Port Authority Bus Terminal — Attraction in New York

FUN FACT: I'd probably get to NYC faster if I take a bus to Secaucus Junction and then the train to Penn Station. The Port Authority is an important hub for commuters, like those traveling from NJ to NYC, which is my case. Unfortunately, it has glaring problems that one cannot simply ignore.

Despite being crucial for my daily commute and offering access to both NJ Transit buses and the NYC subway system, the overall experience is far from pleasant. The Lincoln tunnel is horrendously filled with traffic almost all the time and then when you finally arrive, you're greeted by a terminal that is DIRTY 100% of the time, with a noticeable presence of hostile individuals that makes it feel unsafe, rather than the kind of environment where you might sympathize with the homeless. Furthermore, the PATH train is inexplicably disconnected from the terminal despite being owned by it (Hello?), forcing commuters to navigate confusing pathways just to make their connection. The restrooms are absolutely appalling; They're WORSE than Journal Square. I've had the misfortune of encountering a... BIG SURPRISE on one of the urinals that led me to believe someone had mistaken it with a toilet; I never step foot in there ever since. The maintenance is also questionable, with certain areas showing clear signs of neglect.

While I’m grateful for its existence, it’s hard to ignore how poorly it reflects NYC’s transit system, especially considering it's the BUSIEST TERMINAL IN THE WORLD. If I didn’t have to rely on it for work, I would avoid it altogether and opt for Penn Station instead. I’m hoping the rumored renovations or new terminals will bring some desperately needed improvements, but until then, I can’t help but feel embarrassed every time I walk through here.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars (essential but...

While staying in a Garment District hotel, I needed a nearby, safe, and relatively affordable place to park my vehicle. After reading many concerning stories about other parking facilities in the area that require your vehicle to be driven by sketchy valets with questionable driving abilities while charging exorbitant prices, I discovered that the Port Authority Bus Terminal parking garage seemed to be the only place that fit my needs.

I haven't been to NYC in decades. Port Authority had a reputation for being dangerous and dirty, for being a place you didn't linger in. But photos of PA online looked okay, the $59 per day fee was the lowest around, and I got to park my car myself. I decided to take the chance.

Other reviews mentioned that it was hard to find the garage entrance. Waze led me right to it. Yes, the signs are hard to see, but if you take your time, it's not that bad. I got worried when the concrete entrance ramp looked old and a bit crumbly. Imagine my surprise at how clean and well lit Port Authority is! The parking garage was free of trash and there was a police cruiser parked near my chosen parking space. The elevators did not smell of urine. There was no graffiti. The main concourse looked like an airport's, with many shops and counter service restaurants. Security was everywhere.

As in any parking facilities, I took basic security precautions: remove/hide all valuables or signs of them, choose a space where people tend to be present, and stayed aware of my surroundings while in the garage. Better safe than sorry!

When I was leaving, the self-pay kiosk near the elevators was not working. Thankfully, the vehicle exit gate took credit cards, so I was able to pay on the way out.

Very happy I parked at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Would do so again...

If you're a tourist hoping for a bit of help or guidance at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, brace yourself for one of the worst customer service experiences imaginable. The officers stationed here seem to go out of their way to make people feel unwelcome. Instead of offering assistance or even basic directions, many of them treat questions with blatant disdain, hostility, or complete disinterest. Their attitude is appalling, condescending, short-tempered, and often downright rude. Ask a question, and you're more likely to get an eye roll, a dismissive grunt, or a sarcastic remark than any actual help. For many first-time visitors to New York City, the Port Authority is their first point of contact and sadly, it is a jarring introduction to what should be one of the most exciting cities in the world. To make matters worse, one officer actually yelled at us for waiting outside near the doors for our bus, even though there were absolutely no signs anywhere saying that standing there was not allowed. No explanation, no polite redirection, just immediate aggression and public humiliation. We were simply trying to catch a bus, completely unaware that we were apparently doing something wrong, and instead of help, we got hostility. There is a huge difference between being busy and being outright unprofessional, and too many officers here cross that line constantly. Tourists are treated like nuisances, not guests. It is as if they have forgotten that the people asking for help are the very reason this terminal exists in the first place. In short, Port Authority officers need serious retraining in basic decency and public service. If you can avoid this place, do. If you must go through it, do not expect any courtesy, kindness, or assistance, just a cold, unpleasant, and...