Welcome to Brooklyn, New York
New York is a must-see destination and, in our opinion, there is no better way to enjoy the city and its boroughs than by running. New York City is huge and to give you a bit more background and information, we hope we can help to make your trip to New York the best it can be.
New York City comprises 5 boroughs.
Manhattan Island is roughly 13 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest. As is common with American cities, streets are divided into a grid pattern which is numbered. Fifth Avenue divides the island into east and west (for example, locations on 57th Street west of Fifth Avenue are designated “West. 57th Street.,” and east of Fifth Avenue, they are “East. 57th Street.”). When you’re out and about it’s quite easy to find your way by using the numbers.
Two of the boroughs are actually islands: Manhattan and Staten Island. Brooklyn and Queens are part of Long Island, and the Bronx is attached to the US mainland. The islands are linked by bridges, tunnels and ferries.
The RBC Brooklyn Half starts near Downtown Brooklyn at Prospect Park and finishes in Coney Island, on the South side of Brooklyn. To stay close to the start as we do allows you to walk to the start without stress or reliance on transport.
Time Zone
New York City is on Eastern Standard Time (GMT minus 4 hours during daylight saving time and minus 5 hours the rest of the year).
Visas
Please do not use any other website to apply for your ESTA than the official website. You will just be charged more than what you need to pay. Fee for application should only be $14.00 USD.
Visitors to New York City from outside the United States need a visa to enter the country. The UK and other countries are part of a Visa Waiver programme called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Before you travel to the US, you must have a Visa or an ESTA, otherwise you will not be able to travel. More information can be found here
US Customs and Border Protection
Waiting times at the US border can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on time of day, how many flights land at the same time plus any restrictions that maybe in place. US Customs officers are trained to be inquisitive and suspicious. All you can do to prepare is to have all your documentation handy. More information on what to expect can be found here
Local Laws
The drinking age in NYC—and throughout the United States—is 21, and smoking is banned in public places throughout the City, including bars, restaurants, subways and taxis, and public parks and beaches.
Using your phone
There are two ways to use your smartphone in the US: you can either roam on a UK-based SIM card or you can buy a new US-based SIM card upon your arrival in the States. Check with your network provider before you go as you maybe able to pay a bit extra to have peace of mind without getting hit with a bill on your return. Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 911
Money
In New York City and throughout the United States, the US dollar is the standard currency. Credit cards are widely used and ATMS are plentiful.
Safety
New York is now one of the safest cities in the US. As with any city, please exercise common sense and take reasonable precautions to protect your personal safety plus your belongings. Always make sure that you have adequate travel insurance, declare pre-existing medical conditions and make sure that your insurance covers you for all the activities that you will undertake whilst you are in the USA. Only ever use licensed taxis and if you are ever unsure it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with any questions or concerns. A useful resource is 311, the City’s official government services and information hotline.
Getting there
If you’re coming from outside the United States, check this page for visa information. Below you can find some information on the best ways to get to New York:
Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are both located in Queens. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is in New Jersey. LaGuardia mainly serves domestic destinations. JFK and Newark offer both domestic and international services. From all airports, you can reach Manhattan easily by using taxis, buses, subways and/or commuter trains.
JFK Airport
JFK is New York’s largest airport with the most international services. It’s located at just 16 miles from Downtown Brooklyn. There are various ways to get to Brooklyn from JFK:
Taxis charge a $59 - $64 not including tolls and tips. Don’t worry if the cab driver doesn’t put the metre on as this is a flat non-metered fee. There are some other charges levied on top which will add up to about $100 in the end so expect to pay about that. Surcharges are things like a $4.50 rush-hour surcharge, bridge and tunnel tolls, and a tip. It takes up to 55 minutes to get to Brooklyn, depending on traffic and road conditions
AirTrain JFK is the fastest and easiest way to move around JFK Airport. The system connects all passenger terminals to airport parking lots, the hotel shuttle pick-up area, the rental car center, and NYC’s public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations, where you can find the subway, the Long Island Rail Road, and public buses. AirTrain JFK operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. AirTrain is free unless you start or end your journey at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. There, the fee is $7.75 USD, payable only by Metrocard. There are Metrocard machines located at both Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. More information can be found here
Subway Take the Subway train and you can get to Downtown Brooklyn in 30 minutes from Howard Beach Station to Downtown Brooklyn. More information can be found here.
Getting around the City
Apart from running, New York is also great for walking. By walking everywhere you will really get a feel for the place and you’ll feel the buzz of this great city. If you are ever in a hurry or you need to travel a bit further, you can use the subway, buses and of course yellow cabs.
Trains and Buses
Buy yourself a MetroCard and you will have access to trains and buses. You can get around New York easily. Just buy the card at any subways station and use your card to top it up for travel. For the most up-to-date information on MetroCard prices, visit mta.info
Subway
Feel like a local and use the Subway. Subways never sleep as they run 24/7. Spend just $2.75 on your MetroCard which is the cost for a single ride, you can use the system citywide and transfer to other subway lines as many times as you need, as long as you don’t exit through a turnstile.
Taxis
Cabs are plentiful in New York. When you need one, keep an eye out and make yourself visible by the side of the road. You can hail taxis when their numbers are illuminated on top. New York’s iconic yellow cabs and green Boro Taxis are ideal for when you need to get off your feet. All taxis accept cash and cards. It is customary to tip 15 to 20%. Bridge and tunnel tolls are extra and added to the metered fare. You also get Uber and Lyft in New York if you have the App.
