Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

The Basics

The only way to admire the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and its two 693-foot (211-meter) towers close up is by driving across the 4,260-foot (1,298-meter) span, commissioned by mid-century planner Robert Moses. Brooklyn’s Coney Island, Shore Park, and Parkway path, and Liberty Island provide more expansive views. Alternatively, admire it on harbor ferry or Jet Ski tours; or on a city or Brooklyn coach tour. Book a helicopter tour to see it against the Manhattan skyline.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a must-see for sightseers and architecture enthusiasts.

• The bridge has no pedestrian or bike lanes.

• If you’re short on time in New York, book a tour that showcases the bridge alongside the city’s other main landmarks.

• A toll is required to cross the bridge.

How to Get There

You can view the bridge from the edges of Brooklyn or Staten Island, both accessible by car or public transit. The nearest Brooklyn subway station is Bay Ridge-95th Street, just a few blocks’ walk from the Shore Park and Parkway walkway, while the closest Staten Island rail station is Grasmere. By car, take the Battery Tunnel from Manhattan to Brooklyn—a toll applies—following it onto the I-278 West straight to the bridge.

When to Get There

If you want to drive the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, it’s best to avoid the busy weekday rush hours. If you just want to see it, hit one of the viewpoints at either of its ends. Brooklyn’s Shore Park and Parkway is renowned for offering sunset panoramas over the bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan.

Fun Facts About the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

The bridge is named after 16th-century explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano—the first European to sail into New York Harbor. Its official name was spelled with just one “z” until 2018, when it was corrected. The bridge has something to teach about our planet, too. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge's two towers are more than 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) farther apart at their tops than their bases—the distance between them required compensation for the earth’s curvature.

Ways to explore

The only way to admire the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and its two 693-foot (211-meter) towers close up is by driving across the 4,260-foot (1,298-meter) span, commissioned by mid-century planner Robert Moses. Brooklyn’s Coney Island, Shore Park and Parkway, and Liberty Island provide more expansive views, ideal for urban photographers. Alternatively, admire it from the water on harbor ferry or boat tours, or from land on a city or Brooklyn coach tour. Book a helicopter tour to see it against the Manhattan skyline.

Accessibility

Some boat and coach tours that include views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge are wheelchair-accessible; confirm in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Binoculars, camera, brimmed hat

What to wear

Sunscreen and comfortable clothes for walking, cycling, or boat tours

Not allowed

There is no pedestrian or bike lane on the bridge

Address

You can cross the bridge by car or an MTA bus, both from the Staten Island and Brooklyn sides. Alternatively, view the bridge afar along the Brooklyn or Staten Island coastlines or from the beach on Coney Island.

Driving

By car, take the Battery Tunnel from Manhattan to Brooklyn—a toll applies—then follow it onto I-278 West, straight to the bridge. Keep in mind that the traffic moves quickly over the bridge, so keep your eyes on the road.

Public transportation

Although no trains cross the bridge, several buses do, including the S53, S79, and S93. The nearest Brooklyn subway station is Bay Ridge-95th Street, just a few blocks’ walk from the Shore Park and Parkway walkway, while the closest Staten Island rail station is Grasmere. The free Staten Island Ferry provides views from the water.

Best times to visit

If you want to drive the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, it’s best to avoid the busy weekday rush hours. Brooklyn’s Shore Park and Parkway is renowned for offering sunset panoramas over the bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are the busiest on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, while Sunday mornings are ideal for driving over the bridge without heavy commuter traffic.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall offer the best light for photographing the bridge from Staten Island or Brooklyn scenic points, plus milder temperatures for outdoor sightseeing.

Special events

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is the starting line of the New York City Marathon each year, and is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians during the race. It is also open to pedestrians for the annual Five Borough Bike Tour.