Where to Stay for the US Open Tennis Championships in New York

Every summer, the US Open brings the world’s best tennis players and thousands of fans to New York City for more than three weeks of matches, entertainment and unmistakable tournament energy.

The 2026 US Open runs from August 24 through September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Fan Week begins on August 23, while the main singles draw starts on August 30.

Choosing where to stay depends on the type of trip you are planning. A hotel in Flushing offers the shortest journey to the grounds, while a Midtown Manhattan hotel gives you easier access to Times Square, Broadway, restaurants and the rest of New York City between matches.

TL;DR: Where to Stay for the US Open

• Stay in Times Square or Midtown Manhattan when you want to combine the US Open with Broadway, restaurants, rooftop bars and sightseeing.
• Take the direct 7 train from Times Sq–42 St to Mets–Willets Point, or use the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station.
• Choose Flushing when the shortest possible journey to the tournament is your main priority.
• Consider Long Island City for a middle ground between Queens and Manhattan.
• Avoid relying on a car, as traffic and limited parking can make tournament-day travel more difficult.
• Book accommodation early, particularly for Labor Day weekend and the final rounds.

Where Is the US Open Held?

The US Open is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens. The complex includes Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and a collection of outer courts used throughout the tournament.

The nearest public transportation stop is Mets–Willets Point. Fans can reach it using the 7 subway or the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington Branch, with the station located just steps from the tournament grounds. Public transport is the tournament’s recommended way to arrive.

Where Should You Stay for the US Open?

For most visitors, Times Square offers the best balance between easy tournament access and the full New York City experience.

Stay in Times Square for a Full NYC Getaway

Times Square is a strong base for visitors who want to combine the US Open with Broadway, rooftop bars, shopping, dining and Midtown attractions.

The 7 train provides a direct route from Times Sq–42 St to Mets–Willets Point, while Long Island Rail Road services are available from nearby Penn Station. This makes it possible to spend the day at the tournament before returning to the restaurants, nightlife and energy of Manhattan.

Margaritaville Resort Times Square combines a central Midtown location with island-inspired rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and skyline cocktails at 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar. It gives tennis fans somewhere to switch off after a long day in the stands without stepping away from the energy of New York City.

Choose Times Square when you want the US Open to be part of a wider New York City getaway rather than the only focus of the trip.

Stay in Flushing for the Shortest Journey

Flushing is the most practical option for visitors planning to spend most of their trip at the tournament.

Hotels close to Flushing Meadows may be within walking distance or a short subway journey of the National Tennis Center, reducing travel time between sessions. The neighborhood also has a strong dining scene, particularly for Asian cuisine.

The trade-off is that Broadway, Midtown attractions and Manhattan nightlife require a longer journey. Choose Flushing when quick access to the courts matters more than sightseeing.

Choose Long Island City for a Middle Ground

Long Island City sits between Times Square and Flushing Meadows, with direct access to the 7 train.

It works well for visitors who want a shorter journey to the tournament while retaining reasonable access to Manhattan. The neighborhood also offers waterfront parks, restaurants and skyline views, although it does not provide the same concentration of attractions and evening entertainment as Times Square.

Choose Long Island City when you want to divide the trip more evenly between tennis and Manhattan.

How Do You Get to the US Open From Times Square?

Public transportation is the easiest way to reach the US Open from Times Square, with both the subway and Long Island Rail Road stopping at Mets–Willets Point, a short walk from the National Tennis Center.

For the simplest route, walk to Times Sq–42 St and take the 7 train directly to Mets–Willets Point. There are no transfers, making this a convenient option for visitors unfamiliar with New York’s transport system. Once you arrive, follow the signs and pedestrian walkway to the tournament entrance.

The Long Island Rail Road can be a quicker alternative. Trains on the Port Washington Branch serve Mets–Willets Point from both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison, although services and fares differ from the subway. Check the timetable before travelling, particularly for evening sessions.

Whichever route you choose, leave extra time for busy platforms, the walk into the grounds and tournament security. Travel may be particularly crowded during peak sessions or when a Mets game is taking place nearby.

Driving is possible, but public transportation is generally the better choice. Parking is limited, and traffic around Flushing Meadows can become heavy during the tournament.

When Should You Visit the 2026 US Open?

The best time to visit depends on whether you want to explore the tournament grounds, watch several players across different courts or experience the intensity of the championship matches.

