- Best option: Subway, A/C/E or 1/2/3 trains to 34th St-Penn Station. You exit directly into the venue.
- From JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica, then E train to 34th St. About 60 to 75 minutes, roughly $10 to $12.
- From LaGuardia: Q70 bus to Roosevelt Ave, then E/F/M/R to 34th St-Herald Square. About 45 to 60 minutes.
- From Newark: NJ Transit train straight to Penn Station. About 30 minutes. Easiest airport option by far.
- Driving: Pre-book parking via SpotHero or ParkWhiz. Expect $40 to $70 on event nights. Don't wing it.
- Rideshare drop-off: 31st or 33rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Walk a block from Penn Station post-show for faster pickup.
- Post-show tip: Don't fight the Penn Station crush immediately after the show. Walk to 28th Street station or grab food on 32nd Street for 30 minutes. The crowd thins out fast.
- Biggest mistake: Driving in from New Jersey or Brooklyn thinking traffic "won't be that bad." It always is on show nights.
The subway is the right answer for almost everyone going to MSG. Penn Station sits directly underneath the arena. Take any A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 train to 34th St-Penn Station and you walk up into the building. No traffic, no parking, no surge pricing.
The one thing most people don’t plan for: post-show rideshare pickup. Don’t request your Uber/Lyft on 7th Ave right outside. It’s gridlocked after big shows. Walk one block to 31st or 33rd St between 8th and 9th Ave and your wait drops significantly.
Where Exactly Is Madison Square Garden?
Madison Square Garden is located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (7th Avenue & 32nd Street) in Midtown Manhattan. The arena sits directly atop Pennsylvania Station (Penn Station), which makes it incredibly accessible by public transportation. This central location puts it within walking distance of many hotels and attractions, making it a convenient destination for anyone traveling for music events.
Arriving from the Airports
From JFK Airport
JFK is about 15-18 miles from Madison Square Garden, and you have several options:
The AirTrain JFK connects to the NYC subway system. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the E train heading to Manhattan. Get off at 34th Street-Penn Station, and you’ll be right at Madison Square Garden. Total travel time: about 60-75 minutes.
Yellow taxis offer a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan (check the current rate on the TLC website, plus tolls and tip). During peak traffic times, this journey can take 60-90 minutes.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be pricier than taxis during surge pricing periods. The benefit is door to door service right to Madison Square Garden.
From LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia is closer to Manhattan, about 8-10 miles from Madison Square Garden:
The fastest public transit option is taking the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station, then transferring to the E, F, M, or R train to 34th Street-Herald Square and walking one block to MSG. Travel time: about 45-60 minutes, at standard subway fare.
Taxis from LaGuardia to Madison Square Garden are metered and typically run $40-50 plus tolls and tip, though traffic can push that higher. Travel time varies greatly depending on traffic but averages 30-45 minutes.
Rideshare services provide another door to door option similar in price to taxis but may surge during peak concert times.
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark is in New Jersey, about 16 miles from Madison Square Garden:
The most direct route is taking the NJ Transit train from the Newark Airport station (accessed via AirTrain) directly to New York Penn Station, which is right underneath Madison Square Garden. Travel time: about 30 minutes on the train plus time for the AirTrain.
A taxi or rideshare from Newark to Madison Square Garden will typically run $75-90 plus tolls and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic conditions.
Using Public Transportation
New York’s extensive public transit system makes getting to Madison Square Garden remarkably easy:
Subway
The subway is the most affordable transportation to Madison Square Garden. Multiple lines stop at stations within a block or two:
- 34th Street-Penn Station (directly below MSG): Served by the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 lines
- 34th Street-Herald Square (one block away): Served by the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W lines
Check the MTA’s current fare and MetroCard/OMNY options before your trip; one-time and multi-ride passes are both available at station vending machines.
Bus
Several bus routes stop near Madison Square Garden:
- M4, M10, M16, M34-SBS and Q32 all have stops within a block or two
- Express buses from outer boroughs also service the area
Commuter Rails
Penn Station serves as the terminus for several regional rail lines:
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): Connects Long Island and eastern Queens to Penn Station
- NJ Transit: Serves various points in New Jersey
- Amtrak: Connects with cities throughout the Northeast Corridor and beyond
For late shows, check your line’s last scheduled departure before you leave home. Off-peak and weekend schedules run less frequently, especially after 11 PM.
Driving and Parking Options
While public transportation is typically the most efficient way to reach Madison Square Garden, sometimes driving is necessary or preferred.
Best Routes Into Manhattan
If driving from:
- New Jersey: Lincoln or Holland Tunnel
- Queens/Brooklyn: Queens Midtown Tunnel or Williamsburg Bridge
- The Bronx: FDR Drive southbound
- Westchester/Connecticut: Henry Hudson Parkway southbound
Always check a traffic app before departing, since construction or event-related closures can affect usual routes.
