When I lived in Melville and would travel back from the city - once you got across the bridge (out of Manhattan), it'd take about an hour to an hour and fifteen in normal (ie: not rush hour/holiday) traffic

It's been 12 years since I moved from New York, but I seem to recall the Southern State Parkway being a bit faster for travel (a little bit lighter on traffic, so shaving off a couple of minutes) - but is not nearly as direct as taking the LIE.

So, it's really just a matter of how much time you have between events.

it's rather easy, but the traffic can be deadly. just need to plot it out. Looks like just take the LIE all the way out - but it does clog often(if not all the time) leave plenty of time b/t locations(an hour or more on top of estimated time)

So driving is the only valid option?? I drive a truck...guessing parking in NYC isn't a good idea. Once I cross into NYC...is there a metro stop with parking near by?

Ann, you could definately take the train and avoid the traffic. This is, of course, assuming that the train is running close to your necessary schedule. The train ride out of Grand Central Station is about 45 minutes including a changeover in... Jamaica, I think. You'll have to get a cab/rental car/someone to pick you up from the train station in.... I think it's Huntington which is the next town over from Melville.

Thank you very much Joe. This is sounding more and more like a nightmare. Looks like my best bet would be to stay in Long Island and hitch a ride from Jeff to and from the breakfast...otherwise not doable for me.

I think you've gotten a pretty good idea of what the trip can look like. I used to have a customer on Long Island and I'd stay in the city (Because I'm a gluten for pain I guess) and it was just so unpredictable... one morning it would be 25 minutes, the next 2 hours.

sounds like your idea of hitching a ride with Jeff is a smart one.

Good luck!

Driving is not "deadly," as long as your know where you are going. I don't think driving in NYC is any more harrowing than driving in the DC area. However, parking and tolls with make it costly. The train is a great option, it just take longer to travel. You can get LIRR schedules at http://www.mta.info. The LIRR goes into PENN station not Grand Central Terminal. If you stay in New Jersey, find the nearest PATH or New Jersey Transit station. The PATH lets you off at the WTC or 33rd street near Herald square. The NJT trains go into PENN station as well. I wouldn't drive in if your staying in New Jersey. I don't go into the city on Tuesday, or I would try and be more help. Please, let me know what you decide.

It is not a nightmare. If I can visit the city with two toddlers, you can do it alone.

@kent, d'oh. you're absolutely right. i can't believe i got that wrong considering how many time's i've been through there.

Actually, there building an extension to GCT to receive the LIRR

I always prefer to take the LIRR. I dont have to worry about any traffic, and not having to worry about parking is epic.

Long Island Railroad will help you avoid driving. There are usually cabs waiting at the stations in LI. I would definitely take the train if you can. The drive can be brutal and then you won't need to deal with finding a spot once you get back in the city. Enjoy your stay!

Thank you guys for the help. After enough deliberation and finding out the show is at 2pm in the afternoon I decided I'll leave in the morning and drive up to NYC straight to Melville and than drive back after the show and skip staying in NJ or on Long Island. Can't really afford a hotel anyway so best I just make it there and back.

no it's not deadly, just heavy and unmoving like the loop around DC most of the time. NYC if you're lucky you can find a place on the street(easier on weekends), else there's plenty of places to park, but don't be shocked to pay $10/hour.