<p>We are planning to take D2 to visit Columbia soon. The plan is to drive up on a Thursday, see Columbia on Friday (for the science and engineering tours), see Princeton on Saturday, and then drive back. One option is to stay near Princeton (or closer in) and take the train into New York. The other is to stay in New York. Hotel parking is relatively expensive but so is the train fare. Are there other alternatives we should be considering?</p>
<p>The train is actually a semi-decent option, and you should have cheaper hotel options in Princeton. Train tickets look to be around $15 per person per way on NJ Transit, or $45 for a nicer & faster ride on Amtrak.</p>
<p>If I was D2 and considering Columbia I’d want the experience of staying in NYC overnight though. I think it would really help her get a sense of whether she wants to be in the city or not.</p>
<p>It is always best to spend the night in the city where you will tour the next morning so you do not miss the guided tours for each…
Drive to NYC Thursday, park+stay at hotel, enjoy NYC at night, go to Columbia tours Friday morning. Leave NYC.
Drive to Princeton Friday afternoon, check into hotel, dinner.
Go to Princeton tour Saturday.
Drive home when done.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. We will stay in New York on the Thursday.</p>