Fan Week: August 23–29

Fan Week is ideal for families, first-time visitors and tennis fans who want to experience the US Open atmosphere without committing to a main-draw stadium ticket.

The week begins with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Sunday, August 23, featuring player practices, family activities, entertainment and a stadium show. Qualifying then gives visitors the chance to watch players compete for places in the main singles draw, often from much closer seats than would be available later in the tournament.

The 2026 schedule also includes mixed doubles qualifying and championship matches, player practices, live entertainment and other events throughout the grounds. Some headline experiences require separate tickets, but general admission to the grounds is free during Fan Week. Visitors aged 18 or over must register for a free digital Fan Access Pass through the official US Open app.

Choose Fan Week when you want a more relaxed and affordable introduction to the tournament, particularly when travelling with children or combining the visit with other New York City plans.

Early Rounds: August 30–September 5

The opening week offers the greatest variety of main-draw tennis. The first-round matches take place from August 30 through September 1, followed by the second and third rounds later in the week. With more players still in the competition, matches are spread across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and the outer courts.

This is often the best period for visitors who want to spend a full day exploring the grounds rather than watching only one headline match. The outer courts provide opportunities to see leading players, rising stars and doubles teams in smaller settings, while day and evening sessions make it easier to fit the tournament around sightseeing or dinner in Manhattan.

Ticket choice matters. A Grounds Admission ticket includes first-come, first-served access to the outer courts and general-admission areas in Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand, but it does not include Arthur Ashe Stadium. An Arthur Ashe ticket provides a reserved stadium seat as well as access to the other courts around the grounds.

Choose the early rounds when you want the most tennis for your time, a lively atmosphere across the entire complex and enough flexibility to build the US Open into a wider NYC getaway.

Championship Week: September 6–13

The second week brings fewer matches, but every round carries more weight. The round of 16 begins on September 6, followed by the singles quarterfinals on September 8 and 9. The women’s singles semifinals take place on September 10, with the men’s semifinals following on September 11.

The women’s singles final is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, followed by the men’s singles final on Sunday, September 13. These sessions deliver the biggest atmosphere and highest-profile matches, but they also give visitors less opportunity to move between different courts than during the opening week.

Visitors who do not have a main-stadium ticket can still experience part of championship week on Open for All Day, Thursday, September 10. The grounds are scheduled to open free of charge during the day, with doubles, wheelchair and junior matches taking place across the complex.

Choose championship week when seeing the tournament’s decisive matches matters more than watching a large volume of tennis. Book accommodation and tickets early, particularly for the semifinals and finals weekend.

 

Tips for Planning Your US Open Stay

• Book the hotel early. Tournament dates overlap with Labor Day weekend, and the most convenient hotels can fill quickly.
• Check your ticket session carefully. A day-session ticket and an evening-session ticket provide different access, so confirm the stadium, start time and entry conditions before making other plans.
• Use public transportation. The 7 train and LIRR both stop at Mets–Willets Point, close to the tournament entrance.
• Review the bag policy. Check the official US Open A–Z Guide before leaving the hotel, as large bags and some other items are prohibited.
• Prepare for a long day. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer for evening sessions will make the experience easier.
• Leave room for New York. Unless you plan to attend every session, build in time for a Broadway show, rooftop drinks, shopping or sightseeing between match days.

What Can You Do After the Tennis?

A session at the US Open can take up most of the day, but staying in Times Square gives you options once you return to Manhattan.

Cool down by the rooftop pool, settle in for dinner at Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar or head upstairs for drinks and Midtown views at 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar. The resort’s dining and rooftop amenities make it easy to continue the evening without adding another journey after a full day in Queens.

On days without tournament tickets, Broadway, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and many of Midtown’s best-known attractions are within easy reach.

Before booking, explore Margaritaville Resort Times Square’s latest exclusive offers. Seasonal packages and added extras are updated throughout the year, helping guests make more of their US Open stay in New York City.

Plan Your US Open Getaway

Make the US Open part of a bigger New York City escape with a stay at Margaritaville Resort Times Square. Enjoy convenient public transportation to the tournament, then return to rooftop views, refreshing drinks and the energy of Midtown Manhattan.

Before booking, explore the resort’s latest seasonal packages and savings.

Explore Exclusive Offers