Commuting from Downtown Stamford to NYC

The most efficient way to commute from Stamford to New York City is on the Metro North.

Not only is the station is an easy 11-minute walk from Vela, but if the weather is frightful or you're short on time, we also offer free private shuttle rides to the train. The easiest way to buy tickets for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad is before you board.

A major multi-modal transportation hub, the Stamford Transportation Center is the second-busiest station on the Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line. It connects tens of thousands of commuters daily to the Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, CTtransit, Greyhound, and Peter Pan bus services.

See below for all transport options from Stamford to NYC:

Metro North

• Route: The New Haven Line connects Stamford to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
• Travel Time: About 50 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the train (local or express).
• Frequency: Trains run frequently, especially during peak hours.
• Convenience: Direct and comfortable. Stamford's station is centrally located, and Grand Central gives you easy access to the rest of NYC.

Trains to the city run every 15 minutes. (Pro tip: download the TrainTime app, which allows you to buy tickets in advance and gives you access to schedules, GPS train tracking, real-time seat availability, and more.)

Amtrack

Route: Amtrak trains also connect Stamford to Penn Station in Manhattan.
Travel Time:About 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Typically more expensive than Metro-North.
Frequency: Less frequent than Metro-North, but a good option if you want to go to Penn Station rather than Grand Central.
Convenience: Faster and more comfortable than Metro-North but pricier.

Bus

Greyhound and Peter Pan buses to New York City can be also caught at the Stamford Transportation Center. Bus pick-up and drop-off areas are typically located near the station, with clear signage directing passengers to the designated bus platforms.

Additionally, CTtransit operates local bus services that can connect passengers to the Stamford Transportation Center if needed.

Car

If you prefer to drive, your best bet is to hop on I-95 or the more scenic Merritt Parkway, both of which which will take you into Manhattan. The drive typically takes anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour—and sometimes longer, depending on time of day and intensity of traffic.

There are several route options depending on your preferences for speed, traffic, and scenery. Here are the main options:

1. I-95 (Connecticut Turnpike)

The most direct and popular option is to take Interstate 95 South from Stamford into NYC.
* Distance: About 40 miles to Midtown Manhattan.
* Travel Time: Typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
* Tolls: Expect tolls at various points, including the George Washington Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, or via tunnels (Lincoln or Holland).
* Pros: Fastest route in light traffic, with plenty of service stations along the way.
* Cons: Can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.

2. Merritt Parkway (Route 15)

Route: Another scenic option is to take the Merritt Parkway (CT-15) to the Hutchinson River Parkway, which eventually connects to NYC.
* Distance: Similar to I-95, about 40 miles to Manhattan.
* Travel Time: Travel time is also around 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
* Tolls: You will encounter tolls closer to NYC, but this route bypasses major interstate tolls.
* Pros: A more scenic and less congested option, with beautiful parkway landscapes and fewer trucks.
* Cons: Has more curves, and fewer service areas; also tends to close during inclement weather due to restrictions on commercial vehicles.

3. Combination: Merritt Parkway + I-95

Some drivers prefer a combination of taking the Merritt Parkway for part of the trip and then merging onto I-95 or the Hutchinson River Parkway for the final leg into NYC.
* Pros: This can help avoid traffic on certain sections of I-95 while still providing access to NYC through a more direct route.
* Cons: May require switching highways in case of detours or traffic.

4. 95 South + I-278 (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway)

If your destination is in Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, I-278 provides a direct route.
* Route: Start by taking I-95 South from Stamford, then connect to I-278 near the Bronx or at the George Washington Bridge. I-278 runs through Queens and Brooklyn and provides access to Lower Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge or the Manhattan Bridge.
* Distance: The distance is similar to other routes, around 40–50 miles, but takes you through different parts of NYC.
* Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic, especially as I-278 can experience heavy congestion during peak hours.
* Tolls: Tolls are applicable on some bridges and tunnels, such as the George Washington Bridge or Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, depending on which route you take into Manhattan.
* Pros: Offers an alternative entry point into Manhattan, especially if you are heading to Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. It bypasses Midtown traffic by entering NYC via Brooklyn or Queens.
* Cons: I-278 can be highly congested, especially during rush hours and near major entry points like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Long Island Expressway. There are also tolls on several crossings.