By broomstick or magic flying car: How to get to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience opening this fall just 40 miles from NYC

Train & Cab Combo

1. Metro North from Grand Central

Located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal offers Metro North service which gives travelers some varied options. There is no direct train service so you will need to hop in a cab/rideshare from the train station. On average, the total journey from Grand Central to the experience is 75-90 minutes.

• One of the most comprehensive ways to get there is taking the Metro North Hudson line to Peekskill (~60 min) or Croton-Harmon (~55 min)  and then a 20-25 minute cab to FDR State Park. Secure your spot!

By Rideshare or Car

2. Car Directions

• You can also take a car/cab from Midtown, with the drive ranging between 60 and 80 minutes depending on traffic. One route is via NY-9A North, Saw Mill River Parkway North and Taconic State Parkway (this option has tolls).
• Or, to avoid the tolls (but might have more traffic), travel via the I-87 North and Taconic State Parkway.           

3. Rideshare 

One of the smoothest commutes to Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is by car. Even though the rideshare option is one of the more expensive, it could be the most convenient for groups. 

• In the Uber/Lyft app, type in “FDR State Park, 2957 Crompton Rd, Yorktown Heights.” If riding with an Uber/Lyft or other rideshare, it takes a little over an hour and can cost about $150 from Midtown.
• Leaving from 125th street in Harlem or Yankee Stadium in The Bronx can shave off commuting time by at least 20 minutes!

Weekend Getaway: Places To Stay 

Why not make a weekend trip out of  your adventure to Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest? There are a few cozy Inns and Bed and Breakfast properties a couple of miles away from the event. Some notable spots to lay your head after a magic-filled day include:

• Holiday Inn Express in Peekskill
• Hotel MTK, Mout Kisco
• The Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill
• Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast
• Le Petit Chateau Inn
• Roosevelt Inn of Hyde Park

All are less than a couple of miles from FDR State Park!

Whether you get there by car, train, or broomstick, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest is not to be missed! Snag tickets while you still can!