Travel & Traffic Question - 80 to 495 (Rocky Point: college, parking, area)

[gbpriv]

I plan on traveling to see a friend in the Rocky Point area of Long Island on Thursday. We would be leaving from State College, PA and taking 80 across the state, through Jersey, and then onto the LIE to Rocky Point. I've been to NY and Long Island before, though not driving, and not going as far out as RP. Is there a better way to go? Times to completely avoid? I know traffic is going to be much worse than I am used to, so any advice or alternate routes would be of great help. We will also be making the return drive on Sunday. Thanks.

[kajimenez]

I would add about an hour coming, just getting around the traffic in the Manhattan area. Sundays are not nice on the LIE heading toward Manhattan. Sometimes stop and go. I have not traveled 80, but have traveled 78 many times through NJ into PA. However, I think I am making the mistake of taking the BQE to the NJ turnpike. I lose alot of time through Brooklyn and Queens. I would not suggest that route. Main thing is just take your time. Good luck, and have a nice trip!

[Buckthedog]

NO easy way about it. Most direct way is the GWB to Cross Bronx parking lot,, er expressway to either :
Triboro Bridge to Grand Central Parkway turns into Northern State Parkway, but intersects the LIE (495) at many places.
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge to 678 to 495
Throgs Nech Bridge to either Cross Island Pky to 495 or Clearview Expy (295) to 495