We are here to guide you as you plan to travel for care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Traveling can be stressful. We aim to reduce that stress and make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Contents:

Planning your trip

Once your appointment at MSK is scheduled, it is time to plan your trip to New York City.

What do you need to get started?

• Book your travel to New York City: Be sure to allow enough time for travel. We encourage arriving at least one day before your appointment, so you can account for any delays and get settled into your hotel. When possible, we recommend traveling by air, train, or bus. New York City airports are John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR). New York Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal are the closest train stations. Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal is the closest bus terminal.
• Book a hotel near your appointment: MSK has partnered with certain New York City hotels that offer a discounted rate to MSK patients. If you plan to book a hotel, you can review hotel options here and follow the instructions to book a room.

Things to think about before your trip:

• Ground transportation and getting around New York City: Getting around New York City by car and finding parking may be difficult. Many patients find that when they travel with luggage, taking a taxi, Uber or Lyft, or a black car service is the most convenient way to get to their hotel. You can pay for a taxi using cash or a credit card. You can pay for Uber or Lyft through their apps. If you plan to use Uber or Lyft, we recommend you download and set up the app ahead of your arrival. Public transportation (subway and trains) is also an option but can be less convenient, particularly when you have luggage.
• Accessibility and mobility: Please contact the MSK team member who’s helping you with travel if you need accessibility or mobility support for your appointment.
• What to pack: Check the weather forecast before you pack and be sure to dress for the season. We also recommend you pack an umbrella, a water bottle, device chargers, and a notepad and pen for taking notes and writing questions.
• If you would like to go to a specific restaurant, Broadway show, or attraction, we recommend you make reservations ahead of time. If you have questions about NYC attractions, please contact the MSK team member helping you with travel who can direct you to additional information.

Arriving in New York City

This information can be a helpful guide to everyday essentials while you are in New York City.

Arrival and check-in at your hotel: When you arrive in New York City, take the ground transportation option of your choice to your hotel (refer above to review ground transportation options).

Working remotely: Should you or your caregiver need to work remotely during your stay, check with your hotel for Wi-Fi, business center options, and co-working spaces.

Grocery stores near MSK locations:
 

If you are looking for specialty or international grocery stores, we can help with that. Just ask us.

During your visit to MSK

Planning for your appointment

What to take to your appointment: Take your health insurance card, prescription pharmacy card, and photo identification. Also take all your medicine bottles with you. Your provider will need to know the name, the dose, and how often you take each medicine.

Write down any questions you want to ask during your first visit with your oncologist or surgeon. Take these with you.

Your appointment will cover a lot of information.  We recommend having a notepad and pen with you during your appointment to write down important information.

Getting to MSK from the hotel: Many patients who stay in Manhattan find it convenient to take a taxi, an Uber, or a Lyft to get to their appointments. Reach out if you are unsure about the best way to get to your appointment.

What to expect: An MSK staff member will greet you in the lobby of the building where your appointment is located. They can help direct you to your appointment.

Visitor policy: We understand the importance of having a family member or friends with you while you’re getting care. We review our visitor policy often and update it as needed. Your care team can also answer any questions you have about our visitor policy. Read our visitor policy »

At MSK, we make every effort to provide a safe and welcoming space for our patients and visitors. Kindness matters. MSK is a place for healing. There is zero tolerance for any disrespectful behavior.

Dining at MSK: MSK offers a variety of dining options for patients and visitors. Dining at MSK »

Restaurants near MSK:

Navigating between MSK sites: MSK offers a shuttle service between various MSK buildings. If you have multiple appointments scheduled at different MSK sites, view the shuttle route and schedule. 

Returning home

Leaving and checking out of your hotel: When leaving New York City, we recommend allowing plenty of time to get to the airport, train station, or bus station. Your hotel can give you advice about when to leave.  See the ground transportation options.

Additional care at MSK

If you have questions about your care, ask a member of your care team. If you have a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

Here are some other useful MSK resources for you and your family:

• Nutrition
• Tobacco cessation
• Genetic testing for you and your family members
• Integrative Medicine at Home