Getting to Rockefeller Center: Transportation & Parking

Quick Answer: Best Way to Get to Rockefeller Center

The subway is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable way to reach Rockefeller Center. The B, D, F, and M trains stop at 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center Station, depositing you directly beneath the plaza with escalators to street level (2-minute walk to the tree). Fare is $2.90 per ride—use contactless payment (tap credit card, phone, or smartwatch) for easiest entry. Alternative subway lines within a 5-minute walk include the 1 train (50th Street), N/Q/R/W trains (49th Street), and E/M trains (5th Avenue/53rd Street). Buses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M50) stop nearby but are slower due to traffic. Avoid driving—Midtown parking costs $40-$70 for 2-4 hours, street parking is nearly impossible, and traffic (especially during the holidays) is gridlocked. On tree lighting night (December 2), street closures extend from 47th to 51st Streets; subway is the only practical option.

Essential transit advice from our master Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting guide.

Subway: The Best Option for 99% of Visitors

New York City’s subway system is the fastest, most cost-effective, and most reliable way to reach Rockefeller Center, especially during the holiday season when Midtown streets are clogged with traffic, pedestrians, and delivery trucks.

B, D, F, M Trains: Direct Access (Closest Stop)

Station: 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center (IND Sixth Avenue Line)

Why it’s the best: This station puts you directly beneath Rockefeller Center, with escalators and stairs leading straight to the plaza. You’ll emerge at street level within a 2-minute walk of the Christmas tree, the ice skating rink, and surrounding attractions. It’s the most convenient subway stop for Rockefeller Center, bar none.

Trains that stop here:

• B train (Orange line): Runs from the Bronx through Manhattan to Brooklyn (weekdays only; limited weekend service)
• D train (Orange line): Runs from the Bronx through Manhattan to Brooklyn (operates 24/7)
• F train (Orange line): Runs from Queens through Manhattan to Brooklyn (operates 24/7)
• M train (Orange line): Runs from Queens through Manhattan to Brooklyn (weekdays only; no weekend service)

How to use it: If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, check if your hotel is near a B, D, F, or M train line. If so, take that train directly to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center—no transfers needed. If you need to transfer from another line, use the MTA’s Trip Planner (mta.info) or Google Maps to find the best route.

Exit strategy: Once you arrive at 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center, follow signs for “Rockefeller Center” or “Street Exit.” Escalators and stairs lead to exits on 6th Avenue (near 49th and 50th Streets). From there, walk east one block toward 5th Avenue to reach the tree.

1 Train: 50th Street (5-Minute Walk)

Station: 50th Street (IRT Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line)

Trains: 1 train (Red line), running from the Bronx through Manhattan to Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn (operates 24/7)

Walking directions: Exit the station at 50th Street and Broadway (7th Avenue). Walk east on 50th Street toward 5th Avenue (about 5 minutes). You’ll pass through Times Square’s western edge, then enter Midtown’s quieter blocks. Rockefeller Plaza is between 5th and 6th Avenues on 50th Street.

Best for: Visitors staying on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Midtown West, or anywhere along the 1 train’s route. It’s slightly farther than the B/D/F/M stop but still very convenient.

N, Q, R, W Trains: 49th Street (6-Minute Walk)

Station: 49th Street (BMT Broadway Line)

Trains: N, Q, R, W trains (Yellow line), running from Queens through Manhattan to Brooklyn (operates 24/7, though some trains have limited weekend service)

Walking directions: Exit at 49th Street and 7th Avenue (Times Square area). Walk east on 49th Street toward 5th Avenue (about 6 minutes). The walk takes you through the southern edge of Times Square, then into Midtown proper. Rockefeller Plaza is between 5th and 6th Avenues on 49th Street.

Best for: Visitors staying in Queens, Astoria, or Brooklyn neighborhoods along the N/Q/R/W lines. Also useful if you’re visiting Times Square before heading to Rockefeller Center—you can walk between both landmarks.

E, M Trains: 5th Avenue/53rd Street (4-Minute Walk)

Station: 5th Avenue/53rd Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)

Trains: E train (Blue line, operates 24/7) and M train (Orange line, weekdays only)

Walking directions: Exit at 5th Avenue and 53rd Street. Walk south on 5th Avenue (4 minutes) to 50th Street. Rockefeller Plaza is on your right (west side of 5th Avenue) between 49th and 50th Streets.

