Tag: transportation

The Chicken Buses

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

How did the Guatemala chicken cross the road?

On the chicken bus!

Okay, so not really!

So, why are the colorfully decorated transport buses that you see in Guatemala called chicken buses?

Have you ever seen a truckload of chickens being taken to the processing plant? Crammed together in an enclosed space, this is how Central Americans look (and probably feel) when they travel throughout their countries. And, yes, sometimes crammed into these buses, they transport live animals…probably a chicken or two every now and then.

When American school buses are retired, they are sold at auction and often end up in Central America, modified and painted with bright colors and designs. Easy to spot due to their vibrant paint jobs, religious imagery and verbiage, the bus’s name and permanent route are often inscribed over the front windshield. Their insides (well, that is the most interesting part) are sometimes jazzed up with Christmas lights, tassels and posters and a very loud sound system.

Sounds like fun!

Operated by two people, a driver and the ayudante or helper, they run a tight schedule. Although the driver’s job is extremely important, as he is responsible for the safe passage of his customers, the helper keeps everything running smoothly. From collecting money, to stowing everything from luggage, to livestock and produce…sometimes on the roof of the bus…sometimes while in motion…the ayudante also is responsible for announcing (loudly) the destinations that the bus is reaching.

The self-employed driver and his assistant prefer to keep the buses at capacity to reduce operating costs and sometimes travel at top speed in a hair-raising, nerve-wracking experience. After all, time is money!

Although during our stay in Guatemala, we never had the opportunity to ride one of the chicken buses, we were quite fascinating watching the operation.

Next time, I may give it a go…and bring a chicken or two.

Does fried chicken count?

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The Chicken Buses

Gettin’ Around

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Have you ever imagined what it was like to travel by subway when the lines were first introduced in New York City?

At the NY Transit Museum you can find out!

While staying with a friend in Brooklyn, we were searching for something to occupy our morning. She suggested the Transit Museum and I rather reluctantly agreed. After all, we were in Brooklyn and one would think that all the best museums are in Manhattan.

Not so!

The NY Transit Museum offers a look at the history of the city’s transportation from early ships, trains and passenger ferries to modern subways, buses and cars. The museum highlights how mass transit has helped to make the region what it is today through artistic renderings, historic maps, guidebooks and digital technology.

As we walked through the first part of the museum, we were able to analyze photographs and read stories of how the massive undertaking of the construction of the subway system was approached.

Moving on, we witnessed the progression of the toll booths used within the subway system and how payments moved from tokens to the present day metro card. Dating back as far as the subway’s opening in 1904 until ones in used as recently as 2003, the turnstiles displayed here include some used in the 1939 New York World’s Fair, designed to require passengers to pay double fare upon both entry and exit at the World’s Fair subway station. Most of the turnstiles are operable and we enjoyed walking freely through each of them.

Further back on the upper level, the museum covers the other means of transportation within the region via roadways…cars, buses, and older trolleys and some of the methods used to direct traffic, including signs and traffic lights. This part is especially exciting for the younger set as it provides some great photo ops. Ever wanted to see what its like to be a bus or subway driver in the city? You can sit behind the wheel and controls and get a feel for it here!

Other parts of the museum cover a wide selection of maps of the city and the metro system and the city as well as mementos and collections of items found (or used to be found) in the metro stations. There is even a section if comic strips and artwork dealing with travel.

My favorite part of the museum, however, is the one that should be the main reason for visiting. Downstairs is the decommissioned Court Street subway station which was opened on April 9, 1936. Here, two fully powered and operational subway tracks display many historic examples of the city’s subway and elevated railway equipment. These rail cars can still be operated and date back to the city’s subway system beginnings. These cars are fully furnished with vintage advertisements and route maps and you can wander freely throughout each car, taking a seat for a rest (and pretend trip), if you wish.

The subway car which was rebuilt for the movie Money Train is also part of the museum’s collection and the station has been used for many movies and television series throughout the years, including Guilty Bystander, The FBI Story, 1974’s The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, 2009’s The Taking of Pelham 123 and Life on Mars.

The museum’s subway cars are also sometimes used for excursions such as holiday specials at the end of the year and Yankee and Met events and tickets are available for anyone to purchase.

