Planning a visit to St John’s University? Whether you’re attending graduation, visiting prospective students, or exploring the vibrant Queens campus, finding the right accommodation is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. While St John’s University itself doesn’t operate on-campus hotels, numerous comfortable and convenient hotel options are available in the surrounding areas. This guide will help you discover the best hotels near St John’s University and provide detailed directions to ensure you arrive on campus with ease.
When searching for a hotel at St John’s, consider what’s important for your visit. Are you prioritizing proximity to the university, budget-friendly options, or specific amenities? Hotels in the areas surrounding Utopia Parkway and Union Turnpike offer the closest access to St John’s. These hotels cater to a range of needs, from simple and affordable stays to more upscale experiences. Think about whether you prefer a well-known hotel chain or a unique boutique hotel. Booking in advance is always recommended, especially during peak university events like graduation or orientation.
Getting to St John’s University is straightforward whether you are driving or using public transportation. Below are comprehensive directions from various points in and around New York City:
Driving Directions to St John’s University
From Manhattan:
Take the Queens Midtown Tunnel to the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and exit at Utopia Parkway (Exit 26). Stay on the Long Island Expressway service road until you reach Utopia Parkway, then turn right. Continue on Utopia Parkway until you reach Union Turnpike. The St John’s University campus will be on your right.
From Brooklyn:
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Option One: Take the Belt Parkway East to the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678 N). 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 proceed to the campus.
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Option Two: Take the Jackie Robinson Parkway East to the Grand Central Parkway East. Exit at Utopia Parkway and turn left onto the campus.
From the Bronx:
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Option One: Take the Throgs Neck Bridge to the Clearview Expressway (I-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.
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Option Two: Take the Triboro Bridge to the Grand Central Parkway. Exit at Utopia Parkway. Turn left at the traffic light and then left again to enter the campus.
From Long Island (North):
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Option One: Take the Northern State Parkway to the Grand Central Parkway. Exit at 188th Street. Turn left at the traffic light, and then make an immediate right onto the service road. Follow the service road to Utopia Parkway and bear right to enter the campus.
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Option Two: Take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and exit at Utopia Parkway (Exit 26). Turn left onto Utopia Parkway and continue until you reach Union Turnpike. The campus will be on your right.
From Long Island (South):
Take the Southern State Parkway to the Cross Island Parkway. Proceed to the Grand Central Parkway West and exit at 188th Street. Turn left at the traffic light, and then make an immediate right onto the service road. Follow the service road to Utopia Parkway and bear right to enter the campus.
From Connecticut (North):
Follow I-95 South to the Bruckner Expressway towards the Throgs Neck Bridge. Cross the Throgs Neck Bridge and take the Clearview Expressway (I-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 George Washington Bridge and take the Cross Bronx Expressway to I-295 to the Throgs Neck Bridge. Follow the directions above from the Bronx (Option One).
Public Transportation to St John’s University
For those preferring public transport, St John’s University is accessible via subway and bus:
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.
From F Train:
Take the F Train to the 169th Street station. Transfer to the Q-30 or Q-31 bus to St. John’s University main gate on Utopia Parkway and 82nd Avenue.
From I.R.T. Subway (7 Train):
Take the 7 Train to Main Street, Flushing. Transfer to the Q-17 bus to Utopia Parkway and the Long Island Expressway. From there, transfer to the Q-30 or Q-31 bus to St. John’s University main gate on Utopia Parkway and 82nd Avenue.
From Long Island Rail Road (L.I.R.R.):
Take the L.I.R.R. to Jamaica Station. Take the Q-30 bus to St. John’s University main gate on Utopia Parkway and 82nd Avenue.
Parking at St John’s University
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. For drop-offs, Gate 4 on Union Turnpike is convenient. Additional parking is available in the campus garages, with entrance from Union Turnpike. It’s always advisable to allow ample time to find parking, especially during busy times. If you choose to park on neighborhood streets, be sure to adhere to all local New York City parking regulations. For detailed parking information, including permits, regulations, and a campus parking map, refer to the St John’s University parking program page.
Choosing the right hotel at St John’s and knowing how to get there and park will contribute significantly to a stress-free and successful visit to this esteemed university. Enjoy your time exploring the campus and surrounding areas!
