US Open Tennis 2022 Travel Guide

As professional tennis players traverse the globe honing their talents and seeking moments of glory in pursuit of a Grand Slam title to call their own, August brings them the chance to chase the title of “Champion” in New York City. The US Open returns in 2022 to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center adjacent to the iconic Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, a specter of grandeur echoing from the 1964 World’s Fair.

Starting in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1881, the tournament was hosted in multiple cities throughout the northeast during the construction of facilities in New York. The move resulted from a petition by players insisting that the New York tennis environment provided a better atmosphere for the sport to grow. In 1968 the event was opened to professional tennis players and became a staple stopping point on the Grand Slam circuit. A series of “must-win” matches for competitors and a “must-attend” event for tennis fans.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: A general view of Arthur Ashe Stadium during the fourth round Men's Singles match between Andy Murray of Great Britain and Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on Day Eight of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

For Charter Travelers
Air Charter Guide is your resource for charter operators that serve the New York area. For your arrival, LaGuardia is just three miles from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Other options include, Teterboro which is just under 14 miles away and Westchester County located 24 miles from the venue.

Getting Around
Organizers for the US Open are emphatic that public transportation is the best option for getting to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The facility is near Mets-Willets Point Station, which easily connects to Manhattan, points North, New Jersey, and Long Island. Mets-Willet Point Station is situated across from the East Gate entrance. Transportation from Port Authority Bus Station is also available. Follow this link to see metro schedules.

The rideshare drop-off point is outside Flushing Meadows Corona Park by the New York State Pavilion. If you’re using a car service or parking your vehicle, you will likely approach the facility from this direction. Blue Zone and Orange Zone parking areas are next to the pavilion drop-off point. Yellow Zone parking is next to Mets-Willets Point Station, although there are several dates where Yellow Zone parking is unavailable due to conflicting dates with the Mets baseball team.

FLUSHING, NY - SEPTEMBER 3: A view of the globe statue taken at dusk during the US Open on September 3, 2002 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

The bottom line from the organizers; take public transportation to save yourself the time and money getting to the US Open.

What to Expect
The US Open begins Sunday, August 29th, and ends on September 11th. 2022 brings a sense of healing to the event as restrictions have been lifted. Also, US Open Fan Week returns for the first time in two years.

Fan Week is a series of free events one week before the official start beginning Tuesday, August 23, and ending Saturday, August 28. With a simple app download, fans can attend the US Open qualifying tournament, snag seats to watch legends battle it out, attend player practices, and enjoy various entertainment and activities. For complete details on Fan Week access and events, click here.

Within the 46.5 acres that make up the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, it’s hard to feel limited with options about what to do, see, eat, or drink. Three stadiums host matches, while 22 courts inside the grounds provide a practice environment. Using the South Gate to arrive is advised to deliver the full impact of history that has unfolded at the facility. With the Unisphere at your back as you cross the threshold, you’ll be surrounded by the Court of Champions display on either side. The legacy of previous winners is enshrined here at the entrance as a reminder of what is at stake for the participants.

Whether you decide to use the South Gate, East Gate, or President’s Gate, they are generally equidistant to Food Village. The Food Village is open to all ticket holders with offerings to suit any of your palette’s cravings. If you need a sit-down meal, restaurant options are available. Aces restaurant is exclusively for Courtside Box and Luxury Suite ticket holders. Still, all can enjoy Michelin Star bites from Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli at Fare, located in the South Plaza. If Fare’s menu isn’t for you, maybe check out Latin-inspired flavors from Celebrity Chef David Burke at Mojito Restaurant, which is also open to all ticket holders.

At the heart of the visitor experience at the US Open is witnessing the pursuit of on-court glory, breathtaking moments of athleticism, and jaw-dropping tennis shots. Although, shopping, dining, and amenities are available at almost every turn within the facility grounds, providing ample opportunity to make your US Open experience feel pampered.

The US flag is displayed before Novak Djokovic of Serbia battles Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in their 2018 US Open men's singles final match on September 9, 2018 in New York. (Photo by Eduardo MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AFP) (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ/AFP via Getty

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland walks off the court after defeating Illya Marchenko of Ukraine during his fourth round Men's Singles match on Day Eight of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Get Familiar with the Grounds
The US Open is still a few days away, but there’s little reason to delay getting acquainted with the routes you may take. Currently, there is a virtual tour available on the US Open website. Within the virtual tour, there is an opportunity to participate in “The Great Tennis Ball Hunt.” The virtual scavenger tour allows those who register to seek out the hidden tennis balls and claim rewards. The top prize is tickets to the men’s and women’s final, with behind-the-scenes and on-court access.

Clear for Takeoff
There are countless travel opportunities and experiences to be enjoyed. Air Charter Guide is your companion to arriving at the world’s most extraordinary sporting events with ease. We update our information, correcting and qualifying content directly with our listed operators and brokers.