Car rental at MTC to 911 and then EWR

[SRQfireman]

Didn't see this topic before...….. Can we rent at car at/near the pier and then drop off at EWR before supper...…. is this doable ????

or is it an arm and a leg for the car.... parking at 911 Memorial and then any kind of tolls etc ? 

Planned a late flight in anticipation of doing this, and hope I won't be disappointed not being able to pull this off.

This will be on a Saturday for what it's worth. Anybody have an insight on what a "smaller car" would run? (only 2 of us)

 

Thanks for any insight on how to pull this off. (because of course we'll have a bunch of suitcases in tow)

Edited August 3, 2019 by SRQfireman

[princeton123211]

It might honestly be easier just checking your bags somewhere and using Uber or a taxi to get around. You'll spend a lot of time picking up and dropping off the car when you could just jump in a car and have someone take you there. When you factor in rate, taxes, and gas it most likely will be a wash and you'll have many fewer headaches. 

[SRQfireman]

Thank you for the prompt reply...… that's what I was afraid of (that the bottom line might not be

worth going that route)

[princeton123211]

8 minutes ago, SRQfireman said:

Thank you for the prompt reply...… that's what I was afraid of (that the bottom line might not be

worth going that route)

Parking it in lower Manhattan isn't worth it right there. Just not a good use of a rental car with all the added costs you'll be hit with. Much better to use taxi or Uber/Lyft. Easy to do though. 

[SRQfireman]

thanks for that info..... I heard it's expensive there, but didn't know how bad it would be

[138east]

44 minutes ago, SRQfireman said:

thanks for that info..... I heard it's expensive there, but didn't know how bad it would be

It could be really expensive to park and a huge annoyance to deal with driving in Manhattan, finding parking downtown, and getting through the Holland Tunnel to get on the Turnpike to EWR.

 

Look into checking your bags at Schwartz Travel on West 37th St.  You can have Uber or a Car Service pick you up there later and take you to EWR.  Airport bus or train is also an option from that location.

 

The 8th Ave subway is near Schwartz Travel at either 34th or 42nd St.  The downtown “E” train will take you right to the World Trade Center area in 5-6 stops.  http://web.mta.info/nyct/maps/subwaymap.pdf

 

[SRQfireman]

How far away is that Schwartz Travel from the pier?  Any idea what that costs to store the luggage?

Thank you for that info

[138east]

35 minutes ago, SRQfireman said:

How far away is that Schwartz Travel from the pier?  Any idea what that costs to store the luggage?

Thank you for that info

http://www.schwartztravel.com/

 

It’s a short taxi or Uber ride.  It’s about 2 miles.

[mking8288]

Just FYI - Hertz's Local Edition (selected non-airport locations, usually the ones in Manhattan) sometimes will do one-way specials at bargain rates, I haven't look lately but it was for 4 hours only then, with limited availability and must be booked in advance.  Basically, for a nominal charge - you pay Hertz to relocate their cars from NYC back to JFK or EWR ... can't remember if they even included free use of gasoline for that 4 hour rental period.

 

Otherwise, I think a midsize or standard car should be around $100 for a 24 hour period, given the sky high airport/recovery surcharges & fees, etc. - just look it up online.  You need to store & keep your luggage locked up in the trunk, out of sight while parked in a garage, etc. - smaller car's trunk will be limited in space.  However, keep in mind that garage parking will easily run you $35 to $50 or more, with 19% taxes/fees/surcharges - and do NOT get or take a minivan or SUV, as that's another $10 to $20 extra to park it downtown or almost anywhere in NY, including hotel's indoor/underground lot.  The nearest garages are at least 4 or 5 blocks from the 9/11 Memorial with reasonable rates, weekends are easy with all day specials, especially before 10 am. 

 

If you do decide on a rental car, I recommend/use Waze (Google) navigation & set it to avoid toll going out to EWR, it's doable - allow 45 to 60 minutes to get out to the airport - via Route I/9 South, avoid taking the NJ Turnpike, once you work your way into/out of the downtown Holland Tunnel, as it can sometimes be badly jammed on weekends.  Follow directions to rental car dropoff.  If you need/must refill the gas, all of the gas stations nearby EWR are further south of EWR by 1/4 to 1/2 mile, afterward, do the turnaround & stay on the local lanes to find your way to dropoff.  

 

However, it's hassle factors involved - I really don't recommend it. 

 

Schwartz is a short Uber/taxi from MCT, under $20 with congestion/surcharges/fees & tips, storage is very reasonable.  Let the pro drivers deal with the driving, routes, traffic & parking, etc. 