A few specialized railwork vehicles used in the past for maintenance can be viewed on the platform as well as a large wheel truck and motor (bogie). You can learn about the development of the New York’s rail transit system by checking out the informational panels in the center of the station.

Since space in the station is limited, a large number of museum cars are kept off-site in various subway yards and shops awaiting restoration, undergoing restoration, or in storage. In addition to the museum’s large subway car collection, it also has possession of a sizable fleet of vintage buses. With no area to display these artifacts, they are stored in various bus depots around the city and brought out for special events such as the museum’s annual “Bus Festival” which has been held since 1994.

The New York Transit Museum was quite the enjoyable way to spend a few hours and I must admit, even though it may have not been my first choice for our entertainment for the day, I loved every bit of it and learned a great deal. If you love travel, like I do, take the time to visit this amazing museum and learn about the history of New York City’s transportation.

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New York Transit Museum

  • https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/
  • Address: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 1000-1600, Saturday and Sunday, 1100-1700. Closed Monday and major holidays.
  • Admission: Adults, $10, Children (ages 2-17) $5, Seniors 62+: $5, Free on Wednesdays. Visitors with Disabilities: $5 with MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard, MTA Reduced-Fare Easy Pay Card, Access-a-Ride Card, Able-Ride Card, Para-transit Card, or Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) Card
  • Getting There: Nearest subway stations, Borough Hall (2,3,4,5, N,R,W), Jay Street-Metrotech (A,C,F,R), Hoyt Street (2,3).

As Easy As…Um, Dois, Três

© 2018 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Portugal’s capital has always taken a backseat to many other cities in Europe. Travel, however, has become more commonplace and a trip to Europe is becoming the norm for many.   Years ago, most people took a trip (or sometimes two) of a lifetime and visited as many of the main European cities as they could fit into their itineraries.

Now, savvy travelers want bragging rights…

“I’ve been there…have you?”

Portugal is quickly becoming the country that travelers want to brag about.  Plus, with its affordability, it is easily attainable.

If you’ve scheduled your trip to Portugal’s capital, then make sure to fit in all that you can while visiting.

Besides its many landmarks, all worth visiting, there are many other things throughout the city that tourists can not miss.

Here are three that I recommend.

Take a tram or a tuk tuk.  Some cities have modes of transportation that everyone relates to the city…think, London’s double-decker buses.  Lisbon has its trams.  The most popular is Tram 28 which takes tourists on a route from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique, passing through the neighborhoods of Graça, Baixa and Bairro Alto, and near popular attractions, such as St. George’s Castle and Alfama.   Many of the trams used within the city were also used in World War II, so in addition to seeing what the city has to offer, you are riding on a piece of history.  Expect long waits and crowded cars due to the tram’s popularity, but enjoy the ride up the steep Alfama hill…your feet will thank you!

You will also notice many tuk tuks throughout the city.  A common and cheap mode of transportation in Asia, the tuk tuk was introduced to Portugal a few years ago.  Popular with tourists, for their availability and for their ease of travel through the narrow streets, you can find them outside of most attractions.  Beware, however…the price you pay in Asia is not what you pay in Lisbon.

Enjoy the view.  There are many overlooks throughout the city.  For the most breathtaking views, head over to the Elevador de Santa Justa, an historic attraction that  connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Built in the 19th century and the only remaining vertical lift, it provides an invaluable service by eliminating the steep climb up Carmo Hill.

Largo das Portas do Sol is an original Moorish gateway offering stunning angles over Alfama’s red rooftops and pastel colored houses bordering the Rio Tejo.

Located conveniently near the Cathedral de Se and Castelo Saõ Jorge is Miradouro de Santa Luzia.  A popular observation deck with a pergola that presents dramatic views of the city and the river.

Miradouro da Graça is situated on the hill of Santo André and overlooks many old neighborhoods like Mouraria, Alfama, the downtown area, Castelo Saõ Jorge, the river and 25th April Bridge.  Here, you can enjoy a drink in the esplanade facing Lisbon’s roofs and try to identify the many monuments and landmarks below.  If Tram 28 is too crowded, catch bus 712 (Marquês de Pombal) or 726 and disembark at Sapadores for a short walk.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara provides views over to the castle and a little market offering nice souvenirs and food and beer stalls. It is easy to access on foot from Bairro Alto or from Rossio below via the Ascensor da Gloria.

