Traveling by Train on Labor Day Weekend? Plan Early & Here Are Some More Tips

Here are some tips from Joshua Crandall, founder and CEO of Clever Commute, for anyone traveling by train this Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29 to Sept. 1):

1. Tickets - tickets..Tickets...TICKETS. Get them early!

Need a ticket for you (or traveling companion)? Get it BEFORE Friday. Lines are loooooong on get-away days.

2. Timing is crucial.

Labor Day weekend is unique because some people are already on summer vacation. Others have modified summer Friday schedules.

With that said: based on our historical data, you are advised to avoid Penn/Grand Central/Port Authority between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. We are expecting a surge of commuters during that window.

3. Timetables and Schedule changes

Metro North - http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/labor_day.htm

NJ Transit - http://www. bit.ly/VLy5G3

For both:

- Friday - “getaway” trains. On Labor Day (Monday), Sunday Service will be in effect.

LIRR - Getaway schedule not yet published. See http://www.mta.info/lirr.

4. Other Tips:

- Dress in layers - even if it’s not a hot day...the terminal or the trains can be warm

- Bring water/snacks - save time...save money. Plan ahead.

-”Baggage strategy” matters - There is going to be lots of luggage around on Friday. Make your plan now...NOT on Friday morning :)

Clever Commute is the leading information service for suburban mass-transit commuters. The “4 T’s” below tell the commuter what they need to know for a stress-free commute on get-away Friday.

This report is a feature of our premium membership via The Inside Track.