Complete Guide: The 10 Best Gas Stations in Manhattan, NY

Complete Guide: The 10 Best Gas Stations in Manhattan, NY

By: AZ New York Staff

Manhattan: The Challenge of Finding Fuel

Finding a gas station in Manhattan is notoriously difficult and expensive. With fewer than 35 stations remaining in the entire borough due to soaring real estate values, drivers must plan meticulously. Most stations are clustered on the far West Side near the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels or scattered in Upper Manhattan. This guide highlights the most strategically important (and often the only) options available in key areas.

Gas Stations in Neighboring Boroughs & Areas

Borough / Area	Approx. Nº of Stations	Approx. Distance (from Midtown)
Manhattan, NY	~35	0 miles
Queens, NY	~370	~7 miles
Brooklyn, NY	~280	~5 miles
The Bronx, NY	~180	~8 miles
Jersey City, NJ	~25	~4 miles (via Tunnel)
Fort Lee, NJ	~10	~10 miles (via GWB)
Midtown West, Manhattan	~5	~1 mile
Upper East Side, Manhattan	~3	~4 miles
Harlem, Manhattan	~5	~6 miles
Lower East Side, Manhattan	~2	~4 miles

Useful Tips for Drivers in Manhattan

• FUEL UP BEFORE ENTERING: This is the golden rule. Gas prices in neighboring boroughs (especially Queens and Brooklyn) and New Jersey are significantly lower. Fill your tank completely before crossing a bridge or tunnel into Manhattan.
• West Side Concentration: Most remaining stations are along 10th and 11th Avenues on the West Side, servicing traffic from the tunnels and the West Side Highway (NY-9A).
• Extreme Prices: Be prepared for sticker shock. Manhattan gas prices are often $1-2 per gallon higher than surrounding areas. There’s no such thing as “cheap gas” in Manhattan.
• Small Lots, Difficult Access: Stations are typically cramped, fitting into small city lots. Maneuvering can be challenging, and waits can occur even if pumps are free.
• Few Highway Options: Unlike outer boroughs, there are virtually no stations directly accessible *from* major routes like the FDR Drive or West Side Highway, except for a couple of very expensive service areas (like the BP on FDR near 23rd St).

Curiosity: The Disappearing Gas Stations
Why are Manhattan gas stations vanishing? It’s almost entirely due to the immense value of the land they occupy. Developers can make far more profit building luxury condos, office towers, or retail spaces than operating a gas station. As leases expire, station operators often cannot afford the astronomical rent increases, leading to closures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between Regular (87), Mid-Grade (89), and Premium (93) gasoline?

The numbers (87, 89, 93) refer to the octane rating. High-performance engines often require premium (higher octane) fuel to prevent ‘knocking’ or ‘pinging’. Most cars are designed to run perfectly on Regular (87). Using premium in a car that only needs regular usually offers no benefit.

Is it safe to buy gas from unbranded or independent stations?

Yes. All gasoline sold in the U.S. must meet EPA standards. While major brands (Shell, Exxon, BP) add their own proprietary detergent packages (‘Top Tier’ gasoline), unbranded gas is not ‘bad’ and comes from the same refineries. The key is to buy from a high-volume station where the fuel is fresh.

Why is gas so expensive in Manhattan?

It’s primarily due to extremely high real estate costs, making the land gas stations sit on incredibly valuable. Additionally, logistical challenges of fuel delivery in dense urban areas and lower volume compared to suburban stations contribute to the higher prices.

s

Are there any gas stations directly ON the West Side Highway or FDR Drive?

Yes, there are a few rare exceptions. There’s a BP on the FDR Drive service road near 23rd Street and Mobil stations on the service roads of the Henry Hudson Parkway (part of NY-9A/West Side Highway) further uptown. However, these are typically very expensive.

Ranking: The 10 Best Gas Stations in Manhattan

Given the scarcity, this AZ New York list focuses on the most strategically viable gas stations remaining in Manhattan. “Best” here often means “available” and “relatively accessible” rather than cheap. We prioritize stations near major entry/exit points and those offering 24-hour service.

Know a hidden gem or a reliable station in Manhattan? Share it in the comments below!

Check out other gas station guides:

• 10 Best Gas Stations in New York City
• 10 Best Gas Stations in Queens, NY
• 10 Best Gas Stations in Brooklyn, NY
• 10 Best Gas Stations in The Bronx, NY
• 10 Best Gas Stations in Staten Island, NY

Keywords for your next internet search

best gas stations Manhattan NY, gas prices Manhattan, find cheap gas near me Manhattan (unlikely!), Top Tier gas Manhattan, Mobil 11th Ave, BP FDR Drive, gas near Lincoln Tunnel, gas near Holland Tunnel, gas West Side Highway, 24 hour gas station Manhattan, cash vs credit gas price Manhattan, cheapest premium gas near me Manhattan, diesel fuel near me Manhattan (very rare!), gas station near me now Manhattan, closest gas station to my location Manhattan, Shell near me Manhattan, Exxon gas station Manhattan, nearest gas station, fuel station near me Manhattan.