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'''New York City''' is the largest city in [[New York State]]. Generally, when travelers travellers say they are from or going toward "New York", they are referring to this city, which is actually made up of 5 five boroughs and 3 islands: Manhattan(an island), Brooklyn, Queens (both located on the western end of Long Island), Staten Island, and Long Island (which Brooklyn and Queens are a part of). The Bronx, the fifth borough, is connected with (on the North American mainland of [[New York State]]).

== [[Train hopping]] Hitchhiking ==Hitchhiking is illegal in New York City as well as in the neighboring state of New Jersey; enforcement varies.=== Heading North (I-87) ===Advice: Don't get stuck in [[Albany (New York)|Albany]]. There is a major hub fairly large service area (New Baltimore Travel Plaza) on the Thruway just before Albany, so getting off there is preferable(technically illegal to hitch on a rest area connected to the Thruway, but [[user:uncle_sam01|uncle_sam01]] asked around for trainsabout an hour and no one cared, even got offered a lunch once).* [[User: freight trainsgerbennap|Gerben]] took the subway out on line 2 to the last stop, and then walked to the commuter train at Mount Vernon East, direction Stamford, Amtrakand got off at Rye (fare $3.50). A cheaper option is to ride the subway to Fordham Rd on the B/D, Metrowhere if you have a Metrocard you can transfer for free from the subway to the Bee-Line #61 bus which runs to Rye and beyond. From Rye you can start hitching on the onramp of the I-287. [[User:gerbennap|Gerben]] used a sign saying 'Up North, MTA, LIRR, NJ Transit, ' and got picked up after 20 minutes and PATH trains taken all pass the way to [[Albany (New York)|Albany]].* [[User:lexande|Lexande]] was able to get a ride north from the ramps where Jerome Ave joins I-87 in the northern Bronx, a bit north of the last stop of the 4 train. You may wait longer ([[User:lexande|Lexande]] waited about 90 minutes) but this saves the expense and /or time of getting a commuter train or bus further out of . There may be legal issues (since this is still within New York CIty) but at least this cityfar out enforcement seems lax.*[[User:uncle_sam01|uncle_sam01]] initially went to Jerome Avenue, however there's a Dunkin' Donuts and a gas station right off Jerome Ave on the I-87 and asking around was no problem. Although riding trains for free Got a ride to Poughkeepsie in about 60 minutes - most people weren't going on to the Thruway (trainI-hopping87) is illegal, it is one of but rather towards Connecticut or the most viable ways Taconic State Parkway (pkwy) so don't waste time trying to get out of someone going onto the I-87(refused 2 rides previously because both were headed onto the Taconic before accepting a ride to it), but the city for freepkwy seemed just as good. In most passenger trains (NJ TransitApril 2017) === Heading Northeast (I-95, Amtraktoward [[New Haven]], etc[[Providence]], and [[Boston]]) ===I-95 North runs along the Eastern coast of [[New York State]] and [[Connecticut]] at this point. Leaving New York City can be very complicated, especially getting past the Bronx, a borough full of "dangerous" low-income neighborhoods, especially in the southern half of the borough. ([http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ny/bronx/crime/ Crime rates] in the Bronx are 2-3 times higher than the NYC and US averages.), * [[User:Amylin|amylin]] recommends taking the only way #2 subway train out to ride for free is the last stop, Wakefield-241st St and walking about a mile from there to hide in the [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1145104329767828159,40.903428,-73.850375%3B17266531610081419525,40.912360,-73.832180&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=241st+St+-+Wakefield+Station+%4040.903428,-73.850375&daddr=40.912118,-73.832245&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=15&sll=40.909977,-73.837309&sspn=0.014724,0.033431&ie=UTF8&z=15&om=1 Mount Vernon East Metro-North station], where you can take a bathroom or display local train a "Seat Check" ticket found bit farther afield. To hitchhike to Providence, [[Rhode Island]] on a cold winter's day, she took the ground or $5.50 train to [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=325+Heights+Rd,+Darien,+CT+06820&sll=41.224118,-72.559204&sspn=1.875734,4.279175&ie=UTF8&ll=41.069322,-73.492999&spn=0.007344,0.016716&z=16&om=1 Noroton Heights] in Darien, CT, usually with changing trains in Stamford, and officially started from a previous ridethere. Generally speakingShe recommends this route for hitchhiking North, especially if you are discovered don't want to be riding without paying spend a lot of money getting out of the proper farecity or time waiting outside. In Noroton Heights [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=325+Heights+Rd,+Darien,+CT+06820&sll=41.224118,-72.559204&sspn=1.875734,4.279175&ie=UTF8&ll=41.069322,-73.492999&spn=0.007344, you will be asked 0.016716&z=16&om=1 there is an on-ramp about 1km from the train station]. There is a steady flow of cars who mostly have to pay itstop before entering the on-ramp, and the area is suitable for low-key camping out. If you can A local police patrol car passed her while she stood with her thumb out but did not pay itharass her. (Whereas, then if you will be asked to exit take the Metro-North train at from Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan, you'll pay more than double for the ticket, plus the $2.75 subway fare to get to the next station. As long So, if you're already on the subway, you might as you remain friendly well get the most of your $2.75 (or free swipe, see below) and take it as far out as possible.) [[User:Zenit|Zenit]] followed these instructions in July 2010 and cooperativehighly recommends them as well. Also on the train his ticket was never checked. Got a ride within 5-10 minutes at night using this around May 2018.  * [[User:Stove|Stove]] recommends taking the "B" or "D" subway to Fordham, there should not be a problem with legal issuesand walking the six blocks south ("right") on Fordham Rd to Metro North. This requires less walking, arrestand the New Haven Line trains stop here more frequently on their way north. Fares from Fordham to Noroton Heights are the same as from Mount Vernon East, or finesand it is much easier/quicker to access.

