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How to Get to One World Observatory

One World Observatory is perched on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center in Downtown Manhattan. 

Address:  285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007. Get Directions. 

The entrance to One World Observatory is located at the corner of West and Vesey Streets in Lower Manhattan. 

Since One World Observatory is located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, it is easy to reach by public transport. 

This article shares all the information on how to get to One World Observatory. 

By Subway

Subway
Image: Wikipedia.org

The Subway is the fastest way to reach One World Observatory. 

The World Trade Center Station is the closest option and a two-minute walk from the venue. 

It is connected by subway line E. 

Multiple subway stations near the World Trade Center enable visitors to travel from anywhere in NYC. 

Visitors traveling from West Side, 8th Avenue/Columbus Circle/Port Authority Bus Terminal or Penn Station can take line E to the World Trade Center or A or C to the Chambers Street Station. 

If you are visiting from West Side/7th Avenue, Times Square/Penn Station, then take line 1 to WTC Cortlandt or 2 and 3 to Fulton Station. 

Guests from West Side, Times Square/Broadway/Herald Square must take subway lines R or W to reach Cortlandt Station. 

All East Side and Grand Central Station visitors can take line 4 or 5 and get off at Fulton Station. 

We recommend you refer to the NYC MTA subway map to plan your subway routes. 

By Bus

Bus
Image: Alexjarz.com
  • Closest Stop: Vessy Street Station 
  • Bus Line: M20 and M55
  • Cost: $2 

Buses are the cheapest way to reach One World Observatory. 

Visitors from West Side, 7th Avenue, Columbus Circle, Times Square and Penn Station must take bus M20 to reach the Vessy Street/North End Avenue Stop. 

The One World Observatory is a two-minute walk from here. 

Visitors from the 5th Avenue, New York Public Library at Flatiron should opt for M55 and get off at Broadway or Cortlandt Station. 

By Tour Bus

Tour bus
Image: Wdstock from Getty images Signature (Canva)

Taking a hop-on hop-off tourist bus is a convenient way for visitors to get to One World Observatory. 

Many major bus tour operators, such as CitySightseeing, Big Bus Tours, and Gray Line, have stops right next to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. 

Simply hop off at the “World Trade Center” or “Ground Zero” stop. 

The buses make frequent loops around Lower Manhattan, so you can reboard after visiting the observatory.

Most tours provide audio commentary about the World Trade Center site and its significance as you approach the stop. 

The tour guides will also instruct where to enter for One World Observatory tickets. Some tours even include the admission price in their packages.

 Just be aware that lines can get quite long, so it’s wise to arrive early or reserve your entrance time in advance if taking a bus tour.

By Car

To reach One World Observatory by car, drive towards Lower Manhattan and navigate to 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007. 

There are several parking options available nearby, including the One World Trade Center Parking Garage.

You can park your vehicle conveniently and proceed to the observatory entrance.

By Cab or Uber

Car or cab
Image: Wikipedia.org

One of the most convenient options is to take a taxi or rideshare, such as Uber/Lyft. 

There is a designated drop-off/pick-up area for taxis and rideshares on Vesey Street, right next to the main entrance of One World Trade Center. 

Simply provide your driver with the address “285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007”. 

From Midtown Manhattan, the cab ride usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Bike

public bikes
Image: Wikipedia.org

Cycling is an easy way to reach One World Observatory. 

Multiple NYC Citibike stations are located close by, including ones on Liberty Street, Albany Street, and Greenwich Street.

After renting a Citibike, follow the dedicated bike lanes north along the West Side Greenway until you reach the One World Trade Center area. 

Lock up your bike at any available rack and head towards the main entrance on Vesey Street.

By Walking

Tribeca
Image: Wikipedia.org

To reach One World Observatory by foot, start at Battery Park and head north along West Street.

Pass the historic Battery Maritime Building and the Museum of Jewish Heritage. 

Continue along West Street until you reach Vesey Street, where you’ll turn left. 

Follow Vesey Street until you reach West Street again, then turn right. 

From there, you’ll see the iconic One World Trade Center building. 

Walk towards it, and you’ll find the entrance to the observatory on the West Street side. 

The walking distance from Battery Park to One World Observatory is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km), which takes around 30 minutes.

Other major attractions within walking distance include the Oculus Transportation Hub (0.2 miles), Wall Street (0.5 miles), and Brooklyn Bridge (0.9 miles).

FAQs About Getting to One World Observatory

Where was the World Trade Center located?

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey built the complex near the Hudson River in the southwestern tip of Manhattan. 

It was built as a central facility for businesses and government agencies involved in international trade.

What subway goes to One World Observatory?

The following Subway lines stop near One World Observatory: 1, 4, E, R and W.

Where do you enter One World Observatory?

The Observatory’s entrance is on West Plaza, located alongside West Street at the Northwest corner of the World Trade Center site and bordered to the north by Vesey Street.

How to get to the World Trade Center Observatory?

The World Trade Center station on the E line is the nearest stop. 

The Rector Street Station on Line 1, the Park Place Station on Lines 2 and 3, and the Cortland Street Station on Line R all provide One World Trade Center access.

What is the closest subway to One World Trade Center?

The World Trade Center Station is the closest option and a two-minute walk from the venue. 

It is connected by subway line E. 

Featured Image: Medium.com

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