Port Authority Bus Terminal: Hours, Address, Directions & Services 

The Port Authority Bus Terminal sits at 625 Eighth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects directly to 11 subway lines. It’s the world’s busiest bus terminal, handling roughly 200,000 travelers on an average weekday.

If you’ve never navigated the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT), the sheer size can catch you off guard. The building spans nearly two million square feet across multiple levels, serves dozens of bus carriers, and channels commuters, tourists, and long-distance travelers through the same busy corridors.

Quick reference: what to know before you arrive

What is the Port Authority Bus Terminal and why does it matter?

The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the main intercity and commuter bus hub for New York City, run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Opened on December 15, 1950, it’s the nation’s largest bus terminal and the world’s busiest by volume, with 223 departure gates serving roughly 200,000 people on an average weekday.

For travelers, that scale is both the appeal and the challenge. Nearly every regional and long-distance carrier funnels through one building, so you can transfer between operators, hop on the subway, or walk to Times Square within minutes. But with gates spread across multiple levels and dozens of carriers sharing the space, knowing the layout beforehand saves real time.

Where is the Port Authority Bus Terminal located?

The Port Authority Bus Terminal is located at 625 Eighth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, one block west of Times Square. It occupies the full blocks between Eighth and Ninth Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets. This puts it within walking distance of Times Square, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library.

The building is divided into a North Wing and a South Wing, a distinction that matters most for late-night travel and accessibility (more on that below). The main pedestrian entrances face Eighth Avenue.

What is the Port Authority Bus Terminal address?

The official address is 625 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018. Use this for rideshare drop-offs, GPS navigation, and mailing references. If you’re meeting someone or arranging a pickup, specify the wing and street entrance rather than just the address, since the building stretches across two full blocks and multiple entrances look similar.

What are the Port Authority Bus Terminal hours?

The terminal operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, between 1 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., the South Wing closes and all departures shift to the North Wing. During these hours, only ticketed passengers may enter, and everyone must use the North Wing entrance on Eighth Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets.

A few time-specific details worth noting:

• North Wing information booth: 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
• South Wing information booth: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Lost & Found pickup: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Because late-night gates can differ from daytime assignments, always check with your carrier if you’re departing between 1 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

How do I get directions to the Port Authority Bus Terminal?

The easiest way to reach the terminal is by subway to the 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal station, served by the A, C, and E trains. Underground passageways also connect to the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains, plus the shuttle to Grand Central. From most parts of Manhattan, the subway beats a taxi during peak traffic.

Here’s how to reach PABT from common starting points:

For JFK and LaGuardia, no direct buses currently run from PABT. You’ll transfer via the subway and AirTrain plan extra time, especially late at night or on weekends.

What does the terminal layout look like, and how do I find my gate?

The terminal is organized across several levels Subway Level, Main Level, Level 2, and upper floors with gates, ticketing, shops, and food distributed throughout both wings. Most ticket windows sit in the Main Ticket Plaza on the first floor of the South Wing, while Greyhound and Trailways have ticket areas on the North Wing’s subway level.

To find your gate quickly:

1. Confirm your gate using the MyTerminal app or a touchscreen information kiosk. Gate assignments can change, so check more than once.
2. Pick an anchor point when you enter an information desk or a major escalator bank so you can reset if you take a wrong turn.
3. Screenshot the official terminal map before arriving, since cell reception inside the building can be spotty.

A good rule of thumb: arrive about 60 minutes before boarding, and closer to 90 minutes on busy weekends and holidays.

Where do I buy a ticket, and which carriers operate here?

Ticketing depends on your carrier. Some sell at counters inside the terminal, some only online, and NJ Transit customers can use Ticket Vending Machines throughout the building.

There’s no single terminal-wide schedule each carrier sets its own departure times. Check your operator’s website or the MyTerminal app for real-time information, and sign up for delay alerts at PABTalerts.com.

What transportation and services are available at the terminal?

PABT connects directly to New York City’s transit network and offers the basics you’d expect from a major hub, though not everything. Here’s what you can count on:

• Subway: Direct underground access to 11 lines plus the Grand Central shuttle.
• Taxis: Hail on Eighth Avenue, between 41st and 42nd Streets.
• Rideshare: A designated pickup area is marked with signage follow it to the correct point.
• Parking: The LAZ garage closed permanently on December 21, 2025, for the replacement project. Plan to use transit or rideshare instead.
• Wi-Fi & charging: Free Wi-Fi for the first 30 minutes; MobileQube charging kiosks in both wings.
• Food & retail: Coffee shops, delis, bakeries, and convenience stores across multiple levels, with far more dining just outside in Midtown.

