Few sporting venues achieve the iconic status held by Madison Square Garden. One of the most famous arenas worldwide, Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks of the NBA and the New York Rangers of the NHL.
This detailed Madison Square Garden parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:
- The best official Madison Square Garden parking lots
- Third-party parking lots near Madison Square Garden you can book in advance
- Areas to look for free parking in New York City
- Handicap parking solutions
- Public transit options for New York Knicks and Rangers events
- Other valuable Madison Square Garden parking tips to save time and money
Attending an event at Madison Square Garden is a thrill, but parking in New York City is never easy. Use the guide below to craft a transportation and parking plan for an upcoming outing.
Madison Square Garden Parking Summary
Madison Square Garden, one of the world’s most famous arenas, is in Manhattan, New York City. Due to its location, parking capacity is limited. Most people attending events at MSG use public transportation.
Pricing for parking in Manhattan can be very expensive, often topping $50 for a single event. Despite these challenges, there are several online platforms, such as SpotHero, where you can pre-book parking.
MSG is ideally situated for public transportation, built directly above Pennsylvania Station. Numerous Long Island and New Jersey subway lines and commuter rail services serve it.
Street parking in Manhattan is notoriously difficult and often subject to tight restrictions, leading to a low score in this category. Traffic congestion can also be severe, particularly during rush hours.
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Official Madison Square Garden Parking Lots
The property around Madison Square Garden is some of the most valuable in the entire country. As a result, there is no onsite parking facility associated with this famous venue.
Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party parking facilities in the surrounding area, so you can usually find a spot to book ahead of time for the day and time you need.
Main Parking Lots
No main parking lots are available at Madison Square Garden, so you won’t be able to purchase parking directly from the venue.
In New York City, visitors and residents alike use public transportation whenever possible to avoid driving on congested streets and paying for premium parking spots.
EV Parking at Madison Square Garden
The area immediately around Madison Square Garden doesn’t have much to offer in the way of EV chargers. If you are going to drive to an event, don’t plan on charging your electric vehicle while you are parked. Instead, charge ahead of time so you have one less thing to worry about while trying to navigate into and out of the city.
Accessible Parking Spaces
Without an official parking facility, you’ll need to check the status of ADA parking at any of the third-party venues you consider. If you hold a New York City Special Parking Permit, you can use that to park on the streets around the area, but you’ll need to obey all regulations that come along with that permit.
A standard state-issued ADA hang tag or plate does not qualify for this parking.
Third-Party Parking Options at Madison Square Garden
Using the SpotHero widget below, you will find a scattered collection of third-party parking options around Madison Square Garden. This is New York City, so most of these options are pricey, and you might have to walk at least a few blocks through the city, but third-party parking is a good solution if you are going to drive to an event.
One of the best options in the area is the Truffles Garage at 315 West 33rd Street. Just across 8th Avenue from the arena, you’ll be at the gates moments after parking your vehicle. And, despite the great location, this garage offers some of the best rates in the immediate area.
You must walk considerably farther to find cheaper parking, such as the 159 West 21st Street garage. This is around a 15-minute walk from MSG, but parking can sometimes be had for less than $20.
Free Parking at Madison Square Garden
Finding a free parking spot in New York City is always an uphill battle.
When you can find it, street parking is typically metered and will require payment to park legally (except Sundays, when the meters are free). If you are attending an event at Madison Square Garden, you can be sure that many thousands of others will be doing the same thing, and any street parking in the area will fill up hours ahead of time.
Rather than hoping to get very lucky, it’s probably better to book a parking spot ahead of time so you know you’ll be able to get parked and into the arena before the event starts.
Public Transportation to Madison Square Garden
There is a good chance that public transportation will wind up being your best bet when visiting Madison Square Garden. Penn Station is located below the arena, so you can use this massive station as your arrival and departure point to get to MSG easily from anywhere around the city.
Subway
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) runs the New York subway, one of the most convenient ways to reach Madison Square Garden (MSG). The station serving MSG is Penn Station, the busiest train hub in North America. You can reach MSG directly from Penn Station using a variety of subway lines.
Lines 1, 2, and 3 (red) and the A, C, and E (blue) trains stop directly at Penn Station.
Herald Square, another large subway station, is a 10-minute walk from the Garden. The subway lines stopping at Herald Square include the B, D, F, M (orange) and the N, Q, R, and W (yellow) lines. The MTA provides comprehensive subway maps and a trip planning tool on its website, which can help you plan your journey.
