Commuting between Newark to downtown NYC (New York, York: home, live, bus)

[phoenix_talons]

We are going to see New York City in mid-September. We'll be staying near the Newark area. My question is regarding commuting. What are the available public transportation (subway, bus, etc)? Where can I find more information? Some first hand accounts would be nice. I hear the traffic in downtown isn't very good so won't be driving.

Another question: is Central Park and Times Square within walking distance?

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by phoenix_talons

We are going to see New York City in mid-September. We'll be staying near the Newark area (my wife's relatives live around there). My question is regarding commuting. What are the available public transportation (subway, bus, etc)? Where can I find more information? Some first hand accounts would be nice. I hear the traffic in downtown isn't very good so won't be driving.

Another question: is Central Park and Times Square within walking distance?

www.njtransit/com (broken link) for njtransit between newark and nyc, www.panynj.gov another rail option for newark to nyc, cheaper but slower, MTA Home Page for NYC bus and subway info

[phoenix_talons]

Thank you. Rep +!

[analyticalkeys]

Central Park is about 20 blocks from Times Square.. easily walkable, but if you're not used to walking, definitely take the subway. It's only $2 for a ride, and gets you places quickly.

[drkman]

The commute between Newark and downtown NYC is fairly simple. I, basically, would catch the Path Train at Newark's Penn Station to get to downtown NYC. For midtown, you can catch a bus that will take you to the Port Authority (42nd and 8th Avenue) or the NJ Transit train to Penn Station-34th Street. One thing to keep in mind is that NJ Transit and the Bus will stop running at a certain time of night. I believe the Path is 24 hours.

As Analyticalkeys said, 42nd to Central Park (59th Street) is a fairly easy walk if you don't mind walking. One thing to keep in mind is that that area of the city is very walkable so it will not seem as if you are walking 17 blocks since there is so much going on that will divert your attention from the walk. If walking is not your thing, the train or even the bus will work very well.

[Fred314X]

I, personally, would recommend walking up Broadway from Times Square. That will take you to Columbus Circle (at 59 Street) which is at the southwest corner of Central Park.

[phoenix_talons]

Thanks everyone. A few more questions.

Which station is closest to the WTC area where the 9-11 Memorial is? Where's FAO Schwartz relative to Times Square?

[LynnePatrice]

The NJ Path train stops right in the WTC and FAO is on 5th Avenue and I believe 60th Street, which is right across the street from Central Park and also about 18 blocks from Times Square.

[Carbro]

If I were visiting New York and time was precious, I would take the #1, A or C train from Times Sq. to Columbus Cir. If the visitor is taking a more leisurely pace and wants to absorb more of the flavor of the city, I'd recommend walking -- especially if the weather is good. In summertime, it is often too hot for such a walk to be enjoyable. The temp in the park -- and not so far inside the park! -- can be remarkably cooler than on the street.

As for late-night/overnight service, NJT runs a weekday train from NYC to Newark at 1:41 a.m., the next one being 4:40 a.m (5:32 Saturday a.m.). I doubt that will be a hardship. Saturday night (really Sunday morning) the lapse is from 1:59 and 5:32.

[phoenix_talons]

Thanks very much for all your replies. How's the traffic between JFK and Newark? Which route is lighter, via Belt Parkway or via 678-495-downtown?