NYers, need travel advice (Can I hang around Penn Station at 2 a.m.?)

[northernsoul]

Ok, I apologize for sounding like the total mid-western rube that I am, but I need some travel advice:

I'm flying into LaGuardia at about midnight on the 17th (yep, St. Paddy's day, I know). From LaGuardia, I need to get to Penn Station and then catch the long island line out to Melville (attending a wedding over the weekend). So, I might be waiting around Penn Station with my luggage around closing time on St. Patrick's day - any cause for concern there?

[GetTheRightVote]

1. In NY, I do not think I would but are you a very big person ??

:kick:

[BlueEyedSon]

2. You might get puked on.

[Name removed]

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[BlueEyedSon]

16. Obviously you have never been in Penn Sta on 2AM St Patty's Day!

I have about a dozen times.
I have seen the puke.
:)

[Renew Deal]

17. You must not be familiar with St. Patty's day in NY.

The bars open at 8:00 am. The puking begins at 8:15.

[Book Lover]

3. Why go into Manhattan?

Can't you catch the LIRR at the Jamaica station? Arrive at LGA around midnight, stay there (there are cheap hotels if you don't want to stay at the airport) until you can catch a bus/subway combo to get you to the Jamaica station.

[BlueEyedSon]

6. Agreed, can't you connect in Queens?

manhattan is the OTHER way (west)

[northernsoul]

12. I'll check on LIRR at Jamaica station

thanks for the tip

[Book Lover]

14. Good luck and

I hope you enjoy your trip!

[rjbny62]

13. agree, if you are in Queens, why go to Manhattan?

LIRR stations are located within a few miles of LGA, stay at the airport, or near it in a cheap hotel

[fryguy]

4. shouldn't be a problem

you'd be surprised how busy penn. sta. can be at late night. besides, there is a fairly significant police presence in the area at all times of the day and night. there is a LIRR (Long Island Rail Roard) waiting area with a PA (port athority) Police post right there that I'm fairly certain is staffed 24-hours.

Also keep in mind, bars in NY don't close until 4 or 5 a.m., so chances are there will be loads of people in the area celebrating St. Patty's day before heading back to the Island, so if anything the area might be faily crowded....

[karynnj]

5. Penn station is well policed and safe.

The last train to NJ is around 1am on weekends, so I've been there that late and have never felt unsafe. No, at 5 ft 3 in I am not big!

[aquart]

7. There's a waiting area with clean restrooms.

There are also restaurants, some of which will be open all night. The area is patrolled by HEAVILY ARMED NATIONAL GUARD troops, in addition to a strong police presence. NOTHING will happen to you there.

There are several information booths as well.

Where on god's earth have you been getting your ideas about NYC?

[northernsoul]

10. I expect to be safe as a babe in arms, just wanted to confirm

I've always felt safer in large, cosmopolitan cities than I have in some of the small towns here in "the heartland", but I thought it best to check ahead. Even the greatest cities on earth probably have a few places we'd be advised to steer clear of.

I'm looking forward to a wonderful visit, thanks for the advice.

[imenja]

8. you know that NY has a much lower crime rate than Minneapolis?

Still, as a stranger to the city you're always a sitting duck because you stand out.

[northernsoul]

11. it's mostly having luggage with me that worries me

I'm pretty non-descript looking otherwise.

[Me.]

15. If You Have A Ticket

There is an enclosed waiting area with seats you can go into. However I'm not sure if it is for people with LIRR tickets, as I've only used Amtrak tickets, but you could try.

[Renew Deal]

18. This whole post confuses me.

I don't think you understand the system. There is no Melville stop on the LIRR. You do not need to go to Penn Station. You should not sleep in an airport or train station that night. If you have to choose, pick the airport. My advice, rent a car and go to a hotel or your final destination. It's not that far to Melville on the Expressway. You can do it. PM me if you want me to help you.

This is the general idea from LGA to Melville.

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1y=US&1a=&1c=flushing&1s=NY&1z=&1ah=&2y=US&2a=&2c=Melville&2s=NY&2z=&2ah=

[HamdenRice]

19. Take their advice -- don't go to Manhattan

I live in Queens/Long Island, and the posters who urge you not to go to Penn Station and Manhattan are correct. Please consult a map. If you arrive at LGA, you are already in Queens, close to Long Island. It does not make sense to go to Penn Station/Manhattan, because that is in the wrong direction.

Also, if you can spare $20-30, the best way to get to the Jamaica train station from LGA is by cab. Public transportation links with LGA are pretty bad, especially late at night. Also, as one poster mentioned, there is not an LIRR station at Melville. I think the closest station is Hicksville. You probably will need to take a bus.

Unfortunately, public transportation on Long Island is not at all like it is in NYC, and your best bet is renting a car or taking a cab.

[BrklynLiberal]

20. Absolutely. No need to go into Manahttan...For $30 you should be

able to get a car to take you right to Melville.. or directly to a closer LIRR station.

[northernsoul]

21. that's what I ended up doing

unfortunately, it cost more like $70. Then I got a speeding ticket on the way out to Montauk the next day. Oh well, I still had a great time.