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NYC Marathon Parking Guide 2025

The New York City Marathon is one of the world’s most prestigious races, drawing thousands of
runners and millions of spectators to the city’s five boroughs every fall. With the excitement of
race day comes increased traffic and road closures, but driving and parking in NYC can still be
manageable with the right planning.

Whether you’re participating in the race or a spectator cheering on loved ones, strategizing
your route and parking options in advance will help ensure a smooth experience. This guide
covers everything you need to know – including the marathon’s date, route, areas to avoid, and
the best parking options.

Key Details About the NYC Marathon

The NYC Marathon usually takes place on the first Sunday of November, with this year’s race
scheduled for November 2, 2025. The race then kicks off in waves, starting around 8:00 a.m. for
wheelchair athletes and 9:10 a.m. for the first wave of runners.

Spanning all five boroughs, the marathon course begins on Staten Island, crosses the
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, winds through Brooklyn and Queens, heads into Manhattan, loops
through the Bronx, with runners crossing the finish line in Central Park.

As one of the world’s largest marathons, the event sees over 55,000 runners, over 10,000
volunteers, and nearly two million spectators lining the streets. With major road closures and
heavy foot and vehicle traffic, it’s crucial to plan ahead – especially when it comes to parking and transportation.

NYC Marathon Road Closures

The NYC Marathon brings road closures and traffic restrictions across all five
boroughs, making driving in the city particularly challenging in the days leading up to, and day
of, the big race. However, with proper planning, you can tackle road closures with ease.

One of the biggest impacts is the full closure of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on race
morning. The upper level closes entirely the night before, with both levels remaining shut to all
traffic until early afternoon on race day. Drivers heading to or from Staten Island should use
alternative routes such as the Bayonne Bridge or Goethals Bridge instead to avoid delays.
Additionally, other key closures include – but are not limited to – the following:

  • FDR Drive: Typically closed intermittently on race day.
  • 5th Avenue: Usually closed from 142nd Street to 124th Street, including a multitude of cross streets.
  • First Avenue & Willis Avenue Bridge: There are heavy restrictions across this area when runners make their way from Manhattan to the Bronx.
  • Queensboro Bridge: All eastbound lanes, bicycle, and pedestrian paths are typically closed throughout the race.

Of course, beyond these major road closures, there are numerous local streets across Staten
Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx that will be gridlocked or inaccessible to
vehicles on race day. Anyone planning on driving on race day should plan ahead, and allow extra
travel time to avoid congestion.

Where to Park for the NYC Marathon

Finding parking on race day can be a challenge, but smart parking strategies can help you avoid
travel headaches. The best approach is to take steps to find a parking garage near key
locations if you want to be as close to the action as possible.

Best Parking Garages Near Key Locations

If you’re driving into and parking in Manhattan for marathon day, parking near the race route
can make it easier to reach key viewing spots.
Consider these conveniently located garages within walking distance of the action:

  • Dock Parking – 330 W 58th St: Just steps from Columbus Circle, this garage provides quick access to the marathon’s final miles.
  • GMC Park – 210 Central Park S: Located right by the park, this garage is ideal for those wanting to watch runners as they enter the home stretch of the race.

Street Parking Rules and Regulations

Street parking in NYC is heavily restricted before and on marathon day, with a multitude of
streets being shut down and temporary parking bans put in place. However, if you do want to
attempt to park on the street, check the NYC Department of Transportation website ahead of
race day for updated restrictions.

Car Rental Options for Out of State Travelers

If you’re traveling to NYC for the marathon and need a rental car, the most convenient options are at major airports and rental locations in the area:

Driving in NYC on marathon day can be a unique experience, and with the right planning, it can
be a smooth and convenient way to navigate the city. Renting a car gives you flexibility and
control over your schedule – allowing you to arrive early, park in a strategic location, and avoid
the crowds. While some roads will be closed, planning your route ahead of time and using
alternative streets will help you avoid delays and enjoy the event stress-free.

Final Tips for a Smooth NYC Marathon Day

Navigating New York City on marathon day requires careful planning – arrive early and expect
heavy traffic and road closures throughout the five boroughs. If driving, always have a backup
parking option as garages tend to fill up quickly.

Explore our marathon checklist to make sure you have everything you need for race day.

Whether you’re arriving from out-of-state or need a reliable ride to get around, SIXT rental cars
offer convenient locations across NYC and major airports so you can focus on enjoying the
excitement of the marathon weekend!