Travel Information
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Directions to the InterExchange Office in New York City
Our office is open Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST. Our office is closed on weekends. The subway stations closest to the office are the Wall Street stop on the 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains or the Whitehall Street Station on the R train. The fare for a single-way ride is $2.75. The InterExchange office is located on the 3rd floor of 100 Wall Street across from Water Street. You will be required to show a photo ID at the security desk in the entrance. If you have any trouble, please call us at 212.924.0446 or 877.439.4567.
Traveling to and From New York Area Airports
Many participants will need to get to one of the New York area airports from Manhattan at some point during their program. Below are the three major New York area airports and several options for getting to each of them from Manhattan. No matter which option you choose, allow extra time to reach your destination, especially during "rush hours" between 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. You must check in a minimum of two hours before your flight time for most international flights. Some airlines require more time.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Taxi
Make sure you only get into a yellow taxi. The cost is a flat rate of $52 (plus tolls and tip) into Manhattan. Don't forget to tip $3 to $5. It is often difficult to get a taxi from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. during weekdays or during bad weather.
NYC Airporter Bus ($17)
When you arrive at JFK, look for the NYC Airporter ticket sales counter or Agents (wearing green coats in the winter/white shirts in the summer) outside of baggage claim, and at the Ground Transportation Welcome Centers. You can also find the tickets agents at the NYC Airporter Express Bus stop immediately outside of each airport terminal. You may also reach the bus service by dialing 718.777.5111 or 46 from the Welcome Center Phone Boards.
Daily hours of service are: 5:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. The bus runs every 20 – 30 minutes, 7 days a week.
On your trip to Manhattan, you can get off at three nearby Midtown Manhattan locations:
- Grand Central Terminal (41st Street between Park Avenue & Lexington Avenue)
- Penn Station (West 33rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues next to Sbarro's Pizzeria). Transfer required from Bryant Park (42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues) on Airporter shuttle van to Penn Station.
- Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Super Shuttle (from $19)
To arrange transportation to the airport, phone 1.800.BLUEVAN (1.800.258.3826) at least two days in advance of your desired pick-up. Pick-ups can be arranged from anywhere. To arrange transport from JFK to Manhattan, pick up a Courtesy Phone at Baggage Claim for instructions. Super Shuttle operates 24 hours a day.
Subway/AirTrain ($7.50)
To get to JFK, you have two options, the "A" train or the "E" train. You may take the "A" (blue line) Downtown (Brooklyn) to the Howard Beach-JFK Airport station. There are three different trains on the "A" line. Each train has a sign on the side indicating its destination. Take the Far Rockaway/Mott Avenue or the Rockaway Park Beach 116th Street train. Do not take the Lefferts Blvd. or Ozone Park train! From Howard Beach, you will need to take a $5 AirTrain to the airport. Check the instructions posted in the Station Lobby or check with an AirTrain employee for the correct terminal.
The "E" (blue line) train will take you from Penn Station to Sutphin Blvd (LIRR/JFK Airport AirTrain station) in about 45 minutes, and then it's a 12-15 minute ride via the AirTrain to the airline terminals. Trains run 24 hours a day. Far Rockaway-bound A trains run about every 15 minutes during the day, and every 30 minutes after midnight. E trains run every 8-10 minutes during the day, and every 20 minutes after midnight. The entire trip between Manhattan and JFK will take 60 to 90 minutes.
Newark International Airport (EWR)
Newark Airport Express Bus ($17)
The bus departs from the following locations in New York City:
- Grand Central Station (41st Street between Park and Lexington avenues)
- Bryant Park (42nd Street and 5th Avenue)
- Port Authority Bus Terminal (41st Street between 8th and 9th avenues)
To take the bus from Newark Airport to Manhattan, go to the Ground Transportation Center and ask for the Newark Airport Express Bus.
Daily Hours of Service:
- From Manhattan to Newark Airport: 4:45 a.m. - 1:45 a.m.
- From Newark Airport to Manhattan: 4:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Super Shuttle (from $20)
To arrange transportation to the airport, call 1.800.BLUEVAN at least 2 days in advance of your desired pick-up. To arrange transport from Newark Airport to Manhattan, pick up a Courtesy Phone at Baggage Claim for instructions. Super Shuttle operates 24 hours a day.
AirTrain ($12.50)
From Penn Station on 8th Avenue and 34th Street in midtown Manhattan, take either a NJ Transit or Amtrak train to the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station along the Northeast corridor line. Make sure your train from Penn Station stops at Newark Airport. Not all do. At the Airport Train Station, you must follow signs to the AirTrain. You will travel up one level, pass through fare gates, and travel down one level. It takes about 5 minutes to get from the Airport Train Station to the AirTrain platform. AirTrain arrives and departs every three minutes from 5 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and approximately every 15 minutes between 12:00 a.m. and 5 a.m.
