By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach

Running Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York's iconic bridges and is my favorite thing to do for epic NYC views. If you’re looking for one of the most scenic runs in NYC, head to Dumbo, Brooklyn. Whether you’re running Brooklyn Bridge or checking out the downtown Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll definitely be inspired by running in Dumbo. Here’s a rundown of how to run the Brooklyn Bridge, where to run in Dumbo, and where to get the best shots of NYC. For general safety tips from a local runner on running in NYC, check out my safety tips for runners.

How to Run the Brooklyn Bridge

If you’re wondering how do I run the Brooklyn Bridge, here’s a running guide. We will go over everything from where to get on the Brooklyn Bridge to the best times for running Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan and offers incredible views of the city skyline. On the Brooklyn side, you can hop on the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway in Dumbo for more miles and breathtaking views.

There are three options for where to run onto the Brooklyn Bridge, with two Brooklyn Bridge entrances in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan.

Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge:

The Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge is the easiest to access. There is only one Brooklyn Bridge entrance in Manhattan and it is right across from the Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall subway station (accessible by the 4, 5, or 6 subway trains), at Park Row and Centre Street. From the subway station, you will see the Brooklyn Bridge across from you with people coming and going. All you have to do is cross Centre Street from the Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall stop and hop onto the Brooklyn Bridge. This area can get very crowded so you may not be able to begin running right away or can start with a slow jog through the tourists.

Brooklyn entrances to the Brooklyn Bridge:

The Brooklyn Bridge entrance in Brooklyn is at Tillary Street and Boerum Place for the longer, straight entrance onto the bridge.
There is also a smaller Brooklyn Bridge entrance via the underpass on Washington Street, about two blocks from Front Street in Brooklyn. This underpass leads up a stairway to a ramp that leads directly to the bridge walkway.

When you’re looking for the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian paths, make sure to follow the walking/running person signs and not the bike signs as the path is different for cyclists.

Running Across Brooklyn Bridge

Once you’re running across Brooklyn Bridge, it is pretty straightforward. You simply follow the pedestrian path and run. The Brooklyn Bridge is about 1.3 miles to run, depending exactly on where you enter/exit the bridge on the Brooklyn side.

When running Brooklyn Bridge, prepare to stop for photos because the Brooklyn Bridge is full of social media-worthy shots for your running feed or shots to remember your trip by. With views of the downtown Manhattan skyline and views of the Brooklyn waterfront, not to mention the historic bridge structure itself, you’ll be in awe of the massive city around you.

I’ve run the Brooklyn Bridge many times and the view is always inspiring. It never gets old, even if sometimes the tourists crowding on the bridge makes it cumbersome.

Tips for Running Brooklyn Bridge

Here are a few tips for running the Brooklyn Bridge to navigate the crowd and stay safe:

Run at off-peak hours. The Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours. That doesn’t mean you should run it at 3 am In the middle of the night, but go at sunrise for a scenic view where you can see all of New York City waking up while beating the crowd. Mid-day on warm days and weekends are the most packed time on the Brooklyn Bridge, so try to avoid these hours if you want to run. Evenings can get very crowded on warm weather days as well. Early mornings are generally the best time to run over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Running the Brooklyn Bridge on cooler days or on a misty or lightly rainy day is a great way to beat the crowds. If you don’t mind running in the cold, those days can be among the best for less crowding on the bridge.
Be sure to stay to the right. Whether you are coming from Manhattan or Brooklyn, stay to your right. Now that there is a separate bike lane you won’t have to worry about bikes, just tourists on foot (many of whom stop and stand suddenly).
Be flexible. As I mentioned, tourists wander across lanes and stop and stand and even hold hands, making running Brooklyn Bridge more of an obstacle course during busy times. Stay focused and flexible and be ready to move around tourists as they often don’t watch out for runners.
Watch your footing. The Brooklyn Bridge is composed of wooden planks so it is not an even surface. Watch your step so you don’t trip as you run. If you want to stop for photos or videos, stay to the right side and take them.
Stay off the sides. Some people pose for IG photos in the middle of the bridge, which is fine, but do not jump or climb up on the side of the bridge to try to capture an unusual shot or angle. This is not safe and illegal. At the least, you can get a ticket from the cops patrolling the bridge and at worst you could plunge down into the highway or water below.

Add-On Options

If you want to get more miles (or kilometers) in for your run, there are numerous ways to expand your distance and try new routes. Here are my top suggestions:

Brooklyn

I recommend running in Brooklyn for stunning views along the Brooklyn waterfront. See the Dumbo Running Tips below for more details on where to run in Brooklyn.

Bridges

One of the best parts of running in NYC is seeing the city views, and the bridges offer incredible views. If you want to add distance after running Brooklyn Bridge, make a loop by heading to the Williamsburg Bridge, which also goes between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Williamsburg Bridge offers a funky, hip vibe with colorful graffiti and both sides of the bridge are in trendy neighborhoods - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the Lower East Side in Manhattan. The Williamsburg Bridge is 1.38 miles to run across one way.

The Manhattan Bridge is a popular bridge for locals. It has stunning city views and less tourists than the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s also close to the Brooklyn Bridge so if you want to make a short loop for your run, you can hit both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The Manhattan Bridge is 1.3 miles to run across one way and connects downtown Brooklyn with Chinatown in Manhattan.

Manhattan

If you want to stay in Manhattan, you can take the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. If you head east, you’ll be on the East River Greenway, which winds along the East River and gives you views of Brooklyn (and Queens if you go as far up as Midtown). The East River Greenway is 9.44-mile-long (15.19 km) so you have plenty of ways to get in more miles.

Or, you can take the West Side Highway path (also called the Hudson River Waterfront Greenway) and enjoy a wide, open path along the Hudson River that goes all the way up to Harlem and Washington Heights. This is the longest greenway path in Manhattan and is the perfect place to do long runs for half marathon training or marathon training.

Related Post: Free 16-Week Marathon Training Plan

Dumbo Running Tips

If you want to get an amazing view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the NYC skyline, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo for scenic running along the waterfront. The simple way to get to Dumbo is to run across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan.

To get to Brooklyn Bridge Park by subway, you can take the F train to the York Street stop in Dumbo. From York Street subway station, head north on Jay Street for several blocks until you hit the water and the edge of the park. Go left at the water and hop on the path in the park, winding along the waterfront.

Running in Brooklyn Bridge Park

As with the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park can get very crowded so here are some tips for running in Brooklyn Bridge Park:

Stay to the right of the pedestrian path and out of any bike paths. Bikes have been known to yell at and even hit people in their lanes so it’s best to stay out of the bike lanes for safety. If you have to cross. a bike lane, look both ways, and do so quickly.
Go at off-peak tourist times. Weekend days and warm, sunny days will be the most crowded. This may slow you down on your run but it is fine if you don’t mind stopping to let people cross by you at times or just enjoying the view and taking your own photos along your run. If you have a great workout go at off-peak times, like early morning or on colder days.
Run out to the piers to get great views and photos of the Statue of Liberty and the downtown Manhattan skyline. You will also find fewer crowds along the piers in general.

Where are your favorite running spots in Dumbo? Comment below and tag me on the Runstreet Instagram to get cheered on in your running. Happy running to you!😊

Resources: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

Tips for Running Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo from a Local