2019 New York International Auto Show Helpful Tips!

The New York International Auto Show, the nation's oldest (dating to 1900), is open to the public from April 19 through April 28.

More than 1000 cars and trucks, including world debuts and even a few concepts you can only see at the show, are expected to be on display in the sprawling venue of the Javits Center in Manhattan.

In a world where there's an unfortunate glut of awards shows, public events tend to be overcrowded and overpriced, and everything is easily available to see on the internet, should you really bother going to a major international auto show?

You're asking the wrong people if you want any other response than "Of course you should." There is nothing like being in a giant convention center full of new cars and trucks, getting up close to all kinds of prototypes, world debuts, and brand-new models you can normally only see online.

So, this April, if you're going to be anywhere near New York City, the New York International Auto Show is a must-see destination, and here is our FAQ to help make your visit to the public show days a success.

When is it?

Media preview days are held before the show opens to the public, so for the best information about every concept, debut, and redesign on the convention floor before you go see them for yourselves. Doors are open to the public from Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day but Sunday, when the show closes earlier at 7 p.m. The official opening-day ceremonies will be held Saturday, April 20, at 8:30 a.m.

Where is the New York auto show held?

You can expect to see about 1000 vehicles on display, sprawled across four levels at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on 11th Avenue at 34th Street in Manhattan.

A little history?

This is the nation's oldest auto show, premiering at Madison Square Garden in 1900. The show went international in 1949 and has since seen its share of world debuts from European, Asian, and U.S. automakers. It has been held at the Javits Center since 1987.

How crowded is it going to be?

This is not the only car show that claims to have the biggest attendance figures; the Chicago auto show, held in the Windy City in February each year, also says it has the most visitors. Show organizers in New York say they expect more than a million total visitors by the end of the 10 show days.

How much are tickets to the New York auto show?

Tickets are $17; for kids under 12, they're $7. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. If you want to avoid the teeming masses, you can pay extra on Friday and Saturday ($45 for adults, $17 for kids) to get in to the show at 9 a.m. and have a relatively peaceful hour before it opens to the general public.

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How do I get there?

All the major mass-transit possibilities will get you to the center, including the subway, Long Island Rail Road, buses, and of course taxis, Uber, and Lyft. The show is about a 12-minute walk from Penn Station. You could also drive yourself, if you enjoy the exorbitantly priced parking near the Javits Center and driving in New York City.

What is there to eat?

There is a food court and a Starbucks, but you're in Manhattan. Dining elsewhere, either before or after the show, is highly recommended.

What cars am I going to see?

With nearly 1000 cars and trucks lining the floors of the Javits Center, a show of this scale can be overwhelming even for the seasoned attendee.