Your own two feet and other New York City, NY Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: I'm a big fan of exploring by foot, but NYC is a large city and not as walkable friendly as many other cities. There are just way too many people out and about and too much ground to cover. But if you take the time and have a well thought out plan you can discover lovely parts of the city on foot. Some of my favorite are LES, Chinatown, Village, Chelsea, NOLITA, Midtown, UWS, UES just to name a few. There are so many quaint little shops, bars, restaurants you'll miss if you use public transport.

NOTE: Noooooooo....don't do it!! Ladies, please don't wear those "tacky" little flip-flops, cross-trainers (especially white), and those horrid flats to walk around a fashionable city like New York City (or any other city, especially Paris), no matter how tempted you are!! It's just not trendy or stylish!!! (Okay, the jeweled-toned flats are cute).

So grab your most sylish comfy shoes and get out there and explore!!

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The best and most economical way to travel around NYC is by subway. NYC has the largest subway sysytem with 24 hr service 7 days a week. The system with its labyrinth of networked connections is quite easy to follow and navigate. Most New Yorkers commute every day to and from work on this vast system, so during the peak commuting times many of the lines that run local during off peak times are express during peak time.

Morning peak time is from 6 am - 10 am afternoon peak time is from 4 pm - 7 pm. During off peak and weekends there is usually many changes on the lines due to constuction work, so be on the lookout for signs posted throughout the subway and on their webiste.

Most commuters use the weekly or monthly METROCARD which can be purchased at any station with cash or credit card. The machines are self explanitory and depending on the station provided instuctions in various languages. If you are in NYC or only a day purchase the ALL DAY Pass for $7.

For further information about the subway system and mapping your route, check out their website. Make sure to grab a free map from the station clerk.

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Website: http://www.mta.info/

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: At Grand Central, Metro North is the way to get to points north of NYC. It's a great way to visit interesting cities on the Hudson as well as cities in Connecticut not to mention the ease of traveling long distances in a shorter time frame without the added headache of driving.

I use to commute daily on the Metro North when I lived in Riverdale, these days I use Metro North to visit my daughter in White Plains when I just don't want to drive.

Check out their website for interesting day trips out of NYC.

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Website: www.mta.info

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Getting around NYC by taxi or cab as it is referred to is the easiest but not always the fastest way to get from point A to point B. Just stand by the curb with your arm stretched out and an available cab will stop.

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Website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/home/home.shtml

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: New York City is an International Hub. You can get here from just about anywhere (direct flights from your hometown).

There are three major airports, John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark (which is a located in New Jersy just over the river), two major train terminals (Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station), Port Authority Bus Station, and an efficient mass transit with 24/7 subway system and buses, and of course taxi service.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: This is a great tool to use if you aren't familiar with where you are going and how to get there.

Plug in your starting location, your final destination and your mood of transportation (subway, etc.) and hotspot will give you the directions door to door.

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Website: http://www.hopstop.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Okay, so this really isn't a transportation tip, more like a "tourist tip". The carriage rides located near Central Park may be a good way to just sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely ride around the park.

It's a romantic and special way to travel around the park.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: NYC has it all, and with no exception is the Pedi-cab. You will find they are located throughout the major areas like Central Park, 34th Street, Rockefeller Plaza, etc.

If you're traveling a short distance, why not try the Pedi-cab, cuts down on pollution and will get you to your destination quickly.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: When I worked at the Chrysler Building the New York Airport Service was easiest and cheapest way of getting to the airport from work. The NYAS runs often and provides service to LaGuardia & Kennedy as well as limited service to area hotels.

The ride from the 42nd Street location to Kennedy Airport (you can also get on at Port Authority or Penn Station) is about an hour and to LaGuardia about 45 minutes. The buses leave on time, so make sure to arrive at least 1/2 hour before.

You can purchase your tickets on line or you can purchase them at the booth located right in front of the bus stop.

Prices range from $12-$15 one way depending on airport and location of departure.

Check out their website for more inforation, pricing and locations.

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Website: http://www.nyairportservice.com/

'Mode': TO
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: The Airtrain is one of the easiest, most economical ways of getting to and from Kennedy Airport.

There are a few ways of boarding the Airtrain which is easily accessible by the LIRR to Jamaica Station; the E, J/Z subways to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave, Jamaica Station; and the A subway to Howard Beach/JFK Airport Station.

The price of the Airtrain (not including the subway ride) is $5 each way.

Check out their website for more detailed information.

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Website: http://www.panynj.gov/Airtrain/