Quick Overview

Address: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024.
Main Entrance: Central Park West at 79th Street, across from Central Park.
Alternate Entrances: 81st Street / Theodore Roosevelt Park or via the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
Nearest Subway: 81st St–Museum of Natural History (B/C lines).

Best First-Time Route

Take the B or C train to 81st Street–Museum of Natural History. Exit near the museum’s front plaza on Central Park West — signs guide you directly to the entrance.

From Times Square or Midtown

Board the C train (Uptown direction) from 42nd St–Port Authority or 59th St–Columbus Circle. Get off at 81st Street; the ride takes around 10 minutes.

General Admission CityPASS® + AMNH

Option 1 — By Subway (Fastest for Most Visitors)

  • B or C Train: Stop at 81st St–Museum of Natural History. The station exits directly beside the museum.
  • 1 Train: Stop at 79th St and Broadway, then walk two avenues east (10 minutes) to Central Park West.
  • 2 or 3 Train: Transfer to B or C at 59th St–Columbus Circle for one stop uptown.

Subway Tips

Use contactless OMNY or MetroCard to tap in. Weekend schedules may vary—check the MTA site or Google Maps before you travel.

Option 2 — By Bus or Walking

Reaching AMNH by bus is scenic and easy, especially if you’re already on the Upper West Side or near Central Park.

  • M79 Crosstown: Runs along 79th Street and stops right in front of the museum on Central Park West.
  • M10 Bus: Travels up and down Central Park West—get off at 81st Street stop.
  • Walking: From Columbus Circle, stroll along Central Park West (20–25 min) while enjoying park views.

Best Walking Approach

Enter via the wide plaza on Central Park West at 79th Street for the most iconic view of the museum façade.

Option 3 — From NYC Airports

JFK Airport

Take AirTrain JFK → A Train to 59th St–Columbus Circle, then transfer to C train to 81st Street. Total travel time: ~1 hour.

LaGuardia (LGA)

Ride the Q70 SBS to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave, then B or C train to 81st Street. Expect ~50–60 minutes.

Newark (EWR)

Take NJ Transit to Penn Station → C train Uptown to 81st Street. Approximate journey: 60–70 minutes.

Taxi or Rideshare

Ask for drop-off at Central Park West & 79th St or the Rose Center entrance (81st St side).

Luggage & Timing

Large bags are not allowed in exhibits; use coat-check facilities. Arrive 15 minutes early for ticket scanning and security.

Option 4 — Driving & Parking

Parking in Manhattan can be limited but AMNH provides an on-site garage accessible from 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Ave.

  • Garage Hours: Typically open 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; hourly rates apply.
  • EV Charging: Limited availability — check ahead if needed.
  • Alternative Lots: Nearby garages on Columbus Ave between 77th–82nd Streets.

Driving Tip

Traffic is heaviest around 3–6 PM. Consider public transport if visiting during rush hours or weekends.

Accessibility & Visitor Tips

Accessibility

AMNH is fully ADA-compliant with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchair loans available at entrances.

Visitor Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. The subway is the fastest and most reliable way to arrive.

Plan Your AMNH Visit Today

Take the subway to 81st St–Museum of Natural History or stroll through Central Park West. Book tickets online for quick entry and free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.

See All AMNH Tickets & Tours