Train to NYC

My wife and I are driving down from Cape Cod to NYC. We%26#39;re thinking about stopping in Stamford for the night the shorten the driving and for a cheaper night%26#39;s stay. So we%26#39;d dump the rental car at say 4pm and get the train the next day.

Is this a good plan: can we have a pleasant evening here without a car. We%26#39;ll probably stay at the Marriott/Sheraton.

Train takes 45-55 minutes right? Do we need to pre-book or just turn up (it%26#39;ll be around a 9am train on a Friday)? Is it easy to take with luggage (2 suitcases)?

Many thanks!

Train to NYC

You can have a pleasant stay in stamford without a car if you stay at the marriot (not sure of the exact location of the sheraton) because it is downtown. THere are nice restaurants and pubs downtown stamford that will suit you for a night. There is also a shopping mall across the street from the marriot. It is not exactly a ';destination'; but it is a pleasant enough place for a lay over.

The train to NYC does not require reservations. In fact you can just walk on the train and buy a ticket if you want to - although that is not recommended since the price is higher if you buy on board. The price is also higher if you travel during rush hour but by higher I mean approximately 3 - 5 dollars.

You can buy the tickets from the machines inside the train station or from an agent there. Depending on what train you get (local or express - no price difference, just time difference) the train time will be between 45-55 minutes, you are right there. To see the schedules put in stamford and grand central terminal as your departure and destination on this web site. as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm

It is easier to take luggage on board if you are not travelling during rush hour but even if you do get on a crowded train, there are luggage rack above the seats that are usually not full.

Train to NYC

Thanks for your help - sounds like that will work out very well for us.