How Much Is Parking at UBS Arena?
Parking at UBS Arena costs between $20 and $60 or more depending on the lot tier and event type. For Islanders games, general parking in Emerald Parking typically runs around $20–$40, while closer premium lots command higher rates. Concert pricing is higher across the board.
General paid parking is available on event days at Emerald Parking, the most budget-friendly official option, with prices rising $5–$10 if purchased on the day of the event at the gate rather than in advance. Premium and close-in lots such as Diamond and Silver are not available to the general public for walk-up purchase — a prepaid pass is required, and attendees who end up in the Belmont Park Garage without a valid prepaid pass will be charged $125 upon exit.
Third-party marketplaces like SeatGeek list Islanders game parking starting as low as $11–$19 for Emerald-tier passes bought well in advance, while high-demand games such as the Rangers rivalry matchup can push third-party prices to $30 or more. Concert events frequently run $39–$59 or higher through resale platforms. Always buy through ParkWhiz or Ticketmaster — UBS Arena cannot verify legitimacy of passes from other resellers.
UBS Arena Parking Lots and Maps
UBS Arena has five official parking areas on the Belmont Park campus, each accessed via a specific Cross Island Parkway exit. Knowing your exit before you leave home is essential — taking the wrong exit on a sold-out Islanders night will cost you significant time.
Emerald Parking is the main general-admission lot, located approximately 0.50 miles from the arena entrance and accessed via Cross Island Parkway Exit 26D. It is the only lot where passes can be purchased on arrival (though prepay is strongly encouraged). Free shuttle buses run continuously between Emerald Parking and the arena while the lot is open. Silver Parking sits approximately 0.29 miles from the arena and is accessed via Exit 26B off the Cross Island Parkway — it requires a prepaid pass to enter. Belmont Park Garage is the closest option at approximately 0.15 miles and is accessed via Exit 26A; it also requires a prepaid pass. Diamond Parking and Ruby Parking round out the lineup and are both accessed via Exit 26B; passes for those lots are not available to the general public.
When programming your GPS, use the exact lot name — for example, “UBS Arena Emerald Parking” or “UBS Arena Silver Parking” — for the most accurate routing. All lots open 2 hours before events and close 90 minutes after the final buzzer, unless otherwise noted.
Preferred/Premium Parking at UBS Arena
The closest and most premium parking at UBS Arena is in Diamond Parking, Silver Parking, Ruby Parking, and the Belmont Park Garage — all of which require a prepaid pass purchased in advance through ParkWhiz or Ticketmaster. Passes for Diamond and Ruby Parking are not available to the general public and are typically reserved for season ticket holders and suite guests.
Silver Parking, at roughly 0.29 miles from the arena entrance, is the best close-in option that event guests can purchase independently, provided passes are available for the specific game. The Belmont Park Garage at 0.15 miles is the closest option of all, but arriving without a valid prepaid pass results in a $125 charge upon exit — making advance purchase non-negotiable for this garage.
For oversized vehicles such as charter buses and limousines, enter via Gate 5 Road off Hempstead Turnpike to drop off guests in Silver C lot before proceeding to the designated oversized vehicle area. Owners of oversized vehicles should email parking@ubsarena.com no fewer than 72 hours before the event to coordinate arrival.
Free Parking Near UBS Arena
Genuinely free parking within walking distance of UBS Arena is extremely limited. Most residential streets near the arena prohibit event-day parking, and enforcement is active on game nights — so do not count on nearby neighborhoods as a reliable free option.
The most practical low-cost alternative is the Elmont-UBS Arena LIRR Station commuter lot, which is designated primarily for Elmont residents and requires a $10 annual permit plus a $5 daily fee. For fans who qualify, this is one of the cheapest parking options anywhere near the venue. Some businesses along Hempstead Turnpike may have after-hours lots available, but availability is inconsistent and you must confirm the business is closed and the lot is not posted before parking there.
On non-UBS Arena event days, Silver Parking — located just next to the arena — is available for complimentary parking for visitors to The Park at UBS Arena. Access it via Cross Island Parkway Exit 26B and use Gate 5 Road. This perk does not apply on Islanders game days or other ticketed events.
Can You Tailgate at UBS Arena?
No — tailgating is not permitted at UBS Arena. The lease with Empire State Development explicitly prohibits tailgating across all UBS Arena parking areas, including Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Ruby, and the Belmont Park Garage.
This is a firm policy, not a soft suggestion. Signs are posted throughout the lots reinforcing the no-tailgating rule. The prohibition covers grilling, open flames, and other typical tailgate activities. Long-time Islanders fans who were accustomed to tailgate culture at Nassau Coliseum will find no equivalent tradition here.
Fans looking for a pregame atmosphere are best served by taking the LIRR to Queens Village and stopping at one of the restaurants or neighborhood bars along Jamaica Avenue near the station before boarding the shuttle to the arena.
ADA and Handicap Parking at UBS Arena
UBS Arena provides accessible parking spaces across all major parking areas, and ADA-accessible shuttle service is available from every lot. Emerald Parking has 36 accessible spaces with adjacent access aisles, served by ADA-accessible shuttle vans and buses — including two dedicated on-demand shuttle vans. Diamond Parking and Silver Parking each have 28 accessible spaces with adjacent access aisles; Diamond is served by ADA-accessible vans and Silver has both scheduled shuttles and dedicated on-demand accessible vans.
