can cars drive through times square

[GriffinMarie]

No, you cannot drive a regular car through the main pedestrian plazas of Times Square. Since 2009, sections of Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets have been permanently closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into pedestrian zones. While you can drive on the cross streets (like 44th Street) and the avenues (7th and 6th) that border Times Square, the iconic area with its bleachers, theaters, and massive digital billboards is exclusively for foot traffic.

This transformation was implemented by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance the experience for the millions of tourists who visit annually. The rules are strictly enforced by NYPD, and any unauthorized vehicle entering the plaza is subject to a significant fine. The only exceptions are for emergency vehicles, authorized city service vehicles during specific hours, and occasional special event permits.

If you're navigating the area by car, your GPS will typically route you around the closed sections. The best approach is to park in a nearby garage and explore the square on foot. The pedestrianization has been a major success, leading to a drastic reduction in traffic injuries and creating a unique urban space.

Street Section	Status for Private Vehicles	Notes
Broadway between 42nd & 47th St	Closed	Permanent pedestrian plaza
7th Avenue (North & Southbound)	Open	Runs along the west side of Times Square
6th Avenue (Southbound)	Open	Runs along the east side of Times Square
44th Street (East & Westbound)	Open	Crosses through the heart of the area
45th Street (East & Westbound)	Open	Crosses through the heart of the area
Broadway south of 42nd St	Open	Leads to Herald Square and downtown
Broadway north of 47th St	Open	Leads to the Theater District and Columbus Circle

[TaliaLee]

Forget about it. They shut that down years ago to make more room for people. You can drive on the streets that go across it, like 44th or 45th, but the main part with all the lights and steps is pedestrians only. Your best bet is to find a garage a few blocks away and just walk over. Trying to drive through the middle will get you a hefty ticket from the cops who are always around. It's honestly a much better experience on foot anyway.

[DelHarmony]

As a rideshare driver, I navigate this area daily. My app automatically reroutes me around the pedestrian plazas on Broadway. I can pick up and drop off passengers on the open cross streets, like 44th or 45th, but I never enter the main plaza. Traffic is heavy enough on the perimeter roads without adding to the chaos. Passengers are usually understanding when I explain they'll have to walk the last block to their theater or hotel. It's just part of driving in NYC.

[VanTanner]

I live a few blocks from Times Square, and the pedestrian plazas have made a huge difference. Before 2009, it was a gridlocked nightmare for cars and dangerous for people walking. Now, it's a much more pleasant place to be, even with the crowds. You'll see kids playing and people sitting on the bleachers right where cars used to idle. Driving the surrounding avenues is still slow, but knowing the core is a safe, car-free zone improves the whole neighborhood's quality of life.

[Cali]

From an urban planning perspective, the closure of Times Square to through traffic is a classic case of tactical urbanism. The city used a low-cost approach, initially placing lawn chairs in the street, to test the concept of reclaiming space for people. The data showed a dramatic improvement in safety and pedestrian flow, leading to a permanent redesign. This move prioritized public space and economic activity generated by foot traffic over the throughput of private vehicles, a trend seen in cities worldwide. It's a successful model for managing dense urban environments.