The Brooklyn Bridge is the connecting medium between two of the most popular NYC boroughs – Brooklyn and Manhattan. You can bike it, drive it and even walk it for that wonderful experience. Simply admiring the stunning bridge from the various vantage points in NYC is a beautiful feeling. No matter how you do it but seeing the Brooklyn Bridge is a must while exploring Brooklyn in NYC.
The masterpiece is not just alluring to the tourist reaching there from far off lands but the locals, the New Yorker are still fascinated and charmed by the Brooklyn Bridge. There is a dedicated pathway for pedestrians on the bridge right above the car traffic – it will be an amazing stroll by the bridge but first you need to know how to get there and from which direction to start the walk.
We have all these answers brought together on how to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in this effective guide. Give it a read.
How to reach Brooklyn Bridge?
This depends which side you would choose to walk across the bridge – from Brooklyn to Manhattan or Manhattan to Brooklyn. Undoubtedly both are spectacular but on starting from Brooklyn, you will get an awe-striking skyline view.
Starting from Manhattan is also not a bad idea – walk halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge and return.
Is it worth walking over Brooklyn Bridge? Of course, it is! You will realize this once you have a look at the gorgeous bridge.
Beginning from Manhattan Side
If you are arriving at the bridge by foot, ensure having a map of the Manhattan entrance to Brooklyn Bridge to get the right directions to the walkway.
Arriving by subway
- Board the 4, 5, or 6 number trains to City Hall/Brooklyn stop or instead take the J or Z trains heading to Chambers St. stop.
- You will find the bridge right across the subway at the street. Having a map will help you be accurate.
- As an alternative, you can also board A or C train for Fulton Street, 2 or 3 trains heading to Park Palace or N or R to City Hall. (Find these areas on your map)
Note: Confiding to the side you are reaching the Manhattan Entrance, you may require crossing a couple of streets to reach the entrance point of the bridge. Don’t panic and keep following the crowd moving towards the Brooklyn Bridge.
Starting from Brooklyn Side
When you decide to start your journey to Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn, you will be likely to use the Subway. Despite being in Brooklyn, it is important to have a detailed map handy to find the accurate directions to the entrance from your starting point.
The Brooklyn Bridge Bicycle Lane and Pedestrian Walkway starts at Adams Street and Tillary Street. It is quite easy to reach the entrance to the bridge’s pedestrian walkway but there are busy intersections and regular road construction work in the area. Be prepared for that.
Based on the route you take, there’s a shorter alternative which we will be discussing further. However, check out the route to the Brooklyn Bridge entrance from Brooklyn by subway.
Arriving by subway
- Take A, F or C trains to Metro Tech Station or Jay Street.
- Board N or R trains to reach Court Street Station.
- The 2/3 or 4/5 trains will take you to the Borough Hall Station.
- Mark these locations on the map before starting the journey to Brooklyn Bridge.
Short-Cut from A or C High Street Station
The above walks are a bit longer before actually reaching the bridge. So, if you want to make the walk a little shorter, take this short-cut route to reach the bridge faster.
- Board the A or C trains to High Street Station
- Make sure to exit from the ‘High Street exit’ gate. The other gates will take you to the wrong place.
- As soon as you exit, you will see a large park right across the street. Cross the street and get into the park. You will find a curved and paved pathway through which you will see people going and coming in both the directions.
- Get onto this walkway through the park (not safe in the middle of the night).
- The walkway will soon connect you to Washington Street, walk until you see an underpass. On the left side of the street is a set of stairs connected to the bridge (it is actually built in the bridge). At first you may not find it, but it’s there!
- You can also get a city map of the area for help.
Note: On reaching the stairs, take left to the pedestrian lane. While you cross, watch the bikers as they ride too fast.
What is the perfect time to walk Brooklyn Bridge?
We know you must be curious to know how long is the Brooklyn Bridge and in what time one can cross the bridge. Well, it is almost 1.3 miles (2.04kms) long and a busy commuter going to work takes around 25 minutes to cross the bridge. You can take your time alluring the sights around and reach the other end in around 30-45 minutes.
Coming back to the point, Brooklyn Bridge is accessible 24 hours a day but sunset is the perfect time to walk across the bridge. By planning your walk likewise, you will be able to allure the views of Brooklyn, Manhattan and also the stunning Statue of Liberty while there’s still some daylight. Later, watch the city turning into an electric wonder as night sets in.
Are you thinking if Brooklyn Bridge is safe at night? Well, it is completely safe to walk across the bridge during this time unless you take the shortcut through the park walkway to reach the entrance of the bridge. No matter during which time you plan your walk, remember carrying a sweater or jacket with you as it gets very chilly up there, especially in spring, fall and winter.
Note: Knowing the walk distance of the Brooklyn Bridge, have more than an hour in hand while traveling with kids. Take a few extra breaks to click pictures giving them some time to rest.
If you are up with the plan of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, reach New York City by booking cheap flight tickets at Indian Eagle and get started with the amazing journey.