Have a treasure hunt.  So, not really in the sense you may be thinking.  Portuguese tiles, or azulegos, were introduced during Moorish times and adorn dozens of buildings throughout the city.  Be on the lookout for these vibrant decorations, especially in the neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado and Cais do Sodré.  If you don’t feel like seeking these tiles out on your own and would like to inspect them at a closer distance, head out to the Museu Nacional Do Azulejo which is filled with tiles of all colors and sizes, some dating back to the 15th century.  If discovering how these tiles are made is what you are after, you can also learn about the process here.  If money is no object, you can book at stay at the Palácio Belmonte or Palácio Ramalhete, where you will find interior walls covered in these amazing pieces of art.

With so much to do in this Portuguese capitol, there’s probably not enough time to tackle them all.  So, you may have to return…so then you can say,

“I’ve been there twice…have you?”

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Tram 28

Elevador Santa Justa 

  • http://www.carris.pt/en/elevators/
  • Address:  R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Hours:  Lift, March-October, 0700-2300, daily.  November-February, 0700-2100, daily.  Viewpoint, March-October, 0900-2300, daily. November-February, 0900-2100, daily.
  • Admission:  Return ticket, €5.15,  With the 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card, €1.45
  • Getting There:  Metro, Baixa/Chiado, blue and green lines

Museu Nacional Do Azulejo (Tile Museum)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Crossed

© 2018 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Kowloon to Hong Kong Island?

The two sides of Victoria Harbour are connected by roads and rail, but thousands of visitors and locals climb aboard the Star Ferry crafts to transit the waterway.

When asking friends for suggestions of things to do in Hong Kong, one of the first things mentioned was to “make sure to take the Star Ferry and admire the views”.

Star Ferry Company, founded in 1888 as Kowloon Ferry Company is a passenger ferry service operator and tourist attraction in Asia’s World City…Hong Kong.  Carrying roughly 70,000 passengers a day, the fleet of twelve ferries operates two routes across the harbor, between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui.  Harbor cruises are also operated which provide a circular route and overview of the skyline and harbor.  The famous ferry, often photographed, has appeared in films throughout the years, including, The World of Suzie Wong and the TV miniseries, Noble House.

After emerging from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, we headed south toward the harbor.  Walking along Salisbury Road, we passed the lavish Peninsula Hotel and the Hong Kong Space Museum directly across the roadway.  Making tracks around the Hong Kong Cultural Center, we admired the famous landmark, the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, which is the only remnant of the original site of the former Kowloon Station on the Kowloon-Canton Railway.  Since the clock tower is presently closed for renovation, we continued on to our destination, the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier.  Walking into the terminal, we followed the signs to the departure point, only to find that we had just missed the boat!

With such regular schedules, we didn’t fret as we knew another would be leaving for Hong Kong Island soon.

Before long, we were climbing aboard, taking seats near the rail and admiring the exquisite skyline as we motored away from the Kowloon coastline.  All around us, boats cruised through the harbor, cruise ships awaited their departure and freighters and barges carried their cargo out of the busy port.  The blue skies enhanced the incredible architecture, including illustrious and distinctive buildings like 2IFC Towers, Bank of China building and Central Plaza on the Hong Kong side and the ICC Tower on the Kowloon side.  Though the ride was short, the breeze was cool and the waters calm.  Staring ahead at Hong Kong Island, we looked upward at Victoria’s Peak…our next destination.

 

There are many things to do in Hong Kong.  While getting from one to another, from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, put the Star Ferry on the top of your list.  It’s like killing two birds with…well, you know the phrase!

