New York Knicks

New York Knicks Travel Guide: Madison Square Garden

How to Get There

• Flying In: You have three major airport options for NYC. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are the primary choices in Queens. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey is also very convenient via train connections straight to Penn Station.

• Airport Transit: Avoid taxis or rideshares during peak hours—NYC traffic will turn a 15-mile drive into a two-hour standstill. From JFK, take the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) straight into Penn Station underneath Madison Square Garden (MSG). From EWR, take the NJ Transit train directly to Penn Station. From LGA, a quick Uber/Lyft or the M60-SBS bus to the subway is your best option.

Where to Stay

Madison Square Garden sits directly on top of Penn Station between 31st and 33rd Streets along 7th and 8th Avenues. Staying in Midtown West, Chelsea, or NoMad places you within a short walk of the arena, Herald Square, and endless dining.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

• Moxy NYC Times Square: Located just three blocks north of MSG, this trendy, compact hotel offers smartly designed rooms and a popular rooftop lounge (Bar Moxy). It is a highly walkable base camp that typically runs between 35,000 to 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea: Situated just two blocks south of the arena on 30th Street, this reliable hotel keeps you out of the intense Times Square crowds while offering an effortless walk to tip-off. Redemptions usually range from 35,000 to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Higher-End Options

• Pendry Manhattan West: Located just two blocks west of MSG in the pristine Manhattan West development, this luxury boutique hotel offers understated elegance, incredible design, and world-class dining at Zou Zou's. It puts you steps from both the arena and the High Line.

• The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad: For the ultimate luxury weekend, this 50-story tower sits just a short walk southeast of the Garden. It features panoramic views of Manhattan, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining by Chef José Andrés. Expect redemptions to hover around 80,000 to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Nearby Activities

• The High Line: Walk two blocks west to Hudson Yards and hop on this elevated 1.45-mile linear park built on a historic freight rail line. It offers stunning city views, public art, and leads straight down into the Meatpacking District.

• Herald Square & Koreatown: Walk one block east from MSG to Macy's Herald Square, or head down 32nd Street into Koreatown (K-Town) for incredible 24/7 Korean BBQ, karaoke, and late-night bakeries.

Pregame Food and Drink

• Stout NYC (Flagship 33rd St): Located just half a block from MSG, this massive three-story sports bar is an absolute institution for Knicks fans. It features dozens of taps, plenty of screens, and gets packed wall-to-wall with jerseys before every game.

• Tracks Raw Bar & Grill: Situated nearby on 31st Street, this legendary oyster bar and pub (formerly tucked inside Penn Station) is a classic pregame watering hole for commuter fans and die-hards alike.

• Manhattan West Plaza: Located just two blocks west of MSG, this open-air plaza features upscale pregame spots like Ci Siamo (incredible Italian), Daily Provisions for a quick bite, and Scene Lounge for pre-event cocktails.

Getting to the Event

• Penn Station (Direct Access): MSG literally sits directly above Penn Station. If you are taking the LIRR, NJ Transit, Amtrak, or the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines, you exit the train platform, follow the signage upstairs, and walk straight into the arena entrances without stepping outside.

• Walking: If you are staying in Midtown, Chelsea, or NoMad, walking is the absolute best way to reach the arena. The surrounding avenues are wide, highly populated, and well-lit on game nights.

• Driving: Driving to Madison Square Garden is strongly discouraged. Midtown gridlock is severe, and parking in surrounding garages easily exceeds $60–$100 per game. Utilize public transit or walk.

Where to Sit at Madison Square Garden

• The Knicks Bench: The home team sits in front of Section 117.

• Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Section 115, which sits directly behind the visitor's bench.

• The Premium Club Experience: The Delta Sky360 Club (Sections 107-109 and 115-117) offers prime lower-bowl seating alongside access to an exclusive event-level lounge with chef-curated buffets, private bars, and views of the players walking to and from the locker rooms.

• The Chase Bridges: Suspended directly from the ceiling high above the arena floor, the Chase Bridges (Sections 310-316 and 324-328) offer one of the most unique bird's-eye vantage points in all of professional sports.

• The Sweet Spot: To get great lower-bowl energy without the steep center-court price tag, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 105, 109, 113, or 121.

• The Budget Seats: The 200-level (upper bowl) provides the classic MSG atmosphere. Knicks fans in the upper deck are famously loud and knowledgeable. For the best balance of price and center-court view, target the lower rows (1–6) of Sections 210–212 or 223–225.