How To Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge | A Visitor Guide

Having lived in New York City my whole life, I've walked over the Brooklyn Bridge countless times and I am always awed by it.

I'm not alone -- so many New Yorkers adore the bridge. It is one of the most beautiful structures in our city.

As a local tour guide with Tours by Foot NYC, I've had the pleasure of sharing this architectural wonder and its remarkable history with my tour guests.

What most of my tour guests love the best about being on the bridge are the spectacular views of the city.

If a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge isn't on your list of things to do in New York City, it should be!

In this post, I’ll share with you the ins and outs of the Brooklyn Bridge to help you plan your walk.

I'll tell you how to get to the pedestrian entrances, good times to do the walk, and what you can see from the bridge.

Included are suggestions on what you can do near the Manhattan and Brooklyn sides of the bridge

Just in case you were wondering, it’s free to cross the Brooklyn Bridge by foot, by bike, and by car.

Quick Facts: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

• Distance: About 1.1 miles / 1.8 km one way
• Walking time: 25–40 minutes, depending on crowds and photo stops
• Best direction: Brooklyn → Manhattan for skyline and Statue of Liberty views
• Manhattan pedestrian entrance: Centre Street & Park Row, near City Hall
• Brooklyn pedestrian entrances: Tillary St & Adams St (ramp) and Washington St & Prospect St (DUMBO stairs)
• Best time to go: Early morning or sunset for fewer crowds and softer light
• What to expect: Elevated wooden walkway, separated bike lane, benches, vendors, and panoramic skyline views

• Best Times to Visit
• How Long to Walk Across
• FAQs
• Guided Tours
• Audio + Self-Guided Tours

HOW LONG IS THE BRIDGE?

The Brooklyn Bridge is 5,989 feet long (or 1825 m) from one end to the other, but the river span is 1,595 feet (486 m).

The pedestrian pathway across the bridge is slightly over 1.1 miles (slightly more than 1.6 km).

If walking a mile sounds like a lot, there are places you can stop and take a rest and you’ll be stopping anyway to take pictures.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCES (HOW TO GET TO THE BRIDGE)

This depends on which direction you want to walk across the bridge.

Would you prefer to walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn or from Brooklyn to Manhattan?

There isn’t any difference between the two, except if you start in Brooklyn, the walk toward Manhattan is a bit more dramatic.

Walking toward one of the most magnificent skylines in the world is magical.

When I have out-of-town guests visiting NYC for the first time, I introduce them to the city by walking from Brooklyn into Manhattan over the bridge.

It’s my way of making them fall in love with New York City immediately -- and they usually do!

If you are in Manhattan and don’t want to travel into Brooklyn to start the journey, I suggest you start in Manhattan, walk halfway over the bridge and then turn back around.

Starting from Manhattan (Centre St & Park Row entrance)

On the Manhattan side, there are two entrances to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The one most people use, including me, is on Centre Street across from City Hall.

There’s a smaller, lesser-used entrance from Park Row, which I explain below.

Regardless of how you get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions to the pedestrian walkway.

The picture and map below can help you find the pedestrian promenade from the nearby subways (circled in black on the map .)

The red arrow points to the pedestrian promenade entrance.

Map of the Entrance on the Manhattan Side

Arriving by subway

These are the closest subways.

• 4, 5, or 6 trains to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop
• J/Z trains to the Chambers Street stop

You can also take these trains though they are about a 10-minute walk from the entrance.

• the N/R train to City Hall
• 2/3 train to Park Place
• A/C train to Fulton Street

View of the Manhattan Entrance to Brooklyn Bridge

The Park Row Underpass Entrance

This entrance is much smaller and not many people use it, but in some cases, it will be a better entrance for you.

This entrance is practical if you are already close to the river near the bridge, like at the South Street Seaport or the east side of the Financial District.

If you have any mobility issues, this entrance is not for you as you must climb some stairs to get onto the bridge.

You must walk up a set of stairs starting on a stretch of Park Row which passes under the pedestrian pathway.

You’ll save 10 minutes by using the staircase instead of walking back to the Centre Street entrance.

Click here for directions to the Park Row Underpass entrance (map).

Starting in Brooklyn

There are two entrances to the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn side of the bridge.

Whether you go to Brooklyn by subway or ferry or are already in Brooklyn, use this Google map for directions to the start of the walkway from your point of departure.

Brooklyn entrance: Tillary St & Adams St (ramp)

At the intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street, you will see a very wide path leading onto the bridge.

