US Open: 3 fastest ways to arrive from NYC Hotels

3 "Express" Hotels to go by foot, subway, or train

I've been going to the US Open regularly and NYC for over 35 years! With input from my family in Queens plus tennis friends in NYC, here's our short list of hotels. You can cruise car-less on your next US Open visit.

US Open travelers will stay near the US Open, Downtown NYC, or a hybrid option.

If you are there in August, you may see us there during Fan Week! Welcome back to NYC 2022.
Tune into the NBC Today Show on Aug 25 as we join TopCourt special guests at 30 Rock.

1) Go by foot: stay nearby LGA or Flushing

Spending most of your time at the Open? You might want to be able to walk there and back. Very useful last year in 2021 when the subways were flooded! Or when there's a Mets game playing.

Allows you to get some rest at the hotel during the middle of the day
Use the "Show on Map" button at the top right.
Plot a path on Google Maps to ensure it's less than a 1-mile walk
Ideally, look for one that is near one of the bridges or a metro stop on the 7 train line
Nearby hotels ranked by user ratings

Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Option: Flushing, NY (Chinatown) is just one "7 train" stop away.

Opt to walk there along Roosevelt Ave
Saves parking fees and time at the game
Use Bonvoy points or your free night voucher!

Get free referral bonus points (up to 3 free nights) with a Bonvoy Sign-up from Amex.

2) Going by Train: Penn Station and the LIRR

Hampton Inn near Empire State Building

If you're planning to do more activities in the city and only plan to go to the US Open once or twice, it might be better to explore hotel options near downtown Manhattan.

Going from Downtown to Flushing Meadows?

Taking the LIRR at Penn Station is about $10 and 20 minutes with very comfortable seats and only 1 stop.

Tip: keep your train ticket out so the conductor can punch the card. A nice souvenir from the journey!

NYC Sights

I would spend at least 2 days visiting this amazing city for the first time in NYC. You'll do a lot of walking - so wear comfortable shoes and buy a metro card!

Broadway Week: 2-for-1 Tickets

Broadway shows are a top NYC attraction.
Staying near Penn Station puts you very close to the action and near subways. Just remember to book those Hamilton tickets way in advance!

Broadway week starts September 6 - 25.
This event happens twice a year and offers 2-for-1 tickets. Book online using promo code "BWAYWK"

Need a tour? Must-see stops include Times Square, the Empire State building, seeing galleries at the MET, and walking above the High Line district.
Pay what you want Walking tours are another very popular option!

Just be aware that many downtown rooms might be much smaller and/or more expensive than normal. After all, you're in the town that never sleeps! But this might be a positive.

3) By #7 Subway: Long Island City

To stay somewhere a bit calmer than downtown and a bit nicer than Flushing, there is a little secret area called "Long Island City" (or LIC) - not to be confused with Long Island. It puts you between the two areas of interest while keeping prices manageable.

LIC Hotel - Skyline Deck View

For 2022, we opt to stay nearby LIC on Roosevelt Island, where we'll share some spectacular city views. It sits right across the river from Manhattan yet has a few train stops in the area. It takes just a few stops to reach the city.

Express Train - 7X Purple Train (3 stops to the Open)

If you plan to watch any night matches at the Open, look for the 7X. As in "X for the express train."

US Open Evening Match? Get from LIC within 3-5 stops during the weekday evening rush hour commute between 3pm - 9pm.

Express Trains have a Diamond #7 symbol
Local Trains Stops have a Circle symbol.

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First time at the Open? Check out "US Open tips for new fans"
Bring your Amex Card with you when you go to the US Open for annual freebies!
Chill at one of the Chase or Amex lounges for free

US Open Tennis, Ticket Deals for Summer in August

The Start of Summer and the US Open Tennis Series

Our great American summer tradition - between BBQs and fireworks. Professional sports means enjoying a fun day together and cheering on our favorite players. Nothing beats sharing some food with all your friends and a chance to collect an autograph or collectible souvenir.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the pools open, school is out, and your adventure awaits!

Single Sessions Tickets (available now)

Cheaper to Wait? When to buy US Open tickets?

