The Governors Ball Music Festival is once again upon us! After months of excitement, deliberation, rallying ex-roommates coming in from out of town, leasing your couch on Airbnb and dusting off your festival shorts, you’re finally ready to roll! There’s only one obstacle left… the East River.Luckily, we’re here to help! We took the time to compile a list of our expert festival travel tips to make getting to Randall’s Island as quick and easy as possible, so you can focus on how amazing the Strokes’ Sunday night set is going to be, and not on how you’re going to make your escape for work on Monday morning.
THE MANHATTAN FERRY:
The tried and true, most hassle-free way to get to the island from Manhattan is by boat. Ferries run every 15 minutes from 35th street and the FDR, and they won’t leave anyone stranded after the last set each night. Just make sure you grab your tickets soon because they will sell out!
Pros: It’s basically a pleasure cruise. Everything is good.
Cons: Pirates?
THE WILLIAMSBURG SHUTTLE:
If you’re coming from Brooklyn, the Williamsburg Shuttle may be your best friend. The shuttle picks up and drops off in front of Brooklyn Bowl, which makes it even easier to keep the party going and ride straight into the Gov Ball After Dark shows once the festival ends for the night.
Pros: You get to share the ride with a busload of happy festival-goers
Cons: Not everyone is cool enough to sit in the back of the bus.
ON FOOT:
Kick off the festival season on your own two feet! Hop on the 4, 5, 6, N or W and join the masses making the trek over the 103rd street and RFK bridge. It's important to note that The N & W stops at Astoria Blvd Station are currently closed for construction, so you’ll have to get off at 30th Ave and start your walk a few blocks early.
Pros: You’ll hit your 10,000 steps. Also, endless wounded soldiers to snag along the bridge, if you’re a gross garbage person.
Cons: Don't call it a con. Think about how good your butt will look.
BY CAR:
Don’t drive to The Governors Ball Music Festival. Parking is reserved for staff, so driving yourself is definitely not an option. If you absolutely have to, you can take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or any other ride share to the island. Historically though, Ubers have not been allowed on the island after 9pm - which means you will have to make your way to Manhattan or Queens to hail a ride home after the music ends.
Pros: Air conditioning
Cons: Traffic, surcharges and the inevitable headache
BY BUS:
The X80 bus will run directly to the fest gates from 125th St. station on the 4, 5 + 6. If you need some help making it over the bridge, or simply can’t stand the thought of the one-mile huff on the shoulder of the road, the bus is an easy option. Just keep in mind, the express bus costs $6.50 round trip, and you cannot use an unlimited MetroCard, so have money on your card or have quarters ready.
Pros: You can save your energy for dancing
Cons: You will watch everyone walking pass you during rush hour.
BY BIKE:
If you’re someone who needs their beauty sleep but also needs to catch the first notes of music each day, biking may be your best bet. You can make your way over the 103rd street bridge, and stash your bike outside the festival grounds. Even better - Gov Ball is partnering with Unlimited Biking to make renting bikes cheap and easy. You can check out all that info HERE.
Pros: Humming Queen songs while zipping past everyone on foot.
Cons: You can still totally get a DWI on two wheels.
What can we say: if you got it, flaunt it. Honestly, we can’t help you with your private chopper reservations, but if you can figure out how to get yourself into a helicopter, we’ll trust you to figure out how and where to land it before your favorite bands take the stage.
Pros: I'm sure the view is killer.
Cons: Everyone will point and stare.
Can't wait for the weekend? Check out the set times for The Governors Ball Music Festival and enter to win tickets to all of the Gov Ball After Dark shows!