Best for: Visitors staying in Queens or on the Upper East Side. The walk along 5th Avenue is pleasant and lined with luxury shops (Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier), making it a scenic route to the tree.

How to Pay for the Subway

Subway fare is $2.90 per ride (as of 2026), regardless of distance. You can pay using:

Contactless payment (easiest): Tap your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone (Apple Pay, Google Pay), or smartwatch at the turnstile. The system reads your card, deducts $2.90, and lets you through. No need to buy a MetroCard or pre-load funds—just tap and go. This is the simplest option for tourists.

OMNY card: The MTA’s reloadable contactless card, available for purchase at vending machines in subway stations. Load funds ($10-$100), then tap at turnstiles. Useful if you’re taking multiple trips and want to track spending.

MetroCard (legacy system): The older yellow MetroCard still works but is being phased out in favor of OMNY. You can buy MetroCards at vending machines, but contactless payment is faster and more convenient.

Unlimited ride passes: If you’re taking 4+ subway trips per day, consider a 7-Day Unlimited Pass ($34) or 30-Day Unlimited Pass ($132), available via OMNY app or MetroCard vending machines.

Bus: Slower But Scenic

NYC buses serve Rockefeller Center from multiple routes, though they’re slower than subways due to Midtown traffic—especially during the holiday season when streets are congested with delivery trucks, taxis, and pedestrians.

Bus Routes Serving Rockefeller Center

M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 (5th and Madison Avenues): These north-south buses run along 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue, stopping near Rockefeller Center at 49th and 50th Streets. They’re useful if you’re traveling from Uptown (Upper East Side, Museum Mile) or Downtown (Union Square, Soho) and want to stay above ground.

M50 (Crosstown): Runs east-west on 49th and 50th Streets, connecting the East Side and West Side of Manhattan. Stops directly at Rockefeller Center. Useful if you’re crossing Midtown laterally.

M7 (6th and 7th Avenues): Runs north-south along 6th and 7th Avenues, stopping near Rockefeller Center at 49th and 50th Streets.

How to Pay for the Bus

Bus fare is $2.90, same as the subway. Pay using contactless payment (tap card/phone at the fare reader near the driver) or OMNY/MetroCard. Buses don’t accept cash—you must use a payment card or pass.

When Buses Make Sense

Buses are best if:

• You’re already on 5th Avenue (visiting Central Park, museums, or shopping) and want to ride a few blocks south to Rockefeller Center
• You have mobility concerns and prefer not to navigate subway stairs (buses are wheelchair-accessible with ramp entry)
• You’re traveling with young kids and want to avoid crowded subway platforms

Otherwise, subways are faster—especially during rush hour (8:00-9:30 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM) when buses crawl through traffic.

Driving and Parking: Expensive and Stressful (Avoid If Possible)

Driving to Rockefeller Center during the holiday season is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. Midtown Manhattan is one of the most congested areas in the United States, and parking costs rival hotel room rates. Unless you have a specific reason to drive (mobility limitations, traveling from a suburb without transit access), take the subway instead.

Parking Garage Options Near Rockefeller Center

If you must drive, expect to pay $40-$70 for 2-4 hours in nearby garages. Street parking is virtually nonexistent—meters are limited, expensive ($4-$5 per hour), and constantly monitored by traffic enforcement.

Icon Parking – 53 W. 48th Street

• Distance: 3-minute walk to Rockefeller Plaza
• Rates: $39+ for 2-4 hours, $60+ for 6-8 hours
• Hours: 24/7
• Notes: One of the closest garages. Fills quickly on weekends and during the tree season—arrive early or pre-book via SpotHero.

SP+ Lotte New York Palace Garage – 455 Madison Avenue

• Distance: 5-minute walk to Rockefeller Plaza
• Rates: $45+ for 2-4 hours, $70+ for 6-8 hours
• Hours: 24/7
• Notes: Larger facility with more availability than smaller garages. Valet service available.

ParkRight – East 58 Parking LLC Garage – East 58th Street (near Lexington Avenue)

• Distance: 8-minute walk to Rockefeller Plaza
• Rates: $35+ for 2-4 hours, $55+ for 6-8 hours
• Hours: 24/7
• Notes: Slightly cheaper than closer options, but farther away. Best if you’re also visiting nearby attractions (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue shops).

City Parking – 660 5th Avenue Garage LLC

• Distance: 7-minute walk to Rockefeller Plaza
• Rates: $40+ for 2-4 hours, $65+ for 6-8 hours
• Hours: 24/7
• Notes: Directly on 5th Avenue, convenient for combining tree visit with shopping.

