[dreamflower1]

Hi all,

I am planning on driving to the Stamford Metro North station on a Thursday afternoon to catch the train into the city. I plan to spend the night in the city and return late (11pm or later) on a Friday evening.

I've heard Stamford has good, safe, overnight parking options, which is important since I will be returning alone very late. My question is, will I be able to find safe overnight parking in the Stamford lot at around 2pm on a Thursday afternoon? Anything I should be concerned about regarding parking over night or returning late in the evening?

Also, any other possible options you suggest? I generally take the train or bus from Hartford, so this is the first time I will be driving and leaving my car. It seems Stamford is my best option in terms of over night parking, but I am open to other suggestions as well. Ideally, I would like to drive as close to NYC as possible (so no New Haven).

Thanks all!

[AntonioR]

Originally Posted by dreamflower1

I've heard Stamford has good, safe, overnight parking options, which is important since I will be returning alone very late.

You heard correctly.

My question is, will I be able to find safe overnight parking in the Stamford lot at around 2pm on a Thursday afternoon? Anything I should be concerned about regarding parking over night or returning late in the evening?

Its a very large garage on the south side of the train station. It would be better if you get off exit 7 and turn left on the second traffic light. You will pass under two bridges, the first one will be of I-95 and the second one is of the train tracks. After passing under the second bridge, it will be up to you whether you turn right at the intersection or continue to the second traffic light and turn right there. Either way, the garage is visible from there and the first option will take you to the north entrance while the second option will be the southern entrance.

Its quite a big garage, so I doubt it will be completely full, although it might be packed.

There are two pedestrian bridges that connect the garage with the train station. One connects with the actual track areas and from there you can access the station itself while the other connects directly to the station, in case you don't feel safe crossing the street from the garage to the station.

Here, look at this satelite view so you can become more familiar: stamford - Google Maps

Also, here are a few three-dimensional images of the area around the garage:

The view from the intersection, garage on the right (the photo is quite old, there's no construction going on there): stamford - Google Maps

Here is the northern area of the garage with the station at the right and the two pedestrian bridges clearly visible. The opening on the left there is actually an exit, the entrance is further down the street, practically on the left under the second pedestrian bridge: stamford - Google Maps

If you decide to enter the station from the south side instead of the first option, this is what the corner looks like where you should turn to the right (again, the photo is old; right now there's no construction going on): stamford - Google Maps

Also, any other possible options you suggest?

The train station's garage is the most convenient and perfectly safe. You don't really have much to worry about.

I generally take the train or bus from Hartford, so this is the first time I will be driving and leaving my car. It seems Stamford is my best option in terms of over night parking, but I am open to other suggestions as well. Ideally, I would like to drive as close to NYC as possible (so no New Haven).

Thanks all!

Stamford is your best option not just concerning the parking and safety level, but also convenience. Remember to ask for the express train tickets to Grand Central. The train leaves Stamford and will make two stops, the first one on 125th Street in Harlem and the second one at Grand Central Station. You will be there in approximately 40 minutes. A smooth, sweet, and quick ride.

Coming back to Stamford it will be equally easy and quick on the express train.

Also, there's a Dunkin Donuts in the ticket/waiting indoor area of the station and on the first floor there is a Subway restaurant. Ask around if for directions if you want to buy anything from these places, although I don't think you'll need directions to find the Dunkin Donuts since its location is quite obvious.

There are some other businesses in the Subways restaurant area, but I have never given them much attention so I can't tell you what they sell.

Anyway, I wish you a nice trip to NYC.

[dreamflower1]

Thank you so much for all the great information! So helpful and informative, thanks again!