New York City is about a six-and-a-half hour drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, allowing the possibility of both single- and multiday trips. Driving and parking in New York can be harrowing, but tour services eliminate this hassle. Pittsburghers can choose from package tours with set schedules, design their own itineraries or opt for a mix of planned excursions and free time.
Coach USA operates bus tours from Pittsburgh to New York City in conjunction with Lenzer and Butler Motor Transit. Trip lengths vary from one to three days. Single-day red-eye tours involve departure late on Friday night with arrival in New York Saturday morning; leave New York Saturday night and arrive back home early Sunday morning. For a multiday experience, consider Lenzer's two-night New York on a Dime tour, which includes round-trip motorcoach transportation, lodging in mid-Manhattan, a tour director, taxes and baggage handling. Additionally, Lenzer can purchase tickets for Broadway shows to avoid wasting time in line; just use the voucher to retrieve tickets at the box office. Lenzer trips depart from Sewickley, Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Irwin and New Stanton. Butler Motor trips depart from Pittsburgh, New Kensington, Kittanning and Butler. Once in New York, enjoy discounted rates on sightseeing tours, including double-decker bus tours and Duck tours.
AAA offers various theme tours from Pittsburgh on pre-set dates on a rotating basis. Options during winter and spring 2010-11 include a Christmas in NYC tour, Pittsburgh Insider tour and Penguins hockey tours. On the Christmas in NYC tour, see a Cirque du Soleil show and the Radio City Rockettes. Pittsburgh Insider tours include dinners, theater, a cruise past the Statue of Liberty and walking tours of the city. Penguins tours provide admission to both the game and the Top of the Rock Observation deck. Most trips last two to four days. They include round-trip motorcoach transportation, lodging, services of an AAA Tour Manager, admission to attractions as per tour itinerary, luggage handling and taxes and fees. Departure points in the Pittsburgh area include Cranberry, Monroeville and New Stanton. Lodging is typically at the Novotel Hotel on Broadway near Times Square. A nonrefundable deposit is due at booking, which is typically about one-third of the total trip price.
Founded in 1992, C&G Tours provides package tours to NYC for Pittsburgh-area school districts including those in the North Hills, South Hills and Monroeville, as well as other communities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. The package includes a professional escort, nighttime security, two nights lodging, two breakfasts and one dinner. A pizza dinner is provided upon arrival at the hotel on the first night. Groups may choose to attend a Broadway show after dinner. The next day, students visit Ground Zero, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They also go shopping on Fifth Avenue and mingle with other cultures in Chinatown and Little Italy. Optional additional excursions include trips to the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Liability insurance, taxes and gratuities are included. Also, C&G is linked with a fundraising service to help make travel affordable for all students.
