How to get to Top of the Rock New York City
Getting to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in New York City is easy if you aim for the right entrance. Program 30 Rockefeller Plaza into your GPS and then arrive at the main entrance on 50th Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Be early as there is a screening for all visitors, and starting with a cool head is best.
The best and most eco-friendly way to get there is by subway. Alight at 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center Station (B/D/F/M) – follow the signs for Rockefeller Center, and then walk a couple of minutes to 50th Street. For the east side, 5 Av/53 St Station is also convenient, with a bit of walking.
Uber and taxis are fine to drop off, but in Midtown Manhattan traffic can be unpredictable. Driving can be done, but only if you park and walk.
Tips: download your ticket and take a photo, pack a small bag for security, and bring snacks and drinks for after the event as they can’t be taken in.
Where is The Top of the Rock Located
Coordinates of Top of the Rock
Useful info
How to get to Top of the Rock by public transportation?
- To get to Top of the Rock in New York by subway, take the B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center, then walk 3–6 minutes to the entrance on 50th Street. Arrive early for security and have your ticket ready on your phone.
- To get to Top of the Rock in New York by bus, get off near Rockefeller Center and walk the rest of the way to the entrance on 50th Street. Allow extra time for traffic and crowds, and have your ticket ready on your phone before security.
- If you want to take the streetcar, keep in mind that there are no streetcars in New York that go to Midtown. Take the subway to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center, then walk along 50th Street for the most direct route.
How to get to Top of the Rock on foot or by bike?
- Ride your bike to Top of the Rock, enter Midtown at a leisurely pace, and lock your bike a few blocks away, then walk the rest of the way. The area is crowded, so it’s best not to rush. Save your ticket offline and enter through the 50th Street entrance with your hands free.
- Walking to Top of the Rock from Times Square or Fifth Avenue is an easy stroll. Head to 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, arrive early, and take a quick breather before security so you can go in feeling relaxed.
How to get to Top of the Rock by car?
- If you’re driving to Top of the Rock, head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza and then walk the rest of the way to the entrance on 50th Street. Allow extra time for traffic and security checks, and have your ticket ready before you get out of the car.
- You can park near Top of the Rock in one of the paid parking garages around Rockefeller Center, then walk 5–12 minutes to 50th Street. Take a photo of the floor and your parking spot so you don’t waste time when you return.
- Why avoid driving: Midtown traffic and the hunt for parking can eat into your arrival time and ruin your mood before the checkpoints. Taking the subway to 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center is often more reliable.
Top Of The Rock Map
Best itinerary including a visit to Top of the Rock
Plan a chill skyline day in New York City, ideal for a budget traveler who’s looking for views with minimal stress. Purchase your ticket online, save it on your phone, and screen capture. Be the first in line at the entrance on 50th St for fast security, so you can begin fresh.
A simple, best-flow itinerary:
Eat breakfast in Midtown Manhattan, take the subway to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center Station and walk the rest of the way. Go early, find your line and walk in. Upstairs at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, take a leisurely first pass to see it all, then a second pass for pictures. This way you won’t feel like you are “taping” instead of enjoying.
Afterwards, go outside at Rockefeller Plaza. Sip water and sit for ten minutes. Then walk Fifth Avenue for the ambience and shopping, avoiding another big line.
If you want to be less central and more serene, go to Bryant Park for a break. Still central, but a change of scene.
End with a choice of evenings: if you need stimulation, Times Square. If you want to mellow, have an early dinner and a leisurely walk back through the lights of Midtown, then return while you can still walk.
