Getting to Coney Island
Coney Island is one of the easiest beaches in America to reach without a car: four subway lines end within sight of the sand.
| Line | From | Get off at |
|---|---|---|
| D | Midtown and the Bronx via Brooklyn | Coney Island–Stillwell Av |
| F | Queens, Midtown and Lower Manhattan | W 8 St–NY Aquarium or Coney Island–Stillwell Av |
| N | Astoria, Midtown and Lower Manhattan | Coney Island–Stillwell Av |
| Q | Upper East Side, Midtown and Brooklyn | W 8 St–NY Aquarium or Coney Island–Stillwell Av |
Allow about an hour from Midtown Manhattan. Service patterns change on weekends and during maintenance, so check the MTA’s service status before you ride.
Tips for Visiting
- Best time: June and September weekdays for good weather with smaller crowds.
- Arrive early on summer weekends for beach space and short ride lines.
- Bring: sunscreen, water, a towel, a small bag and a payment card or phone for the subway.
- Stay safe: swim only where lifeguards are on duty, watch belongings on the beach and keep track of kids in crowds.
- Off-season: the beach and boardwalk are open all year, even when most rides are closed.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay elsewhere in New York and come for the day. Compare hotels across the city on Rooms Cheap; staying in Brooklyn puts you closer. For flights into New York, see Airfares for Less, and consider travel insurance for a longer trip.
From the airports
From JFK, take the AirTrain to the subway and transfer toward Brooklyn; from LaGuardia, buses connect to the subway; from Newark, the AirTrain and a train to Penn Station put you on the subway system. Each route takes well over an hour, so most visitors check in to their hotel first and make Coney Island a day trip.
Accessibility
The boardwalk is wide and flat, with ramps down to the beach in several places. If you need step-free subway access, check the MTA’s accessible-station information before you travel, as elevator service can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which subway goes to Coney Island?
The D, F, N and Q trains all end at Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue. The F and Q also stop at West 8th Street–NY Aquarium, which is closest to the aquarium and the eastern end of the parks.
Can you drive to Coney Island?
Yes, via the Belt Parkway or Ocean Parkway, and there are parking lots near the ballpark and the parks. On hot summer weekends and event days traffic and parking are difficult, so the subway is usually faster.
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