The red arrow in the picture is pointing to it.

View of the Brooklyn side entrance, in the middle of the car lanes

On some maps, Adams Street appears as Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard.

I guarantee you that nearly no one has heard of Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard. So if you need to ask for directions, stick with Adams Street.

TIP: Many bicyclists enter and exit the bridge here. Be sure to stay on the pedestrian side of the path. Bicyclists are ruthless on the bridge!

Depending on where you are coming from, there is a shortcut that I use frequently and I go over it below.

Arriving by Subway

You can take the subway to these stations which are within walking distance of the entrance to the walkway leading to the bridge.

• A, C, or F to Jay Street/MetroTech Station
• N, R to Court Street Station
• 2/3 or 4/5 to Borough Hall Station

The red arrow points to the entrance to the pedestrian walkway. The subway stations are circled in black.

Map of Brooklyn Entrance to Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn entrance from DUMBO: Washington St & Prospect St (stairs)

Washington Street and Prospect Street Underpass Entrance

This is the shortcut I mentioned above.

Right off the bat, you should know that it involves stairs so if you have mobility issues, use the above entrance.

While I find that more and more guests on my tours know about this entrance, I always meet a few who don't.

When they ask me where to find the entrance to the bridge, I tell them that if they will be in the popular neighborhood, DUMBO, they should use this entrance.

It's also convenient if you are in Brooklyn Heights, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in NYC and one I cannot recommend enough you explore.

If you won't be exploring either of those neighborhoods before walking over the bridge from the Brooklyn side, here's how to get to this entrance. by subway from Manhattan.

Take the A or C Train to the High Street Station.

There are two exits at this station. Use the High Street exit.

When you exit, there will be a large park across the street, Cadman Plaza Park.

Enter the park and follow the paved, curved pathway.

During the day, plenty of people will be walking along the path, most of them going or coming from the bridge.

It's reasonably well-lit, but I don't recommend using this entrance very late at night.

The pathway turns into Washington Street at the intersection of Cadman Plaza East.

Walk one block until you are underneath the bridge!

On the left side of Washington Street, there is a set of stairs built into the bridge.

You may not see them at first, but they are there!

Often there is a food vendor, so look for them and the entrance is there.

This entrance is quite busy during the day so you will see people coming off or going up the set of stairs.

Use this Google Maps link for directions to the staircase entrance on Washington Street from your starting destination.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you reach the top of the stairs, quickly veer to the left into the pedestrian lane.

Watch for bikes as you cross. As I said above, they have no mercy and will not slow down for you!

THE BEST TIME TO CROSS THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

You can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge any day of the year, 24 hours a day and the walk is always wonderful.

Most visitors to NYC walk over it from morning until just after sunset.

During the very early morning hours, before 8 am, you will have more of the bridge to yourself.

Locals will be commuting to work by foot or on bike, you’ll pass joggers and some tourists will be there as well.

As the day goes on, the bridge will get busy.

During peak travel season in summer, there is a lot of congestion starting at noon.

My advice is to go as early as possible. But I’m just one voice.

We ran a poll in our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group asking members what they thought was the best time to cross.

As you can see, slightly more than half chose sunset.

You’ll be able to take in the expansive views of the harbor, the Manhattan skyline, and the Statue of Liberty while it is still light out.

As the sun sets, the sky turns light shades of pink and orange and the buildings come to life with electric wonder.

As for the night, it’s safe to cross the bridge after dark.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at night is one of the top free things to do at night in NYC.

There will be people on the bridge, though the later it gets, the fewer people you will see.

I’d say that you can feel very safe until about 9 pm (21:00), and somewhat later in the summer as it gets darker later.

I’ve crossed the bridge quite late at night, as late as 1 am, but that was with at least one other person, usually more.

I don’t advise that you walk over the bridge that late, even if you are with someone else.

There is not a big incidence of crime on the bridge that late at night, but why risk spoiling your vacation should something happen?

TIP:

Here are a few things ways you can prepare for your walk.

In the summer, the sun is strong up there and there is no shade. So put on sunscreen before walking over the bridge.

Bring water or a drink with you as you cannot buy water on the bridge.

In the fall and spring, bring a jacket or sweater. I always layer.

In the winter, wear a very warm coat, bring a hat, and scarf, the whole nine yards! It can get windy up there!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WALK THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE?

Approximately 30,000 pedestrians and 3,000 cyclists cross the Brooklyn Bridge each day!

