If you're traveling to see the annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks on the East River, public transit is the way to go. We also have some service changes for the holiday.
Holiday service changes
Subways and buses
- On Friday, July 4, subways and buses will run on a Saturday schedule, including extended Rockaway Park Shuttle service to Rockaway Blvd .
- In the evening, service will run more frequently and trains will run on the between Canal St and Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr to accommodate higher ridership to the Macy's fireworks display. trains won't stop at Clark St from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Long Island Rail Road
- On Wednesday, July 2, the LIRR will run an extra evening train from Penn Station to Montauk.
- On Thursday, July 3, the LIRR will run on a summer Friday schedule, with an extra evening train from Jamaica to Montauk.
- On Friday, July 4, the LIRR will run on a Saturday schedule, with off-peak fares valid on all trains.
- On Sunday, July 6, the LIRR will run an extra evening train from Montauk to Jamaica.
Metro-North Railroad
- On Thursday, July 3:
- Metro-North will run on a Friday schedule on all three East of Hudson lines. Peak service will be adjusted and afternoon getaway trains will be added.
- The Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines will run on a weekday schedule. Peak service will be adjusted and one afternoon getaway train will be added on the Port Jervis Line.
- On Friday, July 4:
- Metro-North will run on a Sunday schedule on all three East of Hudson lines, with two extra New Haven Line trains in the evening. Off-peak tickets will be valid on all trains.
- The Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines will run on a weekend schedule, with one additional train on the Port Jervis Line.
Check Schedules or the TrainTime app for more details on extra LIRR and Metro-North trains ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
Taking public transit to see the fireworks
When and where to see the fireworks
Macy's Annual 4th of July Fireworks happen Friday, July 4, 2025 at 9:25 p.m and last for about 30 minutes.
This year, the fireworks display will take place on four barges positioned along the lower East River between Pier 17 & the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. There will be viewing areas along the East River in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights.
Public viewing areas
The public can view the fireworks along elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Manhattan by entering at one of the following locations:
The general public can view the show along elevated portions of the FDR drive by entering at one of the entry points:
- Montgomery St at Madison St
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Pl at Pearl St
- Broad St at Water St
ADA accessible viewing areas will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry St.
Public viewing in Brooklyn Bridge Park and designated sections of Pier 16 and Pier 17 at The Seaport will be accessible only via free tickets issued by the City of New York.
How to get to the fireworks
These subway stations are nearest the entrances to the official viewing areas:
- Borough Hall/Court St
- Bowling Green
- Broad St
- Chambers St
- East Broadway
- Fulton St
- High St
- Whitehall St-South Ferry
Trains won't stop at Clark St from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Buses that will serve the viewing areas include the M15-SBS, M15, M20, M22, M55, B25, B61, and B63.
Get updates
These service changes are subject to change, so check the MTA homepage before heading out; it's where you'll find up-to-the-minute information on subway, bus, and rail service. Our apps—MTA and TrainTime—also provide real-time service information.
You can also contact us in real time for help planning your trip. We're reachable via phone, chat, and more.