TLDR: The High Line is a free elevated park built on an old rail line, running from 14th Street to 34th Street on Manhattan’s west side. It is 1.45 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to walk without stops. Open 7am to 10pm (April through November) and 7am to 8pm (December through March). From the Wales Hotel, take the 4/5/6 to Grand Central and transfer to the 7 train to 34th Street-Hudson Yards. About 30 minutes total.
What Is the High Line
The High Line is an elevated public park built on a historic freight rail line on Manhattan’s west side. The tracks once carried goods to factories and warehouses along the Hudson River. When the trains stopped running, the structure sat abandoned for decades. Plants grew wild between the rails.
Instead of tearing it down, the city transformed it into a 1.45-mile linear park, 30 feet above street level. It opened in stages between 2009 and 2014, and it has changed the entire west side of Manhattan.
Today you walk through gardens, past art installations, over streets, and alongside some of the most interesting architecture in the city. It is free, and it is one of the most creative public spaces in New York.
How to Get There From the Wales Hotel
From the Wales Hotel, take the 4/5/6 from 86th Street to Grand Central-42nd Street. Transfer to the 7 train and ride it to 34th Street-Hudson Yards. The trip takes about 30 minutes total.
The Hudson Yards station puts you right at the northern entrance of the High Line at 34th Street. This is the best place to start your walk. For subway basics, check our transit guide.
Insider Tip
Start at the north end (34th Street/Hudson Yards) and walk south. Everyone starts at 14th Street so the north end is quieter. Plus you end near Chelsea Market for food.
Walking the High Line: What to Expect
The park is 1.45 miles end to end. A straight walk takes about 30 minutes, but you will want to stop. The gardens change with the seasons. Art installations rotate throughout the year. Benches and seating areas face different directions depending on the view.
There are 15 entrance points along the route, so you can hop on and off at various streets. The path is wheelchair accessible with elevators at most access points.
Between 15th and 16th Streets, the path passes right through the Chelsea Market building. This is a good spot for a break. Chelsea Market has food vendors, bakeries, coffee shops, and small restaurants. The outdoor seating areas along this stretch are popular from April through October.
Watch Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. The park opens at 7am and the first hour or two are peaceful.
Spring and early fall are the best seasons. The plantings are at their peak, the temperature is comfortable, and the light is good for photos. Summer weekends draw the largest crowds.
Sunset walks are popular for good reason. The western orientation of the High Line means you get direct views of the sun going down over the Hudson River.
Highlights Along the Route
At the northern end, Hudson Yards features The Vessel (the honeycomb-shaped structure) and The Shed arts center. Even if you do not go inside anything, the architecture is striking.
The 10th Avenue Square around 17th Street has a viewing platform that overlooks the street below through a large glass window. It is a great people-watching spot.
Near 22nd Street, the Lawn section offers a wide grassy area where people sit and relax. The old rail tracks are still visible throughout the park, woven into the landscaping.
The Whitney Museum of American Art sits at the southern terminus at Gansevoort Street. If you have time and energy after your walk, it is worth a look.
Combining the High Line With Other Plans
The High Line pairs naturally with a visit to Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, or Hudson Yards. After your walk, explore the galleries along 10th Avenue in Chelsea or browse the shops in the Meatpacking District.
Back at the Wales Hotel, you are steps from Central Park and the museums along the Upper East Side. A morning on the High Line and an afternoon at the Met makes for a full and varied day. Check out our Met Museum guide if that interests you.
Explore NYC From the Upper East Side
The Wales Hotel puts the entire city within reach. The High Line is about 30 minutes away by subway, and you return to one of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods each evening.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the High Line free?
Yes. The High Line is a free public park. There is no admission charge and no tickets required.
What are the High Line hours?
The park is open 7am to 10pm from April through November, and 7am to 8pm from December through March.
How long does it take to walk the High Line?
The full 1.45-mile walk takes about 30 minutes without stops. With photos, gardens, and art, plan for 45 minutes to an hour.
Which end should I start from?
Start at the north end (34th Street/Hudson Yards). It is less crowded than the popular southern entrance at 14th Street, and you finish near Chelsea Market for food.
Is the High Line wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The path is flat and paved. Most access points have elevators. Check the High Line website for current elevator status before your visit.
Is there food on the High Line?
Chelsea Market, accessible near 15th to 16th Streets, has a wide range of food vendors. There are also seasonal food carts along the path from spring through fall.
How do I get to the High Line from the Upper East Side?
Take the 4/5/6 from 86th Street to Grand Central. Transfer to the 7 train and ride to 34th Street-Hudson Yards. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Spring and early fall offer the best weather and plantings. Sunset walks are popular for the views over the Hudson River.