Commuters hurrying to work spend about 25 minutes crossing the 1.3 miles (2.09 km) long bridge.

Of course, they aren't stopping to take pictures or admire the panoramic view.

So how much time should you give yourself?

The pedestrian walkway is somewhat narrow.

In this picture, taken at a non-peak hour, people are using both the pedestrian and bike lanes.

Technically, only the left lane is for walkers moving in both directions.

So you can picture how crowded it can be if people do not drift into the bike lane on the right.

Again, I caution against this! The bikers simply will not stop for you. Plus, you may get yelled at!

In the summer, especially from midday through sunset, the bridge is packed with tourists.

Add to that the locals who also enjoy the bridge and it can be a bit claustrophobic.

As for your pace, you can only walk as fast as the flow of the crowd.

If you want to walk faster, you can pass people but you may find yourself weaving in and out.

Over the years, I have heard so many languages spoken that I’ve learned to say “Excuse me” in several of them!

But I don't see the point of rushing. Being so high up with the massive sky above, I feel so free up there, so I take my time.

Below are estimated times based on the average walking pace of about 3.1 miles per hour (5 km/h) on an off-season day.

30 minutes - Walking at a steady pace, stopping for just a few pictures.

35-45 minutes - Strolling casually, taking some pictures, and admiring the view.

45-60 minutes - Your walk can take this long if you take your time to enjoy the views, take lots of photos and savor the moment.

If you use our audio tour you will need at least 45 minutes.

Note: In the summer, especially in the afternoons or sunset, add 10 minutes or more.

TIPS WHEN TRAVELING WITH KIDS:

To keep your child engaged and energized, I suggest you stop for a few minutes at the Manhattan-side tower.

Around this tower where the walkway widens, there are engraved plaques detailing the construction of the bridge.

Some kids (and adults, like me) find these instructive plaques quite interesting.

The Manhattan-side tower is also a good place to take a break.

Some people sit down here, though there isn't space for this on a crowded day.

At the Brooklyn-side tower, more plaques identify the sights you can see along the Manhattan skyline.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BRIDGE

On the Manhattan side

You have Lower Manhattan, with a wealth of history to be explored. St. Paul’s Chapel, City Hall, Wall Street, and much more are within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Try one of our Lower Manhattan walking tours!

You can follow up your tour with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

On the Brooklyn Side

You can explore the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and grab a pizza from either the famous Grimaldi Pizzeria or its equally delicious competition Juliana.

If you want to combine your walk across the bridge with a Brooklyn Tour, check out our Brooklyn Heights Tour or our 3-hour Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO Tour!

See our calendar for dates/times of the tours.

There is also an East River Ferry to get back to Manhattan that is the same price as a subway ride and much more pleasant! See our detailed post on the East River Ferry.

Be sure to read our definitive guide "Things to Do in NYC"!

Yes! The Brooklyn Bridge walkway is completely free and open to pedestrians and cyclists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

RELATED POSTS

• Things to Do in NYC
• Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour
• Things to Do in DUMBO
• Things to Do in Lower Manhattan

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

How do you walk the Brooklyn Bridge?

It’s simple — the Brooklyn Bridge has a dedicated pedestrian walkway above the traffic lanes. You can start on either side and walk about 1.1 miles (1.8 km) across. The path is clearly marked and open 24/7 to walkers and cyclists.

Where do you enter the Brooklyn Bridge walkway?

On the Manhattan side, the pedestrian entrance is at Centre Street & Park Row near City Hall. On the Brooklyn side, you can access the walkway via the Tillary Street & Adams Street ramp or the DUMBO stairs at Washington Street & Prospect Street.

Is it better to walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn or Manhattan?

Most visitors prefer walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan. That way, you’re facing the skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Empire State Building the entire time — especially beautiful at sunset.

How long does it take to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge?

Plan for about 25–40 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. The bridge is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) long, and there are benches along the way if you need a break.

Can you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at night?

Yes. The bridge is open 24 hours and well-lit, making it safe for most visitors. Late evening and sunrise walks are less crowded, but always stay aware of your surroundings.

Do you need to pay to walk the Brooklyn Bridge?

No — it’s completely free. There are no tickets or fees to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

How do you get to the Brooklyn Bridge by subway?

For the Manhattan entrance, take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall or the J/Z to Chambers Street. For the Brooklyn side, take the A, C, or F to High Street or York Street in DUMBO.

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