Attractions
It can be an adventure, but it’s also a challenge, to travel in a group through New York City. The array of iconic sights in New York is spread across the boroughs with the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Times Square all on the radar—and transportation inevitably plays an important role in the journey. Getting around New York with a group may be the most effective choice in terms of comfort, expense and overall experience, but it is essential to book the right charter bus.
To do so, you’ll need to read the following tips for smart traveling so that you can secure a charter bus in New York to see popular sights.
Plan Your Itinerary Before Booking
It is important to have a definite route prior to calling a charter bus company. New York City can be big and busy and the traffic can be erratic, so make sure that you know where you’re heading before you pick your service.
Enter the names of attractions that you would like to visit:
- Battery Park
- Statue of Liberty
- Empire State Building
- Central Park
- Times Square
- Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
- Rockefeller Center
- One World Observatory
Once you know your route you can start to make estimates for your time, stops and full day/long day rental requirements. This also assists the bus company to choose the proper size and timings of the bus.
Choose the Right Bus Size for Your Group
Charter buses vary in size and come in minibuses, medium sized coaches and full size coaches. It is crucial to pick the proper size for comfort and budget.
- Small groups (15 or 30): Shuttle bus or Mini bus rental
- Normal groups (30 to 40): Coach of mid size
- Large groups (50 or more): full size-charter bus rental
An appropriately-sized bus can ensure that everyone is able to travel without bumping into the bottom or everyone has to pay for an empty seat.
Book Early, Especially During Peak Seasons
New York is a tourist hotspot all year round and during busy travel times (summer, holidays and spring break) you may not be able to find the rooms you want. There are also a lot of tourist activities which are popular and have many people seeking to go on a vacation to these activities.
By chartering your bus early you will receive:
- Secure better prices
- Find a wider selection of the options that are available for your car.
- Avoid last-minute stress
- Book the time and the day you want!
It is especially crucial to book early when visiting an important event (e.g., a Broadway show, holiday or sporting event).
Compare Prices and Services
Charter bus companies do not use the same rates or have the same amenities. Don’t only consider the price when comparing companies; consider what is covered in the package.
Check for:
- Gasoline fees and tolls.
- Driver fees
- Parking fees in NYC
- Boarding facilities (Wi-Fi, toilets, entertainment)
- Cancellation policies
You might find that a little more cost could be worth it if they provide better service, newer buses and more knowledgeable drivers; thus, making your trip experience more enjoyable.
Check Safety Standards and Reviews
When arranging all city trips, especially in New York, safety must be a priority. Check that the company is licensed and practises safety measures.
Look for:
- Operators with a license and insurance.Licensed and insured riders.
- Experienced professional drivers
- The vehicles are properly maintained on a regular basis.
- Positive customer reviews
Other travelers’ reviews will provide a clue on the service’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
Customize Your Route for Maximum Sightseeing
One of the major benefits of hiring a charter bus is the flexibility it provides. Charter buses can provide you with a custom route instead of a standard, public transportation route.
You can, for instance:
- See a spectacular sunrise on the Statue of Liberty landing of the ferry.
- Take a trip to the Empire State Building, in Midtown.
- In the afternoon head to Central Park.
- Complete at Times Square
Having a plan helps to minimize the time spent travelling and helps your group to visit more sites in one day without being rushed.
Be Aware of NYC Traffic and Timing
Roads can be treacherous in New York, especially in Manhattan. The standard time of rush hours is between 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Consider travelling outside of these times to avoid any delay and save time.
Charter bus companies are familiar with the traffic patterns in NY and have the ability to go out of the way to avoid them. But some flexibility in your time is a must.
Confirm Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
Many rules to traffic and limited parking available in many parts of NYC. Please ensure detailed pickup and drop off points with the charter bus company.
Typical pick up points are:
- Hotels
- Express Entry and airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark)
- Designated bus stops near attractions
Good communication helps to make transitions easy from one place to another and prevents confusion when sightseeing during a hectic day.
Make the Most of Group Travel
Charter buses are ideal for keeping one group in the same vehicle, especially for going to an over-populated area like Times Square or Central Park. Everyone gets to the place at the same time and leaves at the same time, there is no need to split up into several cars or spend time trying to arrange pick-up and drop-off.
This improves:
- Group coordination
- Safety and security
- Time management
- Overall travel experience
Final Thoughts
A charter bus is the ideal way to take in the best of New York and get around town. With thoughtful planning, a good movers and shakers service and an understanding of the key factors involved, your staff can relocate from one location to another, even across the iconic Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and more without the hassle.
With these savvy travel tips, you’ll save time, money and get to enjoy the best of New York City with your group.