Seasoned Traveler/Transit Advise

[CoffeeMama]

Hello Folks ...

I'm working on logistics for sending my DD to a sports camp @ West Point this summer. She has been to USMA before and feels comfortable / would prefer traveling on her own (she will almost be 18) - but we are from the West Coast and so she doesn't have familiarity with public transit in the NY area.

I've looked at a few old threads about getting to West Point from New Jersey, but they are several years old. Would those of you with experience be willing to share your thoughts on the best way for a young person to transfer (smoothly and safely) from Newark to Highland Falls if we agree to let her have that part of the adventure on her own. Train? Bus? Car Service?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom and advice.

 

[Walman888]

Hello Folks ...

I'm working on logistics for sending my DD to a sports camp @ West Point this summer. She has been to USMA before and feels comfortable / would prefer traveling on her own (she will almost be 18) - but we are from the West Coast and so she doesn't have familiarity with public transit in the NY area.

I've looked at a few old threads about getting to West Point from New Jersey, but they are several years old. Would those of you with experience be willing to share your thoughts on the best way for a young person to transfer (smoothly and safely) from Newark to Highland Falls if we agree to let her have that part of the adventure on her own. Train? Bus? Car Service?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom and advice.

We live in Northern CA. Our home airport is SMF (Sac). Our DD uses SMF and EWR (Newark) pretty much exclusively to travel between WP and home. For the odd Leave dates without GMK Bus service, we use a car service to and from WP and EWR. There is also a method using the train system from EWR to Garrison or Peekskill but one still needs transpo if the WP Ferry is not running to South Dock. I have a driver with a WP clearance to get on Post if you would like. Have used him several time before, very conscientious. Reach out via PM if you would like the name and number. There are several other folks in this forum that travel the area often and are residents, they will more than likely have a much better knowledge of local travel than I, especially of the trains and stations. That being said I'm always interested in the name of another driver should you come across one. They get scarce during peek travel seasons. The Drivers with a visitor pass are very handy!

 

[Sarmo]

Uber/Lyft costs can vary greatly. I've caught each for about $85 from Newark. I found that setting the Uber/Lyft destination for "West Point Museum," rather than my actual destination (Thayer or IHG Inn) can bring the price from $120+ down to $85. Other times I couldn't find one under $150.

Rail to bus is also an option, but I wouldn't recommend this to my daughter traveling alone. Newark has a train to Penn Station, which is blocks away from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, from which CoachUSA has daily busses to West Point.

Cadets sometimes take a train from Grand Central to Garrison and take the West Point ferry, however this option is only available to cadets and West Point staff.

Hope this helps.

 

[CoffeeMama]

Thank you very much! Both of your responses are extraordinarily helpful. @Walman888 I appreciate your generous offer to share your driver's information. When we get the larger puzzle pieces in place, I may DM you and take you up on it!

Cheers!

 

[UHBlackhawk]

For mass transit, as pointed out the train from EWR to Penn Station.
I then walk to Grand Central and catch Metro North to Garrison.
From there it’s tricky. You can see West Point, but it’s across the Hudson. Friday-Sunday there is ferry service but I don’t know that camp participants can take it. Uber/taxi from Garrison is spotty.
Peekskill, the stop before Garrison, often has better Uber and taxi coverage.

 

[USMA*DAD*2026]

Uber/Lyft costs can vary greatly. I've caught each for about $85 from Newark. I found that setting the Uber/Lyft destination for "West Point Museum," rather than my actual destination (Thayer or IHG Inn) can bring the price from $120+ down to $85. Other times I couldn't find one under $150.

Rail to bus is also an option, but I wouldn't recommend this to my daughter traveling alone. Newark has a train to Penn Station, which is blocks away from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, from which CoachUSA has daily busses to West Point.

Cadets sometimes take a train from Grand Central to Garrison and take the West Point ferry, however this option is only available to cadets and West Point staff.

Hope this helps.

Ditto.

I just came back from WP with my DS (overnight visit). While I had rental car from EWR. I will echo Samro's recommendations. I lived in NJ for 20 years. Also look at USMA page on transportation recommendation.