Whether you’re exploring Central Park, waiting for a train or walking through a neighborhood with few open businesses, finding a public restroom in New York City isn’t always easy. But a growing effort by the city aims to change that.

From nearly 1,000 restrooms across the five boroughs to a five-year plan to build and upgrade dozens more, here’s what to know when you need to go.

How many public restrooms are there in the city right now?

There are more than 700 restrooms managed by NYC Parks across the city and around 1,000 public restrooms total when you include facilities managed by other agencies.

Where can I find a public restroom?

You can find public restrooms in city parks, subway stations, libraries and some plazas designated as “privately-owned public spaces,” according to the city.

The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Transportation, the MTA and the city’s three library systems all manage public restroom locations.

Is there a way to look up nearby restrooms on my phone?

Yes. In 2024, the city launched an interactive map that shows every public restroom operated by the city. It integrates with Google Maps, so you can use your phone to locate the nearest facility.

The map is updated twice a year to ensure accuracy, according to the mayor’s office.

 

Are restrooms free to use?

Yes. All public restrooms included in the city’s official map are free and open to the public.

How can I report an issue with a restroom?

To report an issue with a public restroom, locate the proper complaint form based on where the facility is located via the city’s 311 portal.

For example, if there is an issue with a restroom at a public park, you can report it on the park maintenance complaint page.

Are there any new restrooms being added?

Under a five-year plan announced by Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Parks will build 46 new restrooms and renovate 36 existing ones.

The new restrooms will be allocated as follows:

  • Manhattan: 28
  • Brooklyn: 23
  • Bronx: 10
  • Queens: 14
  • Staten Island: 7

The 36 restrooms being upgraded will receive features such as more stalls, accessibility improvements and energy efficient upgrades.

Meanwhile, the City Council unanimously passed a bill in April of this year that requires the city to create more than 1,000 new public bathrooms by 2035.

The legislation mandates the ongoing planning and maintenance of public restrooms and encourages public-private partnerships to build new facilities, especially in new developments receiving city subsidies.