163rd Street: A Local Station in Washington Heights

The 163rd Street station (formally 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue) is a local subway station located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, New York City. It serves the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway. Its location provides access to a vibrant residential area and important historical points in the neighborhood.

Lines and Services

The 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue station is a single station that is part of the IND system:

163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue Station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)

• This station is a local stop on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • C (blue) (all times except late nights)
  • A (blue) (late nights only)
• Main entrance address: Intersection of W 163rd St and Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10032

Platforms and Tracks

• This station has two side platforms and four tracks.
• Local trains stop on the outer tracks, while express trains (A service during the day) use the center tracks to bypass the station without stopping.
  • Local tracks
  • Express tracks (no stop)
• Station entrances and exits are located on Amsterdam Avenue near 163rd Street.

As a local station, there are no direct transfers to other subway lines within the station itself.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of 163rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, in the heart of Washington Heights, Manhattan.
• Its location makes it a key access point to local destinations such as:

  • Washington Heights

    • A diverse neighborhood known for its Dominican community, historic parks, and Hudson River views.
    • Morris-Jumel Mansion: Manhattan’s oldest house, a historic landmark.
    • Local shops and restaurants along Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway.

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Proximity to Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
    • Access to the residential community of Washington Heights.
    • Small neighborhood businesses and services.

  • Parks and Recreation

    • Highbridge Park: A large park offering trails, views, and access to the High Bridge.
    • Smaller local parks and playgrounds in the neighborhood.

History and Evolution

• The 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue station opened on September 10, 1932, as part of the initial segment of the IND Eighth Avenue Line.
• The station retains much of its original IND-era tile design and signage. It has undergone maintenance and some minor improvements over the years.
• It is an integral part of the first subway line built and operated by the Independent Subway System (IND).

Interesting Facts

• The station primarily serves the local residents of Washington Heights.
• Its architecture is representative of the standard design of IND stations from the early 1930s.
• It is a local station; express trains on the Eighth Avenue Line (A service during the day) do not stop here, using the center tracks.