Important Travel Information for July 4th Guests
Significant security measures and road closures are in effect for Sail4th 250 and will impact guests attending the Tall Ships Parade Cruise and the Tall Ships Watch Party at Pier 81 on July 4th.
Read this guide in full before traveling.
Security & Checkpoint | Getting There | Road Closures | Heat Advisory | Blue Angels Flyover | Event Day Timeline | Refunds
Security Screening & Entry Checkpoint
The NYPD is treating this event with the same level of security as New Year's Eve in Times Square. Every guest and staff member must pass through the NYPD screening checkpoint before reaching Circle Line and Pier 81. Allow additional time for screening.
📍 Checkpoint Location: West 40th Street & 11th Avenue
This is the only point of entry for Circle Line ticket holders. Other nearby streets and entrances are expected to be barricaded, potentially with sanitation sand trucks, and will not provide access.
✅ Entry Requirements
All guests must present the official Hudson River Pier Pass, sent by email to all ticket holders from Circle Line on Thursday, July 2nd.
If you are a ticket holder and have not received this email, please check your junk, spam or promotions folder first before contacting guestservices@nycl.com to request that it be resent.
This checkpoint will be managed by the NYPD. Look for Circle Line ambassadors in red shirts on site if you need assistance.
❌ Prohibited Items
Anticipate an airport-style security screening. Metal detectors will be in use at the checkpoint. Pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items. Prohibited Items will be denied entry at the checkpoint at the discretion of the NYPD.
List of Prohibited Items include:
Large Bags or Tote Bags
Backpacks
Coolers
Umbrellas
Any bag larger than a small purse or personal item.
Getting to the checkpoint
The checkpoint is located at West 40th Street and 11th Avenue, one avenue over from Circle Line's Pier 83 and Pier 81. Guests should account for the following when planning their route:
Timing:
The Westside Highway is expected to close around 4:00 AM Saturday and reopen around 2:00–3:00 PM, once the Parade of Sail concludes. The Westside highway will not be accessible by vehicle that morning.
Allow extra time to clear the checkpoint. This is a full metal-detector screening, and lines will move more slowly than on a typical day.
Once the checkpoint closes at 2:00 PM, security is expected to shift to the East Side ahead of the evening fireworks. The West Side is expected to reopen around 2:00–3:00 PM.
Directions:
Approach from the east on foot, by taxi, or by rideshare, as the highway will be closed to through traffic.
By Subway: Take the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, or R train to Times Square–42nd Street, or the B, D, or F to 42nd Street. Walk west (approximately 1 mile) to 40th Street & 11th Avenue.
By Bus: Bus routes may be modified due to the street closures. Visit the MTA's website for the most accurate information.
Parking:
No parking is available at Pier 83 or Pier 81. Guests planning to drive should arrange parking in advance at a nearby garage. Given the extent of Saturday's road closures, guests are encouraged to use public transit where possible, and to confirm that a garage is accessible from the open side of any checkpoint before relying on it.
550 W 45rd St – Gotham West Garage (between 10th & 11th Ave) — approx. 0.3 mi / 8 min walk
520 W 43rd St – Icon Parking (between 10th & 11th Ave) — approx. 0.2 mi / 4 min walk
350 W 42nd St – iPark (between 8th & 9th Ave) — approx. 0.4 mi / 8 min walk
Road closures & traffic advisory
A wide stretch of Midtown will be affected on July 4th due to the Parade of Sail, the America250 Ball Drop in Times Square, and a separate event near Penn Station. Guests should account for significant additional travel time.
Westside Highway: closed roughly 4:00 AM – 2:00/3:00 PM Saturday.
Times Square: closures expected in connection with the America 250th Ball Drop.
Penn Station / 34th Street area: possible closures for a separate event.
Guests are strongly advised to depart earlier than usual and to anticipate heavy Midtown traffic and subway crowding well ahead of their boarding time.
Heat advisory
An extreme heat advisory is in effect for July 4th, expecting dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 possible.
Guests should expect to spend the majority of their visit outdoors in direct sun and in security lines. The following precautions are advised:
Apply sunscreen and reapply as needed throughout the day.
Wear light, breathable clothing and a hat if possible.
A refillable water bottle is recommended. Water will also be available for purchase on site.
For guests attending the Parade Cruise, our indoor decks are fully equipped with air conditioning.
For guests attending the Pier Watch party, misting stations will be available along the pier to help guests cool off.
Blue Angels aerial review
Ear protection is strongly recommended
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will lead a 120+ aircraft aerial review up the Hudson River, expected to begin around 10:15 AM. NYC Emergency Management advises anyone sensitive to loud sound to plan ahead and use ear protection during the flyover window. Disponsable earplugs will be available on site for guests. Guests may also bring their own.
Event Day Timeline
4:00 AM - Westside Highway closes
Plan an alternate route. Vehicle access via the highway will not be available.
6:00 AM - Checkpoint opens
West 41st Street & 11th Avenue — the sole point of entry to Circle Line's Pier 83 & Pier 81.
7:15 AM – 8:00 AM - Boarding for Circle Line's Tall Ships Parade Cruise
Our vessels must depart Pier 83 at 8:00 AM sharp. We cannot depart late to accommodate tardy guests. Please arrive early to ensure you do not miss the boat!
9:00 AM - Pier 81 Opens for Guests attending the Tall Ships Watch Party
Enjoy music by our DJ, narration by our MC, food trucks, and yard games while we wait for the Parade of Tall Ships to pass the Pier at 11:09 AM.
10:15 AM - Blue Angels aerial review
Aircraft flyover along the Hudson River. Ear protection recommended.
10:18 AM – 12:06 PM - Parade of Sail passes the Tall Ships Parade Cruise
The Parade of Sail passes the guests attending Circle Line's Tall Ships Parade Cruise, anchored in New York Harbor.
11:09 AM – 12:57 PM - Parade of Sail passes the Tall Ships Watch Party
The Parade of Sail passes the guests attending the Pier 81 Tall Ships Watch Party on land.
2:00 PM - Checkpoint removed
Security is disassembled and removed from 11th Avenue.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Westside Highway reopens
Fireworks Cruise ticket holders should not plan to arrive any earlier than 3PM as they will be unable to access Circle Line's Pier 83 until the Westside Highway reopens.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM - Boarding for Fireworks Cruise begins
Our vessels must depart Pier 83 at 7:00 PM sharp. We cannot depart late to accommodate tardy guests. Please arrive early to ensure you do not miss the boat!
Unable to attend for health or safety reasons?
Given the extended outdoor time, heat, and walking involved, guests who are unable to attend without risk to their health, particularly those more vulnerable to heat, are asked to contact us by email to arrange a refund. In-person visits to the pier are not required to process this request.
The information above reflects what is known as of July 1, 2026, and is based on guidance from the NYPD and Hudson River Park. Timing, checkpoint procedures, and closures are subject to change. Updates will be posted here as they are received.