The Manhattan bus terminal officially the Port Authority Bus Terminal (now branded the Midtown Bus Terminal) sits at 625 Eighth Avenue in Midtown, between 40th and 42nd Streets. It’s the largest bus terminal in the U.S. and the world’s busiest, serving roughly 260,000 passenger trips on a typical weekday.

Where is the Manhattan bus terminal located?

The Manhattan bus station occupies a full block in Midtown, at 625 Eighth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, bordered by Eighth and Ninth Avenues. It sits one block west of Times Square, making it one of the most centrally located transit hubs in New York City.

The building spans nearly 2 million square feet across multiple levels. Its central location means you’re within walking distance of Times Square, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library the moment you step outside.

What is the history of the Port Authority Bus Terminal Manhattan?

The Port Authority Bus Terminal Manhattan opened on December 15, 1950, after nearly two years of construction and a $24 million investment. It was built to consolidate eight scattered Midtown bus terminals into one hub, ending the congestion that plagued interstate bus traffic in the 1940s.

The facility grew alongside the region:

• 1963: Vertical expansion added three parking levels, creating space for about 1,000 cars completed with no interruption to daily service.
• 1966: More than 2.5 million buses and nearly 69 million passengers used the terminal, already operating beyond capacity.
• 1970: The two-mile Exclusive Bus Lane (XBL) opened on the New Jersey approach. Today it saves commuters an average of 15–20 minutes versus regular Route 495 lanes, and over 100 carriers use it.
• 1981: The north wing extended to 42nd Street, boosting capacity by 50% and adding 52 new loading platforms.

How is the Manhattan bus terminal New York laid out?

The Manhattan bus terminal New York is a multi-level building split into a South Wing and North Wing, with gates, ticketing, retail, and subway access spread across several floors. The Main Level holds the primary ticket plaza and most food options, while gates and services extend across lower and upper levels.

Because corridors look alike, pick one anchor point when you arrive a main information desk or a large escalator bank so you have a reliable reset spot if you take a wrong turn.

Which bus lines operate from the Port Authority bus terminal Manhattan?

The Port Authority bus terminal Manhattan hosts dozens of carriers covering commuter, intercity, and airport routes. NJ Transit runs the highest volume of commuter service, while Greyhound, Peter Pan, and Trailways brands handle long-distance travel across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, upstate New York, and beyond.

Buying tickets varies by carrier. Some sell at the Main Ticket Plaza; Megabus, C&J, and Fullington Trailways are online-only; and airport express services can be bought online or at their boarding locations. Newark Airport Express boards on 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, while NYC Airporter boards on 42nd Street between those same avenues. Always confirm your carrier’s current ticketing method before you travel.

How do I get to the bus terminal in Manhattan?

The bus terminal in Manhattan connects directly to the subway through underground passageways serving the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains, plus the shuttle to Grand Central. Taxis, rideshare, and nearby rail stations make it reachable from almost anywhere in the city.

Practical routes to the terminal:

• From Penn Station: Take an uptown A, C, or E train one stop to 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal.
• From Grand Central: Take the 7 train two stops, or the shuttle one stop, to Times Square–42nd Street, then walk.
• From an airport: Newark Airport Express and NYC Airporter drop off at the terminal; rideshare and taxi are alternatives.
• Taxis: Hail on Eighth Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets.
• Rideshare: Follow signs to the designated pickup area.

Important: LAZ Parking at the terminal permanently closed on December 21, 2025, for the redevelopment project. There is no parking at the terminal plan to arrive by transit, taxi, or rideshare.

What amenities are available at the Manhattan Port Authority bus terminal?

The Manhattan Port Authority bus terminal offers free 30-minute Wi-Fi (via Boingo), MobileQube charging kiosks, food and retail across multiple levels, ADA-accessible restrooms, and 24-hour Red Cap baggage assistance. The terminal operates 24/7 with dedicated police coverage throughout.

Food and drink: Starbucks, Dunkin’, Carlo’s Bakery, Zaro’s Family Bakery, Villa Italian Kitchen, Jamba Juice, Café Metro, and more.

Services to know:

• Wi-Fi: Free for 30 minutes (“_Free PABusTerminal WiFi”); support at 800-880-4117.
• Charging: MobileQube kiosks in the South Wing, North Wing, and Subway Level.
• Red Cap baggage help: 24 hours a day dial “55” from any house phone or call 212-502-2245.
• Baggage storage: Not available at the terminal.
• MyTerminal app: Real-time departure and gate information.

