In 2026, from August 23 to September 13, the US Open ran at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. It’s straightforward by car, but booking in advance is key. Passengers were dropped off and picked up in the Hall of Science parking lot on 111th Street. There’s a walking path from there to the Champions’ Entry. There’s also an assistance shuttle if you need it.
Black Car Base Must Dispatch Its Cars by Pre-arrangement
One important NYC travel rule to remember: you can’t flag down a black car on the street. Instead, each black car base must dispatch its cars by pre-arrangement. So if you’re looking for a ride home, you’ll want to book your return trip ahead of time. When your black car arrives, the driver’s TLC license must be visible from the passenger seat and shown on request. If you have any questions about the booking, it’s best to address them with dispatch first. If you have further concerns, call 311.
When you’re building your Open day, remember that your match’s starting time is your deadline. And then work backward from there: how long to get to the stadium and get in, how long it’ll take your car to get to your hotel. It’s always better to be early than late, especially when there are so many fans all trying to get to the same place at once. Fan Week ran August 23-29: anyone can enter the grounds for free, but adults need a free Fan Access Pass. From August 30, main draw matches begin. If you have a specific ticket or session, check when you need to get to the gates.
If you’ll be at a night session, that advance return booking matters even more. The evening matches are unpredictable: some last well into the evening, but others are quicker and finish early. You can also set up a call from a phone number that one person in your group will have, and then that person can tell the driver when you’re on your way. Don’t assume the driver can wait on site. When your tennis match is finished, make sure you check with dispatch for the current pickup instructions before walking out to the Hall of Science parking lot.
If you have a firm schedule in mind, a point-to-point trip from your start point to the stadium and back is the way to go. But if you’re not sure of when you’ll be leaving, you can also book by the hour, giving the driver more flexibility while you’re still finishing up at the game. With an hourly booking, there’s usually a 3-hour minimum, though some events require more.
If you need a quote, always ask what’s included in the price. Before booking, it’s important to think about your needs as well as how many passengers are going. Some vehicles can seat a large group; others don’t have much luggage space. Once you know how much space you need, it’s simple to reserve the right car for your day. If you’re starting in Manhattan, remember that trips going south of 96th Street are generally subject to a $2.75 state surcharge. There’s a separate $0.75 MTA surcharge on trips that go below 60th Street at any point.
Airport Ride
If you’re coming to the US Open from an airport, check the current baggage policy to see what you can bring in. The Open doesn’t allow large bags on the grounds, so make a plan ahead of time for where your luggage goes. For the airport ride itself, dispatchers need specific information. This should include your airline, flight number, and terminal. Dispatchers also need to know the number of passengers, how many checked bags you have, and where you’re heading once you land. For tennis fans, add in what session you’re booked for, and if you’ll be stopping at a hotel first to drop off your bags.
If you want to head to the Open right away after landing, remember how much time you’ll need to collect your luggage, go through the airport pickup process, make the drive to the stadium and get through event entry before your match starts. And if you’re told there’s a set mileage between the airport and the stadium, treat that as a rough estimate, not a firm guide.
Event Parking
You can always drive yourself to the game. At the US Open in 2026, the price to park on-site for a tennis match was $40, and spots were limited and first-come first-served. Note that reserving a ride does not reserve event parking. The US Open website recommends taking public transit, either the 7 train or the Long Island Rail Road to Mets-Willets Point, and then following the boardwalk to the Main Entry. But when you’re traveling as a group, or dealing with extra bags or jackets, or you’re leaving after most people have gone home, the easiest solution is often a booked car.
If you need special assistance, it’s best to read the full accessibility instructions before you head out. In 2026, Access-A-Ride did not use the same pickup spot as other booked cars, but stopped near the Champions’ Entry. You should check online before traveling to see what the current plans are, or you might wind up in the wrong place.
For a future Open, it’s important to get a firm ticket, flight and hotel booking first, then reach out to a car service to discuss how best to fit the pieces together. And every year, some details can change: the drop-off spot for booked cars, the bag rules, the dates for the Fan Week and main draw. So always check the latest Open guidelines before you go.
