Manhattan and Brooklyn are close neighbors, but the distance between them depends on where you’re starting and where you’re headed. The two boroughs are separated by the East River, with iconic bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge connecting them. Below, we’ll break down the distance, whether you can walk it, how long it takes with different transportation options, and some practical tips, with tables to make it clear.
The Distance: It’s All About Specifics
The distance between Manhattan and Brooklyn varies based on your starting and ending points. Using City Hall in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn as a baseline (central and close to the East River), the straight-line distance is about 1.5 miles. Real-world travel—whether by foot, subway, or car—can stretch this due to routes, traffic, or transit connections. For example:
- Lower East Side to Williamsburg: ~2-3 miles
- Midtown Manhattan to Park Slope: ~5-7 miles
- Brooklyn Bridge (end to end): ~1.1 miles
Can You Walk It?
Walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn is realistic if you’re crossing a bridge and starting nearby. The Brooklyn Bridge takes about 20-30 minutes to walk across, covering roughly 1.1 miles. From City Hall to Dumbo, expect a 30-40 minute walk (~1.5-2 miles). Longer trips, like Midtown to Prospect Heights (6-8 miles), could take 2-3 hours, so they’re less practical unless you’re up for a serious urban hike.
Getting There: Transportation Options and Times
Here’s a breakdown of travel times and costs from City Hall to Borough Hall (adjust for your specific locations):
| Mode | Travel Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 10-15 min | $3 (MetroCard) | Fastest option. Take 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, transfer to 2/3. |
| Bus | 25-40 min | $3 (MetroCard) | Slower, traffic-dependent. B62 or B41 are options. |
| Car/Taxi/Rideshare | 10-20 min | $15-25 (rideshare) | Traffic can double time. Battery Tunnel toll: $6.55 with E-ZPass. |
| Ferry | 20-25 min | $4 (or $1.35 w/ transfer) | Scenic, but requires walking to/from docks. South Brooklyn/East River route. |
| Bike | 10-15 min | $4.49 (Citi Bike single) | Brooklyn/Manhattan Bridge best for bikes. Watch for pedestrians. |
| Walking | 30-40 min | Free | Brooklyn Bridge is ~1.1 miles. Great for short trips, less for long ones. |
For context, here are approximate travel times to other Brooklyn neighborhoods from City Hall:
| Destination | Subway (min) | Car/Rideshare (min) | Bike (min) | Walking (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg (Bedford Ave) | 15-20 | 15-25 | 15-20 | 40-50 |
| Park Slope (7th Ave) | 20-25 | 20-30 | 25-30 | 90-120 |
| Bed-Stuy (Nostrand Ave) | 20-25 | 20-30 | 20-25 | 60-90 |
Tips and Tricks for Getting Around
- Time It Right: Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) for driving or rideshares—bridges and tunnels get jammed. Subways are crowded but reliable.
- Check Subway Status: Weekend track work is common. Use the MTA app or X posts from @NYCTSubway for service updates.
- Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tip: Stay on the left side of the pedestrian lane to avoid cyclists and tourists. Early mornings or late evenings are less crowded.
- Ferry Perks: The NYC Ferry is scenic and relaxing. Grab a coffee, check the schedule on the NYC Ferry app, and enjoy the skyline.
- Citi Bike Hack: Dock and re-dock every 30 minutes to avoid extra fees on Citi Bike. Stations are plentiful near bridges.
- Know Your Bridges:
- Manhattan Bridge: Best for bikes (dedicated lane, fewer pedestrians).
- Brooklyn Bridge: Iconic but crowded with tourists.
- Williamsburg Bridge: Great for North Brooklyn but steeper.
- Late-Night Options: Subways run 24/7, but late-night waits (after midnight) can hit 10-20 minutes. Check schedules or opt for a rideshare.
Final Thoughts
Manhattan to Brooklyn is a quick trip if you choose the right mode. Subways are the fastest and cheapest, while walking or biking across a bridge gives you that classic city experience. Ferries are great for a chill ride with views. Plan for traffic, track work, or crowds, and you’ll move between boroughs like you’ve been doing it forever.
