Need some help with Conn/NY transportation

[ddcrna]

So we are going with kids and grand-kids to see Aladdin over school vacation in April. We are coming from Maine, so our thought is to stay in Southern Connecticut (New Haven area) and take the train in and out of NYC a couple of days. Prob on Wed for the matinee, and again on Friday for general sightseeing. Reasonable? We are wide open to suggestions about alternatives,and are hoping that some Intercot friends in the NY area can advise us. Thanks!

[SBETigg]

Union Station in New Haven takes you on CT Transit straight into Grand Central. Trains run every hour until, I think, 11 pm. It's about $15-24 one way per person(depending on peak or off peak hours) and about a 2 hour trip. I'm not sure about hotels, but there are two 24 hour parking garages (not free, $16.50 per day) in easy proximity to the station.

[ddcrna]

So, in terms of safety, would you recommend Milford or maybe Meriden as better choices for hotels? And if so, would you recommend a different train station than New Haven?

[SBETigg]

So, in terms of safety, would you recommend Milford or maybe Meriden as better choices for hotels? And if so, would you recommend a different train station than New Haven?

Actually, I don't know. New Haven is so convenient for the train. The problem you run into at the smaller stations is availability of parking, and then availability of seating once you board. There are regular commuters who tend to take up the prime parking at other stations, or you need to get there super early. Unless you're taking a cab from the hotel or have a hotel close enough to the station to walk. And if you get on in New Haven, you can find seats together on the train. If you get on at a later station, it can be hard to get a seat.

Because I'm used to the area, I don't really feel a big safety risk in New Haven, so I'm not sure I can say how you would feel coming from Maine. I find New Haven comfortable, as far as getting to and from and being in the train station. I have never done an overnight stay there to know what to recommend, but I would feel comfortable staying in New Haven. Not that I would be walking around much after dark. But I feel safe enough at and around the station. It's well patrolled.