Hopping freight trains * Poster "Fruupp" <!-- on [http://www.digihitch.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=7934 this digihitch thread] --> suggests hitching along Bruckner Blvd near Brook Ave in the Bronx, reachable via the 6 subway train. (This section of Bruckner Blvd is used heavily by cars trying to get from Manhattan to the northeast-bound Bruckner Expressway without paying a common way to ride long distances for freetoll. It is extremely practical ) Drivers may be less likely to do if you have phone or internet accessstop in such urban surroundings, because there are numbers and/or websites that will give you should exercise caution as the direction that each freight is headed levels of both crime and its estimated time of arrivalpolice presence in this neighborhood are relatively high, based on but this is at least one option that freight's identification numberdoes not require a commuter train.

== Hitchhiking ===== Heading North ===Advice: Don't get stuck in [[Albany File:GWBplaza.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Cars waiting for hitchhikers to take across the GWB]]* There is a bus stop at the New Jersey end of the George Washington Bridge (below Lemoine Ave) where drivers pick up passengers to try to qualify for the carpool discount on the bridge toll, and hitchhiking at this location is [http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2012/06/21/chris-christie-reportedly-asks-police-to-quit-ticketing-gw-bridge-carpoolers/ reportedly considered legal]. The vast majority of drivers will just be crossing the bridge to reach Manhattan, but as this is the main freeway route for traffic from the south crossing New York)|Albany]]City towards Connecticut and beyond, looking for longer rides here may be worth a shot. It's about a 3km walk from 175 St on the A subway train to the New Jersey end of the bridge.

If heading towards [[User:gerbennap|GerbenVermont]] took , take the subway out on line 2 Metro North all the way to the last stopDanbury, and then walked to the commuter train at MtCT (Change in E. Norwalk). The fare is $8 from Mount Vernon East, direction Stamford, and got off at Rye($9 from Fordham). There you can start hitching This puts one right on Rt 7, which winds through the onramp hills of Massachusetts and Vermont all the I287way to the Canadian border. [[User:gerbennapStove|GerbenStove]] used a sign saying 'Up North' routinely takes this route, and got picked up after 20 minutes and taken all can easily make it to Burlington starting from Danbury in the way to [[Albany (New York)|Albany]]morning.

