Terminal 5 is a multi-level live music venue at 610 West 56th Street in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Opened in October 2007 by concert promotion company The Bowery Presents (an AEG Presents partner), the roughly 3,000-capacity space bridges the gap between intimate clubs and full arenas, and remains one of NYC’s most-booked mid-size stages for touring artists.
This guide covers everything a concertgoer or event planner needs to know about Terminal 5: its exact capacity across configurations, the three-floor layout with two balconies, how to get there, and what to expect from tickets, box office hours, bag policy, and parking before a show.
Quick Answer
Terminal 5 is a 3-floor concert venue at 610 W 56th St in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, with a total capacity of about 3,000 people (roughly 2,800 for general-admission standing concerts). It’s operated by The Bowery Presents and features two balcony levels, 40-foot ceilings, and a rooftop bar.
Terminal 5 Capacity: Full Breakdown
For a standard concert, Terminal 5 holds up to 3,000 people, with most touring shows sold as general-admission standing and capped around 2,800 guests once staff, bar space, and ADA accommodations are factored in. That places it squarely in the mid-size venue tier — bigger than clubs like Bowery Ballroom (under 600) but smaller than arenas like Madison Square Garden.
Because the building is also booked for private events, corporate functions, and brand activations, its capacity varies by configuration: AEG Special Event Venues lists theater-style seating at up to 1,000 guests, and banquet/reception-style seating around 500. For live music, though, the number that matters is the roughly 2,800–3,000 standing figure, which is what’s typically listed on ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster and AXS.
Venue Layout: Three Floors, Two Balconies
Terminal 5’s layout is what sets it apart from most New York venues. The column-free ground floor gives everyone an unobstructed standing-room area close to the stage, while two elevated balcony levels wrap around the room, so ticket holders further back still get clear sightlines to the stage rather than staring at the back of someone’s head.
All three floors are bar-equipped, and the venue is often described as having roughly five distinct room environments — the main floor, upper and lower balconies, and lounge/bar areas — under the space’s signature 40-foot ceilings. A state-of-the-art sound and lighting rig serves the whole room, and a rooftop deck (renovated in 2019), typically open with a full bar, gives attendees an outdoor break between sets. Exposed brick walls and a refurbished concrete stage give the room an industrial character that suits everything from EDM sets to indie rock.
Location & How to Get There
Terminal 5 sits at 610 West 56th Street, between 11th and 12th Avenues, on Manhattan’s far West Side in Hell’s Kitchen — close to the Hudson River and a few blocks from the West Side Highway. It’s not directly on top of a subway stop: the closest lines are the C/E at 50th Street–Eighth Avenue and the 1 train at 50th Street–Broadway, both a 10–15 minute walk east.
Given the distance from the subway, many concertgoers take a crosstown bus, taxi, or rideshare directly to the venue’s door, especially for late-night shows. If you’re driving, note that Terminal 5 does not have its own parking lot — see the parking section below.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours & Policies
Tickets for Terminal 5 shows are sold primarily through Ticketmaster and AXS, with resale available on sites like SeatGeek. Most concerts are general-admission standing, priced as a single tier, though some shows offer a limited VIP balcony or reserved package at a premium. Because pricing, on-sale dates, and box office walk-up hours change show to show, always confirm current details on the official Terminal 5 website or the specific event’s Ticketmaster/AXS listing before you buy.
Age policy varies by show — many concerts are all-ages, while others are restricted to 16+ or 18+, so check the individual event listing and bring valid ID. Bag policy at Terminal 5 has generally limited bags to about 14 x 14 inches with no backpacks, though venues update security rules periodically, so it’s worth double-checking on the official site or event page the week of your show. The venue offers accessible seating and early entry for patrons with disabilities if you contact the box office in advance.
There’s no dedicated venue parking lot, but several commercial garages operate within a few blocks along 11th and 12th Avenues; apps like ParkWhiz let you reserve a nearby spot ahead of time. Ridesharing and taxis are the most common way concertgoers arrive given the walk from the nearest subway.
History & Notable Performances
The building has a colorful past: before becoming a concert hall, the space operated as nightclub Club Exit, which was shut down by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2003. The Bowery Presents reimagined the space as a live music venue, opening it in October 2007.
The National, Justice, Fatboy Slim, and Paul van Dyk were among the acts that christened the space in its opening season. Since then, Terminal 5 has hosted an extraordinary range of artists — Bob Dylan played there in 2010, and the room has welcomed LCD Soundsystem, M.I.A., Arctic Monkeys, and Kendrick Lamar, among many others. It consistently ranks among the top-selling mid-size venues in the world and remains a must-play room on major touring artists’ New York itineraries.
Terminal 5 NYC concert venue FAQs
What is the capacity of Terminal 5?
Terminal 5 holds up to about 3,000 people, with concerts typically capped around 2,800 for general-admission standing shows. The venue spans three floors with two balcony levels.
Where is Terminal 5 located?
Terminal 5 is located at 610 West 56th Street, between 11th and 12th Avenues, in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
How do you get to Terminal 5 by subway?
The closest subway stops are the C/E line at 50th Street–Eighth Avenue and the 1 train at 50th Street–Broadway, both about a 10–15 minute walk. Many attendees take a bus, taxi, or rideshare instead given the distance.
What is Terminal 5’s venue layout?
Terminal 5 has a column-free ground floor plus two elevated balcony levels, all with bar service, under 40-foot ceilings, with a rooftop deck bar above the main room.
Is Terminal 5 all ages?
It depends on the show — some concerts are all-ages while others are 16+ or 18+. Check the specific event listing on Ticketmaster or AXS and bring valid ID.
Is there parking at Terminal 5?
Terminal 5 does not have its own parking lot, but several commercial garages are within a few blocks; services like ParkWhiz let you reserve a nearby spot in advance.
Who operates Terminal 5?
Terminal 5 is operated by The Bowery Presents, a major concert promotion company and AEG Presents partner, which opened the venue in October 2007.
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