All guests with disabilities who use accessible parking spots must display a valid disabled parking permit or accessible license plate. UBS Arena staff are stationed in each parking area to assist guests and arrange on-demand ADA transportation to the arena entrance. Guests may also text 205-UBS-HELP (205-827-4357) on event day to request on-demand transportation from any of the five parking areas or from the Elmont-UBS Arena LIRR Station.
For questions or additional accessibility needs, contact the UBS Arena Accessibility Hotline at 516-460-8598 or email ADA@ubsarena.com. Accessible parking passes are encouraged to be purchased online in advance.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at UBS Arena
The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone at UBS Arena is located on the north side of the arena and is only accessible via Cross Island Parkway Exit 26D and Green Road. Lyft is the official rideshare partner of UBS Arena.
After your event ends, guests waiting for their rideshare pickup can charge their phones in the Rideshare Waiting Area, located on the main concourse near section 118. This indoor waiting space helps avoid the post-game congestion on the north side pickup area.
Surge pricing from Uber and Lyft is common after sold-out Islanders games and major concerts, so be prepared for higher fares if you request a ride immediately after the final horn. Setting your pickup destination before leaving your seat and using the indoor waiting area to monitor driver arrival can save time navigating the post-event crowd.
Public Transit to UBS Arena
The LIRR is the best way to reach UBS Arena without a car. Direct service from both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison to Elmont-UBS Arena Station takes approximately 30 minutes. Trains on the Hempstead, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma branches all stop at stations connecting to the Elmont-UBS Arena Station. Free shuttle buses run continuously between the Elmont-UBS Arena Station and the arena on event days.
A second LIRR station, Belmont Park Station, sits even closer to the venue — just past the shuttle drop-off point on the west side of UBS Arena — but is currently served only by special race-day trains from Jamaica. For most Islanders games, Elmont-UBS Arena Station is the correct destination. Check schedules at MTA.info or use the TrainTime app.
For fans connecting from Metro-North, transfer to LIRR service at Grand Central Madison. Queens-based fans can also reach the area via the subway to Roosevelt Avenue/Jackson Heights and connect to bus service, though the LIRR is significantly faster. When leaving after a game, check the signage on shuttle buses carefully — buses service multiple stations and drivers can confirm which station each bus is headed to.
UBS Arena Parking Tips
The single most important step for any Islanders game or concert at UBS Arena is prepaying for parking through ParkWhiz or Ticketmaster. Diamond, Ruby, and Silver lots cannot be entered without a prepaid pass, and Emerald Parking prices increase $5–$10 if purchased on-site. Lock in your pass at least a few days before the event.
Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before puck drop. Lots open 2 hours before events, and the final 30–45 minutes before game time see the heaviest traffic on all Cross Island Parkway exits. Program your GPS with the exact parking area name — such as “UBS Arena Emerald Parking” — rather than just the arena address to be routed to the correct entry point. Do not use Exit 26B unless you have a prepaid Diamond or Silver pass.
If you are coming from Manhattan or western Queens, the LIRR is often faster than driving and eliminates parking costs entirely. The ~30-minute train ride from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison drops you a free shuttle ride away from the front door. For drivers who park in Emerald Parking, the free shuttle runs on a regular schedule to and from the arena — factor in 5–10 minutes of shuttle time each way when planning your arrival and departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at UBS Arena for an Islanders game?
Parking for Islanders games at UBS Arena typically ranges from around $20 to $40 for Emerald Parking purchased in advance through ParkWhiz or Ticketmaster. Premium lots closer to the arena cost more, and gate prices at Emerald Parking are $5u2013$10 higher than prepaid rates.
Do I need to buy parking in advance for UBS Arena?
Yes, prepaying is strongly recommended. Diamond, Ruby, Silver, and Belmont Park Garage all require a prepaid pass u2014 no walk-up purchase is available. Emerald Parking is the only lot where you can pay on arrival, but prices are higher and lines are longer without a prepaid pass.
What happens if I accidentally park in the Belmont Park Garage without a pass?
UBS Arena attendees who park in the Belmont Park Garage without a valid prepaid parking pass will be charged $125 upon exit. Always confirm your lot assignment before entering any exit off the Cross Island Parkway.
Is tailgating allowed at UBS Arena?
No. The lease with Empire State Development prohibits tailgating at UBS Arena in all parking areas. This includes grilling, open flames, and other traditional tailgate activities. There are no exceptions or tailgate-friendly zones on the property.
Where does Uber and Lyft drop off at UBS Arena?
The rideshare drop-off and pick-up location is on the north side of the arena and is only accessible via Cross Island Parkway Exit 26D and Green Road. After the event, guests can wait for their driver in the Rideshare Waiting Area on the main concourse near section 118.
Can I take the train to UBS Arena?
Yes u2014 the LIRR is the recommended way to get to UBS Arena. Direct service from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison to Elmont-UBS Arena Station takes approximately 30 minutes. Free shuttle buses run between the station and the arena on event days.
Where is ADA parking at UBS Arena?
Accessible parking is available in all major lots. Emerald Parking has 36 accessible spaces, while Diamond and Silver Parking each have 28. ADA-accessible shuttle vans and on-demand service are available from every lot. Guests can also text 205-UBS-HELP on event day to request on-demand accessible transportation.
What Cross Island Parkway exit do I use for UBS Arena parking?
Use Exit 26D for Emerald Parking and rideshare drop-off, Exit 26A for the Belmont Park Garage, and Exit 26B for Diamond, Ruby, and Silver Parking. Only use Exit 26B if you have a valid prepaid pass for one of those lots.