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Star Ferry

  • http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/Fares
  • Address:  Tsim Sha Tsui, Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.  Central, Central Pier, Central, Hong Kong Island.  Wan Chai, Wan Chai Ferry Pier, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
  • Hours:  Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Counter, 1020-2045.  Central Pier Number 7 Counter, 1145-20:05.
  • Admission: Central to Tsim Sha Tsui.  Lower deck, $2.20, Monday to Friday.  $3.10, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.  Upper deck, $2.70, Monday to Friday.  $3.70, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.  Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.  $2.70, Monday to Friday.  $3.70, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.   The Octopus card or tokens may be used to pay for the ride. Tokens are available in the vending machines at the piers. Direct payment by coins at turnstile is no longer accepted.
  • Getting There:  TST Star Ferry pier: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit L6. Walk to the Clock Tower along Salisbury Road.  Central Star Ferry pier: MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit A2 or MTR Central Station, Exit A. Walk to the pier along Man Yiu Street.  Wan Chai Star Ferry pier: MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A1. Take the skybridge to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and descend to Convention Avenue at Harbour Road.

 

Navigating New York

© 2016  Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

It’s been twenty-something years since I first visited New York City.  I remember how scared I was of getting around the city and didn’t quite understand the subway system.  Needless to say, a lot of money was spent on cab rides to and from the airport and around Manhattan.

After being based in the New York for 19 years, finally, I think I can say that I have it all figured out.  Much to my surprise, many do not.  And when I say many, I am really referring to my fellow flight attendants.  Certainly, I do not expect someone to arrive in New York city, if they’ve never been there, and understand all the ins and outs.  What puzzles me is that there are flight attendants that have been based there just as long or longer than me and still do not know how to get from one airport to the other or even just into Manhattan without a cab.

Here are some helpful tips for anyone trying to get from one airport to the other, from the airports to Manhattan or just getting around on the subway.

You booked a crazy itinerary to get a cheap fare.  You are landing in LaGuardia and flying out a few hours later from JFK on an international flight. Getting from LaGuardia Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport can be accomplished in many ways.  

  • Take a cab.  When walking out of baggage claim, there are signs directing you to the outside of the terminal and ground transportation.  It’s usually not very difficult to locate the taxi stand.  Depending on traffic and the time of day, a yellow cab will cost around $45.00 and take a minimum of 25 minutes.   Try www.taxifarefinder.com to get an estimate for your ride.
  • Private Cab or Car Service.  You can call a private cab company or car service. Most charge comparable rates to yellow cabs and can also arrange for “meet and greet” service for an extra charge.
  • Public transport.  New York has excellent bus and subway service. Unfortunately, these two airports are not connected by the subway, but you can achieve the same outcome by taking a combination of bus and subway.  From LGA, purchase a Metrocard from a ticket machine (located within the terminals) and add fare.   By purchasing a Metrocard and adding fare, you will be able to make the transfer between the bus and the subway for free…your two rides will only cost $2.75 plus $1.00 for the Metrocard if you do not already have one.  If you purchase a single bus ticket, no transfer is allowed, resulting in you having to purchase a separate subway ticket for an additional $2.75.  Take the Q70 bus (direct service) to Roosevelt Station.  Total travel time is about 8-10 minutes.  You may also take the Q47 bus, but travel time will be longer as it makes more stops. At Roosevelt Station, take the E train to Jamaica Station.  At Jamaica Station, change to the Airtrain ($5 fee required) and disembark at the appropriate terminal for your airline.
  • NYC Airporter.  Bus service that departs every 30 minutes on the hour from each terminal at JFK and Laguardia airports between the hours of 5:00 am and 11:30pm.  When exiting the baggage claim area, there is usually a sign and an Airporter representative available.  One-way fare is $14.00 and drop-off will be at the terminal of your choice.
  • ETS Shuttle.  Private service or shuttle service.  Shuttle service is $10 per person between LGA and JFK, booked at the ground transportation desk.  See the agent in the red jacket.
  • Uber.  Use the Uber app on your phone and set up a ride between the two.  Rides prices vary, but expect about a $31-42 fare.
  • All of the above options can be used from when traveling from JFK to LGA.

Flying into LaGuardia or JFk airport, you want to head into Manhattan for a fun weekend. 

