Madison Square Garden Parking Tips in New York City

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.

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)