Directions to Rikers Island

By Bus:  Take either the MTA Q101 or Q100 to Rikers Island. The Q101 originates in Manhattan, at East 59th Street and Second Avenue. It will take you to Hazen Street and 19th Avenue in Queens, which is the entrance to Rikers Island. You will have to transfer here to the Q100 bus to travel over the Rikers Island Bridge to the Rikers Island Visit Center.

The Q100 originates in Long Island City at 28th Street and Bridge Plaza South (Queens Plaza) and continues to the Rikers Island Visit Center. Consult the MTA for schedules.

Note: The number of the bus route to Rikers is being changed. Before April 6, 2008, the bus to Rikers will be called the Q101R bus.  As of April 6, the route will be renamed the Q100.


By Car:

Parking is very limited.  Public transportation is best option.

From the Bronx or Manhattan, take the Triboro Bridge to Queens eastbound along the Grand Central Parkway. Exit at Astoria Boulevard, bear left and go straight on 23rd Avenue (just after Grand Central Parkway entrance ramp) to 82nd Street. Left on 82nd Street to 81st Street. Right on 81st Street (name changes to 19th Avenue) to the first traffic light. This is Hazen Street. Right on Hazen to Rikers Island parking lot.

Note: After exiting at Astoria Boulevard, all distances traveling thereafter are very short.

From Brooklyn or Staten Island, take the BQE toward Queens and follow directions above for traveling on Astoria Boulevard.