[SRQfireman]

Thank you very much mking8288...… I love all the options.....especially the "let me help you out

and get your car back to EWR...… it will be my pleasure...….but only if you throw in the gas...." LOL

Short of that this sure is looking tough to see that 911 memorial I've been wanting to see. I still remember

watching that happening from the firehouse I was in that day.

Decisions/decisions...… thanks for all the great ideas from everybody......I better hit big in the casino before I get off to afford this it sounds like..... LOL

Edited August 4, 2019 by SRQfireman

[princeton123211]

52 minutes ago, SRQfireman said:

I better hit big in the casino before I get off to afford this it sounds like..... LOL

You're only looking at about $100 total for an UberX from the cruise terminal to 9/11 Memorial and then onto EWR. Not bad considering you aren't spending the extra hour plus picking up/gassing up/dropping off the rental. 

[mking8288]

@SRQfireman - besides visiting the 9/11 Memorial downtown post-cruise, what else do you plan do and where ... I suppose you can park the rental car with the luggage, walk around & come back in the mid/late afternoon, then make your way out to EWR.  

 

Hertz LE @ W. 43rd Street - between 10 & 11th Ave (MCT walkway/exit Pier 88 at W. 48th & 12th Ave ... it is ... walkable)   Randomly picked a Saturday later this month - no airport one-way specials.   A full-size 4 door sedan, taxes & fees, about $80 total all inclusive w AAA discount (not bad.)   To refill gas in NJ (no self service) - should be under $10 - around $ 3 per gallon now. 

 

WTC area parking - ICON Parking System on 110-118 Church Street (Entrance is 33 Park Place, on side street) near West Broadway, about 3 blocks north of 9/11M - nice deal $20 to park from 9:30 to 6 pm on a Saturday, taxes/fees, about $4 = $1 for parking tip = $25 for indoor parking (pretty good deal)  Google to find & book it to lock in the rate.  

 

From that garage, north on Church to pick up Hudson Street & keep right for 6 to 8 city blocks is the "back" entrance into the Holland Tunnel to/from NJ - Waze/Google Map is your friend for real-time traffic navigation - keep left once out of the "tube" to stay on Rt. 1/9 toward EWR.  It's not a bad drive, unless traffic is really bad on a late Saturday afternoon or evening heading out, shouldn't take more than 1 hour to 75 minutes to get to the airport.  

 

It's not too complicated & actually not bad, cost-wise - compared to storing 3 bags at Schwartz, for $30 and an Uber or car service ride to EWR (Carmel - priced it to about $80 w. tolls & tips)  If you are certified to drive a tower, engine or ladder truck, this is doable (just kidding) - no need to hit a jackpot.   Cruiseline bus transfer to EWR for PM flights, not always offered, run between $40 to $50 p/p.  

 

Something to think about ... 

Edited August 4, 2019 by mking8288

[SRQfireman]

wow.....more good info.....much appreciated...… I can drive any of those.....Hertz got a deal on those trucks? I'll even ride the tailboard {<:   I guess I live in a sheltered world...… tax AND a tip at a parking lot ???? WOW

The cruise line we thought was going to be the ticket, but all they do is apparently drive by the memorial......I don't think so..…. I want in !  It sounded good at 1st until I read the fine print about not actually stopping there for awhile.

So many decisions to make. I've never done Uber to Lyft, but I thought there claim to fame was when you go from point A to point B, it's X amount of money no matter what route and how much time it takes.

 

p.s...… as of now, we only want to see the 911 memorial because I'm told to do it right it takes a couple hours, and that's about what we got by time we jump through all the hoops

Edited August 4, 2019 by SRQfireman

[hallux]

I parked in the Battery parking garage (part of it is on top of the exit to the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel) for $32 for noon to 11 PM on a Tuesday.  That garage is just South of the museum.  It's only a couple blocks to walk up to the memorial, I pre-paid on lazparking.com and did not have to tip anyone (though finding the correct booth to validate the parking was a challenge after 10 PM).  When you exit and make your way back to the West St. turn right then keep an eye out for the tunnel.  If you miss the first entrance (the "car" entrance), there's always the truck entrance a few blocks up that you can use.

 

As for the museum - I was there from 1-3:30 and probably could have used another hour, plus some time to meander the memorial outside.

 

In all honesty - "when in Rome" can apply.  I don't live in NYC but I enjoy taking the subway when I visit and if you look confused some people are happy to guide you to where you need to be.  If the overall cost is similar and that's something you think you'd want to experience it may be worth using that option.

[SRQfireman]

Thank you for that further info...…. I wonder if there is "tour companies" that would get us from the pier..... to 911 and then to EWR ??   That might be an option too

[mking8288]

Not aware of any reputable tours to the 9-11 Memorial and then dropoffs at the airport, the main issues being luggage storage.  We sail mainly with NCL and they (not always) offer the drive-by (3 to) 4 hours tour with a 15 minutes photo only stops at the WTC site for $99 p/p ... then, airport dropoff.  

