Travel

International Visitors: Visa Information

If you plan to travel to the US in order to participate in NELS43, we urge you to check whether you require a temporary visitor’s visa. The wait-time for a visa may be considerable.

Basic information about visa programs can be found at the Travel website of the US State Department

Nationals of certain countries (e.g., Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom) can enter the US for short-term visits under the Visa Waiver Program. Anyone wishing to gain entry into the US via the Visa Waiver Program should fill out an on-line form prior to checking in for their flight to the US.

To facilitate a visa application, conference participants may find a letter of invitation from the NELS43 organizers helpful. Please email us and provide us with your name — exactly as it appears in your passport –- and an appropriate mailing address.

Travel to and around New York City

In spite of the high costs of accommodations and expenses in the city, travel to New York City is relatively easy and cheap from anywhere in the country and abroad. Links to travel information by train, plane and bus is below.

Air

New York has 3 major international airports which are served by budget and non-budget domestic and international air carriers. Midtown Manhattan is easily accessible from any of these airlines by taxi or car service (the most expensive option – ~$45 not including tip), shuttle bus (~$15-$20), and public transportation (~$2.25-$17.50). Taxis are a set price from JFK into Manhattan and run the meter from LaGuardia and Newark (plus a toll for the tunnel/bridge, baggage fee and NYC surcharge). If you are going to use a car service, agree to the price before you get in the car.
● John F. Kennedy International
● Newark International
● LaGuardia

Train

Train service is often a cheaper and sometimes quicker option for those traveling on the East Coast. Trains come into either Penn Station or Grand Central Station (both a 10-15 minute walk from the CUNY Graduate Center). Hunter College is accessible from Penn Station or Grand Central Station by taking the subway to 68th St. and Lexington Ave or by cab.
● Amtrak
● MTA (Long Island Railroad & Metro North Railroad)
● New Jersey Transit
● Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) Trains

Bus

Buses are the cheapest way to travel to New York city from anywhere on the East Coast. Buses range from nicer ones with WiFi, to cheaper Chinatown buses. Most drop you off near Penn Station (34th St and 7/8 Ave) or Port Authority on 8th Avenue (a short 15-20 minute walk from the CUNY Graduate Center). Hunter College is accessible from Penn Station or Port Authority by taking the subway to 68th St. and Lexington Ave or by cab.
● Long Island Bus
● New Jersey Transit
● BoltBus
● Megabus
● Greyhound
● Various Chinatown Buses