Whether you’re visiting students, attending an event, or exploring the vibrant campus of St. John’s University, knowing the best way to get there is essential. For those planning their stay and perhaps looking for accommodation at a St Johns Hotel or nearby, understanding the various routes to the university will simplify your travel. This guide provides comprehensive directions to St. John’s University, ensuring a smooth arrival whether you’re driving, taking public transportation, or utilizing ride-sharing services.
Driving Directions to St. John’s University
Navigating to St. John’s University by car is straightforward from various points in and around New York City. Below are detailed driving directions from different boroughs and regions:
From Manhattan
Take the Queens Midtown Tunnel to the Long Island Expressway (495). Exit at Utopia Parkway (Exit 26). Stay on the service road and turn right onto Utopia Parkway. Continue on Utopia Parkway until you reach Union Turnpike; the university campus will be on your right-hand side.
From Brooklyn
Option One: Take the Belt Parkway East to the Van Wyck Expressway (678 North). Exit at Main Street/Union Turnpike. Proceed to the third traffic light and make a right onto the Grand Central Parkway service road. Turn left onto Utopia Parkway at the fourth traffic light and continue to the campus.
Option Two: Take the Jackie Robinson Parkway East to the Grand Central Parkway East. Exit at Utopia Parkway. Turn left onto Utopia Parkway to reach the university campus.
From The Bronx
Option One: Take the Throgs Neck Bridge to the Clearview Expressway (295). Take Exit 2 and turn right onto Union Turnpike. Turn left onto Utopia Parkway and proceed to the main gate (Gate 1). Turn right to enter the campus.
Option Two: Take the Triboro Bridge to the Grand Central Parkway. Exit at Utopia Parkway. Turn left at the traffic light and then turn left again to enter the campus.
From Long Island (North)
Option One: Take the Northern State Parkway to the Grand Central Parkway. Exit at 188th Street. Turn left at the traffic light, and make an immediate right onto the service road. Follow the service road to Utopia Parkway and bear right to enter the campus.
Option Two: Take the Long Island Expressway (495) and exit at Utopia Parkway (Exit 26). Turn left onto Utopia Parkway and continue until Union Turnpike. The campus will be on your right.
From Long Island (South)
Take the Southern State Parkway to the Cross Island Parkway (295). Proceed to the Grand Central Parkway West and exit at 188th Street. Turn left at the traffic light, and make an immediate right onto the service road. Follow the service road to Utopia Parkway and bear right to access the campus.
From Connecticut (North)
Follow I-95 South to the Bruckner Expressway towards the Throgs Neck Bridge. Cross the Throgs Neck Bridge and merge onto the Clearview Expressway (295). Take Exit 2 from the Clearview Expressway and turn right onto Union Turnpike. Turn left onto Utopia Parkway and proceed to main gate (Gate 1). Turn right to enter the campus.
From New Jersey
Take I-95 North or I-80 East to the George Washington Bridge. Cross the bridge and take the Cross Bronx Expressway to I-295 to the Throgs Neck Bridge. Follow the directions from The Bronx (Option One) after crossing the Throgs Neck Bridge.
Public Transportation Options for Reaching St. John’s University
St. John’s University is also readily accessible via New York City’s extensive public transportation system.
Directions from I.N.D. Subway (E Train)
Take the E train to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike station. From there, take the Q-46 bus to Union Turnpike and Utopia Parkway. The university campus is a short walk from the bus stop.
Directions from F Train
Take the F train to the 169th Street station. Transfer to the Q-30 or Q-31 bus. These buses will take you directly to St. John’s University main gate on Utopia Parkway and 82nd Avenue.
Directions from I.R.T. Subway (7 Train)
Take the 7 train to Main Street in Flushing. From the Main Street station, take the Q-17 bus to Utopia Parkway and the Long Island Expressway. Transfer to the Q-30 or Q-31 bus to reach St. John’s University main gate at Utopia Parkway and 82nd Avenue.
Directions from Long Island Rail Road (L.I.R.R.)
Take the L.I.R.R. to Jamaica Station. At Jamaica Station, transfer to the Q-30 bus. This bus route will bring you to St. John’s University main gate on Utopia Parkway and 82nd Avenue.
Parking Information for Visitors
Guests are welcome to park on the St. John’s University campus. For general parking, please use Gates 2 and 3 located on Utopia Parkway. If you are dropping someone off, Gate 4 on Union Turnpike is most convenient. Additional parking can be found in the campus garages, with entrances accessible from Union Turnpike.
It is advisable to allow ample time to find parking, especially during peak hours or university events. If you choose to park on neighborhood streets surrounding the university, please ensure you adhere to all local New York City parking regulations to avoid fines.
For detailed information on parking permits, designated parking areas, enforcement policies, and definitions, please refer to the parking program page. You can also download the campus map for a visual guide to parking locations and campus layout.
Navigating to St. John’s University is designed to be as convenient as possible, whether you are arriving from a nearby St Johns hotel or further afield. With these comprehensive directions and parking guidelines, your visit to the university should be stress-free and enjoyable.