Note the initial offer prices and look for special sale promotions between July and early August. More seats become available during the summer. Deals are usually for mid-week at the promenade seating level near the upper rows of Ashe.

It is our advice to have travel plans set before getting tickets. Having plane and hotel tickets ready helps me narrow down my dates. Next, decide how many day or evening sessions you plan to attend. I prefer two Ashe day sessions for max value so you'll see most of the players.

#1 Most Popular Date - Smart Shopping

Sat, Sept 3rd is the most popular middle Saturday!

Tickets are at least ~$180 on Ashe
For a little more ~$220, consider a reserved ticket on Armstrong as an alternative.
You can sit much closer to the action on Armstrong or Grandstand than on Ashe.
Consider a Grounds Pass if/when Ashe prices start going over $200+.

You will be notified when special promo offers are announced. The Amex Centurion suite and Chase RSVP lounge also become available for online reservations during the Summer.

Bonus Tip: Best seat sections - how to stay cool in the NYC heat and humidity.

"Buy in July vs Rush in August" - Summer Ticket discount trends

In past years, we have purchased 2-for-1 ticket deals and seen prices as low as $30. Sponsors such as Emirates, Amex, JP Morgan, and IBM often have discounted ticket codes. We share the sponsor deals on our email list!

We are neither paid nor sponsored by the US Open, and our opinions are completely our own. These limited-seat deals become available and are very useful if you just want to roam the grounds. More people will start selling tickets by mid-August, making it a buyer's market.

For summer events, check this Ticket Deals page first

The US Open Series features tennis events held across the USA (July - August)

It signals the beginning of the US Hard Court tennis season. Everything leads up to the big finish in NYC with the US Open in August. Attending any of these events across America will give fans a sneak preview locally for anyone who can't make it to the Big Apple.

As a true fan of the sport of tennis, the US Open is unique. You really should enjoy the full experience of a grand slam in person at least once in your lifetime.

I share my personal travel experiences on the ATP and WTA tennis tour at JCtennis. Feel free to check it out if you want inspiration or a sample guide for planning your own post-vaccination tennis vacation.

Full Stadiums, more positive signals from Sports Fans in Europe

In April and May 2022, I traveled through Europe in Germany and Spain during the clay-court season.

Being a photographer on the court and at their press conference, my opinion is from an insider perspective at actual pro tennis events. I watch the conditions and players on the ATP and WTA tours daily. It was an honor to dust the same clay off my shoes as Nadal and Djokovic.

Witnessing the energy and passion of the full Spanish crowd at Madrid’s stadium is the most amazing way to feel connected with a sea of cheering fans full of energy, waving their red and yellow.

Feel the spirit of Tennis Fandom in person

Like a Champions League soccer match, the entire crowd erupts together in a wave of humanity. Tennis fans enjoyed the clash between Nadal and Alcaraz with stars from Real Madrid soccer players and even the King of Spain himself in attendance.

We heard the packed Parisian crowd again at the French Open in Paris. So far, so good. Regarding public safety and health, we look back a few weeks after these sporting events conclude.

This is the most encouraging sign that major sporting events can return fully this year in a post-vax environment.

See the Full Article >>

US Open - American Express Card Preferred Seating Sale

US Open Amex Preferred Seating Tickets Available Now

American Express Members - Preferred Seating Codes
Enter the "INCENTUR" at the top. Preferred seats are closer than regular seats at Arthur Ashe Stadium! It can be cheaper than the standard price for the better Lower Promenade Seats. Must use your Amex card to check out*

Did you miss the Amex 2-for-1 Presale Offer?
Don't worry, if you sign up for our email list you can still get other US Open promo codes for August and September!

Grounds Admission Passes - 1-Day Ticket Option

Tickets Too Expensive or Sold Out? - buy a Grounds Pass HERE!
These give you a one-day entry to all courts except Ashe Stadium (usually 10-20% cheaper than an Ashe seat). A great option for the 1st week at the Open!

US Open Insider Tip #1 - TicketMaster Market for the US Open
Another primary source of public tickets is those sold securely by season ticket holders. They will usually sell it here if they can't go for any reason.

You can buy their seat directly via the *US Open TicketMaster Listings*.

