34th Street–Hudson Yards: The Gateway to Manhattan’s West Side

The 34th Street–Hudson Yards station is the southern terminus of the western extension of the New York City Subway’s Flushing Line. Located in the emerging Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side, it serves as a modern access point to one of the city’s newest and most significant development areas. Its opening has been crucial in connecting this previously underserved area to the rest of the subway network.

Connections and Services

The 34th Street–Hudson Yards station serves a single subway line:

Flushing Line (IRT)

• This station is the southern terminus of the New York City Subway’s Flushing Line.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 7 (purple)
  • <7> (purple diamond – peak-direction express service during rush hours)
• Main entrance address: Various entrances within the Hudson Yards complex and at the southeast corner of 34th Street and Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY 10001.

Additional Services

• This part of the complex does not directly connect to other subway lines.
• The station is fully accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• It features elevators and escalators, including inclined elevators unique to the system.
• Connections to MTA buses are available at street level.

Although it does not offer direct transfers to other subway lines within the station itself, its strategic location facilitates access to the Hudson Yards area and its surroundings.

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath Hudson Park and Boulevard, between 34th and 35th Streets, on the far west side of Manhattan, in the heart of the Hudson Yards development.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Hudson Yards

    • A massive mixed-use development with residential and office skyscrapers, luxury shops, and restaurants.
    • The Vessel: An iconic visitable structure and photo spot.
    • Edge: An observation deck with a glass floor on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards.
    • The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards: An exclusive shopping and dining center.
    • The Shed: A cultural and arts center with an adaptable design.

  • Nearby Attractions

    • The High Line: An elevated linear park built on former railway tracks, whose northern entrance is nearby.
    • Jacob K. Javits Convention Center: The city’s main convention center.
    • Bella Abzug Park: A public park that is part of Hudson Boulevard.

  • Other Accessible Areas

    • Hell’s Kitchen: A nearby neighborhood known for its culinary diversity and Off-Broadway theaters.
    • Chelsea: A neighborhood known for its art galleries and nightlife.

History and Evolution

• The 34th Street–Hudson Yards station was officially inaugurated on September 13, 2015.
• It represented the first completely new station added to the New York City subway system since 1989.
• The construction was part of the extension of the Line 7, largely financed by the city through bonds backed by future development in the area.
• Its modern design includes features such as climate control and the aforementioned inclined elevators.

Interesting Facts

• The station is one of the deepest in the New York City subway system.
• The station’s two inclined elevators travel 80 feet (24 m) vertically and 182 feet (55 m) horizontally.
• Its architectural design has received praise for its modernity and functionality.
• The station was designed to accommodate a large volume of passengers, anticipating the growth of the Hudson Yards area.