Getting around Midtown: subways, walking and taxis from the hotel
From Thompson Central Park New York (119 West 56th Street) you can reach Midtown sights mostly on foot or by subway — the 57th Street station is the closest stop — while taxis and rideshares are easy to call from the hotel for destinations not convenient by transit. The hotel’s 24-hour front desk and concierge can arrange taxis, help plan subway routes, and advise on walking routes to Central Park, Carnegie Hall and MoMA.
In this guide
Where you are: hotel location and quick walking routes
Thompson Central Park New York sits on West 56th Street on the southern edge of Central Park and is on the same block as Carnegie Hall. Many Midtown landmarks are an easy walk from the front entrance.
Walking from the hotel gets you to Central Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, Broadway theaters and the Museum of Modern Art without needing local transport for those short trips. Ask the concierge for preferred walking routes if you have mobility or luggage considerations.
- Central Park — about two blocks from the hotel
- Carnegie Hall — on the same block as the hotel
- MoMA and Fifth Avenue shopping — a short walk (MoMA under 500 m per listings)
| Landmark | Typical route |
|---|---|
| Central Park | Walk north on 56th St or via nearby park entrances |
| Carnegie Hall | Exit the hotel and cross the block — venue is adjacent |
| MoMA | Walk south toward 53rd St and Fifth Ave |
Subways: nearest stations and how to use them
Several subway stops serve Midtown near the hotel; the nearest named stop in listings is 57th Street (about 0.16 km). The subway is often the fastest way across Manhattan and to other boroughs during busy hours.
Buy a MetroCard or use contactless payment at turnstiles; check the MTA site or apps for real-time service changes and planned work before you travel.
- Nearest station noted in listings: 57th Street (short walk from the hotel).
- Use the MTA website or official apps for line maps, service alerts and fare info.
- If you’re traveling to Grand Central, it’s a walkable option from the hotel per local listings.
| Common destination | Suggested subway option (check live MTA info) |
|---|---|
| Upper Manhattan/Central Park North | Local lines via transfers depending on route |
| Brooklyn or Queens | Cross-borough lines from Midtown stations (transfer as needed) |
| Grand Central | Short walk or one-stop subway depending on line |
Walking Midtown: what’s realistic on foot
Midtown Manhattan is compact; many key attractions are within a 5–15 minute walk from the hotel, including theatres, shops and restaurants. Walking is often quicker than surface vehicles during peak hours.
Wear comfortable shoes, plan for crowded sidewalks near major venues, and use crosswalks and pedestrian signals — the concierge can point out quieter streets if you prefer them.
- Short strolls: Carnegie Hall and nearby restaurants
- 5–15 minute walks: MoMA, Rockefeller Center/Top of the Rock (via Fifth or Sixth Ave)
- Longer walks: Times Square is roughly half a mile away per listings
| Type of outing | Walking advice |
|---|---|
| Park visit (Central Park) | Use the closest park entrances; paths lead to lakes and attractions |
| Shopping on Fifth Avenue | Stick to main avenues for clearer pedestrian routing |
| Theatre district | Expect busier sidewalks at performance times |
Taxis, rideshares and concierge service
The hotel’s 24-hour front desk and concierge can call taxis or help with rideshare apps. Taxis and rideshares are convenient for door-to-door trips, luggage handling, or where subway service would require multiple transfers.
When you need a cab from LaGuardia, some sources list an approximate taxi fare (example: about $40 from LaGuardia to the hotel); the concierge can confirm current estimates and arrange service.
- Ask the front desk to call a yellow cab for quicker curb pickup
- Use rideshare apps if you prefer cashless payment and fixed fares
- For airport trips, confirm the best pickup location with the concierge
| Typical request | How the hotel helps |
|---|---|
| Immediate taxi pickup | Front desk calls a cab to the curb |
| Rideshare request | Concierge can advise on pickup spots and traffic patterns |
| Airport fare estimate | Concierge provides current estimates (hotel does not operate its own airport shuttles) |
Getting to and from the airports
The hotel does not provide its own airport transfer service. All three New York area airports are commonly used for arrivals and departures to Midtown, and each has multiple public-transit or for-hire options into the city.
For taxis, one listing notes an approximate taxi fare from LaGuardia Airport to the hotel of about $40; fares and availability vary. If you prefer public transit, check the airports’ and MTA’s official pages for current routes and schedules.
- LaGuardia (LGA) — common local choice; taxi fare estimates available from listings
- JFK and Newark — also used; compare transit, train and car-service options
- Hotel does not run an airport shuttle; the concierge can advise and help book transfers
| Airport | Notes |
|---|---|
| LaGuardia (LGA) | Nearest of the three major NYC airports by distance; taxi fare estimates listed by travel sources |
| JFK | Major international gateway — multiple transit and for-hire options |
| Newark (EWR) | Accessible via train and for-hire services; compare options |
Hotel services that make getting around easier
The front desk is open 24 hours and the concierge can book taxis, suggest subway routes, order luggage assistance and store bags if you’re arriving early or departing late. Upper Stories guests have separate check-in and a 3rd-floor lounge, which the hotel lists as part of the paid upgrade benefits.
The hotel’s destination-fee inclusions listed in third-party sources mention concierge business services, local discounts and limited bike rental time; ask the concierge at check-in what’s included with your booking so you can plan excursions accordingly.
- 24-hour front desk and concierge for transport and route planning
- Valet parking is offered on-site (no self-parking on property) — mention only if you arrive by private car
- Destination-fee perks in some listings include one hour of bike rental and certain local discounts
| Service | How it helps you get around |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Route planning, reservations and booking taxis/experiences |
| Luggage storage | Leaves hands free to explore on arrival or departure day |
| Upper Stories benefits | Private check-in and a lounge (paid upgrade); ask for specifics at booking |
