey can also enhance convenience. The average price is $50 or more.

The NJ TRANSIT bus operates around the New York City Port Authority Terminal and is best used during off-peak hours. To avoid getting held up in traffic, always leave early.

Unlike people traveling from Philadelphia to New York City, New Jersey residents can travel by ferry. The NY Waterway operates from eight terminals in Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, and Edgewater and through the Hudson River. However, ferry rides are expensive as you can pay anywhere between $9 to $20 for one-way tickets. You can also go for the quicker Seastreak Ferry.

Connecticut to New York City

The main options here are traveling by train, bus, or car.

As can be expected, train rides are convenient and comfortable. The upside is that you don’t have to worry about traffic jams. The best option is to book a ride on the Amtrak website or at the station. The train typically operates between Penn Station and Union Station in Hartford, Connecticut.

Secondly, you can go for Greyhound or Peter Pan buses if you prefer the bus option. Trips from Hartford’s Union Train Station to New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal can take two to three hours, depending on the traffic. Always make sure that you book your tickets early to avoid delays.

You can also drive from Hartford to New York in just over two hours. However, this option can be tiresome because you would have to navigate around Manhattan or New Haven, Connecticut, drive through traffic snarl-ups, and look for parking spaces. Therefore, it is advisable to try an alternative transportation type, including ride-hailing or private taxi.

Closing Comment

People looking to commute to New York City have several options to choose from, depending on their preferences. You can either go by bus, train, car, or even, ferry.

If you are looking for a safe, and secure experience, go for HQ’s Corporate Shuttles offers clients last-mile shuttle services from transport hubs including Penn Station and Port Authority. HQ SummitGround transportation solution is ideal for corporate clients with a range of vehicle types including private black car taxis, ride-hailing, and much more.