Accessible NYC Guide: 48 Hours for Wheelchair Users

Jordan had never been to New York so I was excited to introduce him to one of my favorite cities. 

The four of us—me, Jordan, and our two caregivers—spent a whirlwind October weekend cramming in as much of the city as possible (or at least as much as wheelchair batteries allow). So if you're looking for a 48-hour guide to New York City as a wheelchair user, you're in the right place.

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Getting to New York City

Accessible Airport Options

New York City has three major airports: LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, and Newark (EWR).

• ‍LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest to Manhattan (8 miles) and has undergone major renovations in recent years, making it much more modern and accessible than it used to be. This was our choice because the flights available had jets with cargo holds that could store our power chairs.‍
• JFK is about 15 miles from Manhattan and is the largest of the three airports. It typically handles more international flights and has bigger aircrafts. Note that this isn’t always the case since we could only find really small planes from Indianapolis. JFK also has an AirTrain that connects right to the NYC subway system.‍
• Newark (EWR) is in New Jersey, about 16 miles from Manhattan. It's a solid option and sometimes has better flight availability or prices, though it’s not as easy to get to the city.

Important note on aircraft size: Always check what type of plane you'll be flying on before booking. Smaller regional jets have less cargo space and smaller cargo doors, which can be a problem for power chairs. We specifically chose our Delta flights because we knew the Embraer 175 and 170 could fit our chairs when laid on their side. If you don't verify this ahead of time, you might show up at the gate and find out your chair won't fit.

Prior to boarding, we did what we always do: talked directly to the ground crew handling our chairs, told them exactly which side to lay them on, and I removed my joystick to prevent damage. This trip, I also used new travel duct tape I'd been wanting to try for securing wires and loose pieces. It worked perfectly.

Driving vs. Flying

I've driven to New York City before, and if you're within a few hours, it's definitely worth considering. You have complete control over your mobility equipment and don't have to worry about gate-check damage. That said, parking in NYC is extremely expensive (think $80+ per day), and you really don't need a car once you're there. The public transit system is extensive, and between subways and buses, you can get almost anywhere.

Ground Transportation from the Airport

NYC has tons of accessible taxis and wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), which is great if you only need to transport one wheelchair. Since Jordan and I both use power chairs, we would have needed two separate rides at about $120 each. We weren't about to drop $200+ on airport transfers, so we committed to public transportation for the entire trip.

From LaGuardia, there's a free airport bus (the Q70-SBS) that connects to multiple subway lines. There's also the M60-SBS bus that goes directly to Manhattan. We took the Q70 to the Jackson Heights, Queens subway station, then rode straight to Midtown and walked the last 10 minutes to our hotel.

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Navigating NYC Transit

So, can wheelchair users actually navigate the New York City subway system?

The answer is yes, but it requires planning, flexibility, and a willingness to pivot when things don't go according to plan.

The Tools You Need

The NYC subway has made huge accessibility improvements since my last visit in 2011, and most of that progress comes down to better information:

1. The MTA app – Shows real-time elevator outages by station
2. MTA Accessible Trip Planner – Routes you only through accessible stations
3. MTA Elevator Outages - See the status of all elevators and escalators
4. Map of accessible stations – Helpful for visualizing your options across the system

Subway

We used the subway constantly during our 48 hours and I checked elevator statuses before every single trip. For the most part, everything went according to plan, except when we hopped on the train going the wrong direction (always check which way the train is heading – even if it’s there and the doors are open when you arrive). 

Two major obstacles when navigating the subway system are:

1. Not all subway stops have elevators
2. Elevator outages due to repair or renovation 

These elevators get heavy use, not only from disabled people but from others such as families with strollers, the elderly, individuals with luggage, etc. We hit a couple of snafus during our weekend, including the aforementioned wrong way train incident which led us to a station with an elevator that was completely torn out for reconstruction. When an elevator is out, you're forced to reroute to the next accessible station, which can add significant time to your trip.

What to expect with subway accessibility:

• Buttons aren't always within easy reach if you have limited arm mobility
• Sometimes there’s a bit of a gap between the train and the platform. Instead, look for the accessible boarding zone. This is the area of the platform with the smallest gap between the platform edge and the subway car.
• Some pathways can be narrow. We encountered a few tight squeezes between the platform edge and a cinderblock wall.
• Crowds can be intense during peak times—we were packed like sardines once and had to strategically shuffle to let people on and off

Pro Tip: Check the MTA app before every single trip, have a backup route ready, and always verify which direction your train is heading before boarding.