  • Take a cab. When walking out of both LGA’s and JFK’s baggage claims, there are signs directing you to the outside of the terminal and ground transportation.  It’s usually not very difficult to locate the taxi stand.  Depending on traffic, time of day and drop-off point in the city, a yellow cab from LGA to Manhattan will cost anywhere between $36-$44, with minimum ride time averaging around 30 minutes, again, depending on time of day and drop-off point in the city.   A yellow cab from JFK to Manhattan will average $66-$70 depending on traffic, time of day and drop-off point in the city.  Ride time is approximately 45-60 minutes.  Some cab companies may charge a flat rate from JFK-Manhattan of $52 + tolls.  Try www.taxifarefinder.com to get an estimate for your ride.
  • Private Cab or Car Service.  You can call a private cab company or car service. Most charge comparable rates to yellow cabs and can also arrange for “meet and greet” service for an extra charge.
  • Public transport.  Traveling from LGA to Manhattan, you can take the M60 bus to Astoria and catch the subway.   The N or the Q subway lines will take you into the city.  You can also take the same M60 bus all the way into Manhattan. You can also take the Q47 or the Q70 Limited (direct service) to Roosevelt station.  At Roosevelt station, you can connect to the E, F, M and R subway lines.   A Metrocard can be purchased in the baggage claim area from one of the ticket machines.  By purchasing a Metrocard and adding fare, you will be able to make the transfer between the bus and the subway for free…your two rides will only cost $2.75 plus $1.00 for the Metrocard if you do not already have one.    If you purchase a single bus ticket, no transfer is allowed, resulting in you having to purchase a separate subway ticket for an additional $2.75.  From JFK to Manhattan, the Airtrain can be taken to Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station.  A $5.00 fee is required to exit the Airtrain station.  At Jamaica Station, you can connect to the E train (for western Queens, midtown Manhattan, and connections to the Bronx) and the J and Z trains (for central Queens and Northern Brooklyn).  Total ride time is approximately 60-75 minutes and fare, $2.75.  At the Jamaica Station, you can also access the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Penn Station, fare $10.00 (Peak) and $7.25 (Off-Peak).  Ride time from Jamaica station is approximately 30 minutes. From Howard Beach Station, you can connect to the A train for southern Queens, Brooklyn and lower Manhattan.  Fare $2.75.
  • NYC Airporter.  Bus service that departs every 30 minutes on the hour from each terminal at JFK and Laguardia airports between the hours of 5:00 am and 11:30 pm.  When exiting the baggage claim area, there is usually a sign and an Airporter representative available.  One-way fare to Manhattan is $14.00 per person, offering three drop-off points, Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station.
  • Uber.  Use the Uber app on your phone and set up a ride between either LGA or JFK and Manhattan.  Rides prices vary, but expect about a $40 fare from LGA to Penn Station and a $47-$62 fare from JFK to Penn Station.

You are flying into LaGuardia or JFK airports and need to get to Newark Airport, later in the day.

