Madison Square Garden sits in the heart of Manhattan, making it one of the most accessible music venues in New York City. Whether you’re a local or flying in from across the country for a concert, knowing the best way to get to Madison Square Garden can save you time, money, and stress. This guide breaks down all your transportation options for your next live music getaway to MSG in 2025.
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. Cost in 2025: approximately $10-12.
Yellow taxis offer a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan (about $70-80 in 2025 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.
In 2025, NYC has expanded its airport shuttle service with direct routes to major venues. Check if a direct shuttle to MSG is available on your travel dates.
From LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia is closer to Manhattan, about 8-10 miles from Madison Square Garden:
The fastest public transit option in 2025 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. Cost: approximately $3.
Taxis from LaGuardia to Madison Square Garden typically cost $40-50 plus tolls and tip. 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. Cost in 2025: approximately $15-18.
A taxi or rideshare from Newark to Madison Square Garden will cost $75-90 plus tolls and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic conditions.
For 2025, several music event package deals include airport shuttles directly to hotels near MSG. Check livemusicgetaways.com for partner deals when booking your concert tickets.
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
In 2025, the MTA has introduced a special “Event MetroCard” that offers unlimited rides on concert days. This is perfect for live music getaway travelers who want to explore the city before and after shows.
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
The MTA bus app now features a “Concert Mode” in 2025 that highlights the best bus routes to music venues including Madison Square Garden.
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
In 2025, all three rail services offer special “Late Night Return” trains after major concerts, ensuring you can get back home or to your hotel safely after the show ends.
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 traffic apps before departing, as construction projects throughout 2025 may affect usual routes.
Parking Garages Near Madison Square Garden
Parking in Midtown Manhattan is expensive but convenient if you need your car. Here are some parking garages near Madison Square Garden:
- MSG Official Parking at 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets
- Icon Parking at 5-9 West 31st Street
- Quik Park at 305 West 33rd Street
- Manhattan Plaza Parking at 440 West 42nd Street (slightly further but often less expensive)
For 2025 concerts, several parking garages offer discounted rates when you pre-book online. Expect to pay $40-70 for event parking nearby.
Pro tip for those traveling for music events: Book parking in advance through apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz. Rates are typically 10-30% lower than drive-up prices, and you’re guaranteed a spot even when shows sell out.
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. In 2025, the city has improved pedestrian pathways around MSG with better lighting and security cameras, making walking safer even after evening shows.
Biking to the Garden
For the environmentally conscious music fan, biking to Madison Square Garden is increasingly popular:
- Numerous Citi Bike stations surround the arena
- Dedicated bike lanes on 8th and 9th Avenues
- Bike parking areas have been expanded for 2025
The Madison Square Garden app now includes a feature showing available Citi Bikes and bike parking spaces in real-time.
Accessibility Information
Madison Square Garden provides excellent accessibility for all 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
In 2025, Madison Square Garden has partnered with accessibility transport services to provide direct rides for concertgoers with mobility needs. Check the MSG website for booking information.
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
- Late-night subway service runs less frequently
- In 2025, Madison Square Garden has partnered with rideshare services to provide designated pickup zones after shows
Live Music Getaway Travel Tips for MSG
- Download transportation apps: NYC Subway Map, MTA Bus Time, Uber/Lyft, and parking apps will make navigation much easier
- Consider a hotel within walking distance: Many hotels near Madison Square Garden offer concert packages in 2025
- Arrive early: Give yourself at least 45 minutes to get 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 and multiple transportation options, 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 is a key part of your live music getaway experience.
For 2025, the venue has made significant improvements to help concert-goers navigate their way to shows more efficiently. From enhanced signage to expanded digital guides, Madison Square Garden continues to evolve to welcome music fans from everywhere.
Remember that the journey to the venue is the first part of your concert experience. By choosing the right transportation option for your situation, you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the show rather than stressed from the trip. Check livemusicgetaways.com for updated transportation information before your next Madison Square Garden concert adventure!
Key Takeaways
- Public transportation is typically the fastest and most affordable way to reach Madison Square Garden, with multiple subway 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
- Check for special 2025 transit promotions tied to concert events
- The Madison Square Garden app provides real-time transportation updates specific to your show date
