You know by now that I love to travel to New York City, and I enjoy telling you about the best bargains for restaurants and entertainment in that area.  But what’s the best way to get to New York City from the Capitol Region?

I personally don’t like traveling by car, especially if I’m only going down for the day. The parking can get expensive and even driving to a Metro North Station can be tiring on the way back.

I’ve traveled many times to New York by Amtrak and Yankee Trails. However, I’d  heard so much about the double decker Megabus, that my daughter, Sarah, and I decided to check it out. I know that the Megabus advertises $1.00 fares, but I made the reservation about two days in advance and it cost each of us $48.00. Everyone that I spoke to on the bus paid between $40 and $48.00. I asked a representative what the maximum price could be for this type of trip, and she told me that she couldn’t tell me (?).

There are many factors that could be considered in deciding what type of transportation to take, but here’s a sampling for a day trip to NYC:

Amtrak –

Daily multiple service

Duration of travel: 2 hrs 20 minutes

Pick up from the Capitol District : Inside of Albany Rensselaer Train Station

Drop off in NYC:  Inside of Penn Station

Pick up from NYC: Inside of Penn Station

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Cost without discounts:  $72-$138

Gratuity: No

Parking: $5-$8

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Bathroom: 2 /train car with 1 being handicap accessible

Seat Table ?Yes

Extras: free electrical outlet

Yankee Trails –

Daily Service:        No

Duration of Travel: 3 hrs 30 minutes

Pick Up from Cap Dist:  Multiple including Yankee Trails Station

Drop off in NYC:  Outside- Bryant Park – 42^nd Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenues

Pick up from NYC: Outside- Bryant Park – 42^nd Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenues

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Cost without discounts:  $52/Adult

Gratuity:  Encouraged by driver

Parking $: Free

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Bathroom:  1/bus

Seat Table?  No

Extras: usually free video movie

Megabus-

Daily multiple service (2 times)

Duration of travel: 2 hrs 45 minutes

Pick up from the Capitol District :Outside Albany Rensselaer Train Station- parking lot

Drop off in NYC:  Outside-28th street and 7th Avenue

Pick up from NYC: Outside of Penn Station 8th Avenue

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Cost without discounts:  $1.50-at least $48.00

Gratuity: No

Parking: $5

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Bathroom: 1 /bus

Seat Table No except for two tables on bottom level

Extras: free electrical outlet and free WI-Fi