Attending a New York Islanders hockey game is a fantastic experience for any sports fan visiting New York City. The Islanders play their home games at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY which is located just outside of NYC on Long Island. While the arena is not directly in the city, it is easily accessible from NYC using various transportation options. This article will provide detailed information on the best ways to get to an Islanders game from New York City.
Should I Drive or Take Public Transportation?
When traveling from NYC to UBS Arena for an Islanders game, you have two main options: drive yourself or take public transportation. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between driving vs. public transportation:
- Public transportation will be the most affordable option. Taking the LIRR from Penn Station to the Elmont Station costs around $10-$15 each way. Driving and parking will cost $25-$40 for parking passes.
- The LIRR special event trains run directly to the UBS Arena, while driving requires navigating local roads near the arena.
- Travel time is roughly 1 hour via LIRR compared to 1-2 hours driving, depending on traffic.
- Public transit allows you to avoid the stress of driving and parking in an unfamiliar area.
- Driving gives you more flexibility if you want to visit other places on Long Island before or after the game.
Ultimately, taking the LIRR is the most popular and recommended option for getting to Islanders games from NYC. The train is fast, inexpensive, and drops you off right at the arena. Driving can make sense if you are coming from other parts of Long Island or want to spend more time exploring the area. But for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the LIRR can’t be beat.
Taking the LIRR to the UBS Arena
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers direct train service from NYC to the UBS Arena on special Islanders Game Trains. Here is a step-by-step guide to taking the LIRR:
- Purchase LIRR tickets in advance online or at ticket machines at Penn Station. One-way fares are around $10-$15 per person.
- Board trains on the Hempstead Branch line at Penn Station. Trains typically leave 2 hours before game time.
- Make sure you take a train marked “UBS Arena” as the destination. Regular LIRR trains do not go directly to the arena.
- Enjoy the approximately 60 minute ride out to the Elmont Station, located right adjacent to UBS Arena.
- Follow the footbridge from the station into the UBS Arena grounds.
The entire trip takes about 1 hour each way. Trains begin departing back to Penn Station 45 minutes after the end of the game, so you won’t have to wait long to head home. The LIRR creates a fun, festive atmosphere filled with Islanders fans headed to the big game.
Tips for Taking the LIRR to Islanders Games
- Bring food and non-alcoholic drinks for the train ride since there is no food service onboard.
- Make sure to have your game ticket ready when boarding the train at Penn Station.
- Stick close to other riders when transferring at Jamaica for the Elmont Station.
- verified more departure trains by LIRR official app can ensure you don’t miss the last train.
Driving from NYC to the UBS Arena
For fans coming from other parts of the metro area, driving to Islanders games is a viable option. Here are some tips for driving to the UBS Arena:
General Directions
The UBS Arena is located at the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and New South Road in Elmont, NY. From New York City, take one of these route options:
- Via Long Island Expressway (LIE): Take LIE east to Exit 26. Follow signs for Hempstead Turnpike South.
- Via Grand Central Parkway: Take GCP east to Exit 24. Merge onto Hempstead Turnpike West.
- Via Cross Island Parkway: Take the Cross Island south to Exit 26S. Merge onto Hempstead Turnpike West.
The trip takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on traffic. Make sure to give yourself extra time to account for traffic delays, especially on weeknights.
Parking at UBS Arena
There are approximately 3,500 parking spots available at UBS Arena in various designated lots. Parking passes can be purchased in advance online or at the parking lot entrances. Prices range from $25-40 depending on proximity to the arena.
Parking lots open 2 hours prior to game time. The lots are directly adjacent to the arena, so you just need to walk a short distance to the entrance once parked.
Tips for Driving to Islanders Games
- Arrive early to give yourself extra time to park and walk to the arena.
- Bring cash for parking fees to avoid lines at the pay stations.
- Only park in designated lots and beware of local residents trying to sell home parking spots.
- Remember your parking lot name and number so you can easily find your car afterwards.
- Check arena policies on tailgating and overnight parking before you go.
Other Public Transportation Options
While the LIRR is the top public transit choice, you can also get to Islanders games from NYC using these other options:
NYC Subway and Bus
You can take the NYC subway or bus to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the LIRR’s Hempstead Branch line running directly to UBS Arena. Total trip is around 90 minutes.
Metro North to LIRR
Take the Metro North commuter rail from Grand Central Terminal to the Flushing-Main Street Station in Queens. Transfer to the LIRR Port Washington line headed toward Hempstead and get off at the Queens Village station. Transfer again there to the UBS Arena trains. Total trip is 60-90 minutes.
Coach Bus
Bus charters like the Hampton Luxury Liner offer direct bus service from Manhattan to the UBS Arena for around $30 round trip. Buses arrive 2-3 hours before game time and depart 45 minutes after final whistle.
Getting Home After the Game
Here are some tips for making your way home after enjoying the Islanders game action:
- Give yourself plenty of time to exit parking lots and get to the LIRR station.
- Special event LIRR trains start departing back to Penn Station around 45 minutes after the final buzzer.
- If you drive, be prepared for traffic delays leaving the arena area.
- Have the number for a rideshare service like Uber ready in case driving or taking the train doesn’t work out.
- Pay attention to any public transit changes or cancellations announced at the arena.
- Stick with the crowd walking to the station for a fast, safe exit.
Where to Stay in NYC for Islanders Games
If you want to make a whole trip out of seeing the Islanders play, here are some great hotel options convenient to Penn Station:
Hotels Near Penn Station
- Moxy NYC Times Square
- Hyatt Herald Square
- Hotel Pennsylvania
These hotels put you steps from Penn Station and the LIRR for easy access to Islanders games.
Hotels Near Grand Central Station
- The Vanderbilt
- InterContinental New York Barclay
- Sheraton Grand Central
Stay near Grand Central Terminal to take Metro North to the LIRR for games.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Pod Times Square
- Holiday Inn Express Madison Square Garden Area
- The Watson Hotel
These affordable NYC hotels keep more money in your budget for Islanders tickets and gear!
Why Islanders Fans Should Take Public Transportation
Riding the LIRR to Islanders games is strongly recommended over driving for these key reasons:
- Less expensive than driving and parking
- Fast and convenient direct service to arena
- Avoid traffic congestion near the venue
- No need to designate a sober driver
- LIRR train atmosphere builds excitement
- Easier to meet up with other fans
Public transit creates the true New York metropolitan hockey experience!
Conclusion
Islanders games are an amazing experience for hockey fans in the Big Apple. While the new UBS Arena is just outside the city limits on Long Island, New Yorkers can still easily get to and from games using the LIRR or driving. Taking the direct LIRR special event trains from Penn Station is the top recommendation for cost and convenience. With just a little planning, you’ll be cheering on the Islanders alongside your fellow fans in no time. Let’s go Islanders!