NYC Buses

NYC buses are also a great option and all are accessible. Every bus has a ramp and they can hold two wheelchairs. We never ran into a bus that was too full or couldn't accommodate us.

If the idea of navigating subway elevators sounds like too much stress, buses are a solid alternative. You're above ground, the routes are easy to follow in the MTA app, and you don't have to worry about elevator functionality.

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Walking

New York is an incredibly walkable city. We covered a lot of distance throughout the weekend, whether it was the 10-minute roll from the subway to our hotel, wandering through Greenwich Village, or hoofing it to Top of the Rock because we didn't want to deal with transit timing. The sidewalks are mostly excellent, curb cuts are plentiful, and walking (or rolling) is one of the best ways to experience the energy of the city.

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The sidewalks in Manhattan were surprisingly good. We only encountered one spot without a curb cut during the entire weekend, and it was a low enough curb that we could manage it. Most intersections have proper curb cuts, and while you'll occasionally deal with scaffolding or construction, it's rarely a complete barrier.

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Where We Stayed: Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South

Figuring out which neighborhood to stay in New York can be tough. Since it was Jordan's first time, I thought Midtown was the best option. It's conveniently located and easy to get to places in all directions. It's not a cheap area, but it's worth it! Our hotel was only a couple blocks away from The Edge and The High Line, plus walking distance to Madison Square Garden, Times Square, and more.

Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South
Address: 312 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
Room type: Double beds + pull-out couch (surprisingly hard to find in NY)

The Room

For a New York hotel, this room was shockingly spacious. We're talking laminate wood floors, a kitchenette with a full fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and actual silverware and plates. 

The bathroom was big enough to get in and turn around, but I just used the kitchen sink because there was way more space and the counter height worked better for me.

The Bathroom Setup

• Roll-in shower
• Wall-mounted bench
• Handheld showerhead
• No shower door
• Bathroom doors at least 32 inches wide
• ADA sink with room to pull under

Hotel Amenities

• Free hot breakfast included with the stay (nice selection of breakfast items)
• Laundry rooms available
• Luggage storage after checkout

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Our 48-Hour Accessible NYC Itinerary

Day 1: Times Square & Midtown Manhattan

‍4:15 PM – Check into hotel and grab a New York slice

After checking into our hotel in Midtown, we were starving and needed food immediately. We grabbed a classic New York slice at Berlina Cafe & Pizza, a walk-up spot with a few small tables. Sometimes you just want a good slice of pizza.

6:00 PM – Wander through Times Square

We rolled through Times Square as the sun went down. Yes, it's as chaotic and touristy as everyone says, but there's something undeniably fun about being in the middle of all that energy and neon. We stopped to get our photos taken by one of the street photographers (totally worth it for the memories!).

Times Square gets pretty crowded at night. If you want a less hectic experience, come before it gets too dark because that’s when the crowd is at its peak.

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7:30 PM – Dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Ellen's Stardust Diner is a retro diner where all the waitstaff are Broadway hopefuls who break into song while you eat. They've sent eight people to Broadway just this year! The concept is incredible and the singers are phenomenal.

But fair warning: they don't take reservations and don't tell you how long, so we waited over an hour to get in. We were seated at a half-booth table facing the wall with zero view of the performers behind us, which was disappointing. And the food wasn't great.

One server shoved a microphone in Jordan's face mid-song to sing along—his absolute nightmare and my absolute delight!

If you're determined to go, keep in mind it’s not guaranteed you’ll have a good view. Otherwise, you might want to skip this one.

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Day 2: Brooklyn Bridge, Greenwich Village & The Edge

Our Saturday schedule was packed. We hit Top of the Rock at opening, walked across the Brooklyn Bridge in 82-degree heat (what happened to Autumn?), explored Greenwich Village, and ended the night at The Edge observation deck. If you're wondering if it's possible to cram this much into one day—yes, but you'll be exhausted.

8:30 AM – Top of the Rock Observation Deck

We hoofed it to Rockefeller Center right when it opened, and whoever said early morning is the best time to avoid crowds was absolutely right. The place was practically empty, which made the experience so much better.

