163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue: A Local Station in Washington Heights

The 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue station is a local subway station located in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York. It serves the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway, providing essential service for residents and visitors to this vibrant northern Manhattan area.

Connections and Services

The 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue station is a single station on the Eighth Avenue Line:

163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue (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 from the following services:
  • C (blue) (all times except late nights)
  • A (blue) (late nights only)
• Main entrance address: Intersection of 163rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10032

Service Details

• This station is part of the original IND (Independent Subway System).
• The services offered are primarily local:
  • The C train makes local stops along the Eighth Avenue Line during the day and evening.
  • The A train, which normally operates as an express, makes local stops during late nights, covering the C train’s service.
• Station entrances are located near the intersection of 163rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

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 the Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan.
• Its location makes it an important access point for the local community and nearby destinations such as:

  • Washington Heights

    • Known for its cultural diversity, historic parks, and views of the Hudson River.
    • Proximity to Highbridge Park, Manhattan’s oldest park, which crosses the Harlem River.
    • Morris-Jumel Mansion: Manhattan’s oldest house, a historic museum.
    • Major medical centers such as the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

  • Local Environment

    • A predominantly residential neighborhood with a mix of local businesses.
    • Access to various bus lines connecting to other parts of Manhattan and the Bronx.
    • Numerous restaurants and shops reflecting the area’s diversity.

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Audubon Terrace Historic District: A complex of museums and cultural institutions (though slightly further south).
    • Access to walking and biking trails in Highbridge Park.

History and Evolution

• The 163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue station was inaugurated on September 10, 1932, as part of the initial opening of the IND Eighth Avenue Line.
• The station has maintained its function as a local stop since its opening, serving the Washington Heights community.
• Minor maintenance and improvements have been carried out over the years to preserve the infrastructure.

Interesting Facts

• The station is a vital point for the daily commutes of Washington Heights residents.
• Its location reflects the history and demographic evolution of Upper Manhattan.
• It serves as a key local stop on the Eighth Avenue Line, one of the main arteries of the New York City subway system.