*Advice: Bookmark this site as new ticket prices and availability are up to date here*

Check the latest US Open Prices for any session*

*Seats labeled "Instant Access" are available right now

How to show the American Express Seats:

Pick any available session date - Click Find Tickets >>
Enter "INCENTUR" into the Offer Code Box
Click the "Type" button -> American Express Preferred Seating to highlight those seats.
Use your American Express card at CHECKOUT to secure your seats!

Tip: Select "Verified Resale Tickets" to list all "auction" tickets; hidden to most casual fans

Look at the top, click on Type (with the Ticket Button).

Check the box for "Verified Resale Ticket" to reveal additional seats.

European Clay for American Tourists: Monte-Carlo vs Madrid vs Rome

Best Value for the American Dollar during the European Swing.

We compare the 3 Clay Masters Tournaments for your next Euro Tennis Vacation!

Monte-Carlo Masters (Monaco)
April - Tickets on StubHub

The Crown Jewel of the French Rivera. See our Monaco and Nice photos for trip ideas.

Try the Barcelona Open tournament for an Amazing City and just as many high-caliber players in a smaller venue! I was able to attend as media and got to witness the pinnacle of Spanish Championship Tennis. The venue is intimate, and the club is historic (at that same location since 1899).

Travel
It is best to take a flight to Nice, France, and then the train about 20 mins to the special stop they open only during the Tournament. Here is the ATP Behind the Scenes short video tour.

Find a nice AirBnB near the Nice station or the French side to save some money. I splurged and pulled a few strings for the full experience from the hillside balcony.

Be warned that the French transportation system was on strike several days out of the week (listed on a schedule) when I was there. You may need to find a bus or an expensive $50 taxi to get back on those days.

Food - Fancy and Fast Options
Should you want to wine and dine at the tournament, there are plenty of white tablecloth options on-site with a beautiful view of the center court from above.

For those seeking a quick lunch, a small food market deli called "Casino" offers lunch combos. Get a sandwich, drink, and/or dessert (for 3, 6, and 9 Euros respectively).

All the locals know where it is located and the tournament will let you take in your own lunch as long as it is inside a small bag.

Center Stadium and Side Courts
The Court de Princes is a separate ticket in a more secluded venue. I actually enjoyed the 3rd stadium (the equivalent of the old Grandstand at the US Open).

You can sit wherever you want and get close to players like Lopez. The high bounce of this clay favors Nadal who has won it 11 times! They should just change the national flag to Spain when he arrives.

Practice Courts
The main practice courts usually team up and down the castle walls with kids trying to see Nadal. The selection is pretty good since there are only the top male players in this tournament, but the small alleys can be tight and crowded.

Map and Walking Tour

The main entrance and the center stadium take up the entire Right Half.

The practice courts are all on a grid of 3 islands with 2 courts each along the bottom shown with dotted lines. The 2nd and 3rd stadiums are near each other at the top left corner - there are usually better matches playing there the first few rounds.

The Art of Traveling Lightly
Security is extremely tight, so getting there and lines can be long to get in so plan ahead to go early. It is best to travel light and not bring a backpack unless absolutely necessary. You will thank me later.

If needed, there is a convenient bag check service out front which is very nice but space is limited - but for just one Euro you cannot beat it!

Bonus Trip Option in Spain:
Barcelona Open ATP 500 plus a short visit to the Rafael Nadal Academy

Mutua Madrid Open
Early May

"The Magic Box" - Madrid Open with closable roof

The stadium is only a short walk downhill from the nearby Metro station.

Map and Box Layout
The entire campus is spread out like a giant Grid floating on a large lake. To reach the side and practice courts, walk down to the lower level and across a small bridge walkway that splits the courts.

Madrid Tennis Tickets on Sale at StubHub

Merchandise Booths and Layout

All the booths and food locations will be housed on the main and lower floors. Suites are at the top.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you are sitting in the open sun. Enjoy the practice courts outside! Very kid-friendly on weekdays.

Nadal played for over 4 hours in the longest 3-set matches in Masters 1000 History to defeat Djokovic in the famous 2009 semi-finals!

Roger Federer once defeated Rafael Nadal here...
The next month he won his only French Open.

