How to Get to the Empire State
The views of New York from the Empire State Building will be a memory of your trip that will be hard to forget. Here's how to get there from anywhere in the city.
Views of the Empire State Building | ©ESBNY
Located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and West 34th Street, the Empire State Building is one of New York's landmarks and an Art Deco gem that has been featured in countless films. Book your tickets now because... You can't miss it!
All sightseeing requires a little planning, so in this guide I'll tell you all about the possibilities so you can climb the Empire State Building wherever you are.
Take a walk and marvel at the streets of New York
Walking is the cheapest and most enjoyable way to get to the Empire State Building. Some people think that the distances in this city are too long to walk, but the truth is that if it's your first trip to New York you won't find the walk too tiring. On the contrary, you'll really enjoy it!
Downtown is full of tourist attractions that will keep you entertained on your way to the skyscraper and you'll feel the time fly by. In its streets there is always something to capture your attention: museums, shops, skyscrapers, monuments, parks... and a walk around the Big Apple is very enjoyable!
So don't hesitate, if you like walking and you feel like getting to the Empire State Building with a nice walk, here is the distance to this emblematic skyscraper from some of the most popular places in the city so you can get an idea of the time you will need.
Walking distances from the city's major landmarks
- Bryant Park: It will only take you 10 minutes to walk to the Empire State Building from Bryant Park, the oasis in Midtown Manhattan.
- Flatiron Building: it will take you about 13 minutes to walk to the Empire State Building from the Flatiron Building, another famous Manhattan skyscraper.
- Times Square: it will take you about 15 minutes to walk to the Empire State Building's observation deck from Times Square, New York's iconic square.
- MoMa: It will take you 22 minutes to get to the Empire State Building from the MoMa, one of New York's most popular museums.
By underground, to get there fast and on time
In case you want to skip the walk downtown or if you want to avoid traffic because you value speed and punctuality, then taking the New York underground to get to the Empire State is the best option for you.
The main underground lines to the Empire State are:
- From 34th Street - Penn Station (1, 2, 3, A, C & E)
- From 34th Street - Herald Square Station (N, Q, R, W, B, D, F and M)
- From Grand Central Terminal (4, 5, 6 and 7)
How much does an underground ticket cost?
A single ticket to the Empire State Building costs $2.90 but if you plan to use public transport several times during your stay in New York, you may want to get a MetroCard, a rechargeable card that allows you to ride the bus, underground and Roosevelt cable car.
You can't buy the MetroCard before you go to New York, you'll have to buy it from a ticket machine at any subway station - it's easy! You can even share it with your travel companion if you choose to load it with credit instead of unlimited travel.
I recommend you read my guide to the New York underground as I explain step by step how to buy the MetroCard, how to find your way around the underground and other tips that will help you get around the underground like a fish in water.
Empire State Building by tour bus
If you book a ticket for the New York sightseeing bus, riding on one of these vehicles to the Empire State is an option not to be missed as not only will you be able to see some of the most important tourist attractions of the city during the trip, but you can also use it as another means of transport. It's super convenient!
How to go to the Empire State Building by tourist bus?
The Big Bus Red Route covers the centre of the Big Apple and places like the Empire State Building, so you'll have a very easy way to get to the skyscraper using the sightseeing bus.
In case you're interested in this alternative and want to know more details, I recommend you to read the article TheBest Sightseeing Buses in New York.
By city bus, cheap and comfortable
The bus is a great way to get to the Empire State Building if you don't have a ticket for the sightseeing bus or don't want to take the underground because you're afraid of going to the wrong stop (there's a trick to getting the right one!) or if you're apprehensive about enclosed spaces.
It's also great if you prefer to take the opportunity to travel comfortably seated while contemplating the cityscape because it's quite entertaining. It's also cheap, with a single ticket costing $3.
Recommended bus lines
The bus lines that stop near the Empire State Building are the M2, M3, M4, M5, M16 and M34. You can check the timetables on the official New York public transport website
. If you do choose to take the bus to the Empire State Building, my advice is to leave a little early in case there are any traffic jams along the way and to be patient as traffic in New York can sometimes be a mess.
By taxi or Uber, for those looking for a personalised service
For those who don't want to deal with the schedules, transfers or frequency of New York's public transport, an interesting option to get to the Empire State Building is the door-to-door service offered by taxis, Lyft or Uber.
In New York there is usually no shortage of taxis, but in case you don't feel like taking to the streets in search of a free one, a very interesting and convenient alternative to get to the Empire State that leaves no loose ends are the Uber and Lyft APPs.
How do they work?
If you haven't tried this service yet, I recommend it because it's very simple and can get you out of trouble on more than one occasion. To use this type of transport all you have to do is download the APP on your mobile and register an account.
Then you will have to indicate the address of origin and destination and the fare, the itinerary and the time it will take the driver to pick you up will be automatically calculated. Once you accept, so that you can recognise the car that will pick you up, the app will show you the number plate.
Plus, using apps like Uber or Lyft means you don't have to worry about carrying cash in your pocket or taking out your card to pay as the amount will be charged directly to your account. It's that convenient!
Get around fast on New York's public bikes
One of the most popular forms of transport used by New Yorkers to get around the city are the public bikes that you'll find scattered along many streets.
If you like cycling, as well as enjoying the ride, you can take the opportunity to explore the city and take in the scenery. You'll see New York from a different point of view, as a local who rides a bike to work or home. And if you're committed to the environment, this is a great way to get to the Empire State Building.
How to rent a bike in New York?
Renting a bike in New York's Financial District is an economical, healthy and sustainable way to get to the Empire State Building and enjoy its spectacular views.
You just have to choose the start time (from 09:00 in the morning) and the length of time you want to use the bike**(1, 2, 3, 4 or 10 hours**).
Included with the rental is a helmet, a map so you can find your way around, a lock so you can park whenever you want and a basket to carry all your stuff. Super complete!