Major Highways & Driving Tips in Manhattan, New York, United States
1. FDR Drive
A major east-west highway along Manhattan's East River, providing a direct route to the Lower and Upper East Side. It offers stunning river views but can be congested during peak hours.
- River Views: Offers scenic vistas of the East River and Manhattan skyline
- Peak Hour Congestion: Can become heavily trafficked during morning and evening rush hours
- Limited Street Access: Direct access to the FDR Drive is limited; use entrance and exit ramps strategically
2. West Side Highway (Henry Hudson Parkway)
A scenic north-south parkway along the West Side, providing access to key attractions like Lincoln Center and the George Washington Bridge. It has restricted parking and can be tricky to navigate due to its winding roads.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Hudson River and nearby attractions
- Restricted Parking: Parking is limited along the West Side Highway; use designated parking areas instead
- Winding Roads: The parkway's winding nature can make navigating more challenging, so be mindful of speed limits and road signs
3. Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel
A below-water tunnel connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, offering an alternative to the busy Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge. It can be congested during rush hours but saves time when traffic is heavy on the bridges.
- Time Savings: Provides a quicker route than crossing the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge, especially during rush hour
- Congestion During Peak Hours: Can become congested during peak travel times; adjust your schedule accordingly
- Below-Water Tunnel: Offers a unique experience as it's located beneath the water, providing different views of Manhattan and Brooklyn
4. Triborough Bridge
A three-part bridge connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, offering multiple routes across the East River. Its complex interchange can be confusing to navigate but provides a crucial connection between boroughs.
- Multiple Routes: Offers numerous routes for travel between Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx
- Complex Interchange: The interchange can be challenging to navigate; familiarize yourself with signs and road layouts
- Iconic Structure: One of Manhattan's most iconic bridges, offering breathtaking views of the East River and surrounding boroughs
5. 59th Street Bridge
A suspension bridge connecting Manhattan's Upper East Side to Queens, known for its distinctive Art Deco towers. It provides a scenic route with impressive views of the skyline but can be congested during rush hours.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of Manhattan's East Side and Queens
- Art Deco Towers: Iconic Art Deco towers make the bridge a popular attraction for photographers and tourists
- Congestion During Peak Hours: Can become congested during rush hours; consider alternative routes or times if possible
6. Lincoln Tunnel
A below-water tunnel connecting Manhattan to New Jersey, providing a crucial route for commuters and truck traffic. It can be congested but is often quicker than crossing the bridges.
- Time Savings: Provides a quicker route compared to crossing the George Washington Bridge or other Manhattan-New Jersey bridges
- Congestion During Peak Hours: Can become congested during peak travel times; adjust your schedule accordingly
- Below-Water Tunnel: Offers a unique experience as it's located beneath the Hudson River, providing different views of Manhattan and New Jersey
7. George Washington Bridge
A suspension bridge connecting Manhattan to New Jersey, one of the busiest bridges in the world. It offers breathtaking views but can be congested during rush hours.
- Scenic Route: Offers stunning views of the Hudson River, Manhattan, and New Jersey
- Busy Bridge: One of the busiest bridges in the world; expect heavy traffic during peak hours
- Iconic Structure: An iconic structure and a popular attraction for photographers and tourists
8. Manhattan Bridge Bike Path
A dedicated bike path on the Manhattan Bridge connecting Manhattan's Lower East Side to Brooklyn. It offers a unique commuting experience with great views but can be challenging due to its narrow lanes.
- Scenic Commute: Offers breathtaking views of the East River, Manhattan, and Brooklyn
- Narrow Lanes: The bike path can be narrow, making it challenging for larger groups or inexperienced cyclists
- Iconic Structure: Commuting across the Manhattan Bridge is a unique experience due to its historic and iconic design
9. Central Park Loop Drive
A scenic 6-mile loop drive within Central Park offering beautiful views of the park's landscapes and attractions. It can be congested with pedestrians and other vehicles but is a popular spot for sightseeing.
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of Central Park's landscapes, attractions, and iconic structures
- Congestion with Pedestrians: Shared roadway can be congested with pedestrians; exercise caution when driving
- Popular Sightseeing Spot: A popular spot for sightseeing and enjoying the beauty of Central Park
10. Midtown Tunnel
A below-water tunnel connecting Manhattan's East Side to Queens, providing a quicker alternative to the bridges. It can be congested during rush hours but is less congested than the Queensboro Bridge.
- Time Savings: Provides a quicker route compared to crossing the Queensboro Bridge or other Manhattan-Queens bridges
- Congestion During Peak Hours: Can become congested during peak travel times; adjust your schedule accordingly
- Below-Water Tunnel: Offers a unique experience as it's located beneath the East River, providing different views of Manhattan and Queens
11. Hudson Yards Pedestrian Bridge
A pedestrian bridge connecting Hudson Yards to the High Line, offering a convenient way to explore these popular attractions. It can be crowded during peak hours but provides breathtaking views of the city.
- Convenient Connection: Connects Hudson Yards and the High Line, making it easier to explore these popular attractions
- Crowded During Peak Hours: Can become crowded during peak hours; consider visiting during off-peak times for a more enjoyable experience
- Breathtaking Views: Offers stunning views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's West Side, and nearby attractions
12. Queensboro Bridge Bike Path
A dedicated bike path on the Queensboro Bridge connecting Manhattan's Upper East Side to Queens. It offers a challenging commute with great views but can be congested due to its narrow lanes.
- Scenic Commute: Offers breathtaking views of the East River, Manhattan, and Queens
- Narrow Lanes: The bike path can be narrow, making it challenging for larger groups or inexperienced cyclists
- Iconic Structure: Commuting across the Queensboro Bridge is a unique experience due to its historic and iconic design
13. Harry Truman Bridge (Queensboro Bridge)
A suspension bridge connecting Manhattan's Queensboro Bridge to Astoria in Queens. It offers a scenic route with great views but can be congested during rush hours.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the East River, Manhattan, and Queens
- Busy Bridge: One of the busiest bridges in New York City; expect heavy traffic during peak hours
- Iconic Structure: An iconic structure and a popular attraction for photographers and tourists
14. Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triborough Bridge)
A section of the Triborough Bridge connecting Manhattan to Randalls Island, offering a route to sports facilities and parks. It can be confusing to navigate but provides easy access to these destinations.
- Access to Sports Facilities: Offers easy access to sports facilities and parks on Randalls Island
- Complex Interchange: The interchange can be challenging to navigate; familiarize yourself with signs and road layouts
- Iconic Structure: An iconic structure and a popular attraction for photographers and tourists
15. Willis Avenue Bridge
A railroad bridge connecting Manhattan's East Side to the Bronx. It provides a scenic route with great views but is primarily used for freight trains and pedestrian walkways.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Harlem River, Manhattan, and the Bronx
- Primarily for Freight Trains: Primarily used for freight trains; pedestrian walkways are limited and must be accessed from specific locations
- Iconic Structure: An iconic structure and a popular attraction for photographers and tourists