Going to Belmont Park is a breeze with a car service. Just book a licensed driver and get dropped off in the rideshare area so you don’t have to worry about parking or driving yourself home. Be sure to time your arrival for when the gates open - two hours before the first race - and get ready for an exhilarating day at the track!
And here’s another reason why having a car service is so helpful - alcohol is sold to anyone 21 and over who has an ID, so nobody has to worry about driving home after the races. There’s no hunting for lots or parkway exits when you have someone else chauffeuring you around. General admission is $7 most days, which is a pretty good deal considering all the fun you’re gonna have.
After a major renovation, Belmont Park reopened to the public on Friday, September 18. The fall meet runs through December 6th, Thursday-Sunday with some Wednesdays thrown in as well. And don’t worry about the weather - Belmont Park is open rain or shine! From Sept 24, Belmont Park will be temporarily capped at a capacity of 4,000 spectators until work is completed on the upper floors. So if you’re planning to go, be sure to plan and book your ride early!
For-hire Cars Must Have Nassau TLC Registration
Before setting off for Belmont Park, make sure your car is legal - this track is located in Nassau County, and for-hire cars must have Nassau TLC registration and a decal on the passenger-side windshield. Be warned - police or Nassau TLC investigators may stop and impound unregistered cars, which can put a damper on your race day plans! If you’re coming from New York City, make sure your trip is booked through a TLC-licensed base with a TLC-licensed driver and vehicle.
If you’re traveling with a bigger group in a stretch limo seating nine or more people, including the driver, be aware that state DOT inspections are required twice a year. The driver will also need at least a Class C Commercial Driver License with a Passenger (P) endorsement.
So before getting in, make sure you look for the Nassau decal on the passenger-side windshield. You should also ask the company if it is registered with Nassau TLC. If you’re traveling in a stretch limo, ask the driver about his or her license.
Rideshare Area
NYRA has set a rideshare pickup and drop-off spot at the West End Rideshare area on Green Road in Floral Park. Give your driver this address and you’re good to go.
If you’re driving yourself instead, your mobile tickets can include a parking pass. Be sure to know which lot you’re assigned to - Emerald Lot is right off Cross Island Parkway Exit 26D. But don’t get off at Exit 26B - that takes you to the Gold and Silver lots, not Emerald. And remember, each barcode can only scan once.
Timing your pickup can be tricky on race days - on a typical race day, the doors open two hours before Race 1 and the parking lots open 60 minutes before gates. Give your driver plenty of time to get you to Belmont Park on time for the first race.
Bring Just What You Need
You can bring one soft-sided bag into the track that’s no bigger than 16 inches by 8 inches by 16 inches - anything bigger and you’ll need to store it in your car. No coolers, folding chairs or outside alcohol allowed inside the gates either. And there’s no storage available at the gate - so bring just what you need! Security may inspect any bag you bring into the track, and they may ask you to remove certain items. If you refuse to remove anything, you may be turned away without a refund. You can bring food and one non-alcoholic, non-glass drink per person.
Be aware that most services at the track - including parking - are cashless. If you plan to bet, be sure to bring cash, since betting tellers do not accept credit cards. ATMs are available on site. Be sure to save your tickets to your phone wallet before the ride - connectivity at the venue may be limited. Also make sure the brightness is all the way up so the barcodes scan quickly. And don’t share your login info - ever!
Dress accordingly at Belmont Park - general admission is casual to smart casual, but the second-floor dining and premium areas call for a more polished look. No athletic wear is permitted in these areas. Dressing up is a tradition on race days, so don’t be afraid to wear a hat or fascinator. Just be aware that NYRA may turn away or remove guests who aren’t dressed appropriately, and they’ll check at the gates.
ADA seating with companion seats is available in all ticketed areas of Belmont Park. If you need ADA accommodations, contact NYRA Guest Services ahead of time or visit the desk at East Entry after entering. Guest Services can also help with lost items.
The ride home is just as important as the ride there - meet your driver back at the West End Rideshare area after the last race has run. If you’re planning to go without a driver, the LIRR to Elmont-UBS Arena station is recommended, or the n6 bus will get you there. The Belmont Stakes will come back to Belmont Park in 2027.
