How to Get to the Empire State
The views of New York from the Empire State Building will be a memory of your trip difficult to forget. I explain how to get there from any corner of 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 the emblems of New York and a jewel of Art Deco that has appeared 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 the possibilities available to you 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 get around on foot, but the truth is that if it is your first trip to New York the walk won't be too long, on the contrary, you will enjoy it a lot!
Downtown is full of tourist attractions that will entertain you on your way to the skyscraper and you will feel that time flies by. In its streets there is always something that can capture your attention: museums, stores, skyscrapers, monuments, parks ... and a walk around the Big Apple is very enjoyable!
So do not hesitate, if you like walking and you want to get to the Empire State building with a nice walk, here is the distance to this iconic skyscraper from several of the most popular sites in the city to give you an idea of the time you will need.
Distances from the most important sites in the city on foot
- Bryant Park: it will take you only 10 minutes if you decide 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 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 subway, to arrive quickly and on time
In case you want to skip the walk downtown or if when it comes to getting around you want to avoid traffic because you value speed and punctuality, then taking the New York subway to get to the Empire State is the best option for you.
The main subway lines that reach the Empire State are:
- From 34th Street - Penn Station (1, 2, 3, A, C and E).
- From 34th Street - Herald Square Station (N, Q, R, W, B, D, F and M)
- From Grand Central Terminal (4, 5, 6 & 7)
How much does a subway ticket cost?
A single ticket to the Empire State Building costs $2.90 but if you plan to use public transportation 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, subway and Roosevelt cable car.
The MetroCard cannot be purchased before you go to New York, but you will have to buy it at the ticket machines at any subway station. It's very easy! You can even share it with your companion if you choose to load it with credit instead of choosing unlimited rides.
I recommend you to read my guide about the New York subway as there I explain step by step how to buy the MetroCard, how to find your way around the subway and other tips that will help you to move in this transport like a fish in water.
By tour bus to the Empire State Building
If you book a ticket for the tourist bus in New York, riding on one of these vehicles to go to the Empire State is an option that you should not discard because not only will serve to see some of the most important tourist attractions of the city during the trip but you can also use it as a means of transportation. It's super convenient!
How to go to the Empire State Building by tourist bus?
The Big Bus Red Route covers the center of the Big Apple and sites like the Empire State Building, so you will have it very easy to get to the skyscraper using the tourist bus.
In case you are interested in this alternative and want to know more details, I advise you to read the article Thebest tourist buses in New York.
By city bus, cheap and comfortable
The bus is a good alternative to go to the Empire State if you do not have a ticket for the tourist bus or do not want to take the subway because you are afraid of getting to the wrong stop (it's tricky to find the right one!) or if you are apprehensive about enclosed spaces.
It is also if you prefer to take the opportunity to travel comfortably seated while contemplating the urban landscape because it is quite entertaining. Plus, it's cheap transportation as a single ticket costs $3.
Recommended bus lines
The lines that have stops near the Empire State are the M2, M3, M4, M5, M16 and M34. You can take a look at the timetables on the official New York public transportation website
If you choose to go by bus to the Empire State, my advice is to leave with a little bit of time in case there is a traffic jam on the way and to be patient because sometimes the traffic in New York can be a mess.
By cab or Uber, for those looking for a personalized service
For those who do not want to deal with schedules, transfers or the frequency of public transport in New York, an interesting option to get to the Empire State is the door-to-door service offered by transports such as cab, Lyft or Uber.
In New York cabs are usually not lacking but in case you do not feel like throwing yourself into the streets in search of a free one, a very interesting and comfortable alternative to get to the Empire State that leaves no loose ends are the APPs of Uber and Lyft.
How do they work?
If you have not yet tried this service I recommend it because it is very simple and can get you out of a hurry on more than one occasion. To use this type of transportation 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 it will automatically calculate the fare, the itinerary and the time it will take the driver to pick you up. Once you accept, so that you can recognize the car that will pick you up, the application will show you the license plate number.
Also, by using apps like Uber or Lyft you won'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. That's how convenient it is!
Get around fast with New York's public bikes
One of the most popular forms of transportation used by New Yorkers to get around the city are the public bikes that you will find scattered along many streets.
If you like pedaling, in addition to enjoying the ride you can take the opportunity to explore the city and enjoy the scenery. You'll see New York from another point of view, as a local who uses bikes to get to work or home. And if you're committed to the environment, there's no doubt that 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 option 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 time during which 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!