Navigating to the 59th Street Bridge, officially known as the Queensboro Bridge, requires a bit of familiarity with New York City’s layout and traffic patterns. This iconic bridge connects Manhattan and Queens, serving as a vital artery for commuters and a scenic route for drivers and cyclists alike. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you reach the 59th Street Bridge from various starting points, whether you’re driving, taking public transportation, or cycling.
Driving Directions to the 59th Street Bridge
From Manhattan
Starting Point: Midtown Manhattan
- Head east on 57th Street or 59th Street.
- Both streets lead directly to the bridge’s entrance ramps.
- Follow signs for Queensboro Bridge (Eastbound) to cross into Queens.
- Head east on 57th Street or 59th Street.
From Lower Manhattan
- Take FDR Drive northbound.
- Exit at East 63rd Street and turn left.
- Continue to 2nd Avenue, then turn right.
- Follow 2nd Avenue southbound to the bridge entrance at 59th Street.
- Take FDR Drive northbound.
From Upper Manhattan
- Take East River Drive southbound.
- Exit at 96th Street and turn right.
- Follow 96th Street to 1st Avenue, then turn left.
- Continue on 1st Avenue southbound to the bridge entrance at 59th Street.
- Take East River Drive southbound.
From Queens
Starting Point: Long Island City
- Head west on Queens Plaza North or Northern Boulevard.
- Follow signs for Queensboro Bridge (Westbound) to cross into Manhattan.
- Head west on Queens Plaza North or Northern Boulevard.
From Astoria
- Take Astoria Boulevard west.
- Turn left onto 21st Street.
- Follow 21st Street to the bridge entrance.
- Take Astoria Boulevard west.
Public Transportation Options
Subway
From Manhattan
- Take the N, Q, or R trains to Lexington Avenue-59th Street Station.
- Walk east on 59th Street to the bridge entrance (approx. 5-7 minutes).
- Take the N, Q, or R trains to Lexington Avenue-59th Street Station.
From Queens
- Take the 7, N, or W trains to Queensboro Plaza Station.
- Walk west on Queens Plaza North to the bridge entrance (approx. 10 minutes).
- Take the 7, N, or W trains to Queensboro Plaza Station.
Bus
From Manhattan
- Take the M31 or M57 buses to 2nd Avenue and 59th Street.
- Walk east to the bridge entrance.
- Take the M31 or M57 buses to 2nd Avenue and 59th Street.
From Queens
- Take the Q60 bus to Queens Plaza North and 28th Street.
- Walk west to the bridge entrance.
- Take the Q60 bus to Queens Plaza North and 28th Street.
Cycling to the 59th Street Bridge
The Queensboro Bridge has dedicated bike lanes, making it a popular route for cyclists.
From Manhattan
Starting Point: Central Park
- Exit the park at East 60th Street.
- Head east on 60th Street to 2nd Avenue.
- Turn left on 2nd Avenue and follow it to the bridge’s bike ramp.
- Exit the park at East 60th Street.
From Midtown
- Use the 1st Avenue or 2nd Avenue bike lanes to reach the bridge entrance at 59th Street.
- Use the 1st Avenue or 2nd Avenue bike lanes to reach the bridge entrance at 59th Street.
From Queens
Starting Point: Long Island City
- Follow the Queensboro Bridge Greenway west to the bridge entrance.
- Follow the Queensboro Bridge Greenway west to the bridge entrance.
From Astoria
- Take Astoria Park bike paths to 21st Street, then follow it to the bridge.
- Take Astoria Park bike paths to 21st Street, then follow it to the bridge.
Key Tips for Crossing the Bridge
- Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM).
- Tolls: There are no tolls for crossing the Queensboro Bridge.
- Pedestrian Access: The bridge has sidewalks, but they are narrow and shared with cyclists. Use caution.
- Scenic Views: The bridge offers stunning views of the East River, Midtown Manhattan, and Queens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a toll to cross the 59th Street Bridge?
+No, the Queensboro Bridge does not charge a toll for vehicles or pedestrians.
Can I walk across the 59th Street Bridge?
+Yes, the bridge has sidewalks, but they are narrow and shared with cyclists. Use caution, especially during peak hours.
What are the best times to cross the bridge to avoid traffic?
+Avoid crossing during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Midday or late evening crossings are typically smoother.
Are there dedicated bike lanes on the 59th Street Bridge?
+Yes, the bridge has dedicated bike lanes, making it a popular route for cyclists.
How long does it take to walk across the bridge?
+Walking across the bridge takes approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on your pace.
Conclusion
The 59th Street Bridge is more than just a transportation link—it’s a symbol of New York City’s connectivity and resilience. Whether you’re driving, taking public transit, or cycling, reaching the bridge is straightforward with the right directions. Plan your route, avoid peak hours, and enjoy the breathtaking views as you cross this historic landmark.