A rare sight to see Federer beating Nadal on Spanish clay. He went on to win the French Open in Paris a month later. After his worst season ever in 2008, some have said this Madrid title is what saved his career in 2009. Davis Cup was played here in 2019.

Photos from 2022 at Alcaraz's historic 19th-birthday victory run to defeat Djokovic, Nadal, and Zverev consecutively to earn the title.

Another great tourist stop after the tennis is to visit the Madrid Bullring - Plaza del Toros (largest in Spain and 2nd largest in the World) also near the train line.

You can also play Matador and learn about the rich culture behind one of Spain's oldest traditions that still runs strong in this city.

Day Trips - Toledo, Segovia, Avila

In 2022, returned to the Mutua Madrid Open for a full week as a photographer. Mornings in Madrid's beautiful Retiro Park or tapas tours are a must-do for visitors.

I was able to take a full-day trip to Toledo via the train. The ancient capital has many great castle views. The war museum has many fascinating artifacts from the medieval era.

Avila (castle walls) and Segovia are two other UNESCO cities I enjoyed on a bus tour but would pick just Segovia to spend a full day walking if given the choice and save driving time.

For over 13 years, I continue to love returning to Spain. Its food, culture, and sunsets make it always my number #1 country recommendation for young Americans visiting Europe for the first time.

Italian Open (Rome, Italy)
Mid-May

2nd Stadium (my favorite) at the Foro Italico

Crowds are seated closer together in this "sunken" stadium surrounded by giant Roman Statues. Many box seat holders will go and typically only stay here. The view is very steep in traditional Coliseum-like seating for dramatic angles against ancient statues.

There are no bad seats here. You can hear all the shots and crowd reactions intimately when walking by above. This is very much the People's Court with lots of true tennis fans.

Italian Open Tennis Tickets on Sale

In this map, the green arrows show the paths where I typically recommend staying.

The main practice court areas are where most of the fans can watch from only the near side. You will see a lot more tennis if you stay near the Eastern Half.

Main Stadium

It is best to have a ticket in hand before you approach to get inside because you will be at the tip of the Giant Triangle, the Foro Italico.

Italian Food and Drinks

The cafe-style restaurants are easy ways to grab a quick bite and drink. There is lots of small table seating on the Lower Left side near the grass.

There are lots of kid-friendly activities like riding the circular train loop and playing some mini-tennis in the Kids Zone near the main entrance.

See my reasons for picking Rome as the top clay-court Masters for 2016 as well as cool sights to see on a Segway in the city at night (if you are tired from all the walking).

Rome is the Last Stop before Paris!

Roland Garros is the grand finale in Late May- Early June.

In 2024, the location will also host the Olympics for tennis!

The new stadium and expanded campus are supposed to be great.
Excited to see the giant Rafael Nadal metallic statue on display!

US Tennis Tickets: Miami Open (Tennis' March Madness)

Miami Open Ticket Deals

Miami Open - All Sessions and Grounds Pass Prices

Indian Wells, CA or Miami, Florida - Top Tennis Destinations in March

We have been to both Indian Wells and Miami Open to give you 1st-person advice on which tickets to purchase.

Find out where to meet the pros, what days to see your favorite player, go for a morning or evening match, plus which tourist traps to avoid paying too much!

Preview the Dolphins stadium layout here before you buy your ticket packages!

Miami Open - USA's 2nd Tennis 1000 Tournament

The Top 75 Men and Women players will be in attendance, and so should you!

Check out our previous review of the Miami Open

We can help you determine which is the right tournament for you.
We will provide fan updates and our fan comments on Facebook!

Whether you are Young or Old, enjoy Dry or Humid conditions, East Coast or West Coast...

Want to watch some live tennis this March?

Plenty of great seats for California and Florida events are coming up in March!
We monitor and see re-sell Prices change daily so check back often or BOOKMARK these ticket links. Before buying at the Box Office, check these prices for a better deal.

Sign Up for our US Open early-bird tickets & discounts

US Open (US Open early ticket deals starting in April...get our pre-sale preview)
Miami Open (Dolphins stadium, new location!)
Clay Court Tennis and French Open - it's never too early to plan for a Spring Tennis vacation in Europe, starting April-June.

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