The High Line is an elevated park and promenade that offers a unique view of the city from above. The High Line is a former railroad that was transformed into a beautiful green space that is today one of the city’s most popular parks. Whether you are a local New Yorker or a tourist, the High Line is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the street of New York and experience some nature in the middle of Manhattan.
History of the High Line in NYC
In the mid-19th century, there was a street-level railroad along 10th Avenue. After more than 500 pedestrians was killed by the trains, people started calling it “Death Avenue”. This is what lead to the construction of the West Side Elevated Line, which was later known as the High Line. The High Line was fully operated by 1934.
When the use of trucks and transportation on the roads became more common, the railroad fell into disuse. In the 1980s, the city considered taking the High Line down, but an organization called the Friends of the High Line was formed. They wanted to restore the railroad and convert it into a park.
The first section of the High Line park opened to the public in 2009.
Walk on the High Line
The High Line is a beautiful public park that stretches 1.45 miles along. The park is built on an elevated railroad that runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street on the west side of Midtown.
Come here for a casual stroll around the park and take in all the beautiful gardens with all sorts of flowers, and for a unique view of the surrounding neighborhoods. The park also features several art installations such as sculptures, murals, and street performers.
It takes around 30 minuets to walk the whole High Line, but this can differ depending on how fast you walk.
Click here to book a guided walking tour of the High Line.
How to get to the High Line in NYC
The High Line is located between Gansevoort Street and 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue. You can find an entrance to the High Line on every 3-4 block.
Entrencas to the High Line
- Gansevoort Street och Washington Street (elevator)
- 14th Street (elevator)
- 16th Street
- 17th Street
- 20th Street
- 23rd Street (elevator)
- 26th Street
- 28th Street
- 30th Street Hudson Yards (ramp)
- 30th Street Southwest (elevator)
- 30th Street Northwest
- 30th Street Southwest
- 30th Street and 11th Avenue
The High Line opening hours
The High Line is open every day between 7 am to 10 pm.
Restrooms
The High Line has a few restrooms that you can find on Gansevoort Street, 16th Street and 30th Street.
Is the High Line wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the High Line is fully wheelchair accessible. You can take an elevator to get up to the High Line at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 23rd Street, 30th Street Hudson Yards (there is a ramp no elevator) and 30th Street Southwest. The wheelchair accessible restrooms are located at Gansevoort Street and on 16th Street.
The High Line park rules
- No walking in planting beds or on exposed rail tracks
- No picking of flowers or plants
- Don’t sit on railings or climbing on any part of the High Line
- Bicycles, skateboards, skates and scooters are not allowed on the High Line.
- No littering
- No smoking
- Events or gatherings greater than 20 persons, except by permit
- No dogs, except for service dogs
Book a guided tour of the High Line in New York.
If you want to learn a little more about the High Line you can book a guided tour. Then you will learn more about the history and interesting facts about the park. You have a few different options.
Click here to book a guided walking tour of the High Line.
Click here to book a guided tour of the High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District.
More information about the High Line in New York
How much did it cost to build the High Line?
The cost of the design and construction of the High Line landed on around 152.3 million US dollars.
Is the High Line wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the High Line is fully wheelchair accessible. You can take an elevator to get up to the High Line at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 23rd Street, 30th Street Hudson Yards (there is a ramp no elevator) and 30th Street Southwest. The wheelchair accessible restrooms are located at Gansevoort Street and on 16th Street.
How much does it cost to visit the High Line in New York?
Nothing, it’s free to visit the High Line park.
How long does it take to walk the High Line in NYC?
It takes around 30 minuets to walk the High Line, but this depends on how fast you walk and how often you stop to explore.
How long is the High Line in New York?
The High Line in New York is around 1.45 miles long.