  • Take a cab. When walking out of both LGA’s and JFK’s baggage claims, there are signs directing you to the outside of the terminal and ground transportation.  It’s usually not very difficult to locate the taxi stand.  Depending on traffic and time of day, a yellow cab from LGA to EWR will cost anywhere between $94-$126, with minimum ride time averaging around one hour, again.  A yellow cab from JFK to EWR will average $122-$132 depending on traffic.  Ride time is approximately 60-75 minutes.  Try www.taxifarefinder.com to get an estimate for your ride.
  • Private Cab or Car Service.  You can call a private cab company or car service. Most charge comparable rates to yellow cabs and can also arrange for “meet and greet” service for an extra charge.
  • Public transport.  From LGA, take the M60 bus to Astoria and catch the subway.   The N or the Q subway lines will take you into the city, switching at Times Square to the 1, 2 or 3 lines in the direction of Downtown.  One stop and you will be at Penn Station.  You can also take the same M60 bus all the way into Manhattan.  At 125 St – Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Av), connect to the 2 or 3 lines to Penn Station or at 125 St – St Nicholas Av/ Frederick Douglass Blvd, take the A or the C line to Penn Station.  You can also take the Q47 or the Q70 Limited (direct service) from LGA to Roosevelt station.  At Roosevelt station, you can connect to the E subway line to Penn Station.  From LGA, purchase a Metrocard from a ticket machine (located within the terminals) and add fare.   By purchasing a Metrocard and adding fare, you will be able to make the transfer between the bus and the subway for free…your two rides will only cost $2.75 plus $1.00 for the Metrocard if you do not already have one.  If you purchase a single bus ticket, no transfer is allowed, resulting in you having to purchase a separate subway ticket for an additional $2.75.  Once at Penn Station, follow the signs to Jersey Transit trains.  Purchase a ticket and watch the boards to see which track your train is departing on.  Be sure to disembark at Newark International Airport and not Newark Penn Station. Fares are $13.00 and travel time is approximately 27-30 minutes.
  • NYC Airporter.  Bus service that departs every 30 minutes on the hour from each terminal at JFK and Laguardia airports between the hours of 5:00 am and 11:30pm.  When exiting the baggage claim area, there is usually a sign and an Airporter representative available.  One-way fare to Newark is $27.00 per person from both JFK and LGA and requires a bus transfer.  Travel time between JFK and EWR is two hours and travel time between LGA and EWR is one and a half hours.
  • ETS Shuttle.  Private service or shuttle service.  Shuttle service is $31 per person between LGA and JFK, booked at the ground transportation desk.  See the agent in the red jacket.
  • Uber.  Use the Uber app on your phone and set up a ride between either LGA or JFK and Newark International Airport.  Rides prices vary, but expect about a fare of $104-$129 from LGA to EWR and a fare of $115-$143 from JFK to EWR.

You are staying in Manhattan near Grand Central Station and want to see the Brooklyn Bridge.  How do you get there?

  • Hail a cab.  Cabs are everywhere in New York City.  When hailing a cab, watch for cars in which the light is not illuminated.  When the light is illuminated, the cab is occupied.  Walk to the edge of the curb or near the street and wave to cab…you can even whistle while waving!  Give the cab driver your destination name or address.  The meter will begin with the initial fare of $2.50 and the final fare will also contain taxes.  Expect fare to be about $20 + tip.  Try www.taxifarefinder.com to get an estimate for your ride.
  • Take the Subway.  Fare, $2.75 metrocard or $3.00 one-time ride.  The subway is very easy to navigate and extremely safe.  Board the subway at the nearest station, Grand Central.  Check your subway map and look at the line which will take you to the Brooklyn Bridge.  In this case, it will be the 4, 5 or 6 (Green) lines.  How do you know which way to go?  Easy.  Look at the end of that subway line for the final station.  You will either follow signs for the lines to the station or in most cases, in Manhattan, it will say either Uptown or Downtown.  Since you are traveling down to the south of Manhattan, you will take the line in the direction of Downtown.  Watch the stations as you pass by or watch the electronic map displayed in your subway car so that you are aware of when to disembark.  If unsure, ask a local. Never have I had someone not assist me willingly. Additionally, carry a subway map with you or download a New York Subway map on to your phone.

You’ve walked on the Brooklyn Bridge and now and want to travel from Brooklyn Bridge to the Times Square to buy try your luck at the TKTS booth for a half-price ticket for a Broadway musical.

  • Hail a cab.  Cabs are everywhere in New York City.  When hailing a cab, watch for cars in which the light is not illuminated.  When the light is illuminated, the cab is occupied.  Walk to the edge of the curb or near the street and wave to cab…you can even whistle while waving!  Give the cab driver your destination name or address.  The meter will begin with the initial fare of $2.50 and will also contain taxes.  Expect fare to be about $22 + tip.  Try www.taxifarefinder.com to get an estimate for your ride.
  • Take the Subway.  Fare, $2.75 metrocard or $3.00 one-time ride. First, take a look at your subway map and see what line the Times Square is on…7 (Purple).  First look for a place where the line you are one might intersect which one of those lines. Since they do intersect, take the 4, 5 or 6 (Green) Uptown until you are back at Grand Central.  Exit the train and follow signs to the 7 line to 34th Street (last stop in the direction you are going).  Watch the stations as you pass by or watch the electronic map displayed in your subway car so that you are aware of when to disembark or refer to the NYC Subway map app on your phone.

 

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