Top of the Rock offers stunning 360-degree views of Manhattan from 70 floors up. You'll see the Empire State Building, Central Park stretching north, and the entire city skyline. It was surprisingly warm up there too, which was a nice bonus.

The SkyLift was accessible, which I was thrilled about! It's a glass platform that lifts you up an additional level for an even better view. It's a super short ride, maybe two minutes total, but I'm so glad they made it accessible. I’m not sure it was worth the extra price for the amount of time you spend in the air

Our caregivers also did The Beam, a photo-op experience where you sit on a beam suspended over the city. Jordan and I watched from solid ground.

We stayed for about an hour and a half soaking in the views. If you're only going to do one observation deck in NYC, Top of the Rock is a solid choice, but it didn’t end up being my favorite.

Accessibility Note: There are decorative stones along the edge of the building which did contribute to a slightly obstructed view at seated level, but it's way better than the Empire State Building's view. 

10:00 AM – Bagels at Black Seed Bagel

After leaving Top of the Rock, we grabbed bagels at Black Seed inside Rockefeller Center. I made the mistake of asking for extra cream cheese (it was a LOT), but better too much than not enough! Our caregiver Cynthia got the spicy honey and said it was delicious with a definite kick.

11:45 AM – Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

We took the subway down to the Brooklyn Bridge—well, eventually, after our hour-long detour on the wrong train (see the transit section for that disaster).

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is iconic for a reason. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's crowded. But the views of the Manhattan skyline and the experience of being on this 138-year-old architectural marvel made it absolutely worth it.

The bridge spans 1.3 miles, so the walk takes about 20-30 minutes depending on how many photo stops you take. And you'll want to take a lot—the views are incredible from every angle. Don't forget to turn around and catch the skyline behind you!

Accessibility: The pedestrian walkway is elevated above the traffic and most of it is wooden planks so it’s a bit bumpy, but not too bad.

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1:00 PM – Lunch Break

After sweating through the Brooklyn Bridge, Cynthia and I grabbed Mediterranean bowls at CAVA while Jordan and Trionna went for pizza. The fresh, light bowl was exactly what I needed after that walk.

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2:00 PM – Greenwich Village: Colorful Natalie, Shopping & Exploring

We took the subway to Bleecker Street and spent the afternoon wandering Greenwich Village, one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. The cobblestone streets, historic townhouses, and quirky shops make it feel like a completely different world from Midtown.

Colorful Natalie was a must-visit for me since my name is Natalie! The store has a huge step at the entrance, but the owner had a ramp so I could get in. Inside, it's a wonderland of colorful, whimsical, girly things. If you love bright, joyful aesthetics, this is your spot.

We also hit up:

• Venchi Chocolate – Italian chocolate and gelato (delicious, obviously)
• Goods For The Study – A stationery lover's paradise
• Thin Cookies – So good. I need these in Indiana immediately

We looked at flower shops, contemplated tattoos, and just soaked in the neighborhood vibe. Greenwich Village is walkable, mostly accessible, and full of character.

7:00 PM – Back to hotel to charge Jordan's chair

By late afternoon, Jordan's chair was at 1% battery. We headed back to the hotel to charge for about an hour, then made a last-minute decision to hit The Edge observation deck at night.

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9:00 PM – The Edge Observation Deck

I'm so glad we did this on a whim. The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the city at 1,131 feet, and the nighttime views were absolutely breathtaking.

The deck juts out from the building with a glass floor section where you're literally standing over the city. It's thrilling and slightly terrifying in the best way. There's also a bar where you can grab drinks or ice cream, and they had music playing which added to the whole vibe.

It was less crowded than I expected for a Saturday night, and it's only a 15-minute walk from our hotel, making it an easy addition to the day.

The Edge is significantly taller than Top of the Rock, so if you're choosing between observation decks and want the most dramatic views, The Edge has floor to ceiling glass with no obstruction. In fact, the glass is slightly angled outward so you can see directly down even from a wheelchair. 

11:00 PM – Late dinner at Shake Shack

After The Edge, we grabbed a late dinner at Shake Shack. Jordan also plugged his chair in while we ate, which was essential for making sure we could get back to the hotel without dying mid-roll.

Pro tip: Always carry your charger when exploring NYC. Battery life gets drained fast with all the rolling you'll be doing!

