Quick Overview

Address: Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112.
Main Entrance for the Deck: 50th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues (Rockefeller Plaza concourse signage will also guide you).
Closest Subway: 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center for B/D/F/M. Also near 5 Av/53 St (E/M) and 49 St (N/R/W).

Best First-Time Route

Take B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center. Follow signs toward Rockefeller Plaza and the Top of the Rock observation deck entrance on W 50th St (between 5th & 6th Ave).

From Fifth Avenue

Walk west from St. Patrick’s Cathedral along 50th St. You’ll see Rockefeller Plaza and clear “Top of the Rock” signage within minutes.

Book Timed Entry Rockefeller Tour + Deck

Option 1 — From Times Square / West Side

Ideal if you’re near Times Square, Port Authority Bus Terminal, or Broadway theaters.

  • Subway (fast): From Times Sq–42 St, take the B/D/F/M one stop to 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center.
  • Alternate: N/R/W from 49 St station is also a short walk to Rockefeller Plaza.
  • Walk: ~12–15 minutes north/east to W 50th St (between 5th & 6th Ave).
  • Bus: M50 (crosstown) and M7/M20/M104 (north–south) connect nearby; traffic can slow trips at peak times.

Paying for Transit

Use contactless OMNY with your phone/card or a MetroCard. Daily fare capping applies to OMNY taps.

Option 2 — Subway & Regional Rail

47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center (B/D/F/M)

Exit toward Rockefeller Plaza. Street signs clearly point to the Top of the Rock entrance on W 50th St.

5 Av/53 St (E/M)

A short walk south-west along 5th Av to W 50th St. Good if you’re coming from the east side or Queens.

49 St (N/R/W)

One block south of the Plaza; walk north to W 50th St for the observation deck entrance.

Penn Station & Grand Central

From Penn: take B/D/F/M via Herald Sq or walk 20–25 min. From Grand Central: walk 12–15 min along 5th Ave or take the E/M to 5 Av/53 St then walk south.

Wayfinding

Follow signs to Rockefeller Plaza or “Top of the Rock.” Staff and building directories can guide you if unsure.

Option 3 — Buses & Scenic Walks

Midtown buses along 5th Ave, 6th Ave (Avenue of the Americas), and 50th St stop near Rockefeller Center. Walking is often quickest in peak hours: Times Sq → 12–15 min, MoMA → 6–8 min, St. Patrick’s → 3–5 min.

  • From Fifth Ave: Head west on W 50th St. Deck entrance sits between 5th & 6th Ave.
  • From Central Park South (59th St): Walk south down 5th Ave ~10–12 min to W 50th St.

Photo Tip

Capture Radio City’s marquee on 6th Ave, then head to W 50th St for the deck entrance. After your visit, night shots on 5th Ave are stellar.

From NYC Airports

JFK

AirTrain JFK → Jamaica. Then E to 5 Av/53 St (walk south to W 50th), or LIRR to Penn Station and B/D/F/M to Rockefeller Ctr.

LaGuardia (LGA)

Q70 SBS to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av → E/M/R/F connections; aim for 5 Av/53 St or 47–50 Sts.

Newark (EWR)

AirTrain Newark → NJ Transit to Penn Station → B/D/F/M (via Herald Sq) to 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center.

Rideshare/Taxi

Ask for drop-off on W 50th St between 5th & 6th Ave for the most direct entrance to the observation deck.

Luggage

Large bags and luggage aren’t permitted on the deck. Use nearby luggage storage before your timed entry.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving

Midtown traffic and limited curb space make driving slow. If you must drive, build in extra time for drop-off near W 50th St.

Parking

Paid garages around Rockefeller Center, 6th Ave, and near MoMA. Check height limits and closing hours; street parking is scarce.

Citi Bike

Several docks surround Rockefeller Plaza and 6th Ave. Park at a dock; riding on sidewalks or inside the concourse is not allowed.

Accessibility

Elevators and step-free routes are available throughout Rockefeller Center. Staff can guide you to accessible entrances and lifts.

Practical Tips

Arrive Early

Be at the entrance 15–20 minutes before your timed entry, especially at sunset or holidays.

Weather & Clothing

70th-floor terrace is open-air and breezy. Bring a light layer and secure hats/scarves.

Security & Bags

Airport-style screening. Large luggage is not allowed; travel light for quicker entry.

Check Times & Prices Top of the Rock + ESB

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Station

47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center (B/D/F/M) • Also near 5 Av/53 St (E/M) & 49 St (N/R/W)

Typical Walk Times

Times Sq → 12–15 min • Grand Central → 12–15 min • MoMA → 6–8 min • St. Patrick’s → 3–5 min

Main Entrance

W 50th St between 5th & 6th Ave (look for “Top of the Rock” signs at Rockefeller Plaza)

Crowd Strategy

Morning slots are calmer. For day-to-night, choose a time 60–90 minutes before sunset.

Accessibility

Elevators to all viewing levels; ask staff for step-free routes through the concourse.

Nearby Essentials

Restrooms and cafés throughout Rockefeller Center; many options on 5th & 6th Ave.

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Ready to Go?

Ride the subway to Rockefeller Center, follow signs to W 50th St, and enjoy the skyline from NYC’s classic open-air terrace.

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