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 before a show at Terminal 5: exact capacity across configurations, the three-floor layout with two balconies and where to stand for the best view, how to get there by subway or car, box office hours and bag policy, and where to park since the venue has no lot of its own.
Quick Answer
Terminal 5 is a 3-floor, roughly 3,000-capacity concert venue at 610 West 56th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, operated by The Bowery Presents. Most shows are general-admission standing (tickets via Ticketmaster or AXS), the box office keeps limited walk-up hours, bags are capped at 14×14 inches with no backpacks, and there’s no on-site parking — the nearest garages and subway stations are each a short walk away.
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: theater-style seating tops out around 1,000 guests, and banquet/reception-style seating runs 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, Seating & Where to Stand
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 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.
There’s no traditional seating chart because almost every show is general admission: fans on the ground floor get the closest, loudest experience right up against the barricade or soundboard area, while the lower balcony (closer to stage level) suits people who want a clear view without the crowd press, and the upper balcony and rear bar areas are best for a more relaxed, conversational vantage point. 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 nearest stations are 59th Street–Columbus Circle (A/B/C/D/1 trains) and 50th Street (C/E), both roughly a 12–15 minute walk from the venue. The M11 and M50 bus lines also run nearby.
Given the walk 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.
Tickets, Box Office Hours & Visitor 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. The venue’s walk-up box office has historically kept limited hours (Saturdays only, with will-call pickup available about an hour before showtime), but hours, pricing, and on-sale dates change show to show, so 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, since the venue checks ID for all patrons at entry. Bag policy at Terminal 5 limits bags to about 14 x 14 inches with no backpacks permitted; outside food and beverage, smoking, and re-entry are also not allowed. The venue offers accessible seating and early entry for patrons with disabilities if you contact the box office in advance.
Parking Near Terminal 5
There’s no dedicated venue parking lot, but several commercial garages operate within a couple of blocks, including facilities on West 57th and West 58th Streets and along 11th Avenue. Rates typically run higher on show nights given the demand, so apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero let you reserve a nearby spot ahead of time and lock in a rate before you arrive.
Ridesharing and taxis remain the most common way concertgoers arrive given the walk from the nearest subway, especially for shows that let out late at night.
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.
Packs smaller than a water bottle — a real seat for lawn shows and festival sets.
Protects little ears at concerts, fireworks and loud race days.
Instant crowd energy for night shows, festivals and tailgates.
Terminal 5 NYC venue guide 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.
What is the closest subway stop to Terminal 5?
The nearest subway stations are 59th Street–Columbus Circle (A/B/C/D/1) and 50th Street (C/E), both roughly a 12–15 minute walk. Many visitors instead take a bus, taxi, or rideshare directly to the venue.
Is there parking at Terminal 5?
Terminal 5 has no on-site parking lot. Several commercial garages operate within a couple of blocks on West 57th, West 58th, and 11th Avenue, and apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero let you reserve a spot in advance.
What is Terminal 5’s bag policy?
Bags are generally limited to about 14 x 14 inches, and backpacks are not allowed. Policies can be updated for specific shows, so double-check the official site or event page before you go.
Are Terminal 5 shows all-ages?
It depends on the show. Many concerts are all-ages, but some are restricted to 16+ or 18+. Always check the individual event listing and bring valid ID, since ID is checked for all patrons at entry.
Does Terminal 5 have seating?
Most concerts are general-admission standing across the main floor and two balcony levels rather than assigned seats. The venue does offer seated theater-style and banquet configurations for private events.
Get More from Terminal 5 NYC venue guide
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Terminal 5 NYC venue guide, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.