Directions & Parking

Getting to campus during Commencement season can be challenging, so plan your travel to and from the Morningside campus accordingly. Consider public transportation and avoid traveling by car since there will be significant traffic congestion around campus. 

Getting to Campus

Travel like a New Yorker and use the subway. For most people, New York City's subway system will be the best way to get to and from Columbia University during Commencement season. To avoid the hassle of buying a subway card, you can tap to pay your fare at turnstiles using your contactless bank card or your smartphone’s digital wallet. 

BEST OPTION: NYC subway

  • Take the number 1 Train to 116th Street station. The Number 1 Train runs about every 4 minutes during the day and early evening hours and serves the entire length of Manhattan’s west side. It connects many key locations including Midtown, Penn Station, Times Square, Lower Manhattan, Upper West Side, West Harlem, and Washington Heights. Travel time from Midtown to Columbia’s Morningside Campus at 116th Street is approximately 20 minutes. 

*Please note that the 116th Street subway station is not wheelchair accessible; the nearest accessible subway station is 96th Street.

Using Google Maps, navigate to: 

  • Morningside Campus: Columbia University, 116th Street and Broadway, New York, NY
  • Medical Center Campus: Best to use an exact street address, but can use Columbia University Irving Medical Center for the general location
  • Manhattanville Campus: Best to use an exact street address, but can use 601 W 125th Street for the general location

Additional travel tips, apps, and maps:

  • Download an offline version of the NYC Subway map for Google Play or Apple. 
  • Download an offline map of the NYC area on Google Maps so you can search basic destinations while traveling between stops on the subway where there’s no cell signal or WiFi.
  • Download the Transit app for real-time transit information and arrival countdowns.
  • Columbia University campus maps

Columbia Shuttle Buses (for Columbia affiliates only):

  • Campus shuttles for students coming from CUIMC and Manhattanville campuses will be in operation on Commencement Day per their normal schedule. Visit Columbia Transportation for shuttle schedule information.

Parking

There is no on-campus parking available during Commencement season. Due to the large number of visitors to campus and the space limitations of many garages, allow ample time to find parking. A list of nearby garages is provided below. Please call ahead to confirm availability. (This list is intended for reference only and does not constitute a recommendation by the University). 

There is very limited parking available on the street. If you do find a spot on the street, take careful note of postings indicating parking restrictions. Many streets surrounding campus are blocked off and kept clear during Commencement Week. Cars parked in restricted areas are at risk of being towed.

If you are driving to campus with a guest requiring assistance, there are gates on Amsterdam Avenue designated for guests with disabilities, those with limited mobility, and the elderly. Learn more about Disability Services on Commencement Day.

    Nearby Parking Garages

    Below is a list of nearby parking garages. (This list is intended for reference only and does not constitute a recommendation by the University).

    125 St Waterfront LLC

    627 West 125th Street
    Between St. Claire’s Place and West 125th
    212-665-4929
    Open 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
    Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sat-Sun)

    Claremont Parking Corp.

    Riverside Church
    West 120th Street
    Between Claremont Avenue and Riverside Drive
    212-870-6736
    Open 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Mon–Fri)
    Open 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Sat-Sun)

    Manhattan Parking 110 LLC (small cars only)

    543 West 110th Street
    Between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
    212-222-7813
    Open 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Mon–Sun)

    MTP 3300 Broadway Corp

    3270 Broadway (Broadway & 131 Street)
    212- 280-7487
    Open 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
    Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sun)

    MTP 125th Waterfront LLC

    69th St. Clair Place (W 125th & Hudson River Greenway)
    212-665-4929
    Open 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
    Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sat–Sun)

    Quickpark (small cars only)

    808 Columbus Avenue
    Additional Entrance at the corner of West 97th Street
    212-866-2288
    Open 24/7

    Uni Facility Corp

    631 West 131 Street
    Between Broadway and 12th Avenue
    212-368-2579
    Open 9:00 a.m. –11:45 p.m. (Mon)
    Open 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. (Tues—Fri)
    Closed Sat—Sun

    West Side Parking (small cars only)

    234 West 108th Street
    Between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
    212-222-8800
    Open 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.