Note what’s missing: the terminal does not offer baggage storage or lockers. Your carrier may have limited storage, so ask before you rely on it.

What should first-time and late-night travelers know?

First-time visitors should plan arrival as part of the trip. Give yourself time to find your gate, use the restroom, and grab water before boarding restroom lines build at peak hours. Keep your ticket and directions saved offline in case reception drops.

For late-night arrivals or departures between 1 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., remember that only the North Wing is open and only ticketed passengers may enter. Stick to well-lit, high-traffic areas, keep bags close, and confirm your gate before heading there. The Port Authority Police maintain a visible presence throughout the terminal dial “50” from any Assistance Phone or call 800-828-7273 to report anything suspicious.

What accessibility services does the terminal offer?

The terminal provides free wheelchair escort service and staff assistance for travelers who need help navigating. Restaurants, restrooms, and retail are ADA accessible. Dial “54” from any in-house Assistance Phone or visit an information booth to request help.

A few specifics travelers often miss:

• Not all gates are accessible. Gates 50–56 and 200–234 are not wheelchair accessible. For wheelchair pickup at these gates, call (212) 564-8484.
• Subway access: Use the North Wing (between 41st and 42nd Streets) for fully accessible subway connections.
• Hearing Loop Technology is available in the Main Ticket Plaza for hearing-aid users on the “T” setting.
• ASL interpreting is being piloted through the Convo Now app via QR codes placed around the terminal.

Before you go: quick checklist

• Confirm your gate on the MyTerminal app then confirm again before departure.
• Screenshot the terminal map in case Wi-Fi and cell service drop.
• Arrive 60 minutes early (90 on holidays and weekends).
• Don’t count on parking or baggage storage neither is available at the terminal.
• Traveling between 1 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.? Enter through the North Wing on Eighth Avenue.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Port Authority Bus Terminal open 24 hours?
Yes. It operates 24/7, but the South Wing closes from 1 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. During those hours, only ticketed passengers may enter through the North Wing on Eighth Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets.

What subway lines stop at Port Authority Bus Terminal?
The A, C, and E trains stop at the 42nd Street–Port Authority station. Underground passageways also connect to the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains, plus the shuttle to Grand Central Terminal.

Is there parking at the Port Authority Bus Terminal?
No. The LAZ Parking garage closed permanently on December 21, 2025, for the terminal replacement project. Travelers should plan to use the subway, taxis, or rideshare instead.

Can I store luggage at the Port Authority Bus Terminal?
No. The Port Authority does not provide baggage storage or lockers. Some carriers offer limited storage, so check with your bus company directly before relying on it.

How early should I arrive at the Port Authority Bus Terminal?
Plan to arrive about 60 minutes before boarding on most days, and 90 minutes on busy weekends, holidays, or late evenings. This gives you time to confirm your gate, handle lines, and reach the right level.

Where do I catch a taxi at Port Authority Bus Terminal?
Taxis can be hailed on Eighth Avenue, between 41st and 42nd Streets. A designated rideshare pickup area is also available inside the terminal follow the posted signs to reach it.

Does the Port Authority Bus Terminal have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi, provided by Boingo Wireless, is available for the first 30 minutes. Wi-Fi customer service is available 24/7 at 800-880-4117. Performance can vary, so download tickets and directions in advance.

How do I get from Port Authority to the airports?
Coach USA runs buses to Newark (EWR). For JFK and LaGuardia, no direct buses run from PABT you’ll transfer via the subway and AirTrain. Allow extra time, especially late at night or on weekends.

Which bus companies operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal?
Carriers include NJ Transit, Greyhound, Peter Pan, Coach USA (Short Line, Suburban, Rockland), Adirondack and Martz Trailways, Megabus, and others. Ticketing locations vary; some carriers sell online only.

What do I do if I lose something at the terminal?
Call Lost & Found at (212) 502-2244/2245 with a description of the item and where you lost it. Items can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port Authority Bus Terminal Police Command, 625 Eighth Avenue.