New York is a city that really has something for everyone. The diverse residents from around the globe make New York unlike any other city in the world. A key destination for company travel, New York is residence to countless businesses and is a world economic capital. When traveling to New York City, enterprise travelers are usually surprised by the high cost – which includes meals, hotels and transportation. Some corporate per diems are not high enough to cover expenses.
Transportation
Airports Serving New York City
There are 3 airports that you can use when traveling to New York City – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK, the largest of the 3 airports, began service in 1948 and has since grown to five times it original size. Located just 15 miles from downtown Manhattan, transportation choices range from public transportation to taxis and hired cars.
La Guardia is smaller than JFK, servicing about half the number of passengers as JFK. It is located closer to downtown Manhattan than JFK, just 8 miles. Transportation alternatives consist of public bus service from the airport to all areas of the city, bus service to Grand Central Station and Penn Station via the New York Airport Express Bus and as usually, taxis and hired cars are accessible.
The Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), across the Hudson river in New Jersey about 16 miles from midtown Manhattan is also a great choice for company travelers. Presently, Newark airport is undergoing a five year renovation project to its B terminal.
Taking the Train to New York City
For East Coast business travelers, New York City is simply accessible by taking the train. Amtrak provides various routes that travel between New York City and numerous East Coast cities.
The Acela Express train runs from Washington, DC to Boston, with stops in Philadelphia and New York City. Company travelers will discover the Acela has amenities not provided on other trains, and travels at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. You will get to your destination sooner than the other trains, but a ticket on the Acela comes at a premium cost.
Obtaining Around the City
New York City is known for its hectic traffic – but don’t worry, getting around is not as hard as it may look. Taxis and the metro are the primary forms of transportation for business travelers.
When getting around or asking for directions, all you require to bear in mind is compass directions and have the right vocabulary. “Uptown” is when you are heading north towards higher numbered streets whilst “downtown” is when you are traveling south. You will go to the “East Side” or “West Side” when you are crossing the island. And be aware of building numbers which usually don’t follow logical patterns.
What to See
If you are lucky enough to have some free of charge time although traveling to New York City, you will come across you have endless alternatives to keep you entertained. Recognized as the city that never sleeps, there is usually something to do in New York no matter the time. Home to many world famous attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State and Chrysler buildings and over 20,000 restaurants and 150 museums, you will never run out of something to do although visiting this exciting city.