 

If your own stop & interest is the memorial, make sure you book your timed tickets in advance as it can sell out ... allow 3 hours or more to explore those moving tributes to fellow brothers & members of services in uniform, another anniversary coming up shortly.   

 

For simplicity, I think the Schwartz luggage storage option is probably easier.  Disembark, grab a yellow taxi across 12th Avenue to their 24/7 location not far away (no more than $15 to $20 w. tips)  Then, head downtown on the subway to the WTC, it's quick & easy ... spend time there.  Drop by Trinity Church nearby as that's stood undamaged after 10:28 and some of the exhausted first responders found comfort, peace & shelter inside.  

 

Find a place for lunch nearby.  You should have a little time to walk/see Macy's 34th Street area and/or even a quick stop in Times Square in the afternoon, before returning to Schwartz ... and, get a car service like Carmel to pick you up in front of the store, out to EWR to fly home. 

 

A note on parking, it's customary & generally expected to tip $1 or 2 to parking lot attendants for their "valet" services, but not at airport or fully self-service, automated/public or metered municipal parking garages.  As for Uber/Lyft ... their pricing models are a bit more complicated and being "sheltered" in living, you might want to skip them (disclosure: I am biased, not a fan of the "ride-sharing" concept, only use them as a last resort ...) - stick with booking a car service or yellow metered taxi (just not a taxi to EWR, crossing state lines with surcharges, etc.) 

[SRQfireman]

Thank you for that further info...…. I wonder if there is "tour companies" that would get us from the pier..... to 911 and then to EWR ??   That might be an option too

[SRQfireman]

well that's strange...…. I sent that last reply about an hour ago and it shows sent like

8 mins ago.  So tour companies doesn't sound too promising I guess. I see the baggage

place charges by the hour ($2.50/bag/per Hr)

Here's a thought that just came to mind...… Don't some of the cruise lines offer a "luggage

mailing service" ? They take your suitcases off the ship and get them to the airport and the next time you see your bags is when you land the last time.

[hallux]

I make sure anyone planning to visit the 9-11 museum is aware of this as well - When you pre-purchase your entry to the museum (which is suggested, especially for a weekend) you are asked to select a time for entry.  You have a window of about 30 minutes during which your "ticket" gets you in so be careful with the time selection.  There is a cafe inside the museum near the entrance but you tour it in a loop so exiting to get food might not be top on the priority list.  They also have a coat room so if it's wet outside don't worry about dragging around a wet coat inside the facility.

[138east]

Do some luggage storage research - google “luggage storage near 911 memorial” for options.  You could take a cab to the luggage storage, do the 911 Memorial, and have a car service pick you up downtown to go through the Holland Tunnel to EWR.  In the last two years many luggage storage options in local stores have sprung up, but no one has commented here about using them.  That’s why you have to research.  Some folks also report being able to tip bellmen at a hotel to hold luggage.

[SRQfireman]

Oh there's a good idea about googling luggage storage.  That's good to know about the tickets too about making sure you choose the correct time so you don't get buggered up.

Here I thought this would be semi-easy to put together

[hallux]

There's also an app that you can install on your phone that you can use with headphones (PLEASE don't use the phone speakers!!) and listen to narration by Robert De Niro, to do a self-guided tour, if you want.  Be sure to install the app and open it to allow it to cache over a fast WiFi connection before getting there.

[SRQfireman]

I'll keep that in mind if I can pull this mission off {<:

 

[mking8288]

Just in case you missed it, on luggage storage at Schwartz - they offer a fireman special ... LOL, actually, FB like them, and CC special, everyday special - the maximum daily storage fee is capped at $10 per bag ($2.50 /hr x 4) and for 3 bags, just $30.  I quote:

 

$2.50 Luggage Storage*

* Walk-Ins welcome *

Or Reserve today through 
e-mail or simply give 
us a Like on Facebook

by clicking below. 
Pay only $2.50 per item 
per hour. Pay Maximum 
$10 per item per day. 
Open Everyday
 

 

Plus get a FREE MAP!!! 
Packed with Coupons, 
discounts and usefull 
information. 
Map Retail value $5.

 

Reserve today by e-mail
schwartzhq@gmail.com

 

Walk-ins OK 

 

[SRQfireman]

Yupper…….. I did see that, but I truly appreciate you making sure I didn't miss it. I also

like the FF discount (ya right)  A bellman could have quite the racquet "renting" his closet

out at whatever hotel he's at.....minimal amount of work to get paid to store somebody's

luggage...… Thanks again for more follow up. I googled companies that would get us from ship to 911 to the airport and they're like non existent…… I'll keep "shopping"