You will need to show your NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket to transfer through the fare gates. You can purchase your ticket in Penn Station at the NJ Transit or Amtrak Information and Ticket Booths.
We suggest that you do not take a taxi to or from Newark Airport as it is very expensive (it could cost more than $100)!
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
This airport is for domestic and some Canadian flights, so it is possible that you will fly from this airport to your place of employment. As most hotels have bus or shuttle service to LaGuardia, we suggest that you check at the front desk of your hotel for a schedule and rates.
NYC Airporter Bus ($13)
When you arrive at LGA, look for the NYC Airporter ticket sales counter or Agents (wearing green coats in the winter/white shirts in the summer) outside of baggage claim, and at the Ground Transportation Welcome Centers. Airporter Buses stop just outside of the baggage pick up area at each LaGuardia Airport terminal. You may also reach the bus service by dialing 718.777.5111 or 46 from the Welcome Center Phone Boards.
Bus/Subway
($2.75 MetroCard or exact change required)
Take the M60 bus from 110th Street and Broadway. This bus goes directly to LaGuardia Airport. You can also take the N train to Astoria Blvd, and connect to the M60 bus to get to LaGuardia Airport.
Taxi
This will be considerably more expensive than taking a hotel bus or shuttle. Make sure that you only get into a yellow cab. The estimated cost of a cab ride to LaGuardia is $35, plus tolls and tip ($3-$5).
Traveling After Your Work Commitment
If you plan to travel after your work commitment has ended, there are several economical ways to travel around the U.S. such as buses, cars, planes, and trains. Each form of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages. You should set an itinerary before you begin to travel to help you figure out the mode or modes of transportation that will be best for you. For example, if you don't have much time and are traveling alone, taking a plane might be a good idea, but it is more expensive. If you have more time and are going to travel with a friend or two, traveling by car might be a good choice. Whenever you are booking travel, make sure you read the fine print (i.e. cancellation policies, baggage fees, etc.) so you won't be surprised by extra charges. If you plan on traveling after your work commitment, contact InterExchange to verify accident and sickness insurance coverage is current, as it is important to maintain coverage throughout your time in the U.S.
The following is a short list of travel agencies specializing in student and/or cheap travel:
The United States is also served by a number of discount airlines that are sometimes not available through the above sites. To access fares for these airlines, use the airlines' websites for the best rates or call the customer service numbers.
Low-Cost Airlines
Please note: Some discount tickets purchased through these companies may be non-refundable. You also may have to pay a fee if you want to make any changes to your itinerary and you may have to pay for carry-on luggage Make sure to ask when you are purchasing the ticket if there are penalties for making changes.
Other Travel Resources
Globe Travel is the agency InterExchange currently works with. Check with InterExchange for any updates.
Visit www.globetvl.com or call 1.860.584.0517 or 1.800.922.8040.
The following are travel books and guides specializing in student and/or cheap travel options:
- Backpack Traveler's Guide
- The Hostel Handbook
- Let's Go USA
- Lonely Planet USA
- Rough Guide USA
- Time Out Guide
STA Travel
STA Travel offers students a wide variety of services. STA functions like a normal travel agency; they are able to book plane, bus and train tickets; tours, hotels and vacations; they can arrange for almost any travel-related service. STA works entirely with students and they know what it is like to travel on a budget. They have a number of inexpensive plans for students to choose from. STA offices can be found in cities throughout the United States and the rest of the world. If you need help with your travel plans, please contact an STA representative or try the STA website.
1.800.781.4040
www.statravel.com
Traveling by Plane
Planes are the fastest way to travel, but usually the most expensive. However, you may be able to get cheap airfare through incentive programs and sales. It is a good idea to check the above list of agencies and airlines before you decide not to fly, especially if you want to go from the East Coast to the West Coast or vice versa.
You can purchase an Airpass from most major airlines. Airpasses are coupons sold outside of the U.S. that give you anywhere from three to 10 flights within the continental U.S. Airpasses usually begin at around $400 for three coupons with the price increasing with each additional flight. They may be purchased either through a travel agency or directly from the airline.
Traveling by Bus
Travel by bus is a good way to see a lot of the country but it can take much longer than other travel options. You can take overnight buses and save on the cost of a motel or hostel. Check companies' websites for additional discounts available.
Greyhound
Greyhound has an extensive network giving you access to many cities. You can buy tickets individually from one city to another, or you can purchase special passes. The Greyhound AmeriPass gives unlimited travel over consecutive days on Greyhound USA. The validity period of your pass is a continuous period of time commencing on the date the pass is first used.
1.800.229.9424
www.greyhound.com
Megabus
Megabus operates in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. and Canada and offers cheap tickets.
