The Vessel

The Basics

To visit the Vessel, you’ll need to secure free, timed tickets. You can book tickets online or try your luck with same-day ticketing at the Vessel's interactive kiosks (located in the Public Square and Gardens and at the 20 Hudson Yards shopping center). If you want more flexibility, you can opt for a Flex Pass, which lets you arrive any time on the day you choose.

To make more of your visit, pair a visit to the Vessel with a guided tour of the High Line. Most tours include a walk along the High Line, a stop at the foodie-friendly Chelsea Market, and drop-off at the Vessel. Some tours also include Vessel entry so that you can avoid the hassle of booking tickets.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tickets are free but limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to book ahead.

• Guests in wheelchairs can secure priority elevator access.

• You cannot bring strollers to the Vessel; stroller parking is available, but it is not monitored.

How to Get There

The Vessel is located in the Hudson Yards complex. The best way to reach the site is by subway; take the 7 train to 34th Street-Hudson Yards station, which is just steps away from the Vessel’s entrance. For a more scenic option, hop on the ferry: Several lines run up and down the Hudson River; get off at the Midtown / West 39th Street dock.

When to Get There

The Vessel is open daily, from mid-morning until late in the evening, all year round with slightly shortened hours in the winter. The attraction is most crowded during the summer. Late spring and early fall are good times to visit if you want to enjoy the site without large crowds.

What to Do at Hudson Yards

There's lots to see and do at Hudson Yards beyond the Vessel: You can dine at one of the complex's numerous eateries, shop for high-end couture at Chanel, Coach, and Neiman Marcus, and enjoy shows at the Shed. You can also check out the Edge, which is the tallest outdoor viewing platform in the Western Hemisphere and offers 360-degree views of the city from 100 stories above street level.

Ways to explore

Only NYC residents can visit the Vessel for free, reserving admission online, and only on certain days, typically Thursdays. Out-of-towners need to make advance bookings—tickets are released once monthly, and a small number of day-of tickets are available on Thursdays. For general admission, you reserve a date and time, while upgrades offer more flexibility, as well as fitness classes. If you can’t snag an online or in-person ticket, try booking a walking or architecture tour through the Hudson Yards and the High Line, but keep in mind that these routes may only pass by the structure.

Accessibility

Visitors using wheelchairs are given priority access to the elevator to accessible floors 5, 7, and 8.

Age limits

The Vessel is open to all ages; children under 12 must visit with an adult; children 5 and under enter for free.

What to pack

Sun protection, refillable water bottle, exercise gear if you’re taking the fitness class

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, brimmed hat, small bag complying with size restrictions

Not allowed

Bikes, strollers, glass bottles, selfie sticks

Amenities

Stroller parking nearby, restaurants and public spaces in Hudson Yards

Address

The Vessel is the center of the Hudson Yards neighborhood and urban development on the West Side of Manhattan, and easily accessible by public transit. While driving is never simple in Manhattan, there is parking nearby.

Driving

From Midtown Manhattan, it’s a roughly 10-minute drive west along West 43rd Street and south on 11th Avenue. Find parking in garages along West 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Public transportation

On the subway, take the 7 train to 34th Street-Hudson Yards station, or the A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 train to 34th Street-Penn Station. Other options include taking the train to Penn Station or a ferry to the Midtown Terminal at West 34th Street.

Best times to visit

Visit close to sunset to enjoy the evening light. The Vessel is open daily from 11am to 7pm, with last entry at 6pm

Best days to visit

Entry is free for NYC residents with valid IDs on Thursdays. Otherwise, visit midweek Tuesday to Thursday to explore with fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

Getting out of doors in New York City is especially pleasant during the spring and early fall.

Special events

During the Christmas holiday season the Vessel and Hudson Yards neighborhood are decorated with millions of lights, hundreds of trees, and holiday set pieces.