So you’re in New York and you want to walk across the great Brooklyn Bridge? What a splendid idea and well, you’ve come to the right place! Back in 2019 I spent a morning exploring Brooklyn but I started the day off with a walk from Manhattan across to Brooklyn in search of DUMBO. The walk across the Brooklyn bridge was pretty mesmerising so I thought I’d share a few simple tips to help you along your walk.
In this post we’ll look at how to find the Brooklyn Bridge, where to start walking from, when should you go and what can you do in and around the bridge!
The Brooklyn Bridge connects two of the most famous NYC Boroughs – Manhattan and Brooklyn. The great part about the bridge is that you can walk across it, drive across it, bike across it and even just view it from multiple places around the city. It’s one of those must-see’s when visiting the Big Apple. Here is a simple guide to walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Fun facts about the Brooklyn Bridge
The bridge first opened to the public back in 1883.
More than 100,000 vehicles, 10,000 pedestrians, and 4,00 cyclists cross the bridge each day.
The Brooklyn Bridge is 1825 m long (5,989 ft.) stretching from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours and its free to walk.
The bridge holds six lanes of traffic and there’s no toll for vehicles crossing the bridge.
How do you get to the Brooklyn Bridge?
Great question! Well, this depends on where you’re coming from and whether you want to walk across the Bridge from Manhattan into Brooklyn or from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Both routes are great but most people recommend walking from Brooklyn into Manhattan because of the mesmerising skyline views.
From Manhattan into Brooklyn
I used Google Maps to guide me on all my adventures, provided Google is not blocked in the country I’m visiting. If you’re arriving by subway, you’ll need to do the following:
- Take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall Stop or the J or Z trains to Chambers St. Stop.
- The bridge will be right across the street from the subway station.
- You could also take the 2 or 3 train to Park Place, the N or R train to City Hall, or the A or C train to Fulton Street
From Brooklyn into Manhattan
If you’re starting from Brooklyn, you will most likely be using the subway to start your journey.
The Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway and Bicycle Lane begin at Tillary Street and Adams Street. You can easily find the entrance to the pedestrian walkway.
If you are arriving by subway, you can take the following. The stops will be within walking distance of the entrance to the walkway leading to the bridge:
- A, C or F to Jay Street/MetroTech Station
- N, R to Court Street Station
- 2/3 or 4/5 to Borough Hall Station
How much does it cost to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge?
Nothing. It is free to cross the Brooklyn Bridge (it doesn’t matter whether you’re walking or driving).
What should you wear when walking across the Brooklyn Bridge?
It can get pretty chilly up on the Brooklyn Bridge so be sure to take a jacket with you. Wear good walking shoes as well so you can have a pleasant and comfortable walk.
How long does it take to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge?
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge can take you anywhere from between 30 minutes to a full hour. This of course depends on your walking pace and how much you stop for pictures.
What is the best time to cross the Brooklyn Bridge?
The best part about walking the Brooklyn Bridge is that you can do it at any time of day or night. Access to the Brooklyn Bridge is available 24 hours a day and the view are spectacular both, during the day and at night. Depending on the time of day, you’ll have a different experience all together. Watch the sun rise (or set) for a totally romantic vibe or wander across at night and take in the sparkling skyline of lights.