Bus from World Trade Center to Central Park: M5 / M20 Route

Taking the bus from the World Trade Center area to Central Park is straightforward—two direct routes serve this corridor.

Step-by-Step (M5 or M20)

1. Walk to stop: West St & Vesey St (north side of WTC complex, near Oculus / Brookfield Place). Southbound buses stop here.
2. Board: M5 (runs 5th Ave / Riverside Dr) or M20 (runs 7th Ave / 8th Ave / Hudson St). Both go to 59th St / 5th Ave.
3. Ride: ~25–35 minutes (traffic dependent). M5 travels 5th Ave (museum mile); M20 travels 7th/8th Ave (midtown west).
4. Alight: 59th St & 5th Ave (southeast corner of Central Park – Grand Army Plaza / Pulitzer Fountain).
5. Enter Park: Cross 59th St → you're at the Schumacher Gate (main southeast entrance).

Route Comparison

Alternatives

• Subway (faster, ~15 min): E train (WTC Cortlandt) → 5th Ave/53rd St → walk 6 blocks N. Or 1 train (WTC Cortlandt) → 59th St–Columbus Circle → enter park SW corner.
• Walk: 3.2 miles, ~1 hour via Hudson River Greenway → 59th St.
• Citi Bike: Dock at Vesey/West → dock at 59th/5th (~25 min).

Fare

• OMNY / MetroCard: $2.90 (free transfer to subway if within 2 hrs).
• Express bus (X, BM) not needed; local routes are direct.

The M5/M20 gives you a street-level tour of Manhattan's spine—no transfers, one seat, park at your doorstep.