The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC shuts down one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors for much of the day every March.
The parade affects Fifth Avenue, Midtown East, the Upper East Side, and nearby crosstown streets. A trip that normally takes a short time can become a lengthy detour if it is scheduled near the parade route.
When the Parade Happens and What Closes
The parade runs up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street.
It typically begins in the late morning and continues into the mid-afternoon. NYPD closes Fifth Avenue along the route before the parade begins, while nearby cross streets receive intermittent closures as marching bands and parade units move through the area.
Fifth Avenue
Avoid Fifth Avenue between approximately 44th and 79th Streets from mid-morning through late afternoon.
Midtown East
Traffic near Midtown East can become heavy as vehicles are redirected away from Fifth Avenue.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side may experience traffic, pedestrian crowds, and intermittent cross-street restrictions near the northern section of the route.
Getting Around Midtown and the Upper East Side
Use Routes Below 42nd Street
The live page states that crosstown trips can be faster below 42nd Street, away from the main parade footprint.
Use Routes Above 86th Street
The live page also identifies routes above 86th Street as an option when traveling away from the parade zone.
Avoid Fifth Avenue
Do not plan a normal Fifth Avenue route between 44th and 79th Streets during the main closure period.
Expect Side-Street Congestion
Side streets can become crowded quickly as vehicles are redirected from Fifth Avenue.
Subway and Walking Options
Subway travel may be useful for destinations near Midtown and the Upper East Side, but stations can become crowded and entrances or exits may be affected by parade security.
If you reserve a limousine, your chauffeur may need to use a legal drop-off location outside the restricted streets.
Why a Chauffeur Helps on Parade Day
A professional chauffeur can plan around the parade route, closures, hotel access, restaurant reservations, and event locations.
A limousine cannot drive through a street closed by NYPD. The benefit is having transportation planned in advance rather than searching for a pickup during the busiest part of the event.
Booking Tips for St. Patrick’s Day
Reserve Early
Book airport transfers, hotel transportation, event travel, and evening plans ahead of the parade.
Share the Exact Address
Provide the venue, hotel, restaurant, apartment, office, or event entrance.
Confirm the Pickup Side
Your chauffeur may need to meet you on a side street outside the parade zone.
Allow Extra Time
Road closures, pedestrian crowds, and side-street traffic can all extend the journey.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade FAQs
What streets does the parade use?
The published route runs up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street.
When do the closures occur?
The live page states that Fifth Avenue closes before the parade and remains restricted from late morning through mid-afternoon.
Can a limousine reach a hotel near Fifth Avenue?
Possibly, depending on the hotel’s location and the current security perimeter. A nearby legal pickup point may be required.
Are routes below 42nd Street or above 86th Street better?
The live post identifies both areas as potentially faster options away from the parade footprint, although traffic conditions can change.
Planning transportation for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a Midtown event, or an Upper East Side destination? Contact Manhattan VIP Limo early with your full itinerary so your chauffeur can plan around the closures.