Holiday travel tips
- If you're traveling out of LaGuardia Airport, consider using the Q70 SBS LaGuardia Link, which will be free from Tuesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 28. The bus takes travelers from the airport to the at Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av/74 St-Broadway, as well as the at 61 St-Woodside, and the LIRR at Woodside.
- If you're traveling out of JFK or Newark Liberty International Airports, remember that you'll have to use AirTrain for the last leg of your trip. The AirTrain fare is separate from your MetroCard swipe, and typically costs about $7.75.
- Check out our Planned Service Changes before heading out to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your trip.
- To save time, pre-load your MetroCard or consider using OMNY, our contactless payment system, which is available in all subway stations and on board all buses. Learn more about how OMNY works.
- Off-peak fares remain in effect on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North. To save time, buy your round-trip commuter rail tickets ahead of time using the MTA eTix app.
- Masks are still required on board all subways, buses, and commuter rail, as well as inside stations. If you don't have a mask, you can ask a station agent for one. And remember: If you don't wear one, you may get a $50 fine.
Service changes
Subways
Thursday, November 25: Subways will operate on a Sunday schedule, while Staten Island Railway will operate on a Saturday schedule.
There will be additional service on the 42 St as well as increased early morning service.
Some subway station entrances and exits along the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route will be closed; see below for details.
Friday, November 26: Most subway lines, along with the Staten Island Railway, will operate on a regular weekday schedule. The will only operate between Jamaica-179 St and Kings Hwy and will be replaced by free shuttle buses between Kings Hwy and Coney Island.
Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, November 28: Subways will operate on a normal weekend schedule.
Buses
Thursday, November 25: Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Many buses in Manhattan may experience delays, and will be affected by reroutes, detours, and/or frozen zones, especially those routes operating in Midtown near the parade route. Plan a trip to see the latest schedules.
Friday, November 26: Buses will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, with exceptions on some express bus routes, as well as some routes in Queens and Staten Island.
A special schedule will be in effect for express bus routes run by the MTA Bus Company; see below for details. All other local, express, limited-stop, and Select Bus Service will run with minor adjustments in departure times.
Saturday, November 27, and Sunday, November 28: Buses will operate on a normal weekend schedule.
Long Island Rail Road
Wednesday, November 24: LIRR will operate 11 extra trains departing Penn Station between 12:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, November 25: LIRR will operate on a weekend schedule with with extra service before and after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Friday, November 26: LIRR will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Saturday, November 27, and Sunday, November 28: LIRR will operate on a regular weekend schedule.
In the interest of safety, alcohol will not be allowed on LIRR trains, stations or platforms starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24 through 5 a.m. Thursday, November 25. MTA Police will enforce this restriction.
Metro-North Railroad
Wednesday, November 24: Metro-North will operate its normal weekday schedule. There will be 10 additional early-getaway trains on the East of Hudson branches. There will also be getaway trains in the afternoon on the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines.
Thursday, November 25: Metro-North's East of Hudson service will operate on a special schedule, with extra trains before and after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. West of Hudson service will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule, with extra trains before and after the parade.
Friday, November 26: Metro-North will operate on an expanded Saturday schedule with additional inbound service in the morning and outbound service in the afternoon to accommodate the Friday workforce and Black Friday shoppers, as well as half-hourly service on the Harlem Line to/from North White Plains. West of Hudson, a Sunday schedule is in effect.
Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, November 28: Metro-North will operate its normal Saturday and Sunday schedules.
Road and subway entrance closures
Subway entrances and exits
Wednesday, November 24: Some entrances at the 72 St and 81 St stations will be closed between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. If you're attending the inflation, exit at the 72 St sta
Thursday, November 25: In order to prevent overcrowding on stairways and platforms, some subway entrances at 59 St-Columbus Circle will be closed.
Trains will bypass the 57 St and the 72 St stations from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition, select exits and entrances will be closed at Penn Station, and other stations along the Sixth Avenue line.
Bridges and tunnels
MTA Bridges and Tunnels will suspend temporary daytime lane closures related to routine maintenance and construction work beginning 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24, through the end of the morning rush on Monday, November 29.
Street closures
Buses will be re-routed as necessary.
The 79th Street Transverse will be closed from 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24, to noon on Thursday, November 25.
Getting to NYC-area airports on public transit
Get updates
We always recommend checking our real-time information before you leave on a trip. Use the MYmta smartphone app, or check our homepage.
You can also contact us in real time for help planning your trip. We’re reachable via phone, on Twitter and WhatsApp, through our TrainTime apps, and more.