How to Save Money on Parking

Pre-book via SpotHero or ParkMobile: Apps like SpotHero and ParkMobile let you reserve parking in advance at discounted rates ($25-$35 for 2-4 hours, compared to $40-$70 walk-up). Availability is guaranteed, and you skip the stress of driving around looking for an open garage.

Park farther away and subway in: Consider parking in outer boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx near subway stations) where garages cost $15-$25 per day, then taking the subway into Midtown. For example, park near the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station (Queens) and take the F train directly to Rockefeller Center—total cost: $18 parking + $5.80 round-trip subway = $23.80 vs. $50-$70 Midtown garage.

Visit early morning or late at night: Some garages offer lower rates for off-peak entry (before 9:00 AM or after 8:00 PM). If you’re visiting the tree at 6:00 AM, parking rates may be 30-40% lower than midday rates.

Street Parking Reality

Street parking in Midtown is a fantasy. Meters are scarce, time-limited (1-2 hours max), and expensive ($4-$5 per hour). Alternate-side parking rules, no-standing zones, and aggressive enforcement mean you’ll likely get a $65-$115 ticket within minutes of violating any rule. Even if you find a legal spot, you’ll spend 20-30 minutes circling blocks, burning gas, and raising your stress levels. Don’t bother—park in a garage or skip driving entirely.

Getting to Rockefeller Center on Lighting Night (December 2)

Tree lighting night is the worst day of the year to navigate Midtown Manhattan. Street closures, barricades, and massive crowds turn the area into a pedestrian-only zone, and even taxis and ride-shares struggle to get close. The subway is the only reliable option.

Street Closures and Traffic Impact

Starting around 2:00-3:00 PM on December 2, the NYPD begins closing streets from 47th to 51st Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues. Barricades block vehicle traffic, and pedestrian checkpoints control entry. Surrounding streets (5th Avenue, 6th Avenue, and cross streets) experience gridlock as traffic reroutes around closures.

If you’re driving, expect:

• 30-60 minute delays getting within 5 blocks of Rockefeller Center
• No drop-off zones near the plaza—taxis and ride-shares can’t get close
• Parking garages filling by 2:00 PM, with some closing entrances entirely to prevent overcrowding

Subway on Lighting Night

The subway remains the fastest option, though trains and platforms will be more crowded than usual as hundreds of thousands converge on Midtown. Expect:

• Crowded trains: Standing room only, especially on the B/D/F/M lines closest to Rockefeller Center. Arrive at your subway station 15-30 minutes earlier than normal to account for delays.
• Packed platforms: 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center station will be jammed with people entering and exiting. Move carefully and watch for crowding near escalators.
• Longer wait times: Trains may be delayed or held at stations to manage overcrowding. Add 15-20 minutes to your expected travel time.

Best strategy for lighting night: Take the subway to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center, arriving by 2:00-3:00 PM if you want any decent viewing spot. Once you’re locked into a barricaded viewing area, you can’t leave without forfeiting your spot—so arrive rested, fed, and ready to stand for 4-6 hours.

Walking to Rockefeller Center from Other Midtown Landmarks

If you’re already in Midtown visiting other attractions, Rockefeller Center is within easy walking distance of many major landmarks. Manhattan’s grid system makes navigation simple—streets run east-west (numbered), and avenues run north-south.

From Times Square (0.4 Miles, 8 Minutes)

Walk east on 49th or 50th Street from 7th Avenue (Times Square) to 5th Avenue (Rockefeller Center). The walk takes you through Midtown’s theater district, past Radio City Music Hall, and into Rockefeller Plaza. It’s a straight shot—hard to get lost.

From Grand Central Terminal (0.6 Miles, 12 Minutes)

Walk west on 42nd Street from Park Avenue (Grand Central) to 5th Avenue, then walk north on 5th Avenue to 50th Street. Alternatively, take the B/D/F/M subway one stop from 42nd Street-Bryant Park to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center (faster).

From Bryant Park (0.3 Miles, 6 Minutes)

Walk north on 6th Avenue from 42nd Street (Bryant Park) to 50th Street. You’ll pass through Midtown’s office towers, arriving at Rockefeller Plaza’s western edge.

From Central Park (Fifth Avenue Entrance) (0.6 Miles, 12 Minutes)

Walk south on 5th Avenue from 59th Street (Central Park South) to 50th Street. The walk takes you past luxury shops (Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., Apple Fifth Avenue) and delivers you directly to Rockefeller Plaza.

