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

Car parked near a scenic road, highlighting transportation options for reaching the destination.

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.

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

Top of the Rock tickets

Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets

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Combo (Save 4%): Top of the Rock Observation Deck + The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

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Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets with the Beam Experience

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Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

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1 hr. 15 min.

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Top of the Rock with 2 or 3 Top NYC Attraction Tickets

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New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

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Top of the Rock Observation Deck VIP Pass with the Beam & Skylift Experience

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Combo (Save 5%): Top of the Rock + Edge Observation Deck Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

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Go City New York All-Inclusive Pass: Choose 1 to 10 Days

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Frequently asked questions about getting to Top of the Rock

How do I get to the 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.

Which is the fastest way to get to the Top of the Rock?

The fastest way to get to the Top of the Rock is via car/taxi, but it depends on your starting point and the traffic conditions at that time.

Which is the cheapest way to get to the Top of the Rock?

The cheapest way to get to the Top of the Rock is via public transit services such as the subway and bus.

Which is the best way to get to the Top of the Rock?

The best way to get to the Top of the Rock can only be decided based on your budget, time constraints, and flexibility. The subway and bus are the best options from the point of view of budget, while driving is the preferred option if you want to save time.

How do I get to the Top of the Rock by bus?

You can board any of the bus numbers M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M50, and Q32 to reach the Top of the Rock as these buses operate frequently throughout the day.

Which is the closest bus stop to the Top of the Rock?

The closest bus stop to the Top of the Rock is Avenue of the Americas/West 50 Street which is 1 minute away by foot.

How do I get to the Top of the Rock by subway?

If you want to reach the Top of the Rock by subway, then use the B, D, F, M, N, R, and Q subway lines. Each of these lines will drop you at a walkable distance from the attraction.

Which is the closest subway station to the Top of the Rock?

The closest subway station to the Top of the Rock is 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center.

Can I park at the Top of the Rock?

Visitors can park their cars at the Rockefeller Center SP+ garage which can be found at a short distance from the Top of the Rock.

Can I walk to the Top of the Rock?

Yes, walking to the Top of the Rock is a great idea if you are starting from a nearby location as you will have a wonderful time soaking in the unique sights, sounds, and vibe of New York City.

How early should I get to the Top of the Rock?

Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time to the Top of the Rock.