Directions & Parking

Graduates taking the 1 Train

Use the resources below to plan your visit to Columbia during Commencement season. Public transportation is a great option to avoid traffic and make your trip smoother.

Traveling to Campus Locations

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. 

BEST OPTION: NYC subway

Take the 1 Train. The 1 Train runs every few 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 to 3 of Columbia’s campuses.

*Please note that not all subway stations are wheelchair accessible. Use this link to view the full list of accessible stations. 

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.

Commencement Shuttle Bus

During University Commencement, a free shuttle will circle the Morningside Campus and transport guests who need assistance to the designated disability access gate on Amsterdam Avenue. Event staff will be posted along Broadway to help request shuttle service. 

Due to the large crowd at Commencement, there can be a long wait for the shuttle. To avoid the wait, it is suggested that guests proceed directly to the designated disability access gates.

Ceremony Maps

Student Maps:

 

Guest Maps: 

 

Campus Maps

Morningside Campus Map: A map of the University's Morningside campus at 116th Street

Morningside Disability Access Map: A map to help those who are mobility impaired navigate Columbia’s historic Morningside campus

Medical Center Campus Map: A map of the University's Medical Center campus at 168th Street

Manhattanville Campus Map: A map of the Manhattanville campus, located between 125th Street and 133rd Street

Parking

Parking is extremely limited during Commencement season. We strongly encourage guests to use public transportation. If you choose to drive, please note that street parking is scarce and many streets near Columbia locations are restricted or closed during Commencement Week. Cars parked in restricted areas are at risk of being towed.

Guests requiring accessibility assistance may use designated gates. Learn more about Disability Services on Commencement Day.