From St. Patrick’s Cathedral (0.1 Miles, 2 Minutes)

St. Patrick’s Cathedral sits directly across 5th Avenue from Rockefeller Center (at 50th and 51st Streets). You can see the Rockefeller Tree from the cathedral steps—just cross 5th Avenue and you’re there.

Accessibility: Transportation for Visitors with Mobility Needs

Accessible Subway Stations

Not all NYC subway stations are wheelchair-accessible. Among the stations near Rockefeller Center:

47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center (B/D/F/M trains): Fully accessible, with elevators from street level to platforms. This is the best option for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility devices.

50th Street (1 train): Not wheelchair-accessible. Stairs only, no elevators.

49th Street (N/Q/R/W trains): Partially accessible. Check MTA’s website for real-time elevator status.

5th Avenue/53rd Street (E/M trains): Fully accessible, with elevators.

Use the MTA’s accessibility map (mta.info/accessibility) to plan routes using accessible stations only.

Accessible Buses

All NYC buses are wheelchair-accessible, with hydraulic ramps for boarding. Buses are slower than subways but eliminate the need to navigate stairs or escalators.

Paratransit (Access-A-Ride)

NYC’s paratransit service, Access-A-Ride, offers door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use regular transit. It requires advance registration and reservation (book trips 1-2 days ahead). Visit mta.info/accessibility/paratransit for details.

Ride-Shares and Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and NYC taxis offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) through their apps. Request a WAV when booking, though availability is limited and wait times can be 10-20 minutes longer than standard rides. On lighting night, ride-shares may not be able to drop you near Rockefeller Center due to street closures—consider using accessible transit instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Driving to Midtown during the holidays: Traffic is gridlocked, parking is $50-$70, and you’ll spend 30 minutes finding a garage. Take the subway instead.
• Assuming taxis/ride-shares are faster than the subway: In Midtown traffic (especially during holidays), subways are 2-3x faster. Save money and stress—take the train.
• Not using contactless payment for the subway: Buying MetroCards at vending machines is slower and more confusing. Just tap your credit card or phone at the turnstile.
• Walking to Rockefeller Center from Penn Station or Port Authority: Both are 0.7-1 mile away (15-20 minute walks). While doable, it’s faster and easier to take the subway 1-2 stops.
• Arriving at 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center station on lighting night and expecting easy exits: The station is mobbed. Allow 10-15 extra minutes to navigate crowded platforms and escalators.
• Ignoring accessibility needs: Not all subway stations have elevators. Check MTA’s accessibility map before planning your route if you need elevator access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the closest subway station to Rockefeller Center?

47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M trains). It’s directly beneath the plaza, with a 2-minute walk to the tree.

How much does the subway cost?

$2.90 per ride (one-way). Use contactless payment (tap credit card or phone) or buy an OMNY card at vending machines.

Should I drive to Rockefeller Center?

No, unless you have mobility needs or are traveling from a location without transit access. Parking costs $40-$70 for 2-4 hours, traffic is terrible, and the subway is faster.

Where can I park near Rockefeller Center?

Garages within 5-10 minutes include Icon Parking (53 W. 48th Street, $39+), SP+ Lotte Palace (455 Madison Avenue, $45+), and ParkRight East 58 (East 58th Street, $35+). Pre-book via SpotHero to save $10-$20.

Is there free parking near Rockefeller Center?

No. Street parking is nearly impossible, time-limited, and expensive ($4-$5 per hour). Garage parking is the only realistic option if you drive.

Can I take a taxi or Uber to Rockefeller Center on lighting night?

Ride-shares and taxis can’t get close due to street closures and barricades. They’ll drop you 5-10 blocks away, forcing you to walk through crowds. The subway is far more reliable.

How do I get to Rockefeller Center from JFK Airport?

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the E train (toward Manhattan) to 5th Avenue/53rd Street. Walk south on 5th Avenue to 50th Street (4 minutes). Total time: 60-75 minutes. Fare: $11.15 ($8.25 AirTrain + $2.90 subway).

How do I get to Rockefeller Center from Newark Airport?

Take NJ Transit train from Newark Airport to Penn Station (Manhattan), then walk or take the B/D/F/M subway one stop to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center. Total time: 45-60 minutes. Fare: ~$16.

Prepare your entire New York trip with our complete Rockefeller tree guide.