We will be visiting New York City over Columbus Day Weekend and have noticed there is a Columbus Day Parade on Monday. As we will be leaving for LaGuardia airport on Monday, we wondered if this event would cause traffic jams, delays, etc. We will be leaving from the Roosevelt hotel (45th and Madison) via taxi at about 1:30PM for a 4:00 flight. Thanks.

Fifth Avenue will be closed for traffic and when you close a major avenue, of course there will be some minor trafiic jams. But you should be fine. Leave early for the airport.

Since The Roosevelt Hotel is East of 5th Avenue and you will be traveling East to go to the airport, you shouldn't experience any huge traffic delays. Although there could be a jam-up around the hotel with bands and parade participants lining up in preparation for entering the parade. You might find that going a block or 2 East will make getting a taxi easier.

Thanks for the help! What time do the parades usually start and how long do they last?

Parade usually begins at 11AM and lasts for most of the afternoon, although since your hotel is at the beginning of the parade route, it should be winding down mid afternoon. Unfortunately, it probably will be in full swing around the time you are leaving the hotel. Look at the bright side, you can catch some of the parade before you leave the city.

Thanks for the info!