Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

DH has summer Friday's and gets off of work at around 3pm. He would like DD and I to come into the city tomorrow and meet him at his office so that we can introduce DD to his co-workers (many of whom purchased very generous gifts for DD despite him having just recently starting at the job when she was born) and then walk around, have an early dinner, etc. Would you drive in or take public transportation (LIRR and subway)? Some info: DD is 3 months old, I would be going in alone with her (no help from another person), we live in Farmingdale, and DH works in South Street Seaport area. What would you do? I'm not familiar with traffic and what it would be like to head into the city on a Friday afternoon.

Message edited 8/6/2015 10:09:46 AM.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

I would only do LIRR.
I don't like driving in NYC- it's very confusing to me and nervewracking too with crazy cabbies etc.
Then trying to find parking.
I could never do it.

Plus traffic- no way.

Message edited 8/6/2015 10:15:47 AM.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

I'd take the train and subway and wear baby in the bjorn or whatever u have.

Edited to add that I did this with my da when he was a little older. I used a mini backpack as a diaper bag. So baby in the front bag on ur back.

Message edited 8/6/2015 10:16:59 AM.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

I would drive and park in a garage using a coupon from the icon mobile app.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

What subway is nearby to his office? Depending on where he is, it might be a pain to get there from Penn with the baby (ie if he is only near a 4/5, you have to get to the 4/5).

Also, if the point is for his coworkers to meet/see her, the wearing her might not accomplish that too well.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Do. Not. Drive.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Friday afternoon is going to bad either way. When you come back home either the traffic will be insane or the LIRR will be packed with people going out East.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Message edited 8/6/2015 10:58:08 AM.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Ugh. Tough choice. Tons of traffic everywhere vs. a nasty, very squished (standing room only most likely) LIRR train ride home.


I'm going with car. I hate the LIRR too much.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Posted by DaniJude

Posted by ANewDayHasCome

I would drive and park in a garage using a coupon from the icon mobile app.

Driving in the city - especially in the summer - isn't anywhere near as bad as you'd think. There are parking garages every two feet - you are much better off. The LIRR with a three month old? No way, no how. I hate the train.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

I'd probably drive, and I go to the city every day. The LIRR and then the subway with a baby sounds like a nightmare.

I actually hate the LIRR so much that some days I drive in to Queens and take the express bus from there. Not sure what time you're going in, but if you're able to leave early that may be an option.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Posted by Pumpkin1

Posted by DaniJude

Posted by ANewDayHasCome

I would drive and park in a garage using a coupon from the icon mobile app.

Driving in the city - especially in the summer - isn't anywhere near as bad as you'd think. There are parking garages every two feet - you are much better off. The LIRR with a three month old? No way, no how. I hate the train.

I disagree. I find traffic on Friday afternoons in the city to be the absolute worst.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Posted by DaniJude

Posted by Pumpkin1

Posted by DaniJude

Posted by ANewDayHasCome

I would drive and park in a garage using a coupon from the icon mobile app.

Driving in the city - especially in the summer - isn't anywhere near as bad as you'd think. There are parking garages every two feet - you are much better off. The LIRR with a three month old? No way, no how. I hate the train.

I disagree. I find traffic on Friday afternoons in the city to be the absolute worst.

I go in quite often - never had a problem.

I actually enjoy it.

I guess it depends on the area you are in.

Message edited 8/6/2015 11:31:43 AM.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Drive so much easier and less germs (yes I am a germaphob)

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

If your DD is good in the car, then I would drive. If not, then I would take the train.

Nothing like sitting in traffic with a screaming baby and you can't do a thing

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

As a daily commuter who HATES the LIRR...I would still take it in this situation (and have done several times with my DS).

Driving to the city is so unpredictable and I almost find it more stressful to get stuck in traffic and not be able to soothe baby in the backseat if you're alone vs having her on you and being able to stop/feed/change whatever if you take train/subway/walk.

Penn is MUCH more crowded on Fridays in the summer than usual b/c of the weekenders, just be aware!

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

I would drive. Taking trains with a 3 month old by myself sounds like a nightmare.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Thanks for all the opinions, everyone! For those that are saying to take the LIRR and subway (and who are frequent commuters), do you find that people traveling often offer their assistance to mothers with young children? I know that my husband says at least twice a week he carries a stroller up and/or down a set of stairs for a mom but is this atypical? I guess I'm just worried if I use mass transit, that no one would be willing to help me get the baby up and down the stairs. The stroller I have is too bulky for me to take her out and carry her and the folded stroller together. Opinions?

Message edited 8/6/2015 3:24:36 PM.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

People usually will offer to help. At Penn Station there are elevators too which make things easier. I believe there may be elevators too at the Fulton St Station (which is closest to the Seaport).

I would take the train - traffic on Fridays in the summer is horrendous.

Re: Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

Take the train -
You'll have the stroller which will be a huge convenience walking around the city for the day/early evening.
Driving in at ANY time is not pleasant, but at 3pm on a Friday in the summer? It will take you 2+ hours.

The train in won't be crowded, keep the baby in the stroller and no one will be near her -
Once you get on the platforms, you have to look/or ask for them but there are elevators in the train stations
And even if noone offers outright, if you ASK someone, they will help you.

Driving vs. LIRR/Subway?

I work in that area and I don't recommend you drive. You'll hit a ton of traffic and there is so much congestion in this area it will drive you crazy - especially if the baby starts crying/whining. The 2/3 is the closest to South Street Seaport which you will be able to connect to from Penn. There is elevator access on the platform so you can easily bring your stroller. Good Luck!