US Open 2026 in New York: Complete Guide to Dates, Tickets, Schedule, and How to Get There
The final Grand Slam of the year returns to Flushing Meadows, Queens, with the largest edition in the tournament's nearly 150-year history: 22 days of tennis, 104 matches across all disciplines, and eight days with free grounds access. If you're planning a New York trip around late August or early September, this guide covers everything you need: dates, prices, how to get there, and what to expect the day you walk into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
When Is the US Open 2026?
The full tournament runs from Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, September 13, 2026. Fan Week, which includes the qualifying rounds and the traditional Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (the largest free grassroots tennis event in the world), kicks off on August 23. The main draw begins on August 30, and the men's final is played on September 13, closing out the year's final Grand Slam.
2026 marks the 56th consecutive year the tournament has been played at Flushing Meadows, and arrives following a $600 million investment in infrastructure upgrades since 2016, including retractable roofs over Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Where It's Played: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
The complex spans 46.5 acres within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, and hosts three main show courts. Arthur Ashe Stadium is the centre court, seating 23,771, the largest tennis stadium in the world, and it hosts all the marquee day and night session matches, including both singles finals. Louis Armstrong Stadium carries the next tier of high-profile matches. Grandstand and the outer courts round out the rest of the schedule.
One key distinction worth understanding before you buy: a Grounds Pass does not include access to Arthur Ashe Stadium; it covers Louis Armstrong, Grandstand, the field courts, and the rest of the grounds.
2026 Ticket Prices
Tickets for the 2026 US Open went on general sale Thursday, May 28 at noon ET, following an American Express Card Member presale on May 26-27.
As a general reference: standard Grounds Passes, with access to outer courts and practice areas, run $60 to $150. Reserved seating in Louis Armstrong and Grandstand runs $120 to $300. Arthur Ashe tickets start around $70 for early rounds, but as the tournament progresses, marquee matches and finals can easily exceed $300, with average VIP pricing starting around $451.
These prices fluctuate based on round, matchup, and demand, so treat any figure as a rough guide and confirm the exact price through Ticketmaster, the official sales channel, before purchasing.
Session Schedules
Gates for day sessions typically open around 10 or 11 AM, with matches starting at noon. Evening session passes don't allow entry until 6:00 PM. If you have a day session grounds pass, you'll need to leave the venue before 7:00 PM; if you have a night ticket for Ashe or Armstrong, the after-dark atmosphere is genuinely worth staying for.
How to Get There from Manhattan
The tournament's official recommendation, without exception, is to use mass transit. There's no designated parking near Arthur Ashe Stadium, and traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway during peak sessions, especially evening ones, can be significant.
Subway: take the 7 train (local or express) from Times Square or Grand Central directly to Mets-Willets Point station. The ride takes 35 to 45 minutes from Midtown, at a standard $3 fare. The station is a short walk across the boardwalk from the venue gates, and the MTA adds extra 7 train service throughout the tournament.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): from Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, or Moynihan Train Hall, look for the train headed toward "Port Washington" (sometimes displayed as "Great Neck" on the monitors, so double-check the train number) to Mets-Willets Point. It's the fastest option, taking just 19 to 25 minutes, with fares of $5 to $19, dropping you nearly at the East Gate. If you're traveling with a disability, note that the Mets-Willets Point LIRR stop is not accessible; exit instead at 61st Street-Woodside and transfer to the 7 train.
Rideshare and taxi: all Uber and Lyft pickups and drop-offs are directed to the New York Hall of Science parking lot, with a complimentary shuttle to the venue entrance. Keep in mind that after night sessions, with more than 20,000 people leaving simultaneously, Uber surge pricing regularly runs two to four times the standard rate. If you can wait 30 to 60 minutes after the last match of the night, pricing typically comes back down.
One practical tip many people overlook: plan your return trip before you leave home. The single most common US Open transportation mistake is planning the trip out to Flushing Meadows carefully and then improvising the midnight trip back alongside 23,000 other people doing exactly the same thing.
Bag Policy and Permitted Items
Each guest may bring one bag, no larger than 12 x 12 x 16 inches, with exceptions for medically necessary bags. Glass bottles and cans are not permitted (reusable metal or plastic water bottles up to 24 ounces are fine), and tennis racquets are not allowed except on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day or if purchased on-site.
Practical Tips
Arrive early for day sessions, particularly during the first week, when outer courts fill up fast; the South Gate tends to have shorter lines. Bring sunscreen, since late August in New York can be brutally hot in the open air. Always confirm your train number on the LIRR before boarding, since signage may display the route's final destination rather than the intermediate stop. And buy tickets exclusively through official channels like Ticketmaster to avoid fraudulent resale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When exactly is the US Open 2026? The full tournament runs from August 23 to September 13, 2026. The main draw begins August 30, and the men's final is played September 13.
Does the Grounds Pass include Arthur Ashe Stadium? No. The Grounds Pass covers Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, the outer courts, and the rest of the venue, but does not include access to Arthur Ashe Stadium, which requires a specific ticket.
What's the best way to get there from Manhattan? The LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison is the fastest option, at 19 to 25 minutes. The 7 subway line is the more budget-friendly alternative, running 35 to 45 minutes from Midtown.
Are there any free admission days? Yes, the 2026 edition includes eight days of free grounds access as part of Fan Week, including the traditional Arthur Ashe Kids' Day on August 23.
Can I bring my own racquet into the venue? No, except on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day or if purchased inside the complex itself.
How much does a final ticket cost? Prices vary widely based on market demand, but finals tickets typically exceed $300, with average VIP pricing starting around $451.
Experience the US Open and the Rest of New York
A Grand Slam is just one part of what Queens has to offer. Real's Tours NYC has been showing visitors the New York beyond Manhattan since 2011, including Flushing and the rest of this remarkably diverse borough.
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Sources
This article was researched using Radical Storage Travel Guide, "US Open Tennis 2026: Dates, Tickets, Bag Policy & Visitor Guide," 2026; Ticketmaster, "2026 US Open Tennis Tickets" and "2026 US Open Tickets Guide"; Aceify, "US Open 2026: Dates, Tickets, Draw, How to Watch & Complete Guide," April 2026; BlackCarNYC, "Getting to the US Open 2026," 2026; and ArenaCapacity, "Arthur Ashe Stadium Parking: US Open Prices, Lots & Tips (2026)."
Real's Tours NYC is not affiliated with the USTA, the US Open, or Ticketmaster. Dates, prices, and schedules are subject to change; confirm current details at usopen.org before purchasing tickets.
