New York City - Thanksgiving weekend traffic?

I'll be in the area over Thanksgiving weekend, staying with family up in Sullivan Orange County. I'd like to get down into Manhattan once or twice, probably Friday and/or Saturday.

What should I expect for traffic on those days? What about on-street parking, will that be comparable to an average Saturday, or worse?

Even back in the 70s, growing up in Queens, I remember Thanksgiving Day traffic was often awful, even avoiding anything remotely close to the parade, but I don't recall if that lasted all weekend or just the one day...

I'll be in the area over Thanksgiving weekend, staying with family up in Sullivan County. I'd like to get down into Manhattan once or twice, probably Friday and/or Saturday.

What should I expect for traffic on those days? What about on-street parking, will that be comparable to an average Saturday, or worse?

Even back in the 70s, growing up in Queens, I remember Thanksgiving Day traffic was often awful, even avoiding anything remotely close to the parade, but I don't recall if that lasted all weekend or just the one day...

I'd say you are better off taking Metro North into the city. Other than Thanksgiving afternoon, traffic will be heavy and street parking (particularly free street parking) will be little existent.

You should plan to take Metro North. Parking, traffic, why would you WANT do drive into the city?

You should plan to take Metro North. Parking, traffic, why would you WANT do drive into the city?

Agreed. I make this a personal rule from Thanksgiving until around Jan. 7 when they take down the tree in Rockefeller Center. Tourism and the related traffic are ridiculous and not worth the hassle. Metro North is apt to be more crowded than "normal", but it's far more sane and civilized than trying drive and park.

You should plan to take Metro North. Parking, traffic, why would you WANT do drive into the city?

Because it looks like the last train out of Penn Station is around 12:30 am, and I may want to be out later than that. And I'm unfamiliar with the Metro North service west of the Hudson, but it looks like there's post-storm service advisory for the Port Jervis line north of Rt 17, meaning a transfer to a bus for the rest of the ride.

Any suggestions for an interim park and ride spot? Maybe somewhere on PATH with parking available? Or on the Metro North Hudson line, convenient tp the Tappan Zee? I'm looking for later trains and reasonable parking.

Because it looks like the last train out of Penn Station is around 12:30 am, and I may want to be out later than that. And I'm unfamiliar with the Metro North service west of the Hudson, but it looks like there's post-storm service advisory for the Port Jervis line north of Rt 17, meaning a transfer to a bus for the rest of the ride.

Any suggestions for an interim park and ride spot? Maybe somewhere on PATH with parking available? Or on the Metro North Hudson line, convenient tp the Tappan Zee? I'm looking for later trains and reasonable parking.

If you want Metro North/Hudson line, I would use the Tarrytown station. Last train from GCT to Tarrytown is 1:50 am.

But seriously, don't drive into/out of the city around Thanksgiving. You will regret it.

I'll be in the area over Thanksgiving weekend, staying with family up in Sullivan County. I'd like to get down into Manhattan once or twice, probably Friday and/or Saturday.

What should I expect for traffic on those days? What about on-street parking, will that be comparable to an average Saturday, or worse?

Even back in the 70s, growing up in Queens, I remember Thanksgiving Day traffic was often awful, even avoiding anything remotely close to the parade, but I don't recall if that lasted all weekend or just the one day...

Sullivan County? You mean like Liberty?

On Black Friday, the Thruway will be jammed from Exit 16 southbound because of Woodbury Common. (I suspect Saturday as well but don't know for sure.) I don't know what the alternative is.

While everyone is correct about horrible traffic and parking, they may all be taking for granted that you know they are referring to Manhattan's central business district. To what neighborhood would you be headed?

Sullivan County? You mean like Liberty?

On Black Friday, the Thruway will be jammed from Exit 16 southbound because of Woodbury Common. (I suspect Saturday as well but don't know for sure.) I don't know what the alternative is.

While everyone is correct about horrible traffic and parking, they may all be taking for granted that you know they are referring to Manhattan's central business district. To what neighborhood would you be headed?

Goshen, actually. I guess that's Orange Co., my mistake. But coming from the same general direction.

Not sure where specifically we'll be heading, likely midtown or the Village. But depending what we decide to do, I wasn't thinking necessarily of driving to the exact destination - maybe instead head to the UWS, park there, and hop a subway. But if the highways will be jammed and the bridges backed up badly, then I'd look to public transit options from farther out.

Goshen you say? Stop by my parents house and let the dog out for me?


Take the "Metro North" operated by NJ trasnit from Campbell HAll station. www.njtransit.com train down to secaucus or Hoboken and connect into the City. It's relatively easy and won't involve Route 17/Interstate 84 traffic.