Boltbus
Boltbus operates in the Northeast and also offers cheap tickets.
Traveling by Train
Amtrak is the nationwide train system. Trains are a bit more comfortable than buses, but they are more expensive. Some trains have dining cars.
Amtrak's USARail Pass
1.800.USARAIL
www.amtrak.com
www.amtrak.com/take-the-trains-across-america-with-usa-rail-pass
For international visitors who want to see America up close, Amtrak's USARail Pass lets you travel across the country, or in any of its regions for up to 15, 30, or 45 days. In addition, you'll get unlimited stopovers between your point of origin and your final destination. You can travel from city to city, attraction to attraction and see as much of America as you wish, all at your own pace.
Traveling by Car
You have several options traveling by car: rental, drive-away and buying. The interstate highway system in America is excellent and a wonderful way to travel. There are rest stops you will pass frequently along the way, as well as campgrounds, cheap motels and beautiful sights. In order to see all the wonderful sights from the driver's seat, you must have a driver's license. No drive-away or rental company can issue you a car without a driver's license! Some highways and bridges require payment of tolls. Tickets received for speeding or parking violations also carry fines that must be paid. If you have rented a car, the person whose name is on the rental paperwork will be responsible for all traffic violations issued.
Rental Cars
Renting a car is an option available across the country. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old, and most charge a per-day surcharge for individuals under the age of 25. In all cases, you will need a major credit card to rent a car. The cost of renting will vary across the country. Watch out for hidden costs and rental terms, such as limitations on the number of miles allowed, taking the car out of state, refueling charges and insurance deductibles. Make sure everyone who drives the car is listed on the rental agreement, because they are the only ones covered by the car insurance. Generally, the person paying for the rental is required to be the primary driver. Be prepared to pay an additional fee for each driver.
Popular Rental Car Agencies
Drive-Aways
The U.S. is such a big country that when residents move they often do not want to drive or don't have the time to drive long distances. To facilitate the move, they sometimes put their cars in the hands of drive-away companies. The drive-away companies are then responsible for finding travelers like you to drive a vehicle from one point to another. This is an inexpensive way to travel by car and a cheap alternative to car rental companies. However, you will be responsible for paying for gas and all drive-away companies require a deposit. The deposit will be refunded to you only after you have delivered the car to its owner in the same condition as it was at the beginning. Each company will also have its own requirements. You may have restrictions put on you with regard to the route you travel and the amount of time you have to travel. The trunk of a drive-away car is often filled with the owner's belongings, therefore you will need to carry your bags inside the car. We recommend that you shop around before signing any contracts. Below are the names and numbers of some drive-away companies. You can find more drive-away companies through an online search engine.
Popular Drive-Away Companies
Cascade Vehicle Shipping
1.360.834.7898
Auto Driveaway Co.
1.800.346.2277
Autolog
1.800.432.5182
Buying a Car
If you buy a car, be very cautious and buy one in good condition. It is a good idea to spend a little extra and have a reputable mechanic inspect the car before investing your savings. In order to register a car, you must purchase car insurance. Check with the state's DMV before buying the car, and find out everything you need to do and the cost to register it. Make sure that any car you drive has insurance that will cover you as a driver or a passenger in the event of an accident.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is illegal and dangerous! Never get into a car with someone you don't know.
Budget Tours and Transport
The tour and travel companies listed below are geared toward the budget traveler. Both national and regional travel are available. Some companies offer only guided transport while others offer accommodation as well. The companies below have been recommended by past participants.
TrekAmerica
1.800.873.5872
www.trekamerica.com
TrekAmerica offers adventure camping tours that are inexpensive and interesting alternatives to sightseeing. TrekAmerica tours are designed with you in mind — catering to small groups of young people from around the world, with an average age of early to mid-20s, and a sense of adventure!
With more than 60 different itineraries ranging from seven days to six weeks, and prices starting at $45 per day, there is no better or more affordable way to see North America and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Green Tortoise Adventure & Travel
1.800.867.8647
www.greentortoise.com
Green Tortoise offers unique camping trips on buses that feature booths and couches that convert into beds at night. Trips are available around the United States, Mexico and Central America. Popular trips include a 10- or 14-day Cross-Country journey, a 16-day National Parks Loop, a 9-day Grand Canyon trip, as well as 2- and 3-day Yosemite trips. Like a youth hostel on wheels, the Green Tortoise is nothing like your last bus ride! Average trip prices are around $40 per day including everything from gourmet to mostly vegetarian meals. The "Tortoise" also offers youth hostels in San Francisco and Seattle.
Vagabond Tours
1.866.273.2500
www.vagabondtours.com
Coach tours along the Eastern coast, including Niagara Falls, from 2-5 days. Tours start at $149, with hotel accommodations included in the fees.
