Is it better to drive or fly to New York?

While it might be slightly cheaper to drive than to fly (not much cheaper, though, once you add in parking, gas and tolls) you'll also lose a full day of your time in the city. It's impossible to do the exact math without knowing how long you plan to stay, but if it were me, I'd fly.



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Once you're in the city, most people find that they don't need a car, because you can easily take taxis or the subway to get where you're going. Plus, the cost of parking your car adds up quickly, especially if you'll be visiting for several days.

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Although the convenience of a car is hard to beat, trains free you from the costs and hassles of urban parking. They usually deliver you straight to city centers. Train travel, with its spacious seats and room to get up and walk around, is more relaxing and comfortable and the view is usually better.

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Driving in NYC can be a stressful and time-consuming experience, and New Yorkers on average spend more than 100 hours per year in traffic. But that's not the worst in the world, or even the U.S. Anyone who drives in New York City knows how stressful and frustrating the traffic jams can be.

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During weekday morning rush hour, traffic in Manhattan is heaviest between 7 and 10 AM, with Midtown being the most congested area. Congestion then eases up somewhat between 10 AM and 4:30 PM before rush hour resumes from 4:30 to 7 PM. On weekends, traffic is generally lighter than on weekdays.

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(there's some street parking, plenty of parking garages and some hotels offer package deals that include parking). New York is an excellent walking city, and getting around by foot is the best way to familiarize yourself with neighborhoods and their (sometimes subtle) divisions.

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It depends upon where you're going and what time of day. In midtown at rush hour, walking is quicker. If you're going from Chelsea to Inwood at 1am, driving is quicker. What is your experience driving in Manhattan?

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It currently costs $16 to travel on the George Washington Bridge into New York City. New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority is finalizing plans to charge a congestion fee ranging from $9 to $23.

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New York is the only city in the United States where over half of all households do not own a car (Manhattan's non-ownership is even higher, around 75%; nationally, the rate is 8%).

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Opt for flying if: You'll spend more time driving than you will at your destination. You enjoy flying and it fits with your budget. You need to get somewhere ASAP and driving isn't fast enough.

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New York City can be expensive, but with careful planning, it's possible to have a great trip without overspending. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly to luxurious, dining out can be affordable or pricey depending on where you go, and public transportation is a cost-effective way to get around.

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Trying to get into NYC during rush hour (or out of it during rush hour) is generally much worse than the LA freeways at rush hour although in LA you can find yourself stopped and in such times they can be comparable.

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There are statistics that provide an answer to this question. If you consider the absolute numbers, one would arrive at the conclusion that driving is more dangerous than flying. The International Air Transport Association reported that there was just one major aviation crash for every 7.7 million flights in 2021.

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The numbers are clear: flying is much safer than driving. You are much less likely to be involved in a plane crash than a car crash, and the vast majority of plane crashes don't involve any fatalities.

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