Plane vs. Car

October 14, 2006 11:43 AM

What is the best way to get from Boston to Franklin Lakes, NJ, and back, in one day?

My first thought was to fly from Logan to Newark, then drive to Franklin Lakes. However, a colleague suggested that, given the 2 hour drive from Newark to Franklin Lakes, it is better to drive from Boston to Franklin Lakes and back. The one-day 10-hour drive seems excessive to me.

Can anyone suggest an alternative airport that is closer to Franklin Lakes? Or, is the 10-hour drive really the best option?

posted by ciocarlia to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

The drive shouldn't be 10 hours. Closer to 8, I'd think. Don't take I-95, that's what'll kill you. Take the Pike west to Exit 9, which puts you on 84 south. Follow 84s to 684s, which is just past the NY border (I think it's exit 20). At the end of 684s, get on 287 west, which leads right into Franklin Lakes.

I used to go between Framingham MA and Jackson NJ on a monthly basis, and this route is significantly faster than taking I-95 the whole way, even though it's longer.
posted by CrayDrygu at 11:50 AM on October 14, 2006

(I have a bad habit of leaving things out, sorry...)

Ok, so 4 hours each way might still sound like a lot. Remember you'll want to get to the airport at least an hour before the flight takes off. The drive from Newark to Franklin Lakes shouldn't be more than 45 minutes. I'm guessing the flight itself is about an hour?

You're at almost 4 hours anyway, but you get to spend time time stuffed into a tiny little coach seat, and even if you find cheap tickets, after you add the taxes and airport fees, it'll probably cost more than gas anyway. Depending on what you drive. Anything with an MPG in the 20's should get you there and back for under $100.

Also, you won't have to go to (ugh) Newark.
posted by CrayDrygu at 11:56 AM on October 14, 2006

Newark Airport to Franklin Lakes is 30 miles. Teterboro Airport is closer, but I don't think there are any commercial flights.

Another option is Acela Express, which takes 4 hours from Boston to Newark and runs roughly once an hour.
posted by smackfu at 1:01 PM on October 14, 2006

Definitely drive. My husband and I frequently travel between Franklin Lakes (where he works) and Boston (where his family lives). The drive takes 4 hours each way, shorter if you don't hit any traffic at all, longer if you hit a problem on 84. Try not to avoid the Tappan Zee bridge and Hartford around rush hour.

You'll be tired going back and forth in one day, but it is doable, and in my mind, definitely preferable to dealing with the hassles of Newark and Logan. But you might want to consider staying overnight.

If you need restaurant or any other info about FL, my e-mail is in my profile.
posted by xsquared-1 at 1:44 PM on October 14, 2006

Seconding CrayDrygu's route. I've done that drive dozens of times (continuing on past that area down 287 to points south), and it's definitely doable, even twice in one day.

I think xsquared meant "try to avoid". :)
posted by dmd at 4:10 PM on October 14, 2006