Getting There
The primary gateway for West Point is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located roughly 52 road miles northwest of the Academy. Driving is by far the most practical option, with the trip taking about 1 hour 30 minutes in light traffic via the Palisades Interstate Parkway or I-87 North. Cab fares from NYC to West Point run approximately $150 or more before tolls and tip, so renting a car at LGA or booking a private car service is strongly recommended for game weekends.
Getting Around
West Point and the surrounding Hudson Valley are not served by any meaningful local transit network, making a car essentially mandatory for getting around on a sports trip. Rideshare availability (Uber and Lyft) is limited in the Highland Falls area outside of the Academy gates, and surge pricing can be severe after games when thousands of fans depart simultaneously. If you are staying in Newburgh or Highland Falls, plan ahead and arrange a return ride before kickoff rather than trying to hail one after the final whistle.
Where to Stay
The closest and most atmospheric option for visiting fans is The Thayer Hotel at West Point, located directly on the Academy grounds, though it books up quickly for home game weekends and commands premium rates of $200-$350 or more per night. Highland Falls, the small town just outside the main gate, has budget-friendly motels starting around $90-$120 per night and puts you within walking distance of the stadium entrance. Newburgh, about 8 miles north, offers a wider range of chain hotel options including Days Inn and Super 8 properties near Stewart Airport (SWF) in the $80-$130 range, making it a solid budget base with easy driving access to the Academy. Book any West Point-area lodging months in advance for marquee home games, as the entire region sells out fast.
Sports Fan Notes
A game at Michie Stadium is one of the most unique and tradition-rich experiences in all of college football, set against Hudson River views on the grounds of a working federal military academy. The entire game-day atmosphere is tied to military pageantry, including the famous Corps of Cadets March-On before kickoff, which makes West Point a bucket-list stop for any college football fan regardless of team allegiance. Army's rivalry with Navy is one of the oldest and most storied in American sports, and if your trip happens to coincide with Army-Navy week, the regional energy is especially high. Visiting fans should also note that access to the Academy requires passing through a security checkpoint with valid ID, so build extra time into your arrival.
Venues in West Point
Christl Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from LGA to West Point?
Driving is the fastest and most practical option, covering roughly 52 road miles in about 1 hour and 5 minutes in light traffic via the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Renting a car at LGA is strongly recommended. If you prefer not to drive, Shortline Bus runs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to the West Point Visitors Center for around $22-$40, taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from the terminal (budget extra time to get from LGA to Port Authority first). Taxis and private car services from LGA to West Point run approximately $150 or more before tolls and tip.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in for a West Point sports trip?
Highland Falls, the small town immediately outside the Academy's main gate, is the top choice for visiting fans who want to walk to the venue and be close to the game-day action. For more lodging options and lower price points, Newburgh (about 8 miles north) offers a cluster of chain hotels near Stewart Airport (SWF) and easy highway access back to the Academy. Avoid staying too far south, as post-game traffic on the Palisades Parkway can add significant time to your return.
Which sports teams play in West Point?
West Point is home to the Army Black Knights football team (NCAAF), who play at Michie Stadium on the grounds of the United States Military Academy. Army competes in the American Athletic Conference and is best known for its storied rivalry with the Navy Midshipmen, one of the longest-running rivalries in college football history.
Is West Point a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, West Point is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is New York/New Jersey, with games played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, approximately 50 miles southeast of West Point.
Sports cities near West Point
Close enough to pair with a West Point trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.