I used to go to NYC each weekend. I've taken car, bus, and train. By far the best option was to drive. It didn't take nearly as long as the train or the bus. Take 90 to 84 then take that to the Merritt Parkway to the Cross County to the Major Degan to the Third Avenue Bridge (or Willis Ave Bridge) into Harlem, and take the Harlem River Drive to the FDR and you've got a quick trip (not during rush hour!) with no tells except for a few dollars on the Pike. If you really want to save, take Route 20 to Interstate 84, but that adds some time.