Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and New Yorkers definitely have places to be and plates to fill!
With a bustling holiday weekend on the way, the city’s transit systems are due for some changes.
But no need to worry, we’ve got your ultimate, up-to-date guide to getting around smoothly. You handle the turkey and the people you love, and we’ll help you get wherever you’re going with ease.
🚇 Subways and buses
On Wednesday, November 26, all services will run on a regular weekday schedule.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, subways and buses will follow a Sunday schedule, while the Staten Island Railway will operate on a Saturday schedule.
On Friday, November 28, subways and the Staten Island Railway return to a regular weekday schedule, with most buses running on a reduced weekday schedule.
It’s important to note that these services are likely subject to delays and disruptions, and it’s important to plan ahead and know before you go.
🚆 Long Island Railroad and Metro North
For those headed onto the train to travel out of the city for Thanksgiving, congestion is to be expected, but there are adjustments in place to help with smoother rides.
Wednesday, November 26th
Metro-North is adding extra service for East-of-Hudson riders, with 10 additional early afternoon trains departing from Grand Central. That includes 3 early trains each on the Hudson and Harlem Lines, and 4 extra departures on the New Haven Line, giving holiday travelers more options to head out of the city with ease.
For West-of-Hudson travelers, Metro-North is offering a few early getaway options: the Port Jervis Line will run an early train leaving Hoboken at 2:41 pm, with a connecting train from New York Penn Station at 2:34 pm. Meanwhile, on the Pascack Valley Line, the 5:20 pm. connection will depart five minutes earlier than usual, giving riders a head start on their holiday travels.
The LIRR will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th
The LIRR will run on a holiday/weekend schedule and add 15 extra trains to help riders travel to and from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Metro-North will operate on a special Thanksgiving schedule, offering extra inbound service in the morning for parade-goers, along with expanded outbound service starting late morning through the afternoon to accommodate those heading to suburban destinations.
For West-of-Hudson riders, Metro-North will run on a weekend schedule with two additional Port Jervis Line trains to support pre- and post-parade travel.
Friday, November 28th
Metro-North will run an enhanced Saturday schedule to support Black Friday shoppers heading into the city and the suburbs.
The LIRR will operate on a regular weekday schedule, keeping trains running steadily for post-holiday travelers.
Saturday, November 29th and Sunday, November 30th
Over the weekend, all MTA services will operate on their regular weekend schedules, keeping travel consistent and predictable for riders.
The Metro-North will also offer special Shopper Special trains on the New Haven Line, providing extra trips into Manhattan for those spending the weekend shopping or sightseeing.
🦃 What to know about transit for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Closest stations: 72 St (1/2/3), 79 St (1), and 59 St–Columbus Circle (A/B/C/D/1)
- Extra early-morning service will run on the 42 St Shuttle and the 1 train
- Select entrances and exits at Columbus Circle, Penn Station, and stations along the 6th Avenue line will be closed
- Manhattan buses may experience delays, detours, and frozen zones near the parade route
- The 79th St Transverse will be closed from noon Wednesday to noon Thursday
As always, transit updates are subject to change. Riders, keep your holiday travels smooth by checking the MTA apps or mta.info for the latest updates, alerts, and schedule changes.
And that’s your Thanksgiving travel cheat sheet! Whether you’re chasing parades, Black Friday deals, or just that extra slice of pie, we’ve got you covered!
Happy (and smooth!) travels, New York!