Parking Near Madison Square Garden
Parking in Midtown Manhattan is expensive but available if you need your car. Expect to pay roughly $40-70 for event parking within a few blocks of the arena. Book through an app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz in advance; rates are often lower than drive-up prices and you’re guaranteed a spot even when shows sell out. Compare a few garage options on 31st-33rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, since pricing shifts night to night based on demand.
Walking to Madison Square Garden
If you’re staying in Midtown Manhattan, walking might be your best option. Madison Square Garden is within walking distance of:
- Times Square: 15-minute walk
- Empire State Building: 6-minute walk
- Bryant Park: 12-minute walk
- Macy’s Herald Square: 5-minute walk
Walking allows you to avoid traffic and subway congestion before and after concerts, and the area around MSG is well-trafficked and well-lit even for evening shows.
Biking to the Garden
Biking is a solid option for anyone comfortable riding in Manhattan traffic:
- Multiple Citi Bike stations are within a few blocks of the arena
- Dedicated bike lanes run along 8th and 9th Avenues
Check the Citi Bike app for real-time dock availability near the venue before you set out, especially right after a show when docks near MSG can fill up fast.
Accessibility Information
Madison Square Garden provides accessibility accommodations for visitors:
- The 34th Street Penn Station subway stop has elevators from street level
- All entrances to MSG are wheelchair accessible
- Designated drop off points for accessible transportation are located on 8th Avenue
For specific mobility accommodations, contact Madison Square Garden’s guest services directly ahead of your visit; options can vary by event.
Tips for Different Event Times
Weekday Evening Shows
- Avoid arriving between 5-6:30 PM when commuter rush hour is at its peak
- Public transportation will be crowded; consider arriving early and enjoying dinner nearby
- Allow extra time if you’re driving, as traffic will be heavy
Weekend Shows
- Subways run less frequently on weekends, so check the schedule
- Parking is easier to find but still fills up quickly
- Consider a mid afternoon arrival to explore the area before your show
Late Night Returns
For shows ending after 11 PM:
- Check the last departure times for your train line before you leave home
- Late night subway service runs less frequently
- Walk a block away from the venue before requesting a rideshare; pickup directly outside MSG gets gridlocked fast once a show lets out
Live Music Getaway Travel Tips for MSG
- Download transportation apps: the MTA’s app, Citi Bike, and your rideshare app of choice will make navigation much easier
- Consider a hotel within walking distance: it removes transportation planning from the night entirely
- Arrive early: give yourself at least 45 minutes from the entrance to your seat, especially for major artists
- Check for transit alerts: service changes and construction can affect your route
Making Your Madison Square Garden Experience Seamless
Getting to Madison Square Garden doesn’t have to be complicated. With its central location directly above Penn Station, it’s one of the most accessible major music venues in the country. Whether you’re coming from across town or across the country, planning your transportation ahead of time is what turns a stressful commute into the easy part of the night.
Key Takeaways
- The subway is typically the fastest and most affordable way to reach Madison Square Garden, with multiple lines stopping directly underneath
- If flying in, all three major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) offer public transit connections to MSG
- Pre-book parking if driving, to save money and guarantee a spot
- Consider staying at a hotel within walking distance for the most convenient experience
- Allow extra time for arrival, especially during rush hour or weekend events
- Walk a block away from the venue before requesting a rideshare, both before and after the show
FAQs
Take the A, C, or E trains directly to 34th Street-Penn Station, they’re often less crowded than the 1, 2, 3 lines and drop you right at the venue.
Compare garages a few blocks away rather than the ones directly at Penn Station, prices there are typically highest. Book through an app like SpotHero in advance; rates can jump sharply on event nights if you wait and pay at the door.
Trying to request a rideshare or cram onto the subway with everyone else right outside the doors. Walk a few blocks away from Penn Station first, to a quieter subway entrance or a clearer street for pickup, and your wait drops significantly.
🗺️ Your Complete Madison Square Garden Travel Resource
Continue planning with our comprehensive MSG guides:
- 🎭 Things to Do Near Madison Square Garden – Attractions & activities around the city
- 🏨 Where to Stay Near Madison Square Garden – Lodging recommendations
- 🍽️ Restaurants Near Madison Square Garden – Restaurant and cafe recommendations
- 🍺 Bars Near Madison Square Garden – Pre and post-show drinks and nightlife
I love live music and the feeling of discovering a new city through a concert. Over time I realized that planning these trips can be more complicated than it should be. Live Music Getaways was created to fix that. It brings together practical travel advice and real concert experience so fans can focus on the music instead of the logistics.