=== Heading West/South(I-West (Interstate I7880) ===The Interstate I78 is a road that more If you are trying to get to [[Pennsylvania]] or less comes from NYC and passes New Jersey and leads into direction Harrisburg.Since New Jersey might be a little bit tricky and hitchhiking is kind of outlawed therepoints West, it can be your best bet is to take a bus ride.For 20.5 dollars you can get NJ Transit to [[AllentownMt. Olive]] in , [[PennsylvaniaNew Jersey]], hence bypassing New Jersey($14.The bus leaves 75 from New York at Penn Station, or $9 (plus $2.75 for PATH) if you take PATH to Newark, walk to Broad St Station and catch NJT there). This will get you out of the Port Authority bus terminalsuburbs, and thus increase the likelihood of getting a long-distance ride. In Allentown From the Mt. Olive train station, you can walk or hitchhike (within the city) to the entrance [[on-ramp]] of the I78I-80. Be advised that hitchhiking is illegal just about everywhere in New Jersey, including shoulders and on-ramps, so use caution.

=== On I-95, toward [[New Haven]], [[Providence]], and [[Boston]] ===I-95 North runs along It may also be possible to get a ride from the Eastern coast of [[New York State]] and [[Connecticut]] westbound Lemoine Ave bus stop at this point. Leaving New York City can be very complicated, especially getting past the Bronx, a borough full end of decidedly the GWB (opposite the eastbound one described under "dangerousNortheast" low-income neighborhoodsabove). When [[User:Amylin|amylin]] was researching on ways out, she found this quote on a website: "A hitchhiker killed in the Bronx will be referred to, by police, as a suicide victim."

* [[User:Amylin|amylin]] recommends taking the #2 subway train out to the last stop, Wakefield- 241st St. and walking about a mile from there to the [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1145104329767828159,40.903428,Heading West/Southwest (I-73.850375%3B17266531610081419525,40.912360,-73.832180&time=&date78) =&ttype=&saddr=241st+St+Interstate I-+Wakefield+Station+%4040.90342878 is a road that more or less comes from NYC,-73passes through New Jersey and leads towards Harrisburg.850375&daddr=40.912118Since New Jersey might be a little bit tricky and hitchhiking is kind of outlawed there,-73it might be best to take a bus ride.832245&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=15&sll=40 For $25.909977,-73.837309&sspn=0.014724,0.033431&ie=UTF8&z=15&om=1 Mount Vernon East Metro-North station], where 80 you can take a local train a bit farther afield. To hitchhike get to Providence, [[Rhode IslandAllentown]] in [[Pennsylvania]] on a cold winter's day, she took hence bypassing New Jersey.The bus leaves New York at the $4Port Authority bus terminal.75 train In Allentown you can walk or hitchhike (within the city) to [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=325+Heights+Rd,+Darien,+CT+06820&sll=41.224118,the entrance of the I-7278.559204&sspn=1.875734 (Of course,4.279175&ie=UTF8&ll=41.069322,-73.492999&spn=0.007344,0.016716&z=16&om=1 Noroton Heights] in Darien, CT, usually with changing trains if you can book in Stamford, and officially started from there. She recommends this route advance then for hitchhiking North, especially if that price you don't want to spend can get a lot of money getting out of Megabus all the city way to Pittsburgh or time waiting outsidebeyond. In Noroton Heights [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=325+Heights+Rd) You can also take the Bieber Bus for about $27 to one of several towns (Hellertown,+Darien,+CT+06820&sll=41.224118,-72.559204&sspn=1.875734,4.279175&ie=UTF8&ll=41.069322,-73.492999&spn=0.007344,0.016716&z=16&om=1 there is an on-ramp about 1km Wescosville) along the highway and thus avoid the long walk from the train station]. There is a steady flow of cars who mostly have Allentown bus terminal to stop before entering the on-ramp, and the area is suitable for low-key camping outhighway. A local police patrol car passed her while she stood with her thumb out but did not harass herYou may need to buy your ticket online in advance. (Whereas, if If you do take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Station in Midtown ManhattanBieber bus to Wescosville, youdon'll pay almost double for the ticket, plus the $2,25 subway fare to get to t bother with the station. So, Wescosville travel plaza if you're already on the subway, you might as well get the most of your $2,25 and take headed west - i know it as far looks promising but all traffic out as possibleof there is headed south to philadelphia.) [[User:Zenit|Zenit]] followed these instructions in July 2010 and highly recommends them as well. Also Ask at gas stations or thumb it on the train his ticket was never checkedramps.

* Another option is to take a NJ Transit train to [[User:Stove|StoveAnnandale]] recommends taking the "B" or "D" subway to Fordham($15 from Penn Station, $11 from Newark) and walking hitch the six blocks south ("right") on Fordham Rd to Metro North-ramp. This requires less walking, and the New Haven Line trains stop here more frequently on their way north[[user:Dr. This is still outside of the Manhattan fare price hike, and much easier/quicker Keith|Keith]] was lucky enough to accessget a ride from there in just a half hour.

If heading === Heading Southwest (I-95 towards [[VermontPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], take the Metro North all the way to Danbury, CT (Change in Eand [[Washington D.C. Norwalk]]). This puts one right on RT 7, which winds through ===Between the hills heavy suburban development along most of Massachusetts this corridor and Vermont all the way laws on hitchhiking in New Jersey and New York City, there aren't many great options. If you're particularly bold/willing to risk police trouble you could try either end of the Canadian borderHolland Tunnel. [[User:Stove|Stove]] routinely takes this route, and cna easily make it It may also be possible to Burlington starting get a ride from Danbury in the morningwestbound Lemoine Ave bus stop at the end of the GWB (opposite the eastbound one described under "Northeast" above).

=== Heading West ===If you are trying decide to give up and pay: Booking far in advance, you can get a Megabus all the way to [[Pennsylvania]] or points West, your best bet is to take NJ Transit to [[MtDC for as little as $1.50. Olive]] Without advance booking, [[the cheapest legal way across New Jersey]]. This will get you out of the suburbs, and thus increase the likelihood of getting is probably a long-distance rideChinatown bus to Philadelphia for around $12 (see gotobus. From com for current Chinatown bus info; the Mt. Olive train station, you can walk to walkup cash fare is usually the [[on-ramp]] of I-80. Be advised that hitchhiking is illegal just about everywhere in New Jersey, including shoulders and on-ramps, so use cautionsame as online).

== JFK airport Subway ==You don't ''re likely to need a subway ride at the start of any attempt to hitchhike out of NYC (and probably to get around while there as well). Many subway riders haveunlimited-ride Metrocards, and since a card is only required to enter the subway system (not to exit), it'' s possible to take get people with unlimited-ride cards who are leaving the 5 US$ Airtrain system to get swipe you in for free (as there or is no additional cost to get them). At busier stations, just stand outside the turnstiles and politely ask exiting riders if they'll swipe you in. It's also possible to swipe in for free by waiting in the emergency door and ask someone from JFK the other side to open it. Many people use the cityemergency door to jump in for free, specially families with kids, only the parents have card and once they are inside they open the emergency door for their children. Take a See [http://wwwblogs.jfk-airportvillagevoice.netcom/busrunninscared/2011/01/free_swipe.html local busphp this article] from terminal 5 (probably the Q10 to Lefferts Blvd, where you can transfer to the A subway train), you can pay $2.50 for a discussion of the ride or if you get an unlimited card you can use that"free swipes" phenomenon.