Long-Distance Trains
Penn Station is also a major hub for long-distance trains, serving as the main station for both Amtrak and NJ Transit. These services can drop you off directly underneath the arena if you’re coming from farther afield.
Amtrak connects New York with various cities across the U.S., and NJ Transit is ideal for those traveling from locations in New Jersey.
Buses
The MTA bus system also provides a convenient means of getting to MSG. The M4, M7, M20, M34, and M34A buses all have stops within a few blocks of the arena.
Be aware, though, that bus service can be slower due to New York’s traffic congestion.
Ferry
The NY Waterway Ferry Service is another viable option for individuals coming from New Jersey. The ferry provides a scenic route across the Hudson River, with ports at various points in New Jersey. Once in Manhattan, passengers can take advantage of the NY Waterway’s complimentary bus service, which can drop you off near MSG.
Always remember to check the most up-to-date schedule for your chosen mode of transportation, and ensure you leave plenty of time to account for any potential delays. With numerous public transportation options converging at or near Madison Square Garden, accessing this iconic arena can be easy, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
Ridesharing to Madison Square Garden
A rideshare service is a viable option to avoid driving to MSG. There are countless Uber and Lyft drivers in and around NYC, so one will typically be available to give you a ride to or from an event. However, it’s important to remember that rideshare vehicles are subject to the same traffic conditions as everyone else, so traffic conditions could impact your ability to get a ride promptly.
Also, rides can be quite expensive and might even be more than paying for a parking spot in some cases.
Madison Square Garden Events
As one of the most famous venues worldwide for sports and entertainment, MSG rarely takes a night off. In addition to basketball and hockey, plenty of concerts and other performances are featured here. To secure tickets to an upcoming event, use the table below.
Bars and Restaurants near Madison Square Garden
Finding something to eat or drink in New York City is rarely difficult, and the area around Madison Square Garden is no exception. No matter what sounds good, a suitable establishment is probably right around the corner.
One of the classic locations near MSG is NY Pizza Suprema. Found just across the intersection from the entrance to the arena, this is a popular stop before and after events. Tke a stroll in almost any direction to check out various establishments and fill up before heading through the gates.
Madison Square Garden Parking Tips for a Great Outing
Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.
Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Madison Square Garden.
Arrive Early and Beat Traffic
New York City traffic needs no introduction. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy.
Simply check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible.
Know What You Can Bring
Madison Square Garden has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car.
Remember Where You Parked!
There are many different parking garages available in the area around Madison Square Garden. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily.
Take Security Measures
You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security if possible.
Have a Backup Plan
Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parking for an event at Madison Square Garden is a challenge in the bustling city of New York. This comprehensive parking tips guide has provided valuable information on official and third-party parking options, accessible parking solutions, public transit alternatives, and even ridesharing services.
Given the limited availability of free parking and the convenience of public transportation, arriving early and having a transportation plan are essential for a stress-free experience. Remember to familiarize yourself with MSG’s policies, take necessary security precautions, and consider having backup parking options in mind.
By following these tips, you can maximize your enjoyment of the event and create lasting memories at Madison Square Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parking at Madison Square Garden (FAQs)
You’ll find varied parking prices depending on the event you will attend. It’s typically about $50 to park for an NBA or NHL game in downtown New York, but preferred lots will be more. It’s best to secure your parking as early as possible to give yourself plenty of choices.
Madison Square Garden does not offer official parking, so it’s the third-party lots that you will need to consider if you want to drive to a game or concert at this great venue.
The Truffles Garage, just across the intersection from Madison Square Garden, is likely the closest place you can park to the arena. Plenty of other third-party garages are found on nearby streets, so you’ll have some options to consider. Be sure to reserve parking in advance whenever possible.
Given the nearly constant traffic and congestion of New York City, riding your bike is an effective option to get to an event at MSG. If you decide to take this approach, you should find plenty of bike racks around the arena, so pick one that is available, lock up your bike, and head toward the gates.
Public transportation is always an option in New York City, so plenty of people will use that option to get to Madison Square Garden rather than driving through the city. You may also choose to use a rideshare service, or depending on where you are located in or around the city, you might even be able to walk.
The timing of parking lots opening up for vehicles to enter will depend on the event you are attending. If you buy parking in advance, the opening time of the lot should be included with your pass. Take a moment to confirm this information with the venue or parking facility in advance so you aren’t caught off-guard.