Picking up truck in NJ, want to visit NYC for a couple days, parking, etc.?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DallasW, Oct 14, 2011.

  1. DallasW

    DallasW Bobtail Member

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    Oct 14, 2011
    SK, Canada
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    So me and a friend are going to pick up a truck we've purchased in New Jersey, and as we're going to be so close to NYC we figured we'd spend a day or two visiting. The problem is we're going to be arriving in NJ in another truck we're picking up on the same trip from Montreal, Canada. We're just trying to figure out where we could park the truck(s) for the day, possibly overnight (somewhere safe obviously) where we could easily take the subway/rail/etc into the city.

    Sorry if this isn't the right section, I searched around and couldn't find anywhere more appropriate. Thanks in advance!
     
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  3. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    I wouldn't trust anywhere. You are taking a chance anywhere you park around there.

    If you slept in the truck, I use to park in Jersey City at a restaurant with a police station two blocks away. You could probably have a better chance parking there. Late night it's full and the restaurant closes. They have good food there. It's close to all the NYC attractions.

    Take truck route 9 (exit 15E off I-95) over the bridge into Jersey City. I think it's the first light, there's a convenience store on the near left corner. I think your still on truck route 9 when you turn. Anyways, turn left and go down about 3 blocks and you'll see the brick restaurant on the left with parking for about 8 trucks. . It sits right under the west side of that high, big black iron bridge if you get lost. You cross that black bridge, you're in Manhatten. The police station is 2 blocks west and they run by there all day and night. About 3 blocks east is the old Jersey City truck stop and it's a high crime crack area. But they won't come near the restaurant. They are scared of the cop traffic. You could take a taxi from there. I would ride a taxi before the subway. They can pick a tourist out, lol.

    The service plaza's on I-95 are semi-safe and away from trouble. Your best bet would be the one between exit 16 and 18. It's not far from the Lincoln Tunnel.

    If you plan on going to the World Trade Center site, I think you have to make reservations. I'm not sure, but you can check online. Seems like I heard that on the news opening day.
     
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  4. DallasW

    DallasW Bobtail Member

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    Oct 14, 2011
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    Thanks for the info, great help. What about if you park further out of the city, somewhere like the Bordertown truck stops and took a train into the city from Trenton? I guess if it's going to be a big pain and the truck won't be safe we'll just ditch the idea and see NYC another time.
     
  5. Diesel Blues

    Diesel Blues Bobtail Member

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    If you will be in town on a weekday, the Vince Lombardi service area on the NJ turnpike is a good choice. It is located between the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel. There is a commuter park and ride lot next to it with bus service to Midtown Manhattan. From there you can walk to the empire state bldg, times square etc. See bus schedule below. There is not any service on weekends from that location.
    http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0321.pdf
     
  6. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Bordertown is just as rough. I would go to the Petro if you did. I think it's secured parking? Like DieselBlue says, them service plaza's are a good choice. The crooks won't pay to get to them, lol.
     
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  7. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Dieselblues beat me to it--lomabardi is the way to go--have left truck there countless times--and took the bus in--especially in summer--if you a baseball nut like me--but just to clear one thing up--Laombardi is the only service plaza you can access free of charge--it is north of the last toll plaza and you can come south from I-80 without a toll and exit back to the north--so no toll......
     
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  8. GSWx

    GSWx <strong>Doc In The Box</strong>

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    Wow, great question. Wish we had a parking forum for all the big cities. Yes, I know the wheels have to keep turning but for a 34 it would be nice.
     
  9. snowman01

    snowman01 Road Train Member

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    What route are you taking south from Montreal? If your coming down through Sherbrooke on I91 you can park in Milford at the Pilot and the train station is within walking distance of there. I've done it a few times for kicks. The Lombardi is pretty safe as others have said and the bus station is next door although I don't think it runs on the weekends. Other than that I wouldnt really feel safe leaving a truck anywhere in NY Metro myself.
     
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  10. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    I know a guy that does 34s at the Bordentown Petro a lot and goes into the city. He's never had a problem there. It is a secure lot, if there is such a thing in NJ, but they do have security. You have to pay to park there as well. Don't bother with the Loves, sitting there that long will only increase the chance of someone ripping your fenders off backing in or pulling out at that place.
     
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  11. DallasW

    DallasW Bobtail Member

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    Oct 14, 2011
    SK, Canada
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    This seems like a great idea, but I think I'm missing something. According to Google Maps the train station is about 3 miles from the Pilot? Either way that seems like a decent option, just taxi/bus to the train. Thanks!
     
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