125th Street: A Gateway to Harlem

The 125th Street station (or complex of stations) is a vital public transportation hub located in the heart of Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. It serves as a major access and transfer point between several key subway lines, making it one of the most important arteries for mobility in Upper Manhattan. Its strategic location along 125th Street (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) makes it a fundamental access point to one of New York’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods.

Connections and Services

The name “125th Street” refers to several distinct stations located along this street, operated by different lines:

125th Street (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part is a prominent elevated station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green – except late nights)
  • 6 (green)
• Main entrance address: 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, East Harlem, New York, NY 10035

125th Street (Eighth Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an underground station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • A (blue)
  • B (orange – weekdays only)
  • C (blue – except late nights)
  • D (orange)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located at 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue / Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

Although not all 125th Street stations are directly connected underground, they facilitate convenient street-level transfers and connections to buses, including the important M60 Select Bus Service to LaGuardia Airport.

Importance and Location

• The stations are located along 125th Street, a main thoroughfare that crosses Harlem, connecting the east and west sides of Upper Manhattan.
• Their strategic location makes them a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Central Harlem

    • Known for its rich African American history, jazz music, soul food, and cultural renaissance.
    • Apollo Theater: A legendary venue for music and entertainment.
    • Studio Museum in Harlem: Dedicated to the art of artists of African descent.
    • Iconic restaurants and local shops.

  • East Harlem (El Barrio)

    • A vibrant neighborhood with a strong Puerto Rican and Latino heritage.
    • El Museo del Barrio: Exhibits Latino art and culture.
    • La Marqueta: A historic market under the Metro-North Railroad tracks.
    • Colorful murals and cultural centers.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Marcus Garvey Park: A historic park with an amphitheater and watchtower.
    • Columbia University and City College of New York: Major educational institutions located nearby.
    • Harlem River: Offers views and access to bridges leading to the Bronx.

History and Evolution

• The elevated Lexington Avenue Line station at 125th Street opened on July 17, 1918.
• The 125th Street stations have witnessed and been an integral part of Harlem’s history and evolution, undergoing renovations to improve accessibility and the passenger experience.
• Significant improvements have been made, including the addition of elevators in some stations and the modernization of facilities.

Interesting Facts

• The 125th Street stations handle a very high volume of passengers, serving as a crucial hub for residents, workers, and tourists.
• Their location in the cultural heart of Harlem makes them an ideal starting point for exploring the neighborhood’s music, art, history, and cuisine.
• It is an important connection point for the M60 SBS bus, which offers a direct link to LaGuardia Airport.