Upper West Side to Upper East Side: The Short Answer

Getting from the upper west side to upper east side means crossing Central Park, and there is no subway that does it directly. The usual choices are the M66, M72, M79 and M86 crosstown buses, a walk through the park, or a ride around it. Confirm routes and schedules with the MTA, since service changes.

The M79 Crosstown Bus on 79th Street Near the Museums

The M79 Select Bus Service runs along 79th Street between the Upper West Side near Riverside Drive and the Upper East Side near York Avenue. It passes the American Museum of Natural History area and crosses Central Park, ending near the East River. Confirm the route and stops before you ride.

The M86 Crosstown Bus on 86th Street Toward Gracie Mansion Area

The M86 follows 86th Street across the park and serves a busy corridor from the Upper West Side near Riverside Drive to the Upper East Side near Yorkville. It is a common choice for travelers staying on Columbus or Amsterdam Avenue who want the Guggenheim or Third Avenue. Confirm the route and stops.

The M72 Crosstown Bus on 72nd Street Near Strawberry Fields

The M72 runs along 72nd Street through the park near Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Terrace area, connecting the Upper West Side with the Upper East Side near the Frick Collection and the Lenox Hill hospital area. Confirm the route and any detours.

The M66 Crosstown Bus on 67th and 68th Streets

The M66 follows 66th Street through the park’s transverse road and serves the Lincoln Center area and the Upper East Side near Lenox Hill Hospital and Cornell. It is a practical link for Lincoln Center.

Walking Across Central Park Between the West and East Sides

Walking the park can be a pleasant way to cross, especially in daylight and good weather. A route along the 72nd Street transverse, the Bethesda Terrace area and the East Drive can take about thirty.

Subway Options Around Central Park Between 59th and 96th Streets

If you prefer the subway, there is no direct crosstown line through the park. One option is the 1, 2, 3 or B and C on the west side and the 4, 5, 6 or.

Choosing Between a Bus, a Walk or a Taxi by Destination

For museums, a crosstown bus near 79th or 86th Street is often the simplest choice. For Lincoln Center and the Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue blocks, the M66 or M72 may fit. For a scenic.

Hotels on the Upper West Side Versus the Upper East Side

Both sides offer quieter, residential-feeling bases compared with Midtown Manhattan. Examples to research include the Lowell and the Carlyle on the Upper East Side, and boutique options near Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side.

2026 Rates, 14.75% Tax and $3.50 Math for Your Stay

As planning estimates, budget stays run about $195 to $295, mid-range about $320 to $480 and luxury from $650 plus per night. Confirm with each hotel and the NYC Department of Finance, because rates, fees.

Insider Booking Tips

• Book flexible rates. Refundable options help if plans or prices change before arrival.
• Match bus to museum. Pick the M79 or M86 for museums and the M66 or M72 for Lincoln Center, then confirm stops.
• Ask about noise. Request a higher floor or quiet side in writing, since requests are not guaranteed.
• Compare totals. Add the 14.75% tax and $3.50 per night to every rate, plus any facility fee.
• Check the MTA first. Park events and weekend work can reroute buses, so confirm before you ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper West Side to Upper East Side Travel

Visitors ask which bus is best, whether they can walk the park and how long the trip takes. The answers below are general guidance and should be confirmed with the MTA.

Leave a buffer for events, weather and rush hour, and keep a backup route for timed tickets and reservations.

Is there a subway across Central Park?

No direct subway crosses the park, so most travelers use a crosstown bus or ride around. Confirm routes with the MTA.

How long does the crosstown bus take?

Often fifteen to twenty-five minutes, an estimate that depends on traffic, so allow extra time.

Is walking through the park a good option?

Common questions