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Day 3: Central Park & Natural History Museum

Our last day was bittersweet. We had to check out of the hotel and get to the airport by late afternoon, but we still managed to squeeze in Central Park and one of the world's most famous museums.

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‍9:00 AM – Hotel breakfast and checkout

We had breakfast at the hotel (included with our stay—nice selection of breakfast items) and checked out. The hotel staff let us store our luggage so we could explore without dragging everything around the city. 

10:00 AM – Central Park

We took the bus up to Central Park and spent the morning walking through one of the most iconic green spaces in the world. After days of concrete, traffic, and subway stations, the smell of pine trees and fresh air was such a welcome change.

Central Park is absolutely massive—843 acres—so we focused on hitting a few iconic spots:

• ‍Bethesda Fountain – We couldn't figure out how to get down to the fountain itself (the accessible route wasn't obvious), so we did a little off-roading to get there. Not super recommended, but also not impossible if you're in a hurry like we were!
• ‍Bow Bridge – One of the most photographed bridges in the park. The cast-iron bridge offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding trees. It was also the smoothest bridge I've ever driven on!
• ‍Central Park Carousel – A historic carousel that's been operating since 1871. Even if you don't ride it, it's worth seeing.
• ‍The Mall – A tree-lined pathway that's absolutely stunning. I was picturing all the movies and tv shows I'd seen filmed here!

I could have spent hours here, but we were on a tight schedule to make our flight. If you have more time, there’s so much more to explore or just find a spot to sit and people-watch.

Accessibility Tip: The main pathways in Central Park are paved and accessible. Some areas require a bit of navigation to find accessible routes, but overall it's very doable. Bethesda Fountain has some accessibility challenges getting down to the fountain level itself.

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12:00 PM – Hot dogs from a street cart

Before heading to the museum, we grabbed hot dogs from one of the iconic street carts. It's not fancy, but it's a quintessential New York experience. When in New York, eat like a New Yorker!

12:30 PM – American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is enormous and world-renowned, housing over 33 million specimens. We entered through the side entrance by the planetarium, and since we'd bought tickets online, we basically walked right in with no wait.

The museum spans multiple floors with exhibits covering everything from dinosaur fossils to the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The dinosaur halls are particularly impressive—you'll see a 122-foot-long titanosaur cast that literally doesn't fit in the room (its head pokes out into the hallway!).

We had easy access to all the exhibits via large elevators, and the museum is generally well-laid out for wheelchair users. Most viewing areas were accessible, though it did get crowded in some of the more popular halls.

Accessibility: Many rooms had glass doors with no automatic door openers. We had to time our entries and exits with other people pushing through, which got tedious. This is something they should really fix.

Also, it was FREEZING inside. I was so uncomfortable the whole time. I'd packed for October in New York but didn't expect the museum to feel like a meat locker. A sweatshirt is essential.

If you're a fan of Night at the Museum or Friends (Ross worked here!), you'll recognize exhibits throughout. We definitely had some fun spotting filming locations.

4:00 PM – Back to the airport

We headed back to the hotel to grab our stored luggage, then took public transit back to LaGuardia. I was a little nervous about timing with public transportation, but we made it with plenty of time to spare.

Both our chairs were pretty low by the end of this trip. NYC is exhausting but absolutely worth it!

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What We Didn't Get To (But You Should!)

We packed a ton into 48 hours, but there were still a few spots on my list that we just couldn't squeeze in. If you've got extra time, definitely check out Palma for Italian, Time Out Market for a variety of food vendors all in one spot, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for waterfront views and ice cream, Eileen's Special Cheesecake (I missed a lot of good food!), and Color Factory NYC for an interactive, Instagram-worthy art experience. We also had to skip the 9/11 Museum after our subway detour threw off our schedule, but it's absolutely worth adding to your itinerary if you can. Consider these your bonus stops if you've got a third day or just want to wander off the beaten path!

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Other NYC Spots I've Done (And Loved!)

This wasn't my first time in New York. Here are some other spots that are absolutely worth your time if you're looking to expand your itinerary:

• Broadway shows & comedy shows
• Empire State Building
• NBC Studio Tour
• Fifth Avenue
• Grand Central Terminal
• Bronx Zoo
• Farmers markets

All of these were accessible when I went, though it's always smart to call ahead and confirm current accessibility features before you go.

Here are some of my favorites you can book now: