NYC to Hershey Park by Car: A Comprehensive Guide

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Planning a road trip from NYC to Hershey Park? This guide provides essential information for your journey, including driving directions, travel time, distance, and parking details. Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, this road trip offers an exciting adventure from the bustling city to the sweet town of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

What is the Best Route from NYC to Hershey Park?

nyc to hershey park by car
Image ‘File:Hershey Park – The Boardwalk.JPG’ by Rj1020 at English Wikipedia, licensed under Public domain

The most direct route from NYC to Hershey Park involves taking I-78 West to I-81 South. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the directions:

  1. Start in New York City and head west on I-78.
  2. Continue on I-78 West into Pennsylvania.
  3. Merge onto I-81 South.
  4. Take exit 77 (Manada Hill).
  5. Follow Route 39 East to Hershey.
  6. Turn left on Hershey Park Drive.
  7. Turn right on Park Avenue.
  8. Turn right onto Chocolate Avenue.
  9. Go past The Hershey Story and turn right onto Hersheypark Drive to reach Hersheypark.

This route is approximately 162 miles (261 kilometers) and typically takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

nyc to hershey park by car
Image ‘File:Waterpark 3g.jpg’ by Mike2478, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The driving time from NYC to Hershey Park can vary depending on traffic conditions and the time of day you travel. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Normal conditions: 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • Peak hours: Add 30-60 minutes to the normal driving time
  • Off-peak hours: Closer to the estimated 2 hours and 45 minutes

To optimize your travel time, consider leaving early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid rush hour traffic, especially when passing through urban areas.

What are the Alternative Routes?

While the I-78 to I-81 route is the most direct, there are alternative options:

  1. From Central New Jersey:
  2. Take I-95 South to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) West
  3. Exit at 266 toward Lebanon/Lancaster

  4. Follow local roads to Hershey

  5. Scenic Route:

  6. Take I-80 West to I-380 South
  7. Merge onto I-81 South
  8. Follow the same final directions as the main route

While these alternatives may add some time to your journey, they offer different scenery and can be useful if there are traffic issues on the main route.

Where Can I Stop Along the Way?

The drive from NYC to Hershey Park offers several interesting stops. Here are some popular options:

  1. Delaware Water Gap: About 1.5 hours from NYC
  2. Scenic views and hiking trails

  3. Great for a quick nature break

  4. Lehigh Valley: About 2 hours from NYC

  5. Visit the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA

  6. Explore historic Bethlehem, PA

  7. Harrisburg, PA: About 30 minutes from Hershey

  8. Visit the State Capitol
  9. Explore Riverfront Park

These stops can break up your journey and add some extra excitement to your road trip.

What Should I Pack for the Trip?

For a comfortable journey from NYC to Hershey Park by car, consider packing:

  • Snacks and water
  • Car charger for electronic devices
  • First aid kit
  • Road map or GPS device (in case of poor cell signal)
  • Comfortable clothing and shoes
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Cash for tolls
  • Entertainment for kids (if applicable)

How Much Will Gas Cost?

The cost of gas for your trip from NYC to Hershey Park will depend on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and current gas prices. Here’s a rough estimate:

  • Distance: 162 miles one way (324 miles round trip)
  • Average fuel efficiency: 25 mpg
  • Estimated gas needed: 13 gallons (round trip)
  • Average gas price (as of 2023): $3.50 per gallon
  • Estimated total gas cost: $45.50 (round trip)

Remember to factor in any detours or additional driving at your destination.

What are the Parking Options at Hershey Park?

When you arrive at Hershey Park, you’ll find several parking options:

  1. Main Parking Lot:
  2. Cost: $20-$30 per vehicle per day
  3. Large capacity to accommodate most visitors

  4. Accessible spaces available for visitors with disabilities

  5. Preferred Parking:

  6. Cost: Additional fee on top of regular parking
  7. Closer to the park entrance

  8. Limited availability, often sells out on busy days

  9. The Hershey Story Parking:

  10. Free parking available in the garage behind The Hershey Story
  11. Convenient if you plan to visit both attractions
  12. Short walk to Hersheypark

It’s recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a good parking spot.

What are Some Tips for a Smooth Journey?

To ensure a pleasant drive from NYC to Hershey Park, consider these tips:

  1. Check traffic reports before leaving and use a navigation app for real-time updates.
  2. Plan your departure time to avoid peak traffic hours.
  3. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before the trip.
  4. Take breaks every 2 hours or so to stretch and stay alert.
  5. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools.
  6. If traveling with children, plan entertainment and frequent stops.
  7. Consider purchasing Hersheypark tickets in advance to save time upon arrival.

By following these tips and using the information provided in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable road trip from NYC to Hershey Park. Remember to stay safe, follow traffic laws, and most importantly, have fun on your chocolate-filled adventure!

References:
1. How to Get to The Hershey Story | Driving Directions & Parking Info
2. Driving Time from New York, NY to Hershey, PA – Travelmath
3. Driving Distance from New York, NY to Hershey, PA – Travelmath

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