Arriving, Departing, and Everything In Between

This is our guide to navigating to, around, and from New York City.

Arriving at the Columbia Invitational

By Car

See our page on parking for information on local garages offering special rates for Columbia Invitational attendees.

By Train

  • Amtrak, LIRR, and NJ Transit serve New York Penn Station. NYP is located between 7th and 8th Avenues between 31st Street & 33rd Street. From there, take the Uptown 1 train to 116th Street — Columbia University (make sure that you do not take the 2 or 3 trains to 116th Street—this is not the same station!).
  • The Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines of the MTA Metro-North Railroad serve Harlem 125th Street and Grand Central Terminal.

» If arriving at Harlem 125th Street, take the M60 Bus in the direction of Morningside Heights to 116th Street.

» If arriving at Grand Central Terminal, enter the Subway system and take the (42nd Street “Shuttle to Times Square”) or the Train to Times Square where you will transfer to the Uptown 1 train to 116th Street — Columbia University (make sure that you do not take the 2 or 3 trains to 116th Street—this is not the same station!)

By Air

Columbia University features a detailed page on transportation options to JFK, LGA, and EWR. Reverse the directions for information on how to get from the airports to Columbia University. If arriving at your hotel first, refer to your hotel’s website or front desk. Many hotels also offer airport shuttles or can refer you to shuttle services.

Getting Around New York City

Travel on MTA New York City Transit requires a MetroCard. MetroCards can be purchased at MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) which can be found at most station entrances. Base fare for the NYC Transit System (Subway, Surface Transit excluding Express Buses) is $2.25. Buses do not accept bills as payment for fare. The MTA also offers a One-Day Unlimited Ride Fun Pass at $8.25/person.

Subway

The 1 Train goes to 116th Street — Columbia University (make sure that you do not take the 2 or 3 trains to 116th Street—this is not the same station!). The 1 train (“Broadway – 7th Avenue Local”) services a number of popular NYC destinations including Lincoln Center (66 Street — Lincoln Center), Columbus Circle/Central Park South (59 Street — Columbus Circle), Times Square (42 Street — Times Square), The West Village (Christopher St/Sheridan Sq), and SoHo (Houston St). You can also connect to a number of other lines from the 1Train. Refer to the Subway Map for more information.

Buses

The M4, M5, M11, M60, and M104 service Columbia University. Refer to the Manhattan Bus Map for more information.

Taxis

Yellow Taxis supervised by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (which look like this) are easily flaggable from most city streets at any time of day or night.

Walking

New York can be a very walkable city and we encourage you to explore! Before setting out on foot, be sure to think about the actual distance to your destination (New York City may be larger than you think, 42nd Street is pretty far from 116th Street by foot). Also, be sure to use your brain and practice basic street smarts.

Four ways to increase your personal safety (from CU Public Safety)

  • 1. Reduce or eliminate opportunities that make you a target.
  • 2. Remain alert, even in places you’re most comfortable.
  • 3. Trust your instincts, even if it makes you feel self conscious
  • 4. Prepare your daily schedule with safety in mind.

We also suggest traveling in groups (which shouldn’t be hard).

» please note
Transportation services and conditions are always subject to change. We advise you be conscious of service changes and circumstances. The information is provided as a courtesy by the Columbia Invitational. Note that personal transport is independent of the Tournament and Columbia University and neither is liable for transportation occurrences or damages.