Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Usama
The American Museum of Natural History is a 150-year-lasting museum located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, NYC. It’s placed across the street from world-renowned Central Park and is famous for its diverse scientific collections and exhibitions. The museum has tens of millions of specimens that include rocks, plants, fossils, minerals, human remains, etc. Spare a few hours to check out what AMNH has to offer, and Parking Access will help you find a suitable American Museum of Natural History parking area.
According to AMNH, this museum is an ideal place for anyone who wants to find out more about “human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.” So, if you’re one of those people, plan your trip to the museum by going through our guide and discovering the ticket prices and all AMNH parking options!
How Much Are Tickets to the American Museum of Natural History?
General admission to the AMNH is available by timed entry, and visitors must reserve tickets online. The list below shows the prices for general admission, which includes entry to permanent Museum halls but not special exhibitions.
| Adults | $23 |
| Seniors | $18 |
| Students | $18 |
| Children | $13 |
| NY, NJ, and CT residents | The amount you pay is up to you. |
If you want to check out one special exhibition as well (such as The Nature of Color, Volcanoes, or Worlds Beyond Earth), such admission for adults costs $28. To gain access to all special exhibitions, adult AMNH guests have to pay $33, while seniors and students pay $27.
Note that any student, senior, and NY/NJ/CT resident must bring a valid ID.
If you’re visiting New York City for the first time, purchase a New York CityPass. It allows you to visit AMNH, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Empire State Building. Additionally, you can choose three other attractions like the Rock Observation Deck, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
The American Museum of Natural History is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. AMNH urges its visitors to arrive no later than 30 minutes past the time on their reservation. So, allow yourself enough time for driving and parking. If you also reserve a car parking spot, the process will be much faster.
American Museum of Natural History Parking Options
AMNH offers a convenient parking facility located within the museum, and you can see the American Museum of Natural History parking map below. The map shows a part of the lower level of the museum. To reach the AMNH parking garage, use the entrance at 81st Street, which is between Central Park and Columbus Avenue. The garage parking structure is open between 6 AM and 11 PM on weekdays, while it opens at 8 AM on weekends.
How Much is AMNH Parking?
The official garage has general parking rates that include NYC Parking Tax. See the short-term parking prices in the list below.
| Hours | Parking Rate |
| Up to 1 hour | $26 |
| 1-2 hours | $29 |
| 2-5 hours | $36 |
| 5-10 hours | $46 |
| The maximum cost to closing time | $51 |
People who search for bike or scooter parking have a nearby option, as well. Bicycle racks are available in the AMNH garage, as well as in the Rose Center for Earth and Space’s driveway. The driveway is accessible from 81st Street, and that’s where you can also park your scooter. There’s another entrance at 77th Street available for scooter parking, but it’s currently closed.
ADA Parking
Accessible parking at AMNH is available in the main garage, and anyone who owns a disabled parking permit/license plate can use it. Standard parking rates apply. The museum ensures that all its guests have unrestricted access to AMNH facilities and services; check out the Accessibility section for additional information.
American Museum of Natural History Parking Alternatives
Budget-conscious visitors who would like to reduce their expenses have a few substitutes for the official AMNH parking structure. Public parking areas can be quite expensive in this part of the city, but we discovered several decent options, as well as transportation services if you want to avoid parking.
Off-Site Parking
We looked into nearby car parking lots that charge less than the main parking garage and found a few facilities placed within walking distance of the museum. Two hours of AMNH parking cost $29; compare it with the listed lots near the museum to find the most suitable one.
| Parking Lot/Garage | Address | Rate |
| Garage C | 147-157 W 83rd St. | $19 |
| Park It Lot | 200 West End Ave. | $19 |
| Schwab House Garage | 11 Riverside Dr. | $24 |
| Friedland Garage | 214-216 W 80th St. | $26 |
Street Parking
On-street parking spots aren’t always easy to find, and you must always pay attention to the signs, but there are plenty of metered parking spaces on the Upper West Side. Feel free to check out the NYC Street Parking Rates, and make sure you know how to avoid (or fight) an NYC parking ticket.
Public Transportation
This is the most cost-effective alternative, and there are several public transit options. If you want to use the subway, take the B or C to the 81 Street station or train 1 to Broadway and West 79th Street, which is two blocks away. MTA buses are also an option, and the M79 bus stops next to the museum. Other bus lines that stop nearby include M7, M10, M11, M84, and M104. If coming from the North of NYC, see the Metro-North Railroad website, while travelers from outside the New York City Metro Area may use Amtrak.
Bottom Line
In general, getting a safe parking space at AMNH is a piece of cake since the official American Museum of Natural History parking garage offers plenty of spots. However, this option isn’t particularly suitable for budget travelers, so we suggest using one of the listed alternatives. The off-site parking section has a couple of more reasonably priced options, while public transportation allows you to avoid parking and use the subway or bus to affordably reach the museum.
Tip: when you get to the museum, use the free Explorer App to get directions to AMNH’s exhibits and recommendations for what to see!
Parking Access can also help out anyone who plans on going to NYC’s arena or ballpark to check out an exciting sporting event. So, take a look at our event parking guides on Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and Barclays Center. Also, if you’re flying out of LaGuardia or JFK, we suggest that you pre-book your LaGuardia or JFK parking and have a stress-free journey!