Accessibility is a genuine strength here. Free wheelchair escort service is available (dial “54” or visit an information booth). The Main Ticket Plaza has Hearing Loop technology for hearing-aid users, and the terminal pilots on-demand ASL interpreting through the Convo Now app via QR codes. One caution: gates 50–56 and 200–234 are not wheelchair accessible if your NJ Transit, Rockland Coach, or Lakeland route departs from these, call 212-564-8484 to arrange wheelchair pickup.

What should first-time visitors know before traveling?

First-time visitors should arrive about 60 minutes before departure (60–90 on holidays or weekends), confirm their gate more than once since assignments can change, and rely on the MyTerminal app or in-terminal kiosks for real-time information. Cell reception can be poor inside, so save tickets and maps offline.

A few scenarios worth planning for:

• Arriving with little time to spare? Head straight to your gate with your ticket ready, and skip the shopping.
• Making a transfer with luggage? Use Red Cap assistance and stick to main concourses rather than narrow side corridors.
• Traveling late at night? The terminal runs 24/7 with police patrols. Stay in well-lit, high-traffic areas and avoid isolated exits.

Keep a small amount of cash on hand in case a vendor is cash-only, and pull up your confirmation before entering the busiest areas.

What is happening with the new Midtown Bus Terminal?

The Port Authority is replacing the 75-year-old facility with a new, roughly $10 billion Midtown Bus Terminal. Plans include a 2.1-million-square-foot main terminal, a separate storage-and-staging building for up to 350 buses, new Lincoln Tunnel ramps, and more than 3 acres of public open space. Service continues throughout construction.

The project is designed for net-zero emissions and all-electric bus fleets, with the first phase estimated for completion around 2029. During construction, expect temporary changes which is one more reason to confirm gates and boarding locations before every trip.

Before you go: quick-reference checklist

• Address: 625 Eighth Avenue, between 40th and 42nd Streets
• Parking: None at the terminal (permanently closed)
• Arrive: ~60 minutes early; more on holidays
• Gate info: MyTerminal app or in-terminal kiosks check twice
• Tickets: Vary by carrier; some are online-only
• Bus routes/info: 212-564-8484
• Lost and found: 212-502-2245

Frequently asked questions

Is the Manhattan bus terminal the same as Port Authority?
Yes. The Port Authority Bus Terminal, now branded the Midtown Bus Terminal, is the main Manhattan bus terminal at 625 Eighth Avenue. All three names refer to the same facility in Midtown.

What time does the Port Authority Bus Terminal open?
The terminal operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individual carrier ticket counters and shops keep their own hours, so confirm those directly with your operator before traveling.

How early should I arrive at the Manhattan bus terminal?
Plan to arrive about 60 minutes before departure. On busy weekends, holidays, and late evenings, give yourself 60–90 minutes to confirm your gate, handle lines, and reach the correct level without rushing.

Is there parking at the Port Authority Bus Terminal?
No. LAZ Parking permanently closed on December 21, 2025, for the redevelopment project. Travelers should arrive by subway, taxi, or rideshare instead of driving.

Which subway lines serve the bus terminal in Manhattan?
Underground passageways connect to the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains, plus the shuttle to Grand Central Terminal making it one of the city’s most connected transit hubs.

Can I get to JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark from the terminal?
Yes. NYC Airporter serves JFK and LaGuardia (boarding on 42nd Street), and Newark Airport Express serves Newark (boarding on 41st Street), both between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.

Is the Manhattan Port Authority bus terminal safe at night?
The terminal runs 24/7 with dedicated, high-visibility police patrols. Most travelers pass through without issue. Stay in well-lit, busy areas, keep bags close, and avoid isolated exits late at night.

Does the terminal have luggage storage?
No. The Port Authority does not offer baggage storage at the terminal. However, Red Cap agents provide 24-hour baggage assistance dial “55” from any house phone or call 212-502-2245.

How do I find my gate at the bus station in Manhattan?
Use the MyTerminal app, check the touchscreen information kiosks, or ask a staff member. Gate assignments can change, so verify yours after you enter and again as departure approaches.

Is the terminal wheelchair accessible?
Mostly yes restrooms, retail, and most gates are ADA-accessible, and free wheelchair escort is available (dial “54”). Gates 50–56 and 200–234 are not wheelchair accessible; call 212-564-8484 to arrange assistance for routes departing from those gates.