How to get to Empire State Building

The Empire State Building lies in Midtown Manhattan amidst a bustling mix of residential and commercial areas. 

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001. Get Direction.

Spanning between 33rd and 34th Street, this iconic landmark has its unique zip code, 10118. 

Wondering about how to get to the Empire State Building? 

Despite its grandeur, accessing the building is a breeze, making it a convenient and must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Empire State Building entrances

Until late 2018, visitors to the observatories and the building’s tenants used the entrance on 350 Fifth Avenue, causing inconvenience. 

Now, tourists heading to the observatories must enter through the 20 West 34th Street entrance.

It provides them with a better Empire State Building entrance experience.

To find the 34th St. Empire State Building entrance, search for the number 20 and a sign that says ‘observatory’ over a doorway. 

This entrance is designated for tourists heading to the observatories. 

On the other hand, the private entrance for building tenants and their visitors is located on Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 33rd Streets.

How to get to Empire State Building 

You can get to Empire State Building with the help of well-developed public transport in NYC or by driving. 

Here are various transport options for you to reach the Empire State Building.

By Subway 

We highly recommend using the subway as the most convenient transportation to the Empire State Building. 

Subway stations are easily accessible, usually within a 5-10 minute walk from the landmark. 

There are 3 subway stations near Empire State Building – Heral Square Station, Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. 

Here is the list of train lines, the station and its distance from Empire State Building. 

Station	Train lines	Distance from ESB
34th Street Herald Square Station	B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W	2-minute walk
34th Street Penn Station	1, 2, 3 and A, C, E	9-minute walk
Grand Central Terminal	4, 5, 6, 7	14 minute walk

By Bus

Various buses provide convenient access to the Empire State Building, dropping visitors close to the landmark. 

These buses operate at regular intervals during the building’s opening hours.

This makes it a convenient and accessible transportation option for tourists and visitors.

Bus Stop	Bus	Distance from ESB
W 35th St or 5 Av/W 35 Street	X27, X28, X37, X38	3 minute walk
5th Ave & W 34th St	QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17, BxM7, BxM18	2 minute walk
Grand Central Terminal	4, 5, 6, 7	14 minute walk

By Car

Located in the bustling heart of Manhattan, driving to the Empire State Building can be challenging due to heavy traffic. 

Street parking is limited and often pricey, prompting visitors to seek parking facilities.

Exploring the streets of New York is an adventure. 

Still, with the limited parking options, other modes like subways, buses, and taxis offer more convenience to access the Empire State Building.

By Taxi 

The iconic yellow taxi cab is a familiar sight in New York City. 

Tourists with a bit of extra budget can hire a taxi to reach the Empire State Building.

Though slightly costly, taxis use accurate meters with specific charges. 

The charges are as follows:

• Base fare: $2.50
• Moving charges: 50 cents per 1/5 mile (when the cab is moving at a speed of or above 6 miles/hour)
• Traffic charges: 50 cents per 2 minutes or when moving at a speed less than 6 miles/hour
• New York State tax surcharge: 50 cents
• Extra charges between 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays: $1
• Extra charges between 8 pm to 6 am: 50 cents

How to get from JFK to Empire State Building 

To get from JFK Airport to the Empire State Building, there are several transportation options:

By Car: It takes 25-32 minutes via different routes like I-678 N and I-495 W, Grand Central Pkwy, and FDR Dr.

By Taxi: A taxi ride will take about 22 minutes and cost around $90-$120.

By Train:

• Take the AirTrain from JFK Terminal 4 to Jamaica Station (12 minutes).
• Transfer to a train to New York Penn Station (19 minutes).
• Finally, walk 10 minutes (860 meters) to the Empire State Building.

The train fare ranges from $10 to $20.

How to get from Times Square to Empire State Building 

To travel from Times Square to the Empire State Building, there are several options:

By Car: It takes approximately 4-5 minutes to cover the 0.9-mile distance via different routes like 7th Ave and W 34th St or W 44th St and 5th Ave.

By Walking: Walking is a 15-minute option, offering a chance to experience the city’s vibrant streets on foot.

By Subway: The subway from 34 St-Herald Sq to Times Sq-42 St takes about 2 minutes, with a frequency of every 5 minutes. It costs around $1-$3.

Attractions near Empire State Building

Apart from the Empire State Building, the surrounding area has exciting attractions. 

From iconic landmarks like Madison Square Garden and the Flatiron Building to unique experiences like the Museum of Sex, visitors can enjoy diverse activities just a stone’s throw away. 

The attractions near the Empire State Building offer diverse activities for visitors.

Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour

Go on the Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour to discover the iconic arena’s history and witness famous moments in sports and entertainment. 

See Elton John’s autographed set list and learn about the Knicks’ legacy.

The Garden hosts New York Knicks and Rangers games, high-profile concerts, and sporting events.

Museum of Sex

Explore human sexuality through unique exhibitions at the Museum of Sex near the Empire State Building. 

Discover how sexuality has evolved over the decades, and enjoy the edgy content. 

The museum offers popular events and is a must-visit for adults (age-appropriate).

Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park Ice Rink

Experience the joy of free ice skating at the Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park Ice Rink during winter. 

It’s a popular and affordable entertainment option in NYC, supported by Bank of America. 

Gather friends and enjoy the winter nights on the ice.

Koreatown

Koreatown is modeled after Seoul, the capital city of South Korea and lies a block from Madison Square Garden. 

You can enjoy shopping and dining in Korean Town. 

Koreatown is open to all visitors and known for its restaurants, including “Miss Korea.” 

Don’t miss the fascinating fake food displays.

The Flatiron Building

The iconic Flatiron Building stands out in New York City with its 22-story height and distinctive shape. 

Completed in 1902, this architectural marvel is a symbol of the city. 

Bordered by three streets, 5th Avenue, Broadway, and East 22nd Street, its unique design adds to its charm. 

It’s a must-see, located just a short walk from the Empire State Building. 

Admission to view the Flatiron Building is free and open to the public.

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Featured Image: Stern.de