Drive to Manhattan
Template:Stub Driving in to Manhattan from the north can be tricky due to heavy traffic. According to the iDriveYourCar chauffeur service, this is the best route.
Steps
- Always start by using NY DOT's traffic surveillance program (https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/engineering/applications/traffic-data-viewer) to see real time traffic conditions.
- There are two primary routes.
- The best is using the West Side Highway via the Henry Hudson Bridge. This can be reached by taking the Merritt Parkway->Hutchinson Pkwy->Cross County Parkway->Sawmill Pkwy->Henry Hudson Parkway (Rt 9A south).
- If traffic is light, you can also take I-95S to the Triboro Bridge. Once you are on the Triboro heading to Manhattan, stay left after the tolls to go the FDR South.
- If you are taking the Henry Hudson Parkway, there are frequent exits on the left that give you access to the city. If you encounter traffic, your best bet is to take the 96th street exit and go south on one of the avenues to reach midtown.
- If you are taking the FDR, you should also use the 96th street exit to a southbound avenue (such as 2nd avenue). As you travel further south on the FDR, you will most likely encounter heavy traffic and you should exit before the 74th street exit.
Tips
- Keep in mind the UN is on the east side and is very close to the FDR, so if there are high profile dignitaries visiting, avoid the east side.
- During the Morning Commute, you should always plan on using the Henry Hudson Pkwy as the traffic can be much lighter
- You can access both the east side and west side from either the FDR or Henry Hudson Pkwy. You can use Mayor Bloomberg's Thru-Streets to get across town in the shortest amount of time.
Warnings
- While these directions are good, sometimes you are just going to have to wait in traffic. Just take a deep breath and remember you are driving in a city with too many people and not enough roads.
Related Articles
- Navigate New York City
- Drive Safely in Heavy Traffic
- Survive on the Streets of New York City
