Going to NY in person... logistical questions

According to Mapquest, I can get there in 5 1/2 hours.   Even allowing for traffic, that is do-able for me.  But I've never been to NY. 

What's the easiest way to get there?  When I drive into DC, I stop at the first Park and Ride and take the Metro into the city.  Is there something like that available in NY?  Is there parking at the Consulate?  Just looking for logistical help here.

FYI, I'd be coming 95N from Virginia.

Shell, I would take the train!  NYC has tons of parking, but it's very expensive!  The train from DC is quick and comes into Penn Station!  Easy enough to get to the Consulate by taxi or subway.

I second Stacey's suggestion...or maybe you could find a cheap flight between DC and NYC? 

Which train is it?  Amtrak, or something else?

I second Stacey's suggestion...or maybe you could find a cheap flight between DC and NYC? 

Yes, there are always tons of cheap flights I think I flew to DC for about $100 last time I went.

Amtrak, I think they do a fast train too!

Can anyone suggest a less expensive hotel with easy access to the consulate?  I am going Tuesday morning at 9 am (ACK!).  I can either get up super early and drive down (3 hours from Albany) or else spend the night.  I think spending the night would be better on my nerves.  Any advice would be appreciated. 

How inexpensive? 

I don't know where exactly the embassy in New York is, but the Chelsea Star Hotel is a great hostel about 2 blocks from Penn Station. I highly recommend it if you're willing/ able to stay in a hostel. They also do private rooms (double room with shared bath was $99 per night last time i checked). It's right in the middle of manhattan, so it should be easy to get whereever you want to go from there.

Also, look at Expedia.com.  Then search in the 42st area.  The embassy is in the 50's on 3rd Ave (East Side near the Plaza)  If you look at hotels in this area, you could basically walk to the embassy!  Look for hotels with at least a 3 star rating.  If you want any answers to the area the hotel is in, ask here again or PM me.  I can assure you though they will all be safe areas, just depends what the rooms are like really, most of them are fine, just not as "Fancy" as others.

I drove to NYC from Maine in January, following Mapquest directions and had no problems. Stayed at a hotel recommended on one of my previous posts (which wasn't wonderful, but worked out wonderfully) which was within walking distance to the consulate and near a 24 hour parking garage that was quite cheap. We got there in the afternoon, checked in, went all over Chinatown and Little Italy etc. by subway (very easy and not scary) and the next morning walked to the consulate. If you want the name of the hotel I will try to find it in a previous post for you.

I am looking for a mid-priced hotel, no more than $100.  I rarely stay in hotels in the US but comparable in the UK would be like a Travel Inn type of place.  I can just drive there; get up at 3 am (not like I'll be sleeping much anyway!) and get down there but I am worried about parking, etc.  To be honest, I'd much rather just mail it all off!!  But I dont' think I'll make a flight on March 1 if I mail it, especially since Monday is a holiday.  Thanks for all the helpful posts regarding hotels- I really appreciate it. 

I'm still hoping someone can tell me about a way to drive into the city, either directly, or with a Park and Ride.  I can't really afford Amtrak or flying.

There were a few on Expedia that were around that price.

In regards to parking, it's not cheap in NYC!  But if you skip the hotel stay and just park, you will probably be looking at about $20.00  Some places have earlybird rates, if you get in before 9 you pay a certain amount.  But really, I would not worry about that, you are going to be getting a very important stamp in your passport!  Most important is to remember all your documents and make sure you have those two passport photo's you need (Though they have a machine there if you need!)  Do you have your appointment set already?  I'm sure you know you can do that on-line.  To save time I did the fast track application and paid on-line as well.  Just saved time!

Driving in NYC is actually a lot easier than people think.  I have done it many different times.  Too bad we are coming from opposite directions- we could go together!    As long as you have good written directions you won't find it too difficult to find.  I have never been to the embassy and will be trying to find it myself, but I know the roads are well marked, very wide, and at that time of the morning shouldn't be too congested.  What day are going? 

I'm still hoping someone can tell me about a way to drive into the city, either directly, or with a Park and Ride.  I can't really afford Amtrak or flying.

Did you look at mapquest?  Or maybe a bus?  Greyhound I think goes between the two cities.