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Your all-inclusive guide on the best ways to get to Top of the Rock

Where is Top of the Rock Located?

True to its name, the Top of the Rock occupies the top floors of one of New York City’s tallest buildings - 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. This incredible observation deck is situated on the building’s 70th floor and offers unobstructed, sweeping views of the city from a height of 850 feet or 260 meters.

Its location in the heart of the city also means that it is surrounded by some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers and beloved landmarks such as Central Park to the North, the Chrysler Building to the East, the Hudson River to the West, and the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge to the South.

  • Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States | Find on Maps
  • Closest landmark: St. Patrick’s Cathedral (0.2 miles)

Getting to Top of the Rock by public transport

By bus

Travel time: 15 - 20 minutes
Closest stop: Ave of the Americas/W 50 St
Timings: 24x7
Take bus numbers M5 and M7 and exit at the Avenue of the Americas/West 50 St stop, which is just 500 feet or a 1-minute walk away from the Top of the Rock. Also, bus numbers M1, M2, M3, M4, and Q32 will stop at the Madison Avenue/ East 49 St stop. From there, the distance to the Top of the Rock is a mere 0.2 miles.

By subway

Travel time: 10 - 15 minutes
Closest stop: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
Timings: 24x7
The most frequently used subway lines to reach Top of the Rock are B, D, F, and M. Alight at 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center, which is only 0.2 miles away and can be covered in less than 5 minutes on foot. Alternatively, you can also take the N and R lines, get down at 49 Street, and walk east for about 7 minutes to reach the attraction. Lastly, the Q line will drop you 11 minutes away from the attraction at the 57 Street-7 Avenue station.

Directions to Top of the Rock by car

Driving route

Travel time: 10 - 30 minutes

If you plan to drive to the Top of the Rock from another landmark like the Empire State Building, you can travel via Madison Avenue or East 37th Street and 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. The distance covered on both the routes is the same i.e.,1.4 miles. However, the driving time can vary vastly depending on traffic and the time of day. It can take you anywhere between less than 10 minutes during off-peak hours to around 30 minutes during peak hours. So, plan your journey accordingly!

Parking

You can avail of hassle-free parking, that too at a discounted rate at the Rockefeller Center SP+ garage. Located at 25 West 48th Street, it is only a short distance of 0.2 miles away from the attraction if you go via the Rockefeller Plaza and West 50th Street.

Walking to Top of the Rock

Tourists walking along a scenic path in a European city, exploring local attractions.

Travel time: 23 minutes
Distance: 1 mile
If you are starting from the Empire State Building located at 20 West 34th Street, make your way through 5th Avenue and head northeast towards West 34th Street. Keep walking straight for a distance of about 0.8 miles which can take over 15 minutes. Then, take a left turn onto West 50th Street and continue walking for about 2 minutes to find your destination between the Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Best ways to get to Top of the Rock

  • Budget-friendly: Taking the bus or subway is the most pocket-friendly option to travel as both these services are very well-connected to various parts of the city. 
  • Fastest route: Driving a car/taxi is usually one of the fastest ways to get to the Top of the Rock during non-peak hours. During peak traffic hours, you can board a subway and swiftly get to your destination from most locations in the city.   
  • Sightseeing: Immerse yourself in the beauty of NYC by taking a brisk walk to the Top of the Rock from any nearby location. You can stop and admire many of the city’s other outstanding landmarks during your walk 

How to enter Top of the Rock?

The Top of the Rock, which is located within 30 Rockefeller Plaza, has only one entrance that can be accessed from 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Once inside the building, you can take theelevator and ascend to the observation deck on the 70th floor in just a matter of seconds.

​About the Top of the Rock entrance

Frequently asked questions about getting to Top of the Rock

You can get to the Top of the Rock by bus, subway/train, car/taxi, and even by walking if you are in the vicinity.

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