[Shorty458]

On Sunday since it will finally be warm, sunny and just about 70, I was thinking of going to NYC for the day w/ my hubby. We live in Vernon. I understand that New Haven is the closest, however I heard that it's not the safest area. Of course too if we drove a little further (ie: Fairfield for example) it's also a little cheaper. We don't mind driving a little further at all. What station would you guys recommend? Thanks!!

[Stylo]

Take your pick. The train station in New Haven is perfectly safe. I'm not sure which stations have free parking on Sunday, but I do know that Milford does. I believe Westport too. There's typically plenty of parking at both on Sundays.

[kidyankee764]

Most of the stations have free parking on Sunday's. West Haven, Milford, Stratford, Fairfield, Westport, Darien.

[mlassoff]

Don't park anywhere with a paid garage-- New Haven, Bridgeport, South Norwalk, Stamford. Parking at other stations is free on Sundays.

For convenience, I'd say drive down to Westport-- The train is about an hour and 10 minutes from there to Grand Central. It's directly off exit 17 on 95 and parking is free and close to the platform. Just buy a ticket from the machine and you're ready to go.

Milford, Fairfield are nice stations, but not right off the highway exit-- In fact if you don't know Milford at all, you might have trouble finding that station.

Enjoy your trip.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by Shorty458

On Sunday since it will finally be warm, sunny and just about 70, I was thinking of going to NYC for the day w/ my hubby. We live in Vernon. I understand that New Haven is the closest, however I heard that it's not the safest area. Of course too if we drove a little further (ie: Fairfield for example) it's also a little cheaper. We don't mind driving a little further at all. What station would you guys recommend? Thanks!!

I've done this from New Haven several times now, even returning fairly late at night (> 11pm) and it's perfectly safe. What you might have heard is that there are projects right across the street. The safety concerns have only been associated with people who have walked through there on their way to Yale or wherever, thinking it's a shortcut. The walkway between the station & the attached garage is very well lit and I have never felt unsafe. It's $15 for the whole day.

I would not recommend the other stations only because you may not get a good seat, or even seats together, not to mention the diminishing returns on your driving time. The line originates from New Haven so you have your pick of seats.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by htfdcolt

I've done this from New Haven several times now, even returning fairly late at night (> 11pm) and it's perfectly safe. What you might have heard is that there are projects right across the street. The safety concerns have only been associated with people who have walked through there on their way to Yale or wherever, thinking it's a shortcut. The walkway between the station & the attached garage is very well lit and I have never felt unsafe. It's $15 for the whole day.

I would not recommend the other stations only because you may not get a good seat, or even seats together, not to mention the diminishing returns on your driving time. The line originates from New Haven so you have your pick of seats.

Yes, these points should have been made-- especially that the area around the train station is perfectly safe.

[SunFlower33]

I live in Newington and always leave from New Haven. The garage is well lit and safe - although expensive (I think $14 now?). Every time I consider driving down further to get closer and cheaper train ticket, I always come back to wonder how far do I want to have to drive to get home after getting off the train from a long day... So New Haven always wins for me.

[MikefromCT]

I'd go with Milford. I've been using that station for years. It's located right in the center of the city in the downtown area, and I've found it very convenient. It's in a nice, safe location, plenty of parking, free parking on weekends and it's only the 3rd stop on the way down (after New Haven and West Haven).

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Milford, Fairfield are nice stations, but not right off the highway exit-- In fact if you don't know Milford at all, you might have trouble finding that station.

There are signs from exit 39 south all the way to the train station.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by SunFlower33

I live in Newington and always leave from New Haven. The garage is well lit and safe - although expensive (I think $14 now?). Every time I consider driving down further to get closer and cheaper train ticket, I always come back to wonder how far do I want to have to drive to get home after getting off the train from a long day... So New Haven always wins for me.

Newington to Milford: 46 min (41.0 mi) via CT-15 S
Newington to New Haven: 42 min (38.0 mi) via I-91 S

15 is a more pleasant drive. Might've saved you the parking fee.