Cheapest way to get to NYC for a 3-5 days from Toronto, Canada...

[lektrix]

Me and a few friends were thinking of comin down to NYC for some fun during this long weekend or maybe the next..

It might be a bit last minute but I hear now's the best time to take advantage of last minute deals. What's the cheapest way to get down here? Drive to Buffalo (only 1 hr), then take a plane from Buffalo to NYC? Take a tour bus? Drive all the way from Toronto to NYC? Planing all the way's probably not worth it since it'll be $400+ both ways. I hear tour buses are cheap but they take 14 hours and I can't find any places. Suggestions anyone?

Also is Manhattan cheaper for hotels? Or is it even better to stay in New Jersey and take the subway to NY?

Thanks.

 

[Evadman]

Walk.

 

[kami333]

Drive, if you have more than 2people, driving will be cheaper.

 

[lektrix]

Driving is going to take more time than the bus.....and isn't traffic horrible down here?

 

[saymyname]

Drive. It won't get any cheaper than that. You might find a bus but it'll take forever and with a few people driving is cheaper.

 

[Bootprint]

Originally posted by: lektrix
Driving is going to take more time than the bus.....and isn't traffic horrible down here?

Why would it take more time in car? Greyhound from TO to NY ranges from almost 12 hours to over 20 hours (2 transfers).

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: lektrix
Driving is going to take more time than the bus.....and isn't traffic horrible down here?

You can park in New Jersey and take a ferry/bus/train in, I know a lot of people who have done that. I've parked a couple times at the Newark Airport and taken the bus from there, there are also a fair amount of garages near the ferry terminals to Manhattan.

Parking and driving in NYC isn't too bad, you just need to avoid the rush hour and park smart. The last time I was there I parked near Washington Square Park (near where NYU is) and just waited in my car for 30min until 6pm so I could park for free. My friends have recommended ICON Parking Garages, you can signup for a fare and space gurantee online and you'll be able to park for an ok price. Upper East/Upper West side (Northern part of Manhattan, away from the Empire State Building and Times Square and all that) lots I've parked in for about $30 for 24hrs. There's also a bunch of street parking for free for the weekend if you plan it well.