Visiting NYC - Transport Questions

That hotel is right off of pretty much every train, I second the why not just do public transportation question.

Otherwise, how to cab like a New Yorker: get into the cab first, *then* tell the driver where you're going. But for a location that close to the bridge you shouldn't run into a problem.

VERY hard to get cabs, at least after Saturday matinees. I'm often trying to get one then in the Theater District to go back to Penn Station with luggage/shopping bags (I often come up on a Thursday and return on Saturday evenings). In the infinite wisdom of the cab system, 5 p.m. is a major shift change, so they're either full or refuse to stop. It's become a comedy routine for me: I try for about 20 minutes and then end up walking with all of my bags to the train. (Walking is easier most of the time than negotiating all the subway stair and turnstiles with my stuff.)

It can be hard to get a cab as many theaters get out around the same time. You will have better luck, too if you try to hail a cab on an avenue instead of the street right outside the theater.

However, if you are going to brave public transportation -- which is pretty damn good in NYC -- try getting the ap HOP STOP. It makes using the subway easy peasy.

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First, I am quite sure the Brooklyn Marriot can "hail" a cab for you. Second, see below from your hotel to Marriot Marquis in theatre district. When you get in the cab, tell cab driver the destination and how you want him to get you there if you are concerned. This gives the impression that you know where you are going and he will not be able to take you on a longer route that will increase the taxi fare.



1. Start out going north on Adams St/Brooklyn Bridge Blvd toward Johnson St/Tech Pl.

Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 0.5 mi
2.
Adams St/Brooklyn Bridge Blvd becomes Brooklyn Bridge.

Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 1.1 mi
3. Take the FDR Drive/Pearl St ramp.

Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 0.10 mi
4. Keep right to take the F. D. R. Drive North ramp.
0.1 mi
5. Merge onto FDR Dr N.

Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 3.7 mi
6. Take the E 42 St exit, EXIT 9.

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7. Turn slight right onto E 42nd St.

Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 0.9 mi
8. Turn right onto 6th Ave/Avenue of the Americas.
6th Ave is 0.1 miles past 5th Ave
Starbucks Coffee is on the right
If you reach Broadway you've gone about 0.1 miles too far

Zoom to this StepAvoid this Step 0.2 mi
9. Turn left onto W 45th St.
W 45th St is just past W 44th St
Wells Fargo Of New York is on the corner
If you reach W 46th St you've gone a little too far

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10. Turn left onto 7th Ave.
Starbucks Coffee is on the corner
If you reach 8th Ave you've gone about 0.1 miles too far

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11.
1535 BROADWAY.
If you are on Broadway and reach W 44th St you've gone a little too far

Updated On: 6/15/13 at 08:16 AM

Also, while I would not advise you to take trains at night,

Please, this is not the 80's. There is nothing wrong with the train at night.

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It's difficult finding cabs after shows, but if you do, it's not at all difficult to get the driver to take you to the Brooklyn Marriott. Still, you can easily take the A,C or E to Jay St. Borough Hall, very close to the hotel or the 2 or 3 to Borough Hall, equally close. It should take about 25 minutes on the train.

I work in that neighborhood and live in Manhattan, it takes me about 15 min. on the F train from 23trd street. And the TKTS booth in Brooklyn, as has been said, is terrific, hardly ever a line; The only thing is you can't get same day matinee tickets, unless that's recently changed.

Updated On: 6/15/13 at 11:43 AM

I live in NY take public transport all over the world. I hate being stuck in traffic and feel on the subway that I'm at least moving instead of sitting there. Besides, there is no better way to unobtrusively ogle the good-looking locals than on a subway or bus.

Anyway, one trick I've found useful when taking the subway from my hotel is, once I've entered the station, I turn around and make a note of the sign which indicates the entrance/exit I'm using (for example 'Broadway and 40th Street, SW Corner), so that when you get back at night, you'll know which way to go. Walk briskly like you know where you're going, and you'll be fine.

As for taking the trains at night, unless you're going to the far reaches of the Bronx or Brooklyn, you're hightly unlikely to ride in a completley empty car (and if you see an empty car it usually means the A/C is broken or there is a noxious odor inside, so don't board that car in the first place). Back in the 80's we used to ride in the conductor's car (in the middle of the train) although that may have been more psychological than anything. Bring a book or newspaper to read, ignore everyone, and you'll be mistaken for a New Yorker in no time.

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The fun thing about riding the subway after a show is that sometimes you see the actors. Only big name stars get limo service, the rest have to either take cabs or ride the subway. Everybody knows how difficult it is to get a cab after a show, so most actors hit the subway, especially those who are in the chorus and don't have the money for cabs.

So forget the stage door, you can meet actors on the subway where you have 45 minutes of their undivided attention.

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If you do decide to take subway, check this site to see if your line is affected by a weekend work:

http://www.mta.info/weekender.html

Glad you had a good time and learned that the NYC subways can be better than taxis (sometimes).

You chose your two shows perfectly.

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Car service. Only!
Margo!

Absolutely. Ignore her.

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