How to Get to Top of the Rock NY
Are you dying to go up to the Top of the Rock lookout point and see the Big Apple at your feet? I'll tell you how to get there with different ways to get around.
The Top of the Rock Observatory | ©Tom Moser
Located in the heart of Manhattan (between 49th and 50th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues) is the Top of the Rock observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center. It's such a spectacular place that I recommend you book your tickets to the Top of the Rock in advance so you don't miss it in any way.
This tourist attraction is very well connected to the city's transport system, so it's very easy to get there, but if it's your first time in New York and you don't know what your options are, don't worry, because in this post I'll tell you how to get to the Top of the Rock in the blink of an eye, wherever you are.
Get to Top of the Rock by taking a stroll through Midtown
While you're strolling around Midtown, there's no better time to climb to the Top of the Rock and enjoy the best views of New York. It's also the cheapest and most enjoyable way to see the sites during a day of sightseeing because it costs nothing and there's always something new to see and be amazed by.
In fact, it's more than likely that the time will fly by and you'll arrive without even realising it, as walking is a unique opportunity to explore new routes and places of interest, which is always a joy when you're visiting.
However, I recommend that you book your tickets to the Top of the Rock in advance to avoid the long queues at the entrance.
Walking distances from popular sites in the city
- St. Patrick's Cathedral: It will take you 4 minutes to walk from this famous church. View on Google Maps.
- Times Square: it will take you about 9 minutes to walk from here. View on Google Maps.
- Grand Central Terminal: it will take you about 16 minutes to get there from the iconic station. View on Google Maps.
- Central Park: it will take you only 13 minutes to walk to the Top of the Rock from the Big Apple's green lung. View on Google Maps.
- Chrysler Building: it will take you about 18 minutes to walk from this famous skyscraper. View on Google Maps.
Take the underground to go like lightning to Top of the Rock
The main underground lines that go to Top of the Rock are:
- 47th-50th Street Rockefeller Center stop (B, D, F and M lines)
- 50th Street stop (line 1)
- 51st Street stop (line 6)
- 49th Street stop (N, Q and R lines)
Why take the underground?
If walking doesn't do it for you because you're afraid of how your feet will feel at the end of the day, the underground is the best way to get to the Top of the Rock observation deck early and on time.
The New York underground usually runs punctually except for occasional incidents and there are frequent trains, so if you're a little pressed for time, I recommend taking the subway.
And if you want to make the most of your time, remember to buy your tickets to the Top of the Rock before you start your trip. You'll thank me for it!
On the city bus, seeing the sights of New York seated
If you opt for the bus, the lines that go to Top of the Rock are:
- Madison Avenue (northbound) or Fifth Avenue (southbound): M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 to 50th Street.
- From Broadway: M7 line.
- From 49th and 50th Streets: M50 line. Stop between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue.
New York's bus network is extensive and using it is also a good opportunity to enjoy the day-to-day life of the city while you travel comfortably seated. I recommend that you download the bus map to make it easier to find your way around and get around by bus.
How much does a bus ticket cost?
A single ticket costs $2.90 but if from your location you need to transfer to another line at some point along the route, then ask the driver for a transfer ticket (free for the next 2 hours).
However, if you're going to use public transport several times during your stay in New York then I recommend getting a MetroCard, the city's transport pass - you'll get a lot out of it!
I have a tourist bus ticket, can I use it to go to the Top of the Rock?
That's right! The Big Bus Red Route covers the centre of the city, right where the Top of the Rock observation deck is located. So if you buy your ticket for the New York tourist bus you can use it to get to this tourist attraction, as this route goes through Rockefeller Center, the building where the lookout point is located.
You'll kill two birds with one stone! On one hand, you'll be able to use the tourist bus as a means of transport to move around New York and, on the other hand, you'll be able to enjoy the views of the city centre without tiring your legs.
If you still don't have your tourist bus ticket but you're interested in this option, you can read about it in the post The best tourist buses in New York. Don't miss it!
Is it hard to hail a taxi to the Top of the Rock?
Who hasn't wanted to take a ride in one of the famous "yellow cabs"? A visit to the Top of the Rock can be a good opportunity if, due to circumstances (crowds, tiredness, bad time, not speaking English...) you don't want to go on foot or by public transport and you prefer to opt for a door-to-door service like the one provided by taxis or the Uber or Lyft companies in New York that will make things easier for you.
By taxi
Fear not, although in the movies it's mission impossible to find a free one, taxis are not in short supply in the Big Apple. They tend to pass through the streets of Manhattan frequently, so as soon as you see one driving around... flag it down so it doesn't get away from you!
Estimated taxi fare from key points in the city
By Uber or Lyft
This is a very interesting alternative to take into account to go to the Top of the Rock. They are similar to taxis but have the advantage that the price of the ride is fixed before you leave, so you already know what it will cost you before you get to Rockefeller Center.
Also, the Lyft Share or UberPOOL versions of the well-known companies allow you to share rides with other passengers going in the same direction so finding a free vehicle to get you wherever you are is even easier. Check them out!
Estimated cost of Uber from key points in the city
How to use Uber or Lyft
Isabel's Traveler Tip
Remember to leave a small tip of between 10% and 15% for the taxi driver. In New York it is customary.