Hey guys,
I will be in NJ next week and am thinking of visiting the NY auto show. Never been to such a large event nor to the Javits center. Any recommendation as to when to go (day and time of day) and how to plan going around the Javits center. Even if someone has tips on the easiest ways to get there and park, that would be appreciated. I have a GPS and know my way around Manhattan to a certain extent (been and driven there lots), but would be great to get advice from locals on how to avoid traffic and the crowds. I am very flexible on time since I am there on holidays, so if someone recommends a time when it is less crowded that would be great.
Thanks

best bet is to park in a municipal garage a few blocks away (cheapest rates) and walk or catch a cab to the event. time of day doesn't really matter as long as you get there several hours before close or you'll miss half the show. I prefer to go during the week since there is far less of a crowd there.

I am probably going on opening day, the 9th but haven't really made plans yet.

If you are eligible for handicap parking then you get to park right in front of the building. :pimpflash

So how long minimum should I budget? 2 hrs too short I guess. I am meeting up with a relative in Manhattan on the weekend, but we may not have much time then, does it make more sense to go for a couple of hours on Friday and another couple of hours on the weekend?

Are you driving there or flying? I'd love to go.

Where in NJ are you coming from? My advice is to ditch the car and take the train to Penn Station. You can then catch the 34th St. bus crosstown that drops you right in front of the Javits Center. Not all NJT trains run on the weekends which is why I'm wondering what part of NJ you're staying in...

When we go to the Javits for events we usually park in the parking garage 2 streets down(before the Javits, usually go by Javits and come back due to the streets). It's reasonably priced ($20-25) and never had a problem. It's next to a large storage? building possibly Police related since they have alot of cars there. You can't miss it it's on the right side.

So how long minimum should I budget? 2 hrs too short I guess. I am meeting up with a relative in Manhattan on the weekend, but we may not have much time then, does it make more sense to go for a couple of hours on Friday and another couple of hours on the weekend?
a few hours here and there may do it but I usually budget my whole day as I like to bs and tinker with the various cars. granted I do skip some of the booths but I always plan time to screw with the sham-wow vendor up in the pavilion.

The CCA is having their usual presentation/early access. I plan on being there:

As in past years, BMWNA and the New York Chapter of the BMWCCA are hosting a special preview of the BMW display at the New York Auto Show for CCA members. This year, it will be held on Saturday, April 11th. New Jersey Chapter members are welcome.

You�ll need to buy your ticket in advance online (autoshowny.com/tickets) and bring it with your CCA membership card and photo ID to get in.

You�ll also have to email Larry Engel (larryengel@njbmwcca.org) by April 8th with your name, member number, and names of your guests. They will check a master list on entry � you must be on the list to get in and you must bring your membership card and photo ID. Please title your email �Auto Show�.

The group will meet at 8:30am at the Northern escalator in the lobby of the Javits Center. The presentation will be from 9:00 to 10:00. We are asked to remember that we are the guests of BMWNA and must stay in their display area until the show opens. If we don�t adhere to this request, there is the possibility that we will not be allowed to conduct the special event in the future.

Where in NJ are you coming from? My advice is to ditch the car and take the train to Penn Station. You can then catch the 34th St. bus crosstown that drops you right in front of the Javits Center. Not all NJT trains run on the weekends which is why I'm wondering what part of NJ you're staying in...
East Brunswick. Don't like public transportation tbh. I have a rental since I am driving there from Ottawa with the family. Will probably drop them off to shop while I go to the show.
Do show tickets need to be purchased in advance or can they be bought on location? Do you guys recommend advanced purchase or it doesn't matter?

Convoy???

Convoy???
question for me? :)
Well if people want to meet up there, feel free to post info in this thread. I may or may not be able to join depending on timing, but don't let that stop you from using this thread to plan a meetup.

You could also park in NJ and take the ferry over. I don't remember where it is exactly (I was 12) but I am pretty sure if you take the NY waterway ferry it will take you within a block or 2 of the JJC.