Merchants’ Gate / Columbus Circle· Start here
Best all-purpose first visit from Midtown and Columbus Circle transit.
Central Park West at West 59th Street, New York, NY · Closest for Sheep Meadow, the Pond, Wollman Rink, the Mall and Bethesda Terrace; expect crowds, pedicab touts and tour groups.
Doris C. Freedman Plaza / Grand Army Plaza
Visitors approaching from Fifth Avenue, the Plaza Hotel, the zoo or nearby museums; Iconic Views tour guests.
East 60th Street and Fifth Avenue, New York, NY · Official meeting point for the Iconic Views of Central Park Tour.
West 69th Street entrance
Visitors wanting a quieter south-west approach to Sheep Meadow and the Mall.
Central Park West at West 69th Street, New York, NY · Useful for the Conservancy Film Festival site when that event is running.
West 72nd Street / Women’s Gate
Visitors heading to Strawberry Fields, the Imagine mosaic, Cherry Hill and Bow Bridge; Heart of the Park tour guests.
Central Park West at West 72nd Street, New York, NY · Meeting point for the accessible Heart of the Park Tour.
East 72nd Street entrance
Visitors arriving from the Upper East Side or pairing the park with the Met.
Fifth Avenue at East 72nd Street, New York, NY · Good approach for the Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Alice in Wonderland and Conservatory Water.
Mariners’ Gate
Visitors to Seneca Village and the Great Lawn’s west side; Harlem Wellness: Seneca Village tour guests.
West 85th Street and Central Park West, New York, NY · Official Seneca Village tour meeting point.
Metro
A, B, C, D, or 1 · 59 St–Columbus Circle
5 min walk
Best all-purpose south-end arrival; walk to Merchants’ Gate for Sheep Meadow, the Mall and Bethesda Terrace.
Metro
N, R, or W · 5 Av/59 St
5 min walk
Walk to Grand Army Plaza/Doris C. Freedman Plaza for the Pond, zoo and Fifth Avenue side.
Metro
B or C · 72 St
2 min walk
Use the West 72nd Street entrance for Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge and the park’s west-side heart.
Metro
2 or 3 · Central Park North–110 St
Walk to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center for Harlem Meer, North Woods and the north end.
Step 1
Enter through any open perimeter path
There are no admission gates or tickets for the park itself; public access is daily from 6:00am to 1:00am.
Step 2
Proceed directly into the park
There is no routine security screening, queue, ID check, bag inspection or ticket scan for public entry.
Step 3
If joining a Conservancy tour, go to its stated meeting point
Arrive 15 minutes early with your booking confirmation; late arrivals may be unable to join.
Fine
Not allowed
No public luggage cloakroom or bag check is published. Do not bring bulky luggage or leave belongings unattended.
Source: centralparknyc.org
Selected paved corridors, including the Drive and much of the south end, Mall and major crossings, can work for wheelchairs and strollers. The Ramble, North Woods and some historic paths have stairs, steep grades, cobbles and uneven ground. Use the Conservancy accessibility map for a route suited to current conditions. The Heart of the Park Tour is the official mobility-friendly tour and is suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers; request hearing loops at least 24 hours ahead.
Source: assets.centralparknyc.org