<p>I'm pretty pathetic I'm sure, but I have never been to New York City, I'm from rural Texas. I'll be attending Columbia in August and I am just wondering how exactly do I get from Penn Station to Columbia on the subway? And how much does the subway cost? I tried to find out online and hearing about the 1 train and the C train and exit here and switch platforms here made my head hurt. So can anyone help me out?</p>
<p>Riding the Subway with luggage isn’t going to be a lot of fun. If you have the money -cab it. (unless you’re in rush hour), Also consider the bus. Penn St is in lower midtown 34st. Columbia is uptown around 124st (I think). The bus is cheap and a good way to see the city.</p>
<p>Here’s some directions:
Subway Directions</p>
<p>The #1 subway train stops at the Columbia University station at West 116th Street and Broadway. If you are boarding at Penn Station (Seventh Avenue and 33rd Street) or the Port Authority Bus Terminal (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues & 40th and 42nd Streets) you can take the #1 local Uptown or the #2 or #3 express Uptown. If you board an express train, you’ll need to transfer to the #1 local at the express (#2 & #3) train stop at the 96th Street station. Just cross the platform to board the local #1 to West 116th Street and Broadway. If you are coming from Grand Central Station you will need to take the Shuttle train S across to Broadway and 42nd Street and then proceed as above. </p>
<p>Bus Directions </p>
<p>Three bus lines (M4,M104 and M60) serve the Columbia campus stopping directly in front of the 116th Street gates. Cross-town buses connect with the #1 subway on Broadway or Seventh Avenue</p>
<p>I think it might be too overwhelming for you to try to navigate your way to Columbia while also struggling with all of your luggage. My advice – we gave the same to my little one for her first visit to Columbia – take a cab from the station to the university. You have plenty of time to learn how to navigate public transportation once you get settled in school. The most important thing is for you to get to campus, quickly and efficiently. It won’t be cheap, but it will be worth it.</p>
<p>Best cab advice: take Yellow Cab, not a small “independent” that may take advantage of your unfamiliarity with NY. Ask driver if there is a set fee for the trip to Columbia University. If not, advise cabby you will require a receipt. Be sure you have the correct drop off address.</p>
<p>Moving to a new city and a new school can be stressfull enough without panicking over how to get from point A to point B on public transportation. As I say: TAKE A CAB!</p>
<p>Yeah. Just take the 1 train from Penn Station (on 7th avenue) to 116th Street-Columbia.</p>
<p>Or take the M4 bus.</p>
<p>Or take a cab.</p>
<p>swingtime, if you take a real yellow cab, there’s not going to be a set fee. It depends on the meter.</p>