Anonymous wrote:If you get stuck in endless traffic in North Jersey, a backup plan is to pay for parking there and take NJ Transit or PATH into the city from there. Have done both.

OP here. I am very ignorant of geography in that area (I'm a foreigner). Where in NJ would be a good place to stop and park if needed? Would like to figure out a Plan B in advance.

We do this a couple of times a year to see family. Leaving early in the morning does help but our tweens make that difficult! It makes me sad that Amtrak has gotten so expensive -- we used to take the train all the time but not it's prohibitive.

train or red bus

Take the train. But if you must drive, the Lincoln Tunnel has a “sweet spot” between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe too late but have you considered taking train?

When I looked weeks ago, both bus and train were pretty expensive. Maybe because it’s a popular time of the year?

That and you’re booking late. Prices increase
As you get closer to your date.

I’ve driven it a lot. There are no tricks. Everything depends on amount of traffic and number of accidents. Suggest Waze.

It’s fine. Just check wave to see the best way to go. Be flexible Lincoln or Holland or gw bridge in how you get there.

Anonymous wrote:My advice? Don’t. Take the bus or train. Convenient and you don’t have to deal with NYC traffic and parking.

+100

If you get stuck in endless traffic in North Jersey, a backup plan is to pay for parking there and take NJ Transit or PATH into the city from there. Have done both.

I try to book a parking spot ahead on one of the apps and navigate to it. Pick one close to your route into the city (like right by the tunnel entrance). . It is easier to walk further with bags than do more city driving, imo.

You leave as early as possible. Tell your teens to nap in the car. On December 31 you head in the opposite direction of Time Square at all costs.

NYC traffic is unpredictable because there are only a handful of bridges and tunnels to get there, and any minor accident can throw one of those routes into chaos. It’s best to hit the area early when volume is lower and to monitor traffic about 30 minutes out to see which paths are clear.

Anonymous wrote:Maybe too late but have you considered taking train?

When I looked weeks ago, both bus and train were pretty expensive. Maybe because it’s a popular time of the year?

Maybe too late but have you considered taking train?

My advice? Don’t. Take the bus or train. Convenient and you don’t have to deal with NYC traffic and parking.

Last time I drove up, last May, I left at 5:00 am from Vienna and hit the Holland Tunnel exit about 8:35.

I have done that same drive and it has taken 8 hours.

It all depends upon the Turnpike.

We are booked to be in NYC, staying in an apartment on the Upper West Side, from Dec 28th to 31st. It's been a very long time since I drove there and am worried about how long it might take. Unfortunately I have two teens who are hard to get out of bed so an early start is very unlikely if I don't want grumpiness for the rest of the day.

Any tips on route, timing or what to expect?