42nd Street–Bryant Park: A Vital Hub in the Heart of Midtown Manhattan

The 42nd Street–Bryant Park station is a major subway complex located beneath Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, New York. It serves as a crucial connection point and stop for several key subway lines, positioning it as one of the busiest and most strategic stations in the city. Its prime location next to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library, and steps from Times Square, makes it a fundamental access point to business, cultural, and entertainment centers.

Connections and Services

The 42nd Street–Bryant Park station is a complex that integrates services from different lines:

42nd Street–Bryant Park (IND Sixth Avenue Line)

• This main part of the complex is an express station on the IND Sixth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • B (orange) – Weekdays only
  • D (orange) – Always
  • F (orange) – Always
  • <F> (orange) – Limited rush hour express service
  • M (orange) – Weekdays
• Main entrance address: Various entrances around 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, and within Bryant Park. New York, NY.

Connection with the IRT Flushing Line – Fifth Avenue

• This section connects to the Fifth Avenue station of the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway via an underground passageway.
• It is served by trains of the following service:
  • 7 (purple) – Always
  • <7> (purple) – Express service during peak hours in the peak direction
• Entrances to this section are primarily located on 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, near the Public Library.

The interconnection within the complex and with the adjacent Times Square–42nd Street station (also accessible via an underground passageway from the Flushing Line platform) allows passengers to make convenient transfers between multiple lines covering much of the city.

Importance and Location

• The station is located directly beneath Bryant Park, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and 40th and 42nd Streets, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Bryant Park

    • A popular urban oasis with a lawn, carousel, seasonal ice skating rink (Winter Village), and numerous events.
    • Home to the New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building), an architectural landmark and cultural institution.

  • Midtown Manhattan

    • Financial and office district with numerous skyscrapers.
    • Proximity to Times Square and the Theater District (Broadway).
    • Iconic stores on Fifth Avenue.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Times Square: Famous for its bright billboards, theaters, and bustling atmosphere.
    • Grand Central Terminal: A historic railway terminal with impressive architecture (accessible on foot or by subway).
    • Rockefeller Center: Commercial and entertainment complex.

History and Evolution

• The IND Sixth Avenue Line station at 42nd Street was inaugurated on December 15, 1940.
• The IRT Flushing Line station at Fifth Avenue opened earlier, on March 22, 1926. The pedestrian connection between the two was enabled later.
• The complex has undergone renovations to improve accessibility, signage, and the overall passenger experience, including a direct connection to the lobby of the Public Library.

Interesting Facts

• The station is one of the busiest in the system, given its Midtown location and connections.
• It offers direct access to popular events in Bryant Park, such as summer film screenings and the winter market.
• The underground connection with Times Square–42nd Street creates one of the largest and most connected subway complexes in the world.