Is it wise to commute from Long Island to NYC by car?

Question

I have been commuting by train and I was considering driving instead. I'm driving from Hempstead (near Garden City) which is about a 30 mile drive. I have to be into work by 10 am. Can anyone tell me how long this would take with traffic. Or if there is a better way to do this. I work on 54th between 10th and 11th. Thanks!

Answer 1

Given the fact that (1) the LIE has the reputation of being a parking lot during rush hour and (2) there are other variables such as weather, holidays, and so forth, I think you're going to have to find out by trial and error. Depending on how tolerant of tardiness your company is, I'd suggest starting 1 to 1.5 hours before you need to be at work and see how that goes. Good luck.

Answer 2

Take the train

Answer 3

I am from California, and don't know how long it would take.  Still, being experienced with TRAFFIC as I am, I would suggest the train.  The reason is that you don't have the hassles and headaches with other motorists.

Good Luck with your commute.

:)

Answer 4

Definitely stay with the train. It's cheaper and less stressful.

Answer 5

I live on LI.  I use to commute to the city every day. Now i have a job on the Island thank god.  Ok the secret would be leaving the house around 5am to avoid heavy traffic on the LIE.  Your commute with traffic would be about 2 hours on an average day each way.  Train would be faster,  and i know the prices went up, but the city will be increasing the bridge fair soon.  Anyway I would weigh stress also.  Good luck and the person that said most LI are wealthy.  Try to buy a cheap house for 350k and pay 250.00 a month electric bills.

Answer 6

Sure if you have the money for gas and tolls..ugh. But aren't most Long Islanders wealthy?, or is that a silly stereotype? Take the